As a student, taking this course for credit one requirement was to complete a research project on an archeological site (we got to choose) that we would be visiting and give a presentation about that site for the group. Our main interests included: history of the site, connections to the Bible, archeological structures and features, any key questions or disputes surrounding the archeological dig and how the site contributes to our larger view of the biblical world. Through these presentations and visiting the sites I learned a lot about the Bible, history, and life in the ancient world.
It was amazing to see the influences of Roman civilization preserved through archeology at sites such as Caesarea Maritima and Sepphoris. I thought about how the Roman influence affected the lives of Jesus, Paul and the early Church. The Roman Empire was vast and mighty. Standing in front of a once great Roman city brought alive the radicalness and political tones of Jesus’ message. Jesus boldly proclaimed the “Kingdom of God” is near. “Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.” Our visit with the Archbishop Elias Chacour of the Melkite Catholic Church, enlightened my understanding of the radicalness of the Sermon on the Mount. Chacour shared with us that the word for “blessed” in Aramaic (Jesus’ native tongue) also means to ‘stand up’. Stand up, rise-up, move, all you who are poor in spirit for yours is the kingdom of God! Chacour emphasized the Sermon on the Mount as being a call to action…a call to be peacemakers and workers for justice. After seeing the Roman archeological sites one thing became clearer to me…Jesus’ radical good news spoke truth to the power. Visiting the ancient sites and researching one site in particular I feel has given me a new appreciation for archeology, history, biblical studies.
To learn more about the history of the Bible and life in the ancient world we ventured to Masada; a site used by Herod the Great and significant for the discovery of several ancient biblical scrolls. Many trekked the long windy path up the mountain while others enjoyed the trip by cable car. Another ancient site known for biblical scrolls is Qumran…and we would not miss it! It was very neat to see the caves where so many of our oldest known scrolls containing many biblical materials were discovered. For biblical studies, Qumran is a gold mine! We also, enjoyed a visit to the Israeli Museum which houses the Dead Sea scroll exhibit.
As a student, taking this course for credit one requirement was to complete a research project on an archeological site (we got to choose) that we would be visiting and give a presentation about that site for the group. Our main interests included: history of the site, connections to the Bible, archeological structures and features, any key questions or disputes surrounding the archeological dig and how the site contributes to our larger view of the biblical world. Through these presentations and visiting the sites I learned a lot about the Bible, history, and life in the ancient world.
To learn more about the history of the Bible and life in the ancient world we ventured to Masada; a site used by Herod the Great and significant for the discovery of several ancient biblical scrolls. Many trekked the long windy path up the mountain while others enjoyed the trip by cable car. Another ancient site known for biblical scrolls is Qumran…and we would not miss it! It was very neat to see the caves where so many of our oldest known scrolls containing many biblical materials were discovered. For biblical studies, Qumran is a gold mine! We also, enjoyed a visit to the Israeli Museum which houses the Dead Sea scroll exhibit. 
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