early christian church

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Aug 21 Blog

Judith: A Remarkable Heroine

The Book of Judith presents a truly remarkable heroine. Judith is introduced as a devout, shapely, beautiful and wealthy widow who exhibits characteristics equal to those of Israel’s finest warriors.

Apr 19 Blog

Who Was Thecla?

By: Megan Sauter

The leading lady of the apocryphal work the Acts of Thecla may not be a well-known figure today, but nearly every early Christian knew her name.

Jun 25 Blog

Lydia and Tabitha in the Bible

By: Megan Sauter

While the majority of the leaders of the early Christian church were men, the New Testament describes several prominent women leaders as well. Teresa Calpino analyzes two of these women—Tabitha and Lydia—in her Biblical Views column in BAR.

Apr 9 Blog

The Nicea Church: Where Did the Council of Nicea Meet?

By: Robin Ngo

Off the shores of Nicea, archaeologists have uncovered a basilica, which stands over what appears to be an earlier church. Could this church be where the famous Council of Nicea first met in 325 C.E.?

Mar 31 Blog

Investigating the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

By: Megan Souter

Take a pilgrimage to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the holiest site in Christendom, in the Spring 2021 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review. Situated […]

Jan 6 Blog

Christian Magic and Miracles

By: Marek Dospěl

In the first centuries of Christianity, Church authorities already disapproved of magic and amulets. Yet amulets, oracles, and magic among Christians survived well into the […]

Feb 1 Blog

Judith: A Remarkable Heroine, Part 2

By: Robin Gallaher Branch

This article continues Robin Gallaher Branch's earlier post discussing the character Judith, the remarkable heroine of the book bearing her name.

Jun 30 Blog

“Down the Rabbit Hole”: Owner of the Gospel of Jesus’ Wife Papyrus Unmasked

By: Robin Ngo

An investigative article by Ariel Sabar recently published in The Atlantic delves into the identity of the anonymous owner of the Gospel of Jesus’ Wife papyrus, revealing more than anyone could have ever imagined.

Feb 2 Blog

Bible Women

By: Reviewed by Michael D. Swartz

Michael D. Swartz reviews The Gospels of Mary: The Secret Tradition of Mary Magdalene, the Companion of Jesus by Marvin Meyer with Esther A. de Boer.

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