Overview
A fundamental principle of biblical interpretation is the importance of context--historical, literary, and canonical. But an often-neglected source of context for understanding Scripture is the field of archaeology. The physical and cultural world we inhabit affects us deeply, and that was no less true for the original writers and readers of Scripture. Archaeology provides insights into important questions like, What did these believers see day to day? What messages did they receive from their environment? What social practices influenced them?
In this first of three planned volumes, New Testament scholar David deSilva uses archaeological findings to explore places where the apostle Paul ministered and his audiences lived. This visually compelling and beautifully designed book contains more than 250 full-color photographs of sites and artifacts. The author focuses on the fruits of archaeology in regard to the sites associated with Paul's ministry in Acts and in Paul's own writings. This book helps readers understand the real-life situations Paul addressed.
This volume will be an important supplemental textbook for courses on the New Testament and for anyone who wants to better understand the lived context of Paul and his readers.
In this first of three planned volumes, New Testament scholar David deSilva uses archaeological findings to explore places where the apostle Paul ministered and his audiences lived. This visually compelling and beautifully designed book contains more than 250 full-color photographs of sites and artifacts. The author focuses on the fruits of archaeology in regard to the sites associated with Paul's ministry in Acts and in Paul's own writings. This book helps readers understand the real-life situations Paul addressed.
This volume will be an important supplemental textbook for courses on the New Testament and for anyone who wants to better understand the lived context of Paul and his readers.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Part 1: Beginnings
1. Tarsus
2. Damascus and Arabia
3. Antioch-on-the-Orontes
4. Paphos
Part 2: Church Plants
5. Perge and Pisidian Antioch
6. Roman Philippi
7. Thessalonica
8. Beroea
9. Athens
10. Roman Corinth
11. Roman Ephesus
12. Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis
Part 3: Endings
13. Miletus
14. Rhodes
15. Jerusalem
16. Caesarea Maritima
17. Malta
18. Puteoli
19. Rome
Indexes
Part 1: Beginnings
1. Tarsus
2. Damascus and Arabia
3. Antioch-on-the-Orontes
4. Paphos
Part 2: Church Plants
5. Perge and Pisidian Antioch
6. Roman Philippi
7. Thessalonica
8. Beroea
9. Athens
10. Roman Corinth
11. Roman Ephesus
12. Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis
Part 3: Endings
13. Miletus
14. Rhodes
15. Jerusalem
16. Caesarea Maritima
17. Malta
18. Puteoli
19. Rome
Indexes
Endorsements
“In Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul, David deSilva provides the next best option to time travel as he transports readers to the world of the apostle. Drawing on his decades of scholarship, and with eloquent and jargon-free prose, deSilva tells an exciting story of the ‘what, where, and how’ of first-century life in the Roman Empire. Beautiful photos illuminate historical settings and invite readers to imagine themselves as travelers with Paul. Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul is an essential resource for scholars, pastors, and all curious Bible readers.”
Lynn H. Cohick, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Houston Christian University
“What a rich source of information! David deSilva provides details and pictures that provoke the imaginations of all New Testament readers. The narratives surrounding the life and ministry of the apostle Paul and his associates come freshly to life with deSilva’s discussions and depictions. Archaeological findings can assist our understanding of the Bible. David deSilva interacts with those findings and combines his knowledge of the New Testament to create an indispensable tool for group or individual study.”
Dennis R. Edwards, dean and vice president of church relations, North Park Theological Seminary
“A city name is often just a dot on a map until you visit and experience that place. Most readers of Paul’s letters cannot afford to go on a tour of the Roman world, but deSilva has offered the next best thing: an expert guided tour through key locations in Paul’s life and ministry. You will see Paul’s world come alive in the pages of this book, and it is bound to enrich your reading of Acts and Paul’s letters.”
Nijay K. Gupta, Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary
“This carefully researched, lucidly written, richly illustrated, and handsomely produced volume is an essential guide for all who are interested in learning more about the archaeological record of sites associated with the far-flung ministry of Paul. A greater understanding of the varied historical contexts where the apostle conducted his pastoral ministry will greatly enhance one’s ability to interpret Paul’s letters with both increased precision and enhanced imagination. This is a book I will turn to time and again not only when teaching Paul and his letters but also when leading pilgrims to places where the apostle trod.”
Todd D. Still, DeLancey Dean and Hinson Professor, Baylor’s Truett Seminary
“David deSilva’s work immerses the reader into Greco-Roman life in the first century. Hundreds of color photos of buildings, streets, statues, mosaics, and inscriptions help students to imagine what life walking alongside the apostle Paul might have looked like. DeSilva skillfully weaves together the biblical texts with ancient evidence of the civic, religious, and cultural life in each city Paul visited. The reader cannot help but come away with a deeper understanding of the context of the ancient world and the challenges Paul faced as he tirelessly worked to declare the gospel message.”
Suzanne Nicholson, professor of New Testament, Asbury University
“In Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul, David deSilva has brought together his extensive knowledge of the world of the New Testament into a clear and user-friendly textbook for students of Paul’s ministry. Even when/if readers disagree with deSilva’s exegetical insights based on his analysis of places in which Paul traveled spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, they will learn much about the cultural context of his ministry.”
Jarvis J. Williams, professor of New Testament interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Author
David A. deSilva
David A. deSilva (PhD, Emory University) is Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. He is the author of more than thirty books on the New Testament and Second Temple Period Jewish literature, including Introducing the Apocrypha, Discovering Revelation, Judea Under Greek and Roman Rule, and commentaries on Hebrews, Galatians, and Ephesians. He is also an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church.