Which gate in Jerusalem led to Golgotha?

Answer 1

It was the Sheep Gate which led to Golgotha. The reason it was called the Sheep Gate is because through this Gate the lambs for sacrifice entered the city Jerusalem and went through the Susa Temple Gate, arriving at the Cell of Lambs and the North Side of the Altar, where the sacrifices were made. Refer to the link to the map of the temple (including Golgotha).

One of the reasons why it is obvious that they went through this gate is because those standing on Golgotha saw the temple curtain rip. It is also the closest gate to the Roman Quarter of the city, where Jesus was tried.

This gate was first built in the days of Nehemiah, and because it was so near the temple, the priests themselves built it.

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they built the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even to the tower of Meah they sanctified it, to the tower of Hananeel. Neh 3,1

This gate is also mentioned in the Gospel of John, being next to Bethesda.

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. Joh 5,2

Golgotha is actually directly adjacent to the Sheep Gate, which today is now the Lion's Gate, northeast of the temple and the altar.

Jesus carried his cross until he came out of Jerusalem through this gate. Simon of Cyrene carried his cross up the steep slope of Golgotha.

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. Matt 27,32

John says that Jesus carried his cross to Golgotha.

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Joh 19,17

Because Golgotha is directly outside of the Sheep's Gate, John was correct in stating that he carried his cross to Golgotha. And Matthew was correct, together with the other 2 Gospels, in stating that as he went out of the city Simon carried his cross, following him. (Mk 15,21)

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it behind Jesus. Lk 23,26

To see a picture of Golgotha, as well as how close it was to the Gate, refer to the link below.

Jesus was so close to the Sheep Gate that he could even hear what the people there were saying of him.

Those sitting in the gate are talking about me; I am the [theme of the] song of drunkards. Ps 69,12

Answer 2

The gate leading outside Jerusalem to Golgotha was the Sheep Gate, where the Lion's Gate is today, right at the base of Golgotha.

Some may believe Golgotha was a hump which today is underneath where today the Church of the Sepulcher is. But according to scripture, this couldn't have been the place where Golgotha was located, for this Mount was:

• Outside the city wall.
• Very near a gate leading into Jerusalem.
• Large enough for a large amount of People to gather there.
• Those standing there saw the temple curtain rip.
• Looked like the top part of a skull (Greek Kranion - cranium).