A Place Called Gethsemane: Seeing the New Testament Story and Site in its First-Century Context

by Matthew Grey, Richard N. Holzapfel

For almost two hundred years, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have revered the biblical story of Gethsemane, finding inspiration in Jesus’s example of endurance in discipleship and courage in times of trial. Many have found solace in his experience as they navigate the sometimes heartrending search for God’s will in their own lives.

For Latter-day Saints, Jesus’s suffering in Gethsemane is pivotal to his mission of saving and redeeming humankind. As such, the location where his suffering took place is also worth careful study and contemplation. In this book—A Place Called Gethsemane—scholars Matthew J. Grey and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel introduce readers to some of the latest historical and archaeological findings about Gethsemane and the surrounding areas that offer new, fascinating insights into Jesus’s sacred experience on that final night of his mortality.

The archaeological evidence and careful scriptural analysis found in this book will help readers view Gethsemane in light of its original environment, bringing to life this moment in Jesus’s ministry in informative and inspiring ways. Ultimately, by being able to more accurately envision the first-century site of Gethsemane and what that night might have been like for Jesus, Latter-day Saints can develop a greater appreciation for the event that was both one of his darkest moments and part of his ultimate triumph.

Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2025

Reviews

[Samantha Rainsdon-Meek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this deep dive into Gethsemane. I feel like it can be so challenging to put events from 2,000 years ago into their historical context, and this book really helped me understand Gethsemane both intellectually and spiritually. I learned many interesting things that have enhanced how I view this sacred story.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby. Interesting book. Insight to the difference in the Gospels of Gethsemane. Also the layout of the land from Jerusalem to the Gough tithe Garden. It will forever be in mind when I read and hear about our Beloved Savior last hours.

[Melynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delved more into the historical and archeological aspects of Gethsemane rather than the spiritual. I found it fascinating, and it helped me envision the sacred place in a new way.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cool book that helps frame what Gethsemane was likely like for Jesus and his apostles.

[Jason Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly a history of the Gethsemane hill and where the garden could have been located. It was interesting but not sure how useful unless you go there.