Archaeology and the World of Jesus
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- World Religions
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Baker Academic (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
Southwestern Journal of Theology 2025 Book Award (Biblical Reference / Biblical Backgrounds)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.
Endorsements (5)
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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