The Distribution of Jews in Ancient Times


      The first century AD Jew, Josephus, claimed that in every city in the Roman empire, Jewish customs were widely observed (C Ap ii.39 [282]). He quotes the ancient geographer, Strabo, as saying of the Jews:

        It is not easy to find any place in the habitable world which has not received this nation and in which it has not made its power felt.
         (Ant. xiv.7.2 [115])

      There is much evidence to support this. The following is only a little of New Testament evidence:

      Acts 14:1 In Iconium, they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.

      Acts 15:21For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.

      Acts 17:2, 4 Paul, as was his custom, went in to them . . . Some of them were persuaded, and joined Paul and Silas, of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and not a few of the chief women.

      Acts 18:4 He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.

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