Josephus also describes, in Ant. Xv.11.5.417 and in War v.5.2.194, the warning inscriptions on the stone balustrade of Herod's temple. These inscriptions were warnings to foreigners (Gentiles) that they could go no further on penalty of death. In 1938, during the excavation around St. Stephan's Gate, a fragment of the inscription that survived the Roman destruction was found.

The Greek inscription, restored, was:

 No foreigner is to enter within the balustrade and enclosure around the temple area. Whoever is caught will have himself to blame for his death which will follow.

This is the very inscription that Jesus saw when he entered the temple. (Photo. Palestine Archaeological Museum)