GENTILES, COURT OF (THE). The large outer portion of Herod’s temple complex. The area, paved with marble, was used for business such as selling sacrificial animals and money exchange and was prob. the place from which Christ drove those so engaged (Matt 21:12; John 2:14-17). This part of the Temple was not considered sacred and was open to Gentiles. The walls gave shade from the hot sun and it was a common gathering place (similar to a park) and a thoroughfare (see [http://biblegateway/wiki/Court of the Gentiles TEMPLE]).