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Temple A at Laodicea, Turkey. Photo: © Mark R. Fairchild, Huntington University

Mar 12 Blog

The Church of Laodicea in the Bible and Archaeology

Laodicea was a wealthy city in western Turkey that flourished for centuries. Why does the author of the Book of Revelation call the church of Laodicea “lukewarm”—neither hot nor cold? Recent excavations at the site might provide the answer.

Feb 12 Blog

Mark and John: A Wedding at Cana—Whose and Where?

By: James Tabor

James Tabor discusses the wedding at Cana from the Gospels of Mark and John. Whose wedding was this and why were Jesus and his family present?

Dec 25 Blog

How December 25 Became Christmas

By: Andrew McGowan

Theological scholar Andrew McGowan examines how December 25 came to be associated with the birthday of Jesus and became Christmas, a holiday celebrated by Christians around the world.

Nov 4 Blog

Where Is Biblical Bethsaida?

By: Samuel DeWitt Pfister

The ancient village of Bethsaida frequently mentioned in the Gospels is believed to be located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, but where precisely the abandoned city lies remains a fiercely-debated question among scholars.

Apr 22 Blog

Alternative Facts: Domitian’s Persecution of Christians

By: Mark Wilson

“Alternative facts” and “fake news” are not just a contemporary phenomenon. On occasion ancient writers similarly tried to spin their version of the truth. One such claim was that Roman emperor Domitian was a great persecutor of Christians.

May 20 Blog

More Queries and Comments Summer 2024

By: BAS Staff

Grateful for BAR I REALLY CHERISH BAR. As a Christian, reading BAR prompts me to look up events/scripture in the Bible. For this alone, I […]

Jan 20 Blog

Digging In: El-Araj

By: Nathan Steinmeyer

Hear from archaeologists, volunteers, and students excavating El-Araj in this exclusive video. This is the latest post in Bible History Daily’s ongoing series about […]

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

Jan 5 Blog

The Hungry Jesus

By: Andrew McGowan

Andrew McGowan challenges the tradition that Jesus was a welcoming host at meals.

Dec 21 Blog

That Other “King of the Jews”

By: James Tabor

According to the gospel of Mark, when Jesus is on trial before the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate he was asked if he claimed to be the “King of the Jews,” and his ambiguous answer was “You say so.”

Oct 17 Blog

Mud, Monks, and Mosaics

By: Matthew Burden

It’s not everyone’s idea of fun to do unpaid manual labor in the sweltering heat of an Israeli summer. But for those who know the […]

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