Additional Resources

Topic Recap

• Archaeology provides context for understanding texts and their subjects.

• Archaeology requires interpretation.

• Archaeology reveals ancient buildings, artefacts, texts etc. to new audiences.

• There have been many archaeological discoveries in Judaea and the East Mediterranean that can help us to understand the context of the New Testament.

• Important texts (including papyri and inscriptions) help us to develop a fuller picture.

Key Biblical Texts 

• Matthew 24:2

• Mark 1:21

• Luke 4:38

• John 18:31-33

• John 18:37-38

• Acts 17:17

• Acts 21:27-29

Other Key Texts/Primary Sources

• Rylands Library Papyrus P52

• The ‘Pilate Stone’ (from Caesarea) 

• The Temple Warning Inscription (also known as TheTemple Balustrade Inscription, or the Soreg Inscription) 

• Oxyrhyncus Papyri

Glossary of Key Terms

• Archaeology - The study of the material remains of an earlier culture, usually as a result of excavation. 

• Codex - A manuscript in book form. 

• Judaea - A Roman province which incorporated the regions of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea 

Suggestions for Group Discussion

• Why might studying the archaeology of the New Testament enrich our reading? Are there any potential challenges for Christians?

• What does considering the geographical setting of the New Testamant add to our understanding of its contents?

• Why might the material culture uncovered by archaeological study enhance our understanding of the Jewish context of the New Testament?

Suggestions for Further Reading

• Doing Archaeology in the Land of the Bible by John D. Currid

• Oxford Bible Atlas (4th edition) by Adrian Curtis

• Archaeology, the Rabbis and Early Christianity by Eric M. Meyers and James F. Strange

• Archaeology and the Galilean Jesus by Jonathan L. Reed