Jesus and His World: The Archaeological Evidence
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
In this provocative work, world-renowned scholar Craig A. Evans presents the most important archaeological discoveries that shed light on the world of Jesus of Nazareth. Evans challenges many sensational claims that have been proposed in recent books and peddled in the media by using archaeological findings to uncover the truth about several key pieces of Jesus’ world. For example, what was the village of Nazareth actually like in the time of Jesus? Did synagogues really exist, as the Gospels say? What does archaeology tell us about the ruling priests who condemned Jesus to death? Has the tomb of Jesus really been found? Evans’s engaging prose enables readers to understand and critique the latest theories—both the sober and the sensational—about who Jesus was and what he lived and died for.
This new edition includes an additional appendix with questions for discussion and reflection, making it ideal for both group and individual study.
Key Features
- Explores the intersection between archaeology and biblical studies
- Considers recent technological tools which aid archaelogical research
- Includes discussion questions for individual or group study
Contents
- In the shadow of Sepphoris: growing up in Nazareth
- Among the devout: religious formation in the synagogue
- In the books: reading, writing and literacy
- Confronting the establishment: ruling priests and the temple
- Life with the dead: Jewish burial traditions
- Appendix 1: Have we found the family tomb of Jesus?
- Appendix 2: What did Jesus look like?
- Appendix 3: Questions for discussion and reflection
Top Highlights
“Often what archaeologists uncover is not so much proof but clarification.2” (Page 1)
“Archaeologists of the land of Israel can usually find the 70 ce layer in the excavation cake because of the devastation that resulted from the Jewish revolt against Rome (66–70 ce). Many cities and villages were badly damaged if not destroyed altogether, and damaged and destroyed buildings often became the fill and foundations on which the new structures were built.” (Page 24)
“Galilean Jews in the time of Jesus were no doubt influenced by Greek thought and customs to some extent, but not to that of embracing ideologies that seriously conflicted with Jewish faith.” (Page 22)
“Galilee was far more integrated into the larger Roman Empire than at one time imagined. Galilee, Samaria and Judea were no backwater.” (Page 21)
“Among the animal remains that date before before 70 ce they found no pig bones” (Page 24)
Praise for the Print Edition
This fascinating work proves that you don’t have to be either a scientist or a doubter to truly understand the times and places that populate the New Testament.... In a field crowded with critics, this brief work is a refreshing and readable alternative and will be warmly welcomed by many, scholars and students alike.
—Publishers Weekly
Although written for nonexperts, this up-to-date survey of a truly fascinating topic has much to teach the experts, too. Particularly noteworthy is the thought-provoking case for widespread literacy in Jesus’ Jewish world, a case that goes against much recent work.
—Dale C. Allison Jr., Errett M. Grable Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Craig Evans has a gift for synthesizing large swaths of complicated technical material, identifying its most significant implications, and making it accessible to nonspecialists. Scholars, students, and general readers will benefit from this engaging overview of how archaeological finds illuminate the life of Jesus, from Galilee to the grave.
—Mark A. Chancey, Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies, Southern Methodist University
Product Details
- Title: Jesus and His World: The Archaeological Evidence
- Author: Craig A. Evans
- Publisher: Westminster John Knox
- Publication Date: 2013
- Pages: 214
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Topic: Archaeology
About the Author
Craig A. Evans is Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College, Acadia University, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada. The author or editor of more than 50 books and hundreds of articles, Evans is a regular guest on many national media outlets, including NBC, The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, and the BBC. He is an internationally distinguished authority and lecturer on the historical Jesus.
Sample Pages from the Print Edition
Reviews
2 ratings
Jannes Fourie
11/29/2024
Dr. Anthony Mazak
8/6/2021