PELLA: A SAFE HAVEN FOR CHRISTIANS IN 70 AD
The destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD stands as a defining event in both Jewish and Christian history. During this turbulent period, many early Christians sought refuge in Pella, a city located across the Jordan River. By understanding the geographical, historical, and theological dimensions of Pella’s role as a sanctuary, we can fully appreciate its significance in the early Christian story.
1. Geographical Background of Pella
Pella was one of the cities of the Decapolis, a group of ten Hellenistic cities that lay east of the Jordan River in the Greco-Roman world. It was situated in the northern region of modern-day Jordan, about 30 kilometers south of the Sea of Galilee and approximately 130 kilometers north of Jerusalem. The city benefited from its natural defensibility, nestled in the fertile Jordan Valley, with access to water sources and strategic geographical features that made it an ideal place of refuge.
Despite being predominantly Gentile in character, Pella was close enough to Jewish territories that it could serve as a sanctuary for Jewish Christians fleeing unrest in Jerusalem. The mixture of Hellenistic and Semitic cultures provided a level of tolerance and diversity, which likely made it more accommodating to these early Christians.
2. The Roman Invasion of Jerusalem in 70 AD
The Roman invasion of Jerusalem culminated in the destruction of the Temple and was the result of growing tensions between the Jewish population and Roman authorities. These tensions had built up over years of Roman oppression, heavy taxation, and religious unrest. In 66 AD, these frustrations erupted into a full-scale Jewish revolt against Roman rule.
Rome’s response was swift and brutal. Led by the future emperor Titus, Roman legions besieged Jerusalem in the spring of 70 AD, with four legions and a force of around 60,000-70,000 soldiers laying siege to the city. The Romans systematically broke through Jerusalem’s defenses, causing widespread destruction. The destruction of the Temple marked a profound moment for both Jews and Christians. For the Jewish population, it meant the loss of the center of their religious life. For Christians, it was the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy that “not one stone here will be left on another” (Mt 24:2).
3. Why Pella Became a Safe Haven for Christians
During this time, the Christians in Jerusalem, who were mostly Jewish followers of Christ, found themselves in a precarious situation. Their belief in Jesus as the Messiah set them apart from the mainstream Jewish population, and they were often viewed with suspicion or even hostility by both Jews and Romans. As tensions grew, many early Christians began to feel unsafe and sought a way to escape the city.
According to early Christian historians like Eusebius of Caesarea, the Christian community in Jerusalem received a divine warning, prompting them to flee to Pella before the Roman siege. Pella, located across the Jordan River, provided a natural geographical barrier, and its Hellenistic culture was less involved in the Jewish revolt, making it a safer place to avoid the conflict. Additionally, the early Christians were not actively involved in the Jewish rebellion against Rome, which made them less of a target for Roman aggression.
The Christians’ decision to flee Pella demonstrated their discernment and their willingness to follow divine guidance. Rather than aligning with the Jewish zealots who fought against Roman forces, they chose to seek safety and survival elsewhere, underscoring their understanding of Jesus’ warnings about the coming destruction of Jerusalem.
4. Reflection: The Significance of Pella for the Early Christian Community
The flight of Christians to Pella serves as a powerful reflection on the importance of discernment, faith, and obedience to God’s guidance in times of crisis. It highlights the adaptability and resilience of early Christian communities who, despite being rooted in Jewish traditions, began to form a distinct identity through their belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Their escape to Pella not only ensured their survival during the destruction of Jerusalem but also marked the beginning of a new chapter in Christian history.
The Christians who fled to Pella were not merely escaping physical danger; they were also responding to a deeper spiritual calling. The destruction of the Temple did not signify the end of God’s covenant with humanity but rather the start of a new era where the Church would become the center of God’s presence on earth. The flight to Pella set the stage for Christianity’s continued growth, and from there, the Christian faith spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.
The story of Pella can also serve as a lesson for modern Christians. It is a reminder of the importance of trusting in God’s providence and seeking refuge in Him during times of crisis. Just as the early Christians relied on their faith and divine guidance to navigate the turmoil of their time, modern believers are called to place their trust in God, finding peace and security in their relationship with Christ, no matter what challenges they may face.
Reflection
The story of Pella during the Roman siege of Jerusalem offers a compelling narrative of faith, resilience, and divine protection. As Christians fled to this safe haven, they avoided the catastrophic destruction that befell Jerusalem, allowing them to preserve their community and faith. Pella, both geographically and spiritually, became a symbol of God’s enduring protection and a testament to the strength of early Christian belief. This episode in Christian history continues to inspire believers to seek refuge in God, trusting that His guidance will carry them through even the most turbulent of times.