Our book review this month is An Introduction to Bible Archaeology by Howard F. Vos. This little paperback is divided into ten short chapters of about a dozen pages each. Topics covered by chapter include Nature and Purpose, Why Ancient Cities and Civilizations Disappeared, Geography and the Bible Lands, Organizing and Conducting an Excavation, Dating the Finds, Archaeology and Text, Archaeology and Narratives, Archaeology and Kings, Archaeology and Bible Cities, and The Apologetic Value of Bible Archaeology.
Of particular interest were the brief statements about the cities that the Apostle Paul visited on his missionary journeys. Take Corinth as an example:
The commercial importance of Corinth demonstrates the possibilities of an apostolic ministry there. Not only was the population large and heterogeneous [varied, diverse] but it was moving. Sailors and businessmen from all parts of the Empire disembarked at her ports. When won for the Gospel, these would have become missionaries in their own communities and wherever also their business took them. Perhaps here is, in part, and explanation for the origin of the church at Rome to which Paul addressed an epistle a few years later. Have you ever wondered how the Apostle knew so many people in the capitol, where he had never been? In 1896, the American School of Classical Studies began excavating here under the direction of Dr. R. B. Richardson and has continue for 30 seasons. This site has been extensively cleared.
There are newer, more in-depth reads available to study this topic, but our “Book of the Month” is another one that will fit easily in your pocket and originally cost 50¢. Now, that dates it!
Posted on November 1st, 2008 by Scott
Filed under: From the Church Library