Judaism and Jewish Resources

1. The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered between 1947-1956 in 11 caves (5 by Beduin; 6 by archaeologists) on the upper northwest shore of the Dead Sea. The area is 13 miles east of Jerusalem, and is -1300 ft. below sea level (Jerusalem is +2400 ft. above sea level).2. Near the caves are the ancient r...
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In the narrative of Acts leading up to Ephesus, Luke has shown what happens when Paul visits a town for a few weeks (e.g., Philippi or Thessalonica), or a period of a year and a half (i.e., Corinth). At this juncture, Luke seeks to demonstrate what happens when the apostle stays for a three-year dur...
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Below are photographs and descriptions of buildings and places as they are today. Buildings that were constructed after Paul's time are still addressed, so keep in mind that Paul would not have seen such architectural structures as the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Hadrian. Click on an image b...
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This section of the presentation includes an in-depth look at those panels of Acts that were outlined briefly in the introduction. Transition, Including a Brief Visit to Ephesus (18:18-23) 18 After this Paul stayed many days longer, and then took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and with...
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Ephesus is a big deal for Luke. It is here that Paul is presented as being larger than life. Just as the events that led up to the Jersualem conference (Acts 15), the events in Paul's work led up to the highlight of his ministry: Ephesus. To get a better grasp of the episodes connected with this cit...
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Akurgal, Ekrem. Ancient Civilizations and Ruins of Turkey. Seventh Edition. Translated by John Whybrow and Molly Emre. Istanbul: Net Turistik Yayinlar A. S. 1990. Barrett, C. K. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles. 2 Volumes. ICC. London: T. & T. Clark. 1994, 1998. B...
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Christianity is the fulfillment of Judaism. The many Messianic prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Judaism is incomplete without Him, and cannot make sense if His claim to be the Messiah is rejected. The New Testament, or New Covenant, is a fulfillment of Jeremiah's p...
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Archaeology is a fascinating field. Its relationship to the Bible has captured the interest of many with movies such as "The Mummy" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Interestingly, the relationship between archaeology and the Bible is often misunderstood. It is commonly believed that archaeology has be...
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Ancient Judaism was the religious practice of the Israelites and their descendants during the time period of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament, and the Second Temple period, which lasted from the 6th century BCE to the 1st century CE. Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religio...
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The Bible is a collection of texts that span thousands of years and covers a wide range of historical events. Some of the major events that are recounted in the Bible include: The Creation: The Bible begins with the story of the creation of the world, as described in the book of Genesis. This story...
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Introduction We learn about Abraham in fourteen chapters of Genesis. Genesis 11:26-25:18. Although this is the main account he is mentioned over forty times in the Old Testament and seventy times in the New Testament. The name of Abram is composed of two elements Father and multitudes. The two forms...
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First Forty YearsBackground Moses means 'drawn out' probably because he was drawn out of the water and Israel was drawn out of Egypt. He is one of the greatest Old Testament figures standing next to Abraham and David in importance. While Moses is not mentioned outside the Old Testament there are vei...
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Elijah Name Elijahs name means 'My God is Yahweh'. In biblical times a mans name revealed some part of his personality or character. 1 Samuel 25:25 His name was both the explanation of his character and the declaration of his ministry. He is said to be a Tishbite from Tishbe in Gilead. 1 Kings 17:1...
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John's Background He is called the Baptist Matthew 3:1 and the baptiser Mark 6:14 to distinguish him from other John's and emphasise the distinctive ministry which he had. He was born about 7 B.C. to elderly parents named Zechariah and Elizabeth. John was raised in the priestly line of Aaron on his ...
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Historical Background So much is known about Peter from the New Testament that all cannot be descibed in detail. More is know about him than any other apostle. A native of Bethsaida in Galilee he was a fisherman. He probably was in business with his brother Andrew and James and John, sons of Zebedee...
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Ancient Israel is a term used to describe the history and culture of the Israelites, an ancient Semitic people who lived in the area that is now Israel and Palestine. The history of ancient Israel can be divided into several distinct periods, including the biblical period, the monarchy period, the e...
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Three of the largest religious faiths all see this small piece of earth as holy ground. The combination of the importance of this space to Christians, Jews and Muslims makes this piece of rock unquestionably the holiest place on earth. Located atop the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the Islamic Shrine e...
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(Note from the Author: Why do a series on Dinosaurs? How does that fit in with Bible Archaeology? - - - I will be the first to admit this is a little off topic, but I do feel it fits into the overall atmosphere of this blog. Perhaps on the fringe, but it does fit in. A great many people have questi...
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