Just like homes today, first century dwellings differed in their size, design, and décor, but most homes in the Holy Land were typically modest, reflecting the humble and practical
lifestyle of their inhabitants. These houses were usually constructed from locally available materials such as stone, mud, brick, and wood. The typical layout included a central courtyard, which served as the heart of the household's daily activities. Surrounding the courtyard were rooms used for sleeping, storage, and work. The roofs were often flat and made of wooden beams covered with reeds and mud, providing additional space for drying crops or sleeping during hot weather. These homes were designed to accommodate extended families, emphasising the communal and family-oriented nature of the society. This environment fostered close relationships among family members and neighbours, making it an ideal setting for the early Christian home-based church gatherings. As will always be the case, the life of the home was never a product of its grandeur but derived from the warmth and welcome of its
inhabitants. There can be little doubt that a home best promotes Christian family but let us always remember that neither the finest dwelling nor the grandest cathedral can ever substitute for it.