Welcome to Monday Musings. We look at interesting topics both in and out of the church relating to biblical life. Today, we examine more archaeological finds as they relate to the Bible and biblical life.
Last week, we started our series by looking at two interesting finds. In today’s blog, we will look at more archaeological finds by looking at the site or artifact, location, and relating Scripture.
Put on your digging boots and grab your brush. We have some excavating to do.
Are you ready? Great! Let’s get started.
Major finds relating to the New Testament
Site or artifact – Caiaphas ossuary; Location – Jerusalem; Relating Scripture – Matthew 26:3
“Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,”
The ossuary of Caiaphas was found in Jerusalem and dated to the first century. The inscription on the side of the box reads, “Joseph, son of Caiaphas.” Joseph Caiaphas, the high priest from AD 18 to 36, is chiefly known for his involvement in the arrest of Jesus and one of the trials of Jesus.
Site or artifact – Herod’s temple; Location – Jerusalem; Relating Scripture – Luke 1:9
“according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.”
Site or artifact – Herod’s winter palace; Location – Jericho; Relating Scripture – Matthew 2:4
“ and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.”
Site or artifact – The Herodium (site of Herod’s tomb); Location – Near Bethlehem; Relating Scripture – Matthew 2:19
“But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,”
Site or artifact – Pool of Siloam; Location – Jerusalem; Relating Scripture – John 9:7
“and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.”
There’s more!
Site or artifact – Pool of Bethseda; Location – Jerusalem; Relating Scripture – John 5:2
“ Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic[a] called Bethesda,[b] which has five roofed colonnades.”
Site or artifact – Pilate inscription; Location – Caesarea; Relating Scripture – Luke 3:1
“ In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,”
Site or artifact – Jacon’s well; Location – Nablus; Relating Scripture – John 4:5-6
“So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.”
Site or artifact – Skeletal remains of a crucified man; Location – Jerusalem; Relating Scripture – Luke 23:33
“And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.”
Site or artifact – first-century fishing boat; Location – found in Sea of Galilee in 1986; Relating Scripture – Mark 1:17
“ And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”]
Fascinating stuff!
Folks, I have only touched on a few of the findings so far. A lot more has been found that ties back to biblical times. When I look at some of these archaeological finds, I try and imagine myself using that item.
I am a woodworker at heart. It’s a hobby of mine. When I look at pictures of old tools, I can’t imagine not having my drill or table saw. Thinking of Noah’s ark, I stand in amazement at Noah’s craft and ability to build such a huge vessel without the help of modern tools and technology. Truly a masterpiece. The master carpenter gave Noah the plans and dimensions, and Noah followed them to the letter.
Next week, we will look at some archaeological finds that boggle the mind and prove the existence of lands, sites, and people groups in biblical times. I hope you will join me on our archaeological journey.
Have a blessed day!
The Teaching Lady
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