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 the second of three planned volumes, New Testament scholar David deSilva uses archaeological findings to explore places that provide important windows into Jesus's religious, political, and cultural environment. This visually compelling and beautifully designed book contains over 250 full-color photographs of sites and artifacts. The author focuses on the fruits of archaeology pertaining to sites associated with Jesus's travels and ministry and their connections with specific Gospel texts. This book helps readers visualize the early first-century environment of Jesus, his opponents, and his followers.
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 Jesus and his audiences.
In the second of three planned volumes, New Testament scholar David deSilva uses archaeological findings to explore places that provide important windows into Jesus's religious, political, and cultural environment. This visually compelling and beautifully designed book contains over 250 full-color photographs of sites and artifacts. The author focuses on the fruits of archaeology pertaining to sites associated with Jesus's travels and ministry and their connections with specific Gospel texts. This book helps readers visualize the early first-century environment of Jesus, his opponents, and his followers.
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 Jesus and his audiences.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The Historical Background of Jesus's World
Part 1: The Realms of Antipas and Philip
2. The Galilee of Jesus
3. Nazareth
4. Cana in Galilee
5. Sepphoris and Tiberias
6. Capernaum
7. Bethsaida and Chorazin
8. Magdala
9. Caesarea Philippi
10. Machaerus
Part 2: The Decapolis
11. The "Ten Cities"
12. Gadara
13. Gerasa
14. Hippos
15. Beit Shean
Part 3: The Realms of the Roman Prefects
16. The Region of Samaria
17. Sebaste (Samaria)
18. Mount Gerizim
19. Judea
20. Bethlehem
21. Herodium
22. Masada
23. Qumran
24. Jericho
25. Jerusalem: Herod's Temple
26. Jerusalem: The City
27. Jerusalem: The Via Dolorosa
28. Emmaus
Indexes
1. The Historical Background of Jesus's World
Part 1: The Realms of Antipas and Philip
2. The Galilee of Jesus
3. Nazareth
4. Cana in Galilee
5. Sepphoris and Tiberias
6. Capernaum
7. Bethsaida and Chorazin
8. Magdala
9. Caesarea Philippi
10. Machaerus
Part 2: The Decapolis
11. The "Ten Cities"
12. Gadara
13. Gerasa
14. Hippos
15. Beit Shean
Part 3: The Realms of the Roman Prefects
16. The Region of Samaria
17. Sebaste (Samaria)
18. Mount Gerizim
19. Judea
20. Bethlehem
21. Herodium
22. Masada
23. Qumran
24. Jericho
25. Jerusalem: Herod's Temple
26. Jerusalem: The City
27. Jerusalem: The Via Dolorosa
28. Emmaus
Indexes
Endorsements
“If you can’t visit Israel and see the places where the ministry of Jesus took place, David deSilva’s Archaeology and the World of Jesus: A Visual Guide is the next best thing. The book is brilliantly laid out and clearly written. Readers will quickly find themselves immersed in the Holy Land, walking along with Jesus and his disciples.”
Craig A. Evans, distinguished research professor, The Bible Seminary, Katy, Texas
“In this volume deSilva astutely focuses on locations where Jesus’s mission took place and on cities prominent in the lives of everyday Galileans. Alongside striking images, the careful descriptions will be a valuable resource for conversations on the Gospel stories—whether that discussion occurs in a university seminar, seminary classroom, or church setting. With a measured tone, deSilva has proven again to be a judicious guide for those who desire to grapple with the ancient contexts of biblical stories. This is a must-have resource for the serious student of the Gospels!”
Emerson B. Powery, dean, School of Arts, Culture & Society and professor of biblical studies, Messiah University
“This is an excellent introduction to the world of Jesus through material remains such as houses, tombs, synagogues, and ritual baths. DeSilva provides a balanced and up-to-date overview of archaeological sites associated with Jesus and the New Testament, from Galilean villages to Jerusalem. Although aimed primarily at Christian readers who wish to better understand Jesus’s context, this richly illustrated book will also appeal to others interested in learning about the Holy Land in the first century.”
Jodi Magness, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“A valuable and well-informed exploration of New Testament archaeology, this book presents insightful topographical and archaeological studies based on thorough fieldwork. Particularly strong on Galilee and the Decapolis, it brings to life key first-century sites such as Herodian palaces, Roman cities, the Jerusalem Temple, and Qumran. DeSilva’s proposals regarding the identification of debated biblical locations—such as Bethsaida and Emmaus—encourage further scholarly dialogue. This work stands as a rich and stimulating resource for readers seeking a deeper understanding of the historical and material context of the Gospels.”
Olivier-Thomas Venard, École biblique et archéologique française
“This thoughtful and well-written volume offers readers an accessible guide to key sites in the world of Jesus. With attention to the historical and biblical context of each location, it opens up windows into the early first-century environment of Jesus and his followers, making it a valuable resource for students, travelers, and general readers alike.”
Cynthia Shafer-Elliott, associate professor of Hebrew Bible / Old Testament, affiliate faculty, Women’s & Gender Studies, Baylor University
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 Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul, 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.