amy jill levine

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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

Nov 21 Blog

Was Jesus a Jew?

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.

A 12th-century baptismal font in St. Bartholomew’s Church in Liège, Belgium

Sep 12 Blog

The Origin of Christianity

By: Noah Wiener

Geza Vermes explores the origin of Christianity by examining the characteristics of the Jewish Jesus movement to see how it developed into a distinctly gentile religion.

May 19 Blog

Understanding the Good Samaritan Parable

By: BAS Staff

Who were the Samaritans? Dr. Amy-Jill Levine of Vanderbilt University explains how getting an accurate answer to this question can shed light on how shocking the Good Samaritan parable would have been for Jesus’ audience.

Mar 31 Blog

Jesus’ Last Supper Still Wasn’t a Passover Seder Meal

By: Jonathan Klawans

Many people still assume that Jesus’ Last Supper was a Seder, a ritual meal held in celebration of the Jewish holiday of Passover. In this exclusive Bible History Daily guest post, Boston University Professor of Religion Jonathan Klawans provides an update to his popular Bible Review article questioning this common assumption.

Feb 7 Blog

The Archaeological Evangelist

By: Amy-Jill Levine

It is difficult to say no to Hershel Shanks. Much like Jesus, he has the capacity to say to otherwise busy people, “Come, follow me. […]

The Sermon on the Mount. Ca. 1440-1445. Fresco.

Nov 9 Blog

Uncovering the Jewish Context of the New Testament

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

According to Jewish New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine, much if not all of the New Testament is Jewish literature.

Sep 24 Blog

23rd Annual Bible and Archaeology Fest: Virtual for 2020

By: Michele Barasso

Sign up for two full days of live lectures via Zoom from world leading Bible scholars and archaeologists. Join in via computer, tablet, or […]

Apr 17 Blog

How Jewish Is the New Testament?

By: Reviewed by James D.G. Dunn

The Jewish Annotated New Testament. Edited by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler This volume introduces the text of the New Testament along with 30 brief essays by some 50 Jewish scholars.

Must-Read Free eBooks

The Dead Sea Scrolls: Past, Present, and Future

Biblical Peoples—The World of Ancient Israel

Who Was Jesus? Exploring the History of Jesus’ Life

Ancient Israel in Egypt and the Exodus

More Free eBooks

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