For at that time Jewish thought was rigidly literalist as regards the Law, full of fanaticism and envy, so that Jerusalem was to become the center of opposition to the Spirit of Christ. Not the people of the Old Testament as a whole but the band of priests, especially the Pharisees, were the watchful enemies of every religious development swerving away from their plans and control.
Hivyo Yerusalem ilipata kuwa mahali pakuu pa kupinga Roho wa Kristo. Si watu wote wa Agano la Kale, lakini kikundi cha makuhani, hasa mafarisayo, walikuwa waangalifu wa dini, na maadui wa namna yoyote waliohisiwa kubadilisha mipango na uongozi wao.