Lakepointe Hot Topic Class Apologetics

Reasonable Faith UTD:Does Archaeology Support the Accuracy of the New Testament?

Jan 17, 2013Allen Hainlinewww.OriginsDiscussion.info

1

Jan 17 Archaeological Confirmations of the New Testament (Allen)Jan 24 Response to New Atheists (Allen)Feb 7 A skeptical look at skepticism (Beau Bishop)Feb 14 Contradictions in the Bible (Dr. Justin Bass)Feb 21 Prophecies in the Bible (Dr. Justin Bass)Feb 28 Consciousness: evidence that you are a soul and that God made you (Beau)Mar 7 Did Jesus really claim to be Divine? (Dr. Justin Bass)Mar 14 Spring BreakMar 21 Humes Argument Against Miracles (Steve Lee)March 28 The Historical Case for Jesus Resurrection (Blake Giunta)April 4 The Historical Case for Jesus Resurrection Part 2(Blake Giunta)Fri April 5 Special Event: Dr. Frank Turek speaks on I Dont Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist in auditorium ( CN 1.112), part 2 from his Sept 23 talk at UTDApril 11 Quantum Physics Are there any implications to Christianity? (Allen)April 18 The Problem of Evil (Steve Lee)posted at www.OriginsDiscussion.info

2Reasonable Faith UTD Spring 2013 ScheduleIntroWhy important?Some critics challenge early dates of Biblical writings or eyewitness testimonyIf so, accounts could not have accurately reflected so many details verified through archaeologyThe sum total of the literary, historical and archaeological evidence from the ancient world dramatically supports the New Testament record on Jesus. Those who claim it does not are sadly misinformed, tragically closed-minded, or dishonest. Dr. Paul L. Maier, professor of Ancient History at Western MichiganOn the whole archaeological work has unquestionably strengthened confidence in the reliability of the Scriptural record. More than one archaeologist has found his respect for the Bible increased by the experience of excavation in Palestine. Archaeology has in many cases refuted the views of modern critics. Millar Burrows, Professor of Archaeology, Yale

3

Millar Burrows, What Mean These Stones? (New York: Meridian Books, 1956), p.1.

Movie anachronisms: http://www.totalfilm.com/features/15-dumb-movie-anachronisms3

Biblical ArchaeologyWhat can it show?Only a fraction of a fraction of a fraction remainsMost artifacts did not survive past their timeOnly a fraction of those survived 2000+ yearsLess than 2 per cent of sites have been excavatedProvides insight into Biblical culture and timesValidates accuracy/reliability of text"It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever contradicted a biblical reference. Nelson Glueck (highly respected Jewish archaeologist)What cant it show?That Bible divinely inspired

4As Yamauchi indicates in The Stones and the Scriptures, you can only expect to find a fraction of a fraction of a fraction. By this he means that only a fraction of original construction and artifacts survived their own time. Of this fraction, only a fraction of that survived until the current day. Of this surviving fraction, only a fraction have been found and recovered.Fraction survives, few ancient sites surveyed or even foundProbably less than 2 per cent of the known sites have been excavated in meaningful wayFew of the sites have been more than scratchedFraction of the fraction excavated has been published and made available to the scholarly worldWear and tear, recycling in materially poor cultures

Biblical archaeology acts to confirm the Bible but is not a powerful apologetic, although it provides the opportunity to disprove the textual accuracy. (Arguably this has not happened but there are some aspects of the Bible not yet confirmed). In the late 19th century and beyond, Biblical archaeology has successfully countered the false claims of numerous liberal scholars, for example that no people group known as the Hittites ever lived.Archaeology is important to understand the history and culture of Biblical times.Archaeology can be used to determine the historical accuracy of the Bible and compare it to other holy books.

4

5Absence of Evidence is not Evidence of AbsenceMany ancient historical events have no archaeological confirmationSo-called gospels that were rejected from inclusion in NT were forgeries written 100-300 years after ChristVirtually no place names or details that could be confirmed archaeologicallyVery different than New Testament!Long history of overly skeptical claims refuted by archaeologyWell look at several examplesAs Yamauchi indicates in The Stones and the Scriptures, you can only expect to find a fraction of a fraction of a fraction. By this he means that only a fraction of original construction and artifacts survived their own time. Of this fraction, only a fraction of that survived until the current day. Of this surviving fraction, only a fraction have been found and recovered.Fraction survives, few ancient sites surveyed or even foundProbably less than 2 per cent of the known sites have been excavated in meaningful wayFew of the sites have been more than scratchedFraction of the fraction excavated has been published and made available to the scholarly worldWear and tear, recycling in materially poor cultures

Biblical archaeology acts to confirm the Bible but is not a powerful apologetic, although it provides the opportunity to disprove the textual accuracy. (Arguably this has not happened but there are some aspects of the Bible not yet confirmed). In the late 19th century and beyond, Biblical archaeology has successfully countered the false claims of numerous liberal scholars, for example that no people group known as the Hittites ever lived.Archaeology is important to understand the history and culture of Biblical times.Archaeology can be used to determine the historical accuracy of the Bible and compare it to other holy books.

5

NT is EYE WITNESS TESTIMONYhistorical crosshairs in the textIn the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesarwhen Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abileneduring the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. Luke 3:1-2Does it sound like hes making up a story?An exact year can be determined (A.D. 29)All 8 people known from extra-biblical sourcesAll known to live at this exact time E.g. Lysanias previously challengedUntil inscription found at right time/place naming him as Tetrarch6Note this slide and the next 4 after it are adapted with permission from Frank Tureks IDEFTBAA presentation

Bible in background: 1581 edition of the Geneva Bible open to 1 Timothy (The First Epistle of Paul to Timotheus). Public Domain Wikimedia. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Geneva-bible-picture.jpg

PONTIUS PILATE PREFECT OF JUDEA 26-37 A.D. - discovered 1961Inscription Translated:The prefect of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, erected the Tiberium (temple in honor of Tiberius Caesar) to the August Gods7Image of Pilate Inscription: The Pilate Stone was discovered in 1961. It is a tribute by Pilate to Tiberius and states that he was prefect/governor of Judaea (in English). Before this was found there was no evidence of Pilate except what was written about him in the Bible. The letters in brackets above are conjectural. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Caesarea_maritima_BW_5.JPG Actually mentioned by Josephus thoughOSSUARY OF JOSEPH CAIAPHAS High Priest 18-36 A.D. - discovered 1990

Scholars of all backgrounds believe this ossuary corresponds to the Caiaphas mentioned by Luke (who is most famous for presiding over Jewish trial of Jesus8Note that were still offering confirmations from just that one verse!Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.John 18:12-15

OTHER EYE WITNESS TESTIMONYnumerous confirmed eyewitness detailsActs - 84 historically-confirmed eyewitness details. Lukes gospel includes several othersJohn- 59 historically-confirmed or historically probable eyewitness details. New Testament Documents cite more than 30 people confirmed by secular sources or archaeology9Background Image: Mihly Munkcsy - Christ in front of Pilate, 1881. Oil on canvas. Public Domain Wikipedia. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Munkacsy_-_christ_before_pilate.jpg

31 HISTORICAL PERSONS in the New TestamentHerod AntipasMt. 14: Mk. 6; Lk. 3, 23Herod ArchelausMt. 2Herod the Gt.Mt. 2: Lk. 1Herod Philip IMt. 14; Mk. 6Herod Philip IILk. 3HerodiasMt. 14; Mk. 6SalomeMt. 14; Mk. 6JamesActs 15; Gal. 1John the BaptistMt. 3; Mk. 1; Lk. 3; Jn. 1Judas of GalileaActs 5LysaniasLk. 3PilateMt. 27; Mk. 15; Lk. 23; Jn. 18QuiriniusLk. 2Porcius FestusActs 24-26Sergius PaulusActs 13Tiberius CaesarLk. 3 Agrippa IActs 12Agrippa IIActs 25AnaniasActs 23, 24AnnasLuke 3; Jn. 18; Acts 4Aretas2Cor. 11BerniceActs 23AugustusLk. 2CaiaphasMt. 26; Lk. 3; Jn. 11, 18; Acts 4ClaudiusActs 11, 18DrusillaActs 24Egyptian (false prophet)Acts 21ErastusActs 19FelixActs 23GallioActs 18GamalielActs 510Background Image: Antonio Ciseri's depiction of Pontius Pilate presenting a scourged Christ. 19th century. Public Domain Wikimedia. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eccehomo1.jpgArchaeological Confirmations of Latest Gospel (John)John 5:2 mentions a pool with 5 porticos in Bethesda located near a Sheep GateSkeptics questioned all 3 of these features took 5 porticos as being symbolicNow archaeologically confirmed after digging in location specified in BibleIn John 9:1-9 Jesus heals blind man - tells him to wash in the Pool of Siloam in JerusalemPool has now been discovered11

[Dr. Jeremiahs did this research in 1949. F.F. Bruce also documents the discovery in The New Testament Documents, and in Archaeology of the Bible: Book by Book, Galyah Cornfeld documents the similarities of the account and the fact that the pool had been marked by earlier pilgrims as the spot. A mosaic was found which had been covered up for some time, which depicted the story of the angel "troubling the waters.

20 confirmations (Chattlesworth & Prof Urban von Walde)http://www.is-there-a-god.info/belief/johnandarchaeology.shtml

11

Archaeological FindsRefute Skeptics Dating12Gospel of JohnCritics: written after 160-170 A.D.P52 found in 1920 in Egypt dated to 125 A.D.Papyrus fragments of 4 verses from John 18One scrap rendered mounds of skeptical articles worthless!Critic of Johns date (F.C. Baur of Tubingen)

Deut. Discovered by Isr. Arch Gabriel Barkay in 197912Surprising Confirmation of Incidental DetailsErastus, who is the citys director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.(Rom 16:23)

In Corinth, this 1st century pavement is inscribed: Erastus Pro Aedile S.P. Stravit Erastus provided pavement at his expense 13

Archaeological confirmation that Gallio was proconsul in Corinth at in year indicated in Acts 181 year tenure 51-2 ADMatches proconsul title also13

14New Testament ArchaeologySir William Ramsay (renowned archaeologist) Initially skeptical of NT accuracy due to supposed late authorship (2nd century)Investigated for 30 years 300+ references to events, people, places, districts, officials titles etc. (Politarch, Tetrarch, Archon, Proconsul, etc.)Concluded: "Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy... this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians."For example, skeptics claimed Acts 14 wrong - Iconium in Lycaonia not PhyrgiaBased on Ciceros writings dealing with a slightly different time periodIn 1910, Ramsay discovered an inscription declaring Iconium under authority of Phyrgian district from A.D. 37-72 (only)

Contrast with book of Mormon disproven archaeologically

(Ramsey, W.M., The Bearing of Recent Discovery on the Trustworthiness of the New Testament, 1953, p. 222, as cited in McDowell,1991, p.71.)

http://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/stewart.cfm?ID=804

Acts 14:1-7, for example, was in historical dispute for many years. It reads as follows.At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders. The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. There was a plot afoot among the Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, where they continued to preach the good news (Acts 14:1-7).The passage implies that Lystra and Derbe were cities in the district of Lycaonia but Iconium was in a different district. Paul and Barnabas went to the different district because it was safe. Later Roman writers such asCicerocontradicted the passage, asserting that Iconium was also in Lycaonia. For years this was used to show the historical unreliability of Acts.Ramsay Discovers That Luke Was Not In ErrorIn 1910, however, Sir William Ramsay discovered an inscription declaring that the first century Iconium was under the authority ofPhrygiafrom A.D. 37 to A.D. 72. It wasonlyduring these years that Iconium was not under the authority of Lycaonia. Not only did this discovery confirm the accuracy of the statement inActs 14, it showed that whoever wrote this passage knew what district Iconium was in at that time. That places the author as an eyewitness to the events.

Acts 14 NASB1In(A)Iconium(B)they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner(C)that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of(D)Greeks.2But(E)the Jews who(F)disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against(G)the brethren.3Therefore they spent a long time there(H)speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that(I)signs and wonders be done by their hands.4(J)But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with(K)the Jews, and some with(L)the apostles.5And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and(M)the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to(N)stone them,6they became aware of it and fled to the cities of(O)Lycaonia,(P)Lystra and(Q)Derbe, and the surrounding region;7and there they continued to(R)preach the gospel.

Iconium: http://executableoutlines.com/ca/ca_05.htm

Dr. Bloom also confirmed this14

New Testament ArchaeologyCensusBegan by Caesar AugustusEgyptian papyrus indicated need to return home to registerHerod Agrippa killed during speechActs 12:20-3 records being killed after accepting praise for being a godSame basic story recounted by JosephusJesus tomb was likely beneath Church of Holy Sepulchre15Model at the Holy Land Hotel in Jerusalem shows the ancient wall locations

20Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one accord they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king's chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was fed by the king's country. 21On an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel, took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them. 22The people kept crying out, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" 23And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:20-23Josephus Antiquities XIX.8.2

Now when Agrippa had reigned three years over all Judea, he came to the city Caesarea [...] There he exhibited shows in honor of the emperor [...] On the second day of the festival, Herod put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a truly wonderful contexture, and came into the theater early in the morning; at which time the silver of his garment was illuminated by the fresh reflection of the sun's rays upon it. It shone out after a surprising manner, and was so resplendent as to spread a horror over those that looked intently upon him. At that moment, his flatterers cried out [...] that he was a god; and they added, 'Be thou merciful to us; for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a man, yet shall we henceforth own thee as superior to mortal nature.' Upon this the king did neither rebuke them, nor reject their impious flattery. But as he presently afterward looked up, he saw an owl sitting on a certain rope over his head, and immediately understood that this bird was the messenger of ill tidings, as it had once been the messenger of good tidings to him; and he fell into the deepest sorrow. A severe pain also arose in his belly, and began in a most violent manner. He therefore looked upon his friends, and said, 'I, whom you call a god, am commanded presently to depart this life; while Providence thus reproves the lying words you just now said to me; and I, who was by you called immortal, am immediately to be hurried away by death. But I am bound to accept of what Providence allots, as it pleases God; for we have by no means lived ill, but in a splendid and happy manner.' After he said this, his pain was become violent. Accordingly he was carried into the palace, and the rumor went abroad that he would certainly die in a little time. But the multitude presently sat in sackcloth, with their wives and children, after the law of their country, and besought God for the king's recovery. All places were also full of mourning and lamentation. Now the king rested in a high chamber, and as he saw them below lying prostrate on the ground, he could not himself forbear weeping. And when he had been quite worn out by the pain in his belly for five days, he departed this life, being in the fifty-fourth year of his age, and in the seventh year of his reign. [Flavius Josephus, Jewish Antiquities 19.343-350]

From Wikipedia:The Pool of Bethesda is a pool in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem, on the path of the Beth Zeta Valley. The Gospel of John describes such a pool in Jerusalem, near the Sheep Gate, which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. It is associated with healing. Until the 19th century, there was no evidence outside of Johns Gospel for the existence of this pool. Scholars argued that the gospel was written later, probably by someone without first-hand knowledge of the city of Jerusalem, and that the pool had only a metaphorical meaning, rather than historical, significance.[1]Then in the 19th century, archaeologists discovered the remains of a pool exactly matching the description in Johns Gospel. Thus, archeology has confirmed the historical verisimilitude of Johns account.

Note that it even had the 5 porticoes as indicated in the book of John (if right in minor details, then adds to its trustworthiness)

15

16Early Christian Artifacts Near JerusalemSkeptics claim Christianity grew legendarilyOxford historian indicates 2 generations insufficient for legendsRefuted by early Christian worshippers near Jerusalem and empty tombFindings from Ossuaries (Bone Boxes)Ossuaries used primarily prior to 70 AD3 archaeologists led excavations finding Christian ossuariesClermont-Ganneau, Bagatti, SukenikSukenik (atheist Jew) dated site prior to 50 ADWorlds greatest authority on Jewish ossuaries All our evidence indicates that we have in this tomb the earliest records of Christianity in existence. It may also have a bearing on the historicity of Jesus and the crucifixion.Christian symbols found (crosses, chi-rho, etc.)Critics questioned early use of symbols such as crossesHerculean cross cannot have been later than 79Cross might not be symbolic but testify to actual event

https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/588-another-voice-from-the-tomb

Photographs: http://www.leaderu.com/theology/burialcave.html

1998 Jerusalem Christian Review, Volume 9, Internet Edition, Issue 2.

E.L. Sukenik. The Earliest Records of Christianity. American Journal of Archaeology 51, no.4 (1947): 365.According to Wikipedia Sukenik was an atheist he was definitely Jewish and not Christian

See my paper posted on web site

A.N. Sherwin-White is Oxford historian

The volcano collapsed higher roof-lines and buried Pompeii under 20 meters of ash and pumice, and it was lost for nearly 1,700 years before its accidental rediscovery in 1748. 16

Other Ossuary EvidenceOssuaries found that correspond to NT figures:Caiaphas the High PriestSapphira of Acts 5Lazarus and Martha of BethanyAlexander son of Simon of Cyrene (carried Jesus cross)Matthias, Joseph Barsabbas (replacement apostles -Acts 1)Simon bar Jona with cross in Christian tombJames son of Joseph brother of Jesus?Forgery charges but skeptics agree patina for Jesus portion ancient

17

Photographs: http://www.leaderu.com/theology/burialcave.html

17

Dead Sea ScrollsFirst discovered in 1947First scrolls sold to make leather shoes!Some manuscripts dated as old as 3rd century BCConfirmed level of accuracy of scribes copyingIsaiah scroll matched exact Masoretic texts in 95% of words5% variation almost entirely spelling alterations or slips of the pen18Masoretic TextOldest ~1000 ADFirst Dead Sea Scrolls recovered by Bedouin were almost sold to make leather shoes!

Most of the biblical manuscripts found at Qumran belong to the MT tradition or family. This is especially true of the Pentateuch and some of the Prophets. The well-preserved Isaiah scroll from Cave 1 illustrates the tender care with which these sacred texts were copied. Since about 1700 years separated Isaiah in the MT from its original source, textual critics assumed that centuries of copying and recopying this book must have introduced scribal errors into the document that obscured the original message of the author. The Isaiah scrolls found at Qumran closed that gap to within 500 years of the original manuscript. Interestingly, when scholars compared the MT of Isaiah to the Isaiah scroll of Qumran, the correspondence was astounding. The texts from Qumran proved to be word-for-word identical to our standard Hebrew Bible in more than 95 percent of the text. The 5 percent of variation consisted primarily of obvious slips of the pen and spelling alterations (Archer, 1974, p. 25). Further, there were no major doctrinal differences between the accepted and Qumran texts (see Table 1 below). This forcibly demonstrated the accuracy with which scribes copied sacred texts, and bolstered our confidence in the Bibles textual integrity (see Yamauchi, 1972, p. 130). The Dead Sea Scrolls have increased our confidence that faithful scribal transcription substantially has preserved the original content of Isaiah. TABLE 1. QUMRAN VS. THE MASORETES______________________________________ Of the 166 Hebrew words in Isaiah 53, onlyseventeen letters in Dead Sea Scroll 1QIsbdiffer from the Masoretic Text (Geisler andNix, 1986, p. 382).

10 letters = spelling differences

4 letters = stylistic changes

3 letters = added word for light (vs. 11)______________________________________17 letters = no affect on biblical teaching

From: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/26618

Isaiah Scroll1920Frank Zindler on Nazareth[A]t the turn of the era, there was no place called Nazareth, and we do not know when the place now called by that name became so identified. . . . Nazareth was as mythical as the Mary, Joseph, and Jesus family that was supposed to have lived there. Frank Zindler, Where Jesus Never Walked, American Atheist 36 (1996-7), pp. 33-42.

These next charts on Naz and Capernaum are from Dr. Tim McGrew2021A Jewish archaeologist on recent excavations in NazarethThe discovery is of the utmost importance since it reveals for the very first time a house from the Jewish village of Nazareth and thereby sheds light on the way of life at the time of Jesus. The building that we found is small and modest and it is most likely typical of the dwellings in Nazareth in that period.

Yardenna Alexandre, excavation director for Israeli Antiquities Authority, For the Very First Time: A Residential Building from the Time of Jesus was Exposed in the Heart of Nazareth (12/21/09)

Nazareth DecreeClaimed to have been found in Nazareth in 1878Imperial decree proclaiming death penalty for tomb robbersSome scholars date to time period of Emperor Claudius (41-54 A.D.) but possible range of dates is from 14-70Based on reference to Caesar and Jewish burial practicesMay have been inspired by growing movement that believed in resurrection of JesusAnd Jewish story that body stolen from tombSome scholars skeptical of connection to Jesus but the timing and location seem significantConsider that Nazareth was a tiny town not even mentioned by Josephus despite references to 50-60 other townsEstimated 50 houses in 1st century Nazareth Based on number of tombs22

http://www.biblearchaeology.org/post/2009/07/22/the-nazareth-inscription-proof-of-the-resurrection-of-christ.aspx#Article

. It is highly unlikely that it is a forgery. 2223Robert M. Price on Synagogues in CapernaumA major collision between the gospel tradition and archaeology concerns the existence of synagogues in pre-70 C.E. Galilee.

Robert M. Price, The Incredible Shrinking Son of Man (2003), p. 14

Zindler also skeptical of this

Frank Zindler, Where Jesus Never Walked

2324Implications of Gospel statementsLuke suggests that synagogue at Capernaum was a particularly impressive structure requiring considerable construction costs

Other passages in Gospels (e.g. Mark 1, Matthew 4) make it plain that Capernaum was Jesus principal base of operations in Galilee

Have the Gospel authors been caught in a huge mistake?251st Century Synagogue Found in CapernaumThe first-century Capernaum synagogue in which Jesus preached has probably been found. Because more than one synagogue may have existed in Capernaum at this time, we cannot be sure that this new find was Jesus synagogue. But this recently discovered first-century building is certainly a likely candidate. . . . The conclusion that this was a first-century A.D. synagogue seems inescapable.James F. Strange and Hershel Shanks, Synagogue Where Jesus Preached Found at Capernaum, Biblical Archaeology Review 9 (1983)

Unusually thick walls and much larger floor plan than other synagogues

Next Week: Responding to the New Atheists

Who are the New Atheists?What are there claims and arguments?

www.OriginsDiscussion.info

26Backup Charts27

CRUCIFIXION VICTIM 1ST CENTURY A.D. discovered in Jerusalem28In 1968 an ancient burial site was uncovered containing about 35 bodies. One named Yohanan Ben Hagalgol had a 7 inch nail driven through both feet. Yohanans legs were crushed by a blow consistent with the common use of Roman crucifragium (John 19:31-32). This find proves that a victim of crucifixion (like Jesus) could receive a proper Jewish burial.

Peter S. Williams (http://www.bethinking.org/advanced/archaeology-and-the-historical-reliability-of-the-new-testament.htm#_edn1)

29Excavations at CapernaumTrench 25 at Capernaum, showing: Limestone walls of the 4th or 5th century synagogue (A), Basalt wall of the 1st century synagogue (B), and Cobbled pavement of the 1st century synagogue (C)

30The synagogue at CapernaumThe walls of the 1st century synagogue at Capernaum are unusually thickwell over a meterand its floor plan shows it to have been a building with an interior space of nearly 450 square meters, larger than most 1st century synagogues discovered elsewhere in Galilee.

This fits very well with the implication in Luke 7:1-5 that this synagogue was particularly magnificent.Lee Strobel notes that Skeptics have been asserting for a long time that Nazareth never existed during the time when the New Testament says Jesus spent his childhood there.[23] For example, atheist Frank Zindler noted that Nazareth is not mentioned in the Old Testament, by the apostle Paul, by the Talmud (although sixty-three other Galilean towns are cited), or by Josephus (who listed forty-five other villages and cities of Galilee, including Japha, which was located just over a mile from present-day Nazareth. No ancient historians or geographers mention Nazareth before the beginning of the fourth century.[24] However, Paul Barnett reports that in 1961 a mosaic dated from the third century in which Nazareth appears was unearthed in Caesarea Maritima. Nazareth is not mentioned in the Old Testament, nor in Josephuss work. Questions as to its genuineness were resolved by this discovery.[25] Dr James Strange notes that when Jerusalem fell in AD 70, priests were no longer needed in the temple because it had been destroyed, so they were sent to various other locations, even up into Galilee. Archaeologists have found a list in Aramaic describing the twenty-four courses, or families, of priests who were relocated, and one of them was registered as having been moved to Nazareth.[26]Moreover: archaeological digs have uncovered first-century tombs in the vicinity of Nazareth, which would establish the villages limits because by Jewish law burials had to take place outside the town proper. Two tombs contained objects such as pottery lamps, glass vessels, and vases from the first, third, or fourth centuries.[27] Archaeologist Jack Finegan states that From the tombs it can be concluded that Nazareth was a strongly Jewish settlement in the Roman period.[28]

31In December 2009 archaeologists from the Israeli Antiquities Authority, excavating in the grounds of a former convent, unearthed a house from first century Nazareth. (cf. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34511072/ns/technology_and_science-science/#34523421). According to excavation director Yardenna Alexandre:The discovery is of the utmost importance since it reveals for the very first time a house from the Jewish village of Nazareth and thereby sheds light on the way of life at the time of Jesus. The building that we found is small and modest and it is most likely typical of the dwellings in Nazareth in that period.[30]

31Note from Craig Evans bookAt one time it was fashionable to assert that the early Christian confession of Messiah Jesus as Son of God arose not from Jewish and Old Testament antecedents (2 Sam. 7.14; Ps. 2.2, 7, for example) but from the influence of the Greco-Roman world, where Greek kings and Roman emperors were hailed as sons of the gods. The discovery of 4Q246, comprising two columns of Aramaic text from Qumrans fourth cave, demolished this view. The author of this first-century BCE text anticipated the coming of a deliverer who will be called Son of God and Son of the Most High. The remarkable parallels to the language of the annunciation (Luke 1.3135)

Other minimalists have suggested that there were no synagogue buildings in the time of Jesus; that the New Testament Gospels, which refer to these buildings, are anachronistic. As we shall see, archaeological discoveries have demolished this position.32Craig A. Evans (2012-03-16). Jesus and His World: The Archaeological Evidence (Kindle Locations 385-389). Westminster John Knox Press. Kindle Edition.

Craig A. Evans (2012-03-16). Jesus and His World: The Archaeological Evidence (Kindle Locations 399-401). Westminster John Knox Press. Kindle Edition.

32

Early Attestation of Jesus Being WorshippedAlexamenos GraffitoThis piece of graffiti, from near the Palatine Hill in Rome and rather roughly dated to late in the second-century AD, was apparently drawn by one Roman soldier to mock the faith of a fellow soldier who was a Christian. It shows a man standing by a crucifixion victim with the head of a donkey. The Greek caption reads: Alexamenos worships [his] God.

33Shroud of TurinWrist wounds not located in palms as depicted in Medieval timesArt historian Phillip McNair states that not one of hundreds of depictions portrays wounds on wristsPierced scalp covers entire skullVery different than medieval expectationsAbnormal for crucifixion victimDecent burial with clothSide wound (post-mortem flow of blood and water) rather than broken legsBody wrapped in shroud didnt decomposethe body does not appear to have been moved by conventional means, either, due to the condition of the bloodstains, which are anatomically correct, including precisely outlined borders, with blood clots intact. If the cloth had been pulled away from the body, the blood clots would have smeared or broken.Kinds of things faked would not be important in medieval timeshttp://www.case.edu.au/images/uploads/03_pdfs/williams-shroud-turin.pdf

34Top Ten New Testament Archaeological Finds of the Past 150 Years"How do shrouds, boats, inscriptions, and other artifacts better help us understand the Christ of the Ages?"

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2003/septemberweb-only/9-22-21.0.html?start=335Contrast Bible with Book of MormonThe latter has no arch. confirmationhttp://www.bethinking.org/other-religions/beginner/what-to-say-to-mormons---ch-3-mormon.htm36

Capernaum sitesSimon Peters houseSynagogue where Jesus taughtArtemis of the Ephesians statue found (Acts 19)Erastus (city treasurer of Corinth mentioned in Rom 16:23)Inscription found in road in Corinth (bottom left)

37New Testament Archaeology

Credit: Dr. John A. Bloom argued for plausibility of 2 Jerichos as the solution to this problem in my Biblical Archaeology course at Biola university

In 1929 this inscription was found mentioning Erastus as the one who paid for the paving of the street in return for his appointment as a city officer. It is likely that this is the same Erastus mentioned by Paul as sending greetings to the church at Rome (Rom 16:23). If so, Paul's influence apparently extended to wealthy and influential Roman citizens of Corinth.

The Pilate InscriptionIn 1961 an Italian archaeologist, discovered an inscription at Casesrea Maritima. The inscription in Latin contained 4 lines translated as follows:TiberiumPontius PilatePrefect of JudeaThe stone was probably used in a foundation of a Tiberium (temple for the worship of Tiberius)

Good site: http://swordofthespirit.us/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/newtest2.htm

See also: http://www.truthnet.org/Apologetics/7/

37

Capernaum sitesSimon Peters houseSynagogue where Jesus taughtJericho problemMark 10:46 healed beggar as Jesus was leaving JerichoLuke 18:35 - healed beggar as Jesus was approaching JerichoArchaeology has revealed that there were 2 Jerichos in Jesus timeJesus could have visited both towns, beggar at entrance to richer townArtemis of the Ephesians statue found (Acts 19)Skeptics once claimed Pontius Pilate never existedInscription found in Caesarea (top right)Erastus (city treasurer of Corinth mentioned in Rom 16:23)Inscription found in road in Corinth (bottom left)

38New Testament Archaeology

Credit: Dr. John A. Bloom argued for plausibility of 2 Jerichos as the solution to this problem in my Biblical Archaeology course at Biola university

In 1929 this inscription was found mentioning Erastus as the one who paid for the paving of the street in return for his appointment as a city officer. It is likely that this is the same Erastus mentioned by Paul as sending greetings to the church at Rome (Rom 16:23). If so, Paul's influence apparently extended to wealthy and influential Roman citizens of Corinth.

The Pilate InscriptionIn 1961 an Italian archaeologist, discovered an inscription at Casesrea Maritima. The inscription in Latin contained 4 lines translated as follows:TiberiumPontius PilatePrefect of JudeaThe stone was probably used in a foundation of a Tiberium (temple for the worship of Tiberius)

Good site: http://swordofthespirit.us/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/newtest2.htm

See also: http://www.truthnet.org/Apologetics/7/

38The Greek term translated here as city officials is politarchs. Since the term doesnt appear in classical literature, Critics of the New Testament asserted for many years that Luke was mistaken in his use of the term politarchs for the officials of Thessalonica[13] However, an inscription using this term was found on a first-century AD arch torn down in 1867.39Cave 440

For Acts the confirmation of historicity is overwhelming Any attempt to reject its basic historicity must now appear absurd. Roman historians have long taken it for granted.Roman historian A. N. Sherwin-White, Roman Society and Roman Law in the New Testament, p. 189Scholars say:Acts Is Historically AccuratePeter Baptizing Centurion41 Background Image: Peter Baptizing the Centurion Cornelius (1709), oil on canvas, by Francesco Trevisani. Public Domain Wikipedia. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baptism_of_cornelius.jpg

I began with a mind unfavorable to it [Acts] but more recently I found myself brought into contact with the book of Acts as an authority for the topography, antiquities, and society of Asia Minor. It was gradually borne in upon me that in various details the narrative showed marvelous truth.Archaeologist William Ramsey, St. Paul the Traveler and Roman Citizen, p. 8Scholars say:Acts Is AuthoritativePainting of Luke by Andrea Mantegna (1431) 42Background Image: Image of Luke (writer of Acts), by Andrea Mantegna (1431). Public Domain Wikimedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Andrea_Mantegna_017.jpg

In Extraordinary ways, modern archaeology has affirmed the historical core of the Old and New testamentscorroborating key points of the stories of Israels patriarchs, the Exodus, the Davidic monarchy, and the life and times of Jesus.Jeffery Sheler, Is the Bible True U.S. News & World Report, October 25th,1999, 52SCHOLARS SAY:The Bible Is Supported By ArcheologyDead Sea Scroll, 2nd century bc43Background Picture: One of the Dead Sea scrolls. Dated 2nd century BC. Public Domain Wikimedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Psalms_Scroll.jpg

Jon Rittenhouse Can the Bible Really Be Trusted? Podcast is really helpful starting at about min 35Lukes historical accuracyNo tetrarch Ramsay (skeptic) greatest archaeology 44Old Testament Archaeology - Backup45

Old Testament ArchaeologyOld Testament shown to be unique:Documents non-flattering aspectsCountless cases where skeptics proven wrong by later findingsHittites 19th century critics questioned whether or not such a people even existedCountless Hittite artifacts now knownWho was the last king of Babylon?Critics said book of Daniel incorrect in claiming it was Belshazzar because Herodotus indicated it was Nabonidus; Belshazzar made upArtifacts found indicating Belshazzar was Nabonidus son and was in charge while his father was away for several years from Babylon

46

Nabonidus cylinder is shown at upper left which revealed existence of Belshazzar

Picture shown at bottom right is a Hittite artifact

46

Flood ArchaeologyAncient Flood StoriesEvery continent had flood storiesSouth America: IncasNorth America: Iroquois, AztecsEurope: CeltsAfrica: Hottentots (Southern Africa)Asia: Babylonians, Sumerians, Hindus, Burma(Myanmar)Oceania: New Guinea, Aborigines, New Zealand

Similarity to Biblical account is proportional to separation in time and space47Aborigines are in Australia47

48JerichoJoshua 6: Jericho walls came down, city burned but not lootedThe walls fell outwards This is remarkable the city walls always fall inward, not outward. GarstangThe city's walls had fallen in a way suggestive of sudden collapse. A thick layer of soot at the site supports the biblical idea that the city was burned, not simply conquered. Says Wood: "It looks to me as though the biblical stories are correct. Time Magazine Score One for the BibleEstimated date consistent with Exodus dateC14 dates to ~1400 BC (exact right time frame)Burned artifacts recovered indicating no looting of city (very unusual!)Found large stores of grainNo long siegeUnusual time of attack matched Biblical account

http://www.biblestudymanuals.net/jericho.htmhttp://www.biblearchaeology.org/post/2009/01/Jericho-Does-the-Evidence-Disprove-or-Prove-the-Bible.aspxhttp://www.xanga.com/ScienceAndTheBible/680000417/item/Bruins, H.J. and J. van der Plicht. 1996. The Exodus enigma. Nature 382: 213-214.http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/thera.html

Time Mar 5, 1990The Foundations of Bible History;Joshua, Judges(London: Constable, 1931), 146.

Jericho timing was ( 13 years using Carbon-14 dating)

48

Old Testament ArchaeologyTophetsLiberal disbelieved Biblical accounts of child sacrificeDespite Greek and Roman historical accounts concerning this also20,000 Phoenician urns uncovered of young childrenIncluded animals in sacrifice, inscriptions like Given to fulfill a vowHazor Joshuas Conquest? heads of idols chopped offEveryone is a potential destroyer of Hazor, if not mentioned in any document, except those specifically mentioned in the Bible as having done so. YadinNo other ancient peoples would degrade idolsTablet Fragment found mentioning king ofHazor by same name as Biblical account49Egyptions wouldnt have done this because their statutes were decapitated too Josh. account -> Hazor conquered but not held

http://www.levitt.com/essays/joshua.html

Post-infant age (mortality rate highest for < 1 year old but these were 1-3 years old); also multiple burials in same urn (died at same time)Animals significant because no one had pets back then (eat animal)

Actual name found was Ibni Bible transliterated this as Jabin49

Old Testament Historical ValidationSennacheribs Prism Assyrian king admits failure to conquer Jerusalem just as Bible records (King Hezekiah prayed for deliverance)Conquered 46 out of 47 citiesSeems miraculous that tiny Judah could survive against mighty Assyria!Cyrus Cylinder records King Cyrus of Persias Babylonian conquest and his decree to allow captives to return & restore templesSkeptics questioned whether any ruler would allow this50Note that Assyrian kings would not directly admit failure -> Sennacherib actually uses words like trapped the king (mentions conquering 46 other cities)

Notes from Dr. Blooms class:Sen. Prism is similar to another one (Taylors prism)Himself I shut up in Jerusalem, his royal residence, like a bird in a cage.Jer. made him pack up and go homeHerodotus (II:141) records that Sen.s army was attacked by field mice on the way to EgyptNote that Lachish was larger than Jer. and it was captured

http://www.bible-history.com/sketches/ancient/sennacherib-khorsabad.html :

Imagine living within the city of Jerusalem during the siege of Sennacherib. (700BC) He has already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, (722BC) and many of the fortified cities of southern Judea. Talk about a panic attack! Sennacherib's armies were full of blood lust, and they loved to torture. Skinning people alive was one of their specialties, nailing the human skin to walls as warning to others who might rebel from his control.

"Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD . And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD , God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, O LORD , and hear; open your eyes, O LORD , and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to insult the living God. "It is true, O LORD , that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by men's hands. Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD , are God." (2Kings 19:14-17)50

Archaeology of Early IsraelAmarna LettersLetters to Pharaoh about Habiru invaders in Palestine in 14th century BCMerneptah SteleRecords a Pharoahs victory over Israel in 13th century BCWord used for Israel corresponds to people group but not nationConsistent with status during this time period of Judges51