Biblical Archaeology Society

People & Cultures in the Bible

Sep 29

Josephus on the Essenes

Josephus’s commentaries on the laws and characteristics of the Essene community have been invaluable to scholars studying ancient Jewish laws and customs.

Late-15th-century painting of The Last Supper by the Spanish artist known as the Master of Perea.

Sep 29

Was Jesus’ Last Supper a Seder?

By: Jonathan Klawans

Many assume that Jesus' Last Supper was a Seder, the ritual Passover meal. Examine evidence from the synoptic Gospels with scholar Jonathan Klawans.

A predella panel from an altarpiece by Mariotto Albertinelli (1474–1515) depicts the newborn baby Jesus flanked by Joseph and Mary. Photo: John G. Johnson Collection, 1917, courtesy of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Sep 24

When Was Jesus Born—B.C. or A.D.?

By: Megan Sauter

In which year was Jesus born? While this is sometimes debated, the majority of New Testament scholars place Jesus’ birth in 4 B.C. or before.

Late-15th-century painting by the Spanish artist known as the Master of Perea depicts a Last Supper of lamb, unleavened bread and wine. Photo: Christie’s Images/Superstock

Sep 22

Was Jesus a Jew? Some people claim that Jesus was a Christian. Some have claimed that he was an Aryan Christian. But in recent decades scholars have been returning to ancient historical settings and discovering the Jewish Jesus.

MULTIPLICATION OF THE LOAVES painted in a third- or fourth-century Via Anapo catacomb. Clean-shaven Jesus holds what looks like a wand.

Sep 15

Jesus Holding a Magic Wand?

By: Marek Dospěl

Did Jesus use a magic wand when performing his miracles? It seems so—if we are to judge by some of the earliest depictions of Jesus […]

statuette of curly-haired and bearded peter in a robe with hands clasped, the robe gathering at his feet with many wrinkles. Credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, public domain

Sep 11

Who Was Cornelius the Centurion?

By: Robin Gallaher Branch

Luke, the traditionally accepted author of Acts and the gospel bearing his name, often expanded and further developed theology through the story of a named […]

Medain Saleh (ancient Hegra) in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Following Hadrian / CC BY-SA 2.0 Generic.

Sep 11

The Expanding World of Biblical Archaeology

By: Clinton J. Moyer

Since the first issue of Biblical Archaeology Review was published 50 years ago, the landscape of biblical archaeology—both literal and figurative—has expanded in remarkable ways. […]