written Scripture. However, Jesus took a different view and called the laws the tradition of men (Mark 7:1-23; Intertestamental Period & New Testament Background, 2001). An estimated four million Jews lived in the Roman Empire, but only an estimated 700,000 lived in Palestine. A larger population of Jews lived in Alexandria and Syria. Gentiles outnumbered Jews in Decapolis and Galilee (Intertestamental Period & New Testament Background, 2001). Languages spoken in Palestine were Greek, Aramaic, and
Introduction Some scholars argue that evidence of Jesus of Nazareth 's existence can only be found within the writings of the New Testament. They believe that the New Testament is a biased and unreliable source for the existence of Jesus. They therefore claim that Jesus did not exist. The historical existence of Jesus is necessary to demonstrate the truth of Christianity. While Christian scholars do not discount the reliability of the New Testament as a historical document, they are also able to
of individuals who were Jews, fed up with the cruelty of the Romans and mistreatment of their people. These anti-Roman rebels ignited the Great Revolt. Josephus wrote about the Zealots. He said: “For Zealots they called themselves, as if they were devoted to good works, not zealous for all that was vile, vile beyond belief” (Wars IV.161). Josephus Jewish Antiquities states that there were three main Jewish sects at this time, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Essenes. The Zealots were a "fourth
The Role of Washington County, Ohio in the Success of the Underground Railroad Gone, gone, --sold and gone To the rice-swamps dank and lone, From Virginia's hills and waters, -- Woe is me, my stolen daughters!" (Whittier in Hamilton, pg. 105) Families torn apart, humans sold on auction blocks, using humans for animal labor. These tragedies along with the words of the Quaker poet John Whiittier are just the beginning when trying to explain the motivation for abolitionists helping to
Roman and Greek principals. The Roman army itself was the most feared army of that period and it too is a cause of fascination. Thankfully, due to the Romans writing a lot down, there are many sources (unlike in the "Dark Ages" for example) available to study how the Roman army worked. In this project, the aim is to find out how the training and organization of the
are likely to be authentic and pass the “embarrassment test” outlined in Chapter Nine. Josephus also writes about John the Baptist and unlike the mention of Jesus in his writings, it does not appear to be a Christian interpolation. Moreover, it appears that Josephus, like the authors of the gospels, has an agenda as is indicated by the absence of reference to the eschatological qualities of Judaism. Josephus insinuates that Herod Antipas is responsible for John’s death and
Many people find it hard to believe that the Bible is based on true events and is reliable. People do not believe that there is real evidence that the Bible is true. Therefore, they do not trust the history written in the Bible. For example, Thomas Paine was one of many who believed that the Bible is not a reliable source. The Age of Reason was written by him in 1793 and 1794. In it he wrote that he was a deist, a person who believes that God created the universe, but does not become involved with
The site of Caesarea Maritima contains many unique challenges for archaeological excavations. In spite of this, through pottery analysis, archaeologists are able to learn about different aspects of the site. Nonetheless, Caesarea Maritima has a variety of specific challenges associated with it for archaeologists. Not only does it cover a significant section of the coastal region, but the immense harbour, over time, has been completely submerged in the sea. Along with geographical challenges, there
(Blackely 1988, p. 38) while sherd 6.3, because of the amount of heavy metals found within identified the amphora as being made in Gaza or the Western Negev (Blackely 1988, p. 38). Coupled with the knowledge that very few examples of Amphora Class 48/49 were found inland while many examples were found in Caesarea, archaeologists theorized that the vessels arrived from the sea via Gaza avoiding any overland travel. In the article it is pointed out the dating for the vessel types is debated. Dates range from
and working faith. Shortly after completing this book, the active and public role that James took in Jerusalem’s church eventually led to his martyrdom. According to the writings of Josephus, he was accused by the High Priest and given the opportunity to renounce his faith. James the Just serves as a great example to all Christians, for when he was sentenced and given the opportunity to recant his faith, he refused and consequently was stoned. This outcome and heroic stand made for Christ, seems