Final answer:
Jewish murals from the first century CE primarily depicted biblical stories, exhibiting scenes from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jewish murals from the first century CE depict biblical stories. These murals often included scenes from the Hebrew Bible, such as the Sacrifice of Isaac, Moses receiving the Tablets of the Law, and episodes from the Book of Esther. Frescoes found in synagogues and religious sites served as instructional displays to educate the faithful about the history and laws of Judaism.
The subjects portrayed in Roman and Early Christian art often included biblical narratives, but also extended to geometric designs, portraiture, historical accounts, and mythological themes. The use of the Hand of God motif in several paintings signifies divine intervention or approval. Despite the fragmentary state of many ancient murals, they provide significant insight into the visual culture and religious practices of the time.
The sacrifice of Isaac and scenes from Genesis, as well as images of prophets and events foreshadowing the New Testament, were common themes. In the broader context of the Mediterranean, murals and mosaics displayed influences such as acanthus-like scrolls similar to other Mediterranean artistic traditions. These murals were not only important religiously but also demonstrated the artistic skill and stylistic preferences of the time.