Our community of St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, uses important locations from the Scriptures as names for each community of classrooms. Each location is named as a result of deep dialogue, exploration and discernment by the group of classes using the space at the time of naming.

The town of Bethany is mentioned several times in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. Here are some key Scripture references:

1. John 11:1-45: This passage describes the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in Bethany. It highlights the close relationship between Jesus and Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, who lived there.

2. Mark 11:1: This verse mentions Bethany as the location where Jesus and his disciples stayed before he made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

3. Luke 24:50: In this verse, it mentions that after Jesus' resurrection and ascension, he led his disciples out as far as Bethany, where he blessed them before parting from them.

4. Matthew 21:17: This verse mentions that Jesus left Jerusalem and went to spend the night in Bethany.

These references illustrate Bethany as a place where significant events in Jesus' life and ministry took place, particularly moments of miracles, teachings, and personal relationships with his followers.

Bethlehem is a significant biblical location, especially known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Here are the key scripture references related to Bethlehem:

1. Micah 5:2: This Old Testament prophecy foretells the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem: "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."

2. Matthew 2:1-6: This passage in the New Testament narrates the visit of the Magi (Wise Men) to King Herod in Jerusalem, seeking the newborn King of the Jews. Herod consults with the chief priests and scribes, who quote Micah 5:2 to confirm that the Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem.

3. Luke 2:1-20: This well-known passage describes the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph traveled there due to a census, and Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room in the inn. Angels announced his birth to shepherds in the fields nearby, who then came to see the newborn Savior.

These references establish Bethlehem as the prophesied birthplace of Jesus and the setting for the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. It holds significant importance in Christian tradition and is often visited by pilgrims seeking to connect with the origins of Jesus' life on earth.

Ephesus is mentioned in several books of the New Testament, particularly in the context of Paul's missionary journeys and the establishment of early Christian communities. Here are some key scripture references related to Ephesus:

1. Acts 18:19-21: This passage mentions Paul's brief visit to Ephesus during his second missionary journey. He promises to return and spends some time teaching in the synagogue.

2. Acts 19:1-41: This extensive passage details Paul's more extended stay in Ephesus during his third missionary journey. He encounters disciples who had received only John's baptism, and he teaches them about Jesus. The chapter also describes the riot caused by the silversmiths who made idols of Artemis (Diana), the goddess worshipped in Ephesus.

3. 1 Corinthians 15:32: In this verse, Paul refers to his experience of fighting with wild beasts in Ephesus, likely metaphorically referring to the opposition and danger he faced during his time there.

4. Ephesians: The entire letter of Ephesians is addressed to the Christian community in Ephesus. It contains teachings on various aspects of Christian life, such as unity in the body of Christ, spiritual blessings, and instructions for Christian living.

5. 1 Timothy 1:3: Paul instructs Timothy to remain in Ephesus to counter false teachings and to set things in order in the church.

Ephesus was a significant centre for early Christianity during the apostolic era, where Paul spent considerable time preaching and establishing churches. It was an influential city in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey) and played a crucial role in the spread of the Christian faith in the region.

Jericho is a prominent city in the Bible, known for its historical and biblical significance. Here are some key scripture references related to Jericho:

1. Joshua 6: This chapter describes the famous story of the Battle of Jericho. God instructs Joshua and the Israelites to march around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, they march around it seven times. When they shout, the walls of Jericho collapse, and the Israelites conquer the city.

2. Luke 19:1-10: This passage recounts Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, in Jericho. Jesus visits Jericho and ends up staying at Zacchaeus' house, where Zacchaeus repents and promises to repay anyone he has cheated.

3. Mark 10:46-52: In this passage, Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus as he is leaving Jericho. Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus for mercy, and Jesus restores his sight because of his faith.

4. Matthew 20:29-34: Similar to Mark 10, this passage also describes Jesus healing two blind men near Jericho.

These references highlight Jericho as a place of both conquest and spiritual encounters in biblical history. It is remembered for the miraculous victory orchestrated by God during Joshua's time and as a significant location during Jesus' ministry, where he performed miracles and demonstrated God's power and mercy.

Galilee is prominently featured in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Acts. Here are some key scripture references related to Galilee:

1. Matthew 4:12-17: This passage describes Jesus' ministry in Galilee after John the Baptist's arrest. It fulfills the prophecy from Isaiah 9:1-2 about the light shining in Galilee.

2. Mark 1:14-15: Mark records Jesus' proclamation of the kingdom of God in Galilee, marking the beginning of his ministry.

3. Luke 4:14-15: Luke also recounts Jesus' ministry in Galilee, emphasizing his teaching in synagogues and his growing reputation among the people.

4. John 2:1-12: This passage narrates Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee.

5. Acts 1:11: The angelic message to the disciples after Jesus' ascension promises that he will return "in the same way you have seen him go into heaven," from the Mount of Olives.

Jerusalem holds profound significance in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Here are some key scripture references related to Jerusalem:

1. Old Testament:

 Psalm 122:1: "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.'"

 Psalm 137:5-6: "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy!"

 Isaiah 2:3: "Many peoples shall come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.' For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem."

2. New Testament:

 Matthew 21:1-11: The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.

 Luke 24:50-53: The Ascension of Jesus from the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem.

 Acts 2:1-4: The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which took place in Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the Christian church.

 Revelation 21:2: The vision of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, described as a bride adorned for her husband.

These references highlight Jerusalem as a central place of worship, prophecy fulfillment, and significant events in the history of both Judaism and Christianity. It remains a symbol of spiritual longing and hope for believers worldwide. 

Damascus is mentioned in the Bible primarily in the context of Saul's (later known as Paul) conversion to Christianity. Here are the key scripture references related to Damascus:

1. Acts 9:1-19: This passage narrates the dramatic conversion of Saul on his way to Damascus. Saul, a persecutor of Christians, encounters Jesus in a vision on the road to Damascus. He is blinded and led into the city, where Ananias, a disciple of Jesus, restores his sight, and Saul becomes a follower of Christ. This event marks a significant turning point in the spread of Christianity, as Saul (later Paul) becomes one of its most influential apostles.

2. Acts 22:1-16: Paul recounts his conversion story to a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. He describes his journey to Damascus and his encounter with Jesus on the road, emphasizing the profound impact it had on his life and mission.

These passages highlight Damascus as the setting for a pivotal moment in the early church's history, illustrating God's power to transform even the most ardent opponents of Christianity into passionate advocates for the faith.