Non-literary Sources for the Interpretation of the New Testament: Methodological Considerations and Case Studies Related to the Corpus Judaeo-Hellenisticum (original) (raw)
Biblical Studies in the Light of Archaeological Theory
This article explores the relationship between biblical studies and archaeology, and proposes some ways in which both disciplines can cross-examine each other's findings and generate new knowledge beneficial to both.
Electronic Christian Media, 2019
Thousands of artifacts have been discovered that relate to the Bible, but few of them make the news headlines. Revisionist scholars often seek to undermine and downplay the relevance of many of the discoveries. Experienced archaeologist Dr. David E. Graves has assembled a helpful collection of over 75 significant up-to-date discoveries from the New Testament (NT) period. He tours sites associated with the ministry of Jesus, the missionary journeys of Paul, and the seven churches of Revelation, showing the significant influence of local references, society, architecture, and religion on the peoples of the first century that confirms the historicity of the NT biblical events and shed light on the text. Graves examines NT chronology, archaeological dating, the role of archaeology, NT papyri, manuscripts, codices, and explores the full range of important NT archaeological discoveries, from pottery, inscriptions, ossuaries, through to coins, manuscripts, and other artifacts. This insightful book will: · Illustrate archaeological finds with more than 175 pertinent color photographs, detailed maps and carefully crafted charts · Include a glossary defining technical archaeological terms · Provide extensive footnotes and bibliography for future study · Include a detailed subject index This invaluable resource provides an interesting and informative understanding of the cultural and historical background of the New Testament illustrated from archaeology. This is an accessible resource intended for laypeople who want to know more about archaeology and the New Testament, whether in seminary courses, college classrooms, church groups or personal study. ISBN: 978-1082202889
The History of Biblical Archaeology: Uncovering the Ancient World of the Bible. Sample
Electronic Christian Media, 2024
Experienced archaeologist Dr. David E. Graves has assembled a history of biblical archaeology written for undergraduate students to provide a foundation for the discoveries presented in the companion volumes of The Archaeology of the New Testament , The Archaeology of the Old Testament and The Archaeology of Biblical People. We invite you to embark on a captivating journey through the pages of this sample of The History of Biblical Archaeology. In this groundbreaking book, author and experienced archaeologist Dr. David E. Graves takes readers on a journey through the fascinating field of biblical archaeology, from its humble beginnings in the 19th century to its current state as a thriving and respected field of study including expeditions in Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel, Jordan, Greece, Anatolia, and Syria. Drawing from his extensive research and personal experiences, Dr. Graves uncovers the fascinating stories of the men and women who dedicated their lives to uncovering the treasures of the past. Unearthing Ancient Treasures: Through detailed accounts and vivid descriptions, readers will witness the excavation of ancient cities and uncovering of artifacts that shed light on the events and people mentioned in the Bible. From the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls to the unearthing of King David’s palace, and the legendary city of Jericho to the awe-inspiring ruins of ancient Jerusalem, each chapter delves into a different period of history and showcases the groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the Bible Unveiling the Past: Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, this book sheds light on the methods, challenges, and triumphs of biblical archaeologists throughout history. It explores how these dedicated individuals have unearthed ancient artifacts, deciphered inscriptions, and pieced together fragments of the past to reconstruct the world in which the Bible was written. A Tapestry of Knowledge: The History of Biblical Archaeology weaves together a rich tapestry of archaeological findings, historical context, and biblical scholarship. It explores the intersections between archaeology and the Bible, examining how these discoveries have deepened our understanding of biblical narratives, characters, and events. But this book is not just a retelling of archaeological findings. Dr. Graves also explores the controversies and debates that have surrounded Biblical archaeology, including conflicts with religious beliefs and accusations of forgery. He also delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by archaeologists and the impact of their work on local communities. Beyond the Bible: This book goes beyond the confines of the Bible itself, exploring the broader historical and cultural contexts in which biblical events unfolded. It examines the civilizations, empires, and cultures that left their mark on the biblical lands, providing a comprehensive understanding of the world in which the Bible emerged. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, this book sheds light on the methods, challenges, and triumphs of biblical archaeologists throughout history. It explores how these dedicated individuals have unearthed ancient artifacts, deciphered inscriptions, and pieced together fragments of the past to reconstruct the world in which the Bible was written. A Valuable Resource: Whether you are a biblical scholar, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the ancient world, The History of Biblical Archaeology is an invaluable resource. It offers a comprehensive overview of the field, presenting complex ideas in an accessible manner, and providing a solid foundation for further exploration.The History of Biblical Archaeology weaves together a rich tapestry of archaeological findings, historical context, and biblical scholarship. It explores the intersections between archaeology and the Bible, examining how these discoveries have deepened our understanding of biblical narratives, characters, and events. Conclusion: The History of Biblical Archaeology is a captivating book that takes readers on an enlightening journey through the annals of time. It celebrates the tireless efforts of archaeologists who have unearthed the treasures of the past, enriching our understanding of the Bible and the ancient world. So, grab a copy, embark on this adventure, and discover the wonders that lie beneath the sands of time. This insightful book will: Illustrate archaeological finds with more than 50 pertinent color photographs, detailed map and carefully crafted charts Colorized photographs of old Portraits of archaeologists Include a glossary defining technical archaeological terms Provide extensive footnotes and bibliography for future study Include a detailed subject index
The World of the Bible: Indispensable Context in the Study of the Old Testament
Kairos: Evangelical Journal of Theology, 2021
The Bible was not originally written for the modern reader, but the testimony of the Church is that it continues to speak God's word to readers/hearers today. However, many modern Bible readers come across texts that need further explanation because the biblical authors did not offer clarification of their writings. They assumed the readers of their time were familiar with the background and could understand the reported events without further explanation. To achieve a "legit" interpretation of Old Testament texts, we first need to understand Scripture correctly, meaning that the biblical text must be read in its narrower and broader context. Only within a context does it become clear what the author meant to say. The main argument of this article is to exhibit that the Bible can only be fully understood against the backdrop of the Ancient Near East (ANE). The broader context consists of the knowledge of surrounding nations during Bible times (i.e., Hebrew Bible). By examining ANE texts and archeological findings we achieve a more complete and enriched comprehension of a given scriptural text or passage. This article exhibits through some concrete examples how archeological findings, inscriptions, and Ancient Near East texts can aid in understanding the broader context of the Old Testament world. In return, the wider context of the Bible world can enlighten or clarify a difficult, incomprehensible, or ambiguous biblical text and henceforth scriptural interpretation become more accurate and closer to the original message and meaning.
For over a century, the archaeology of the Land of Israel went hand in hand with the Bible. Biblical Archaeology, the outcome of this interaction, has been normally conceived as the handmaiden of the biblical texts, authenticating and illustrating them. Whether motivated by theological or secular agenda, the main tenet of Biblical Archaeology was political history. In spite of recent claims for the emancipation of archaeology from the tyranny of the biblical texts, the archaeological agenda is still biblical, pursuing questions related to biblical historiography. Paradoxically, however, due to its problematic nature, the use of the Bible in archaeological discourse is considered today almost illegitimate. We envision a different integration between archaeology and the Bible. On the one hand, an archaeological agenda, independent of the biblical text, will open a much wider range of social and cultural questions. On the other, using the Bible as a cultural document to answer these questions will restore its central place in the archaeological discourse of the biblical period. Conceiving of both biblical texts and ancient material artifacts as cultural documents, we believe that their inspection will be fruitful and enlightening. Words and artifacts can give us access to the mindset of the people of the biblical period. Encapsulated in both are the worldviews, cosmology, perceptions of landscape, ideology, symbolism, etc. of the people who produced them. The insights gained by this approach will eventually result in a better understanding of biblical political history.