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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.

Aug 1 Blog

The Sayings of Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas

By: Robin Ngo

New Testament scholar Simon Gathercole examines what the sayings of Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas reveal about the early Christian world in which they were written.

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.

Jan 23 Blog

What Is Coptic and Who Were the Copts in Ancient Egypt?

By: Megan Sauter

When did the ancient Egyptians stop writing in hieroglyphs, and what came next? From the fourth to ninth centuries C.E., Egypt was predominantly Christian. During this time, the language used by the masses was Coptic.

Sep 26 Blog

The Parables of Jesus

By: Helmut Koester

Helmut Koester suggests that the parables of Jesus did not communicate a hidden meaning when they were told by Jesus—the parables of Jesus could be understood by all.

Aug 13 Blog

Ancient Gospel or Modern Forgery

By: Reviewed by James D.G. Dunn

James D.G. Dunn reviews "Ancient Gospel or Modern Forgery: The Secret Gospel of Mark in Debate" edited by Tony Burke.

Dec 27 Blog

The Last Days of Jesus

By: Reviewed by Helmut Koester

Helmut Koester reviews "The Last Days of Jesus" by François Bovon, Kristin Hennessy, translator.

Jul 20 Blog

Biblical and Historical Turkey: Sites to See

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Explore the archaeology and history of Turkey! Sites to see include Ephesus, one of the most famous Biblical places to go in Turkey. Prepare for […]

Oct 14 Blog

Did Morton Smith Forge "Secret Mark"?

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Over fifty years ago, Columbia University professor Morton Smith discovered a previously unknown letter from Clement of Alexandria, a second-century church father, which contained passages of a lost “secret” gospel of Mark. A debate over the authenticity of this document continues to this day.

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