Masterfully written, David Kitz's retelling of the Passion through the eyes of centurion Marcus Longinus, drew me in from the start. His book, The Soldier Who Killed a King, is definitely one to put on your to-read list! Sometimes we become so over-familiar with the Gospel story that it loses much of its impact. But … Continue reading The Soldier Who Killed a King [Book Review]
The Significance of the Intertestamental Period
The Old and New Testaments are separated by one blank page in most Bibles. But that single page represents a long interval known as the 400 years of silence, as we have no record of God speaking through the prophets or inspired writers. Nonetheless, God was at work orchestrating world affairs to bring about the fullness … Continue reading The Significance of the Intertestamental Period
Taxation in Bible Times
Poll tax, salt tax, and crown tax! Wherever they went, along major highways, at city gates, or along quiet country roads, the Israelites encountered the tax booth. The main symbol of foreign domination, and that which most stirred their indignation. Foreign taxation was nothing new to them, but the unscrupulous dealings of the Roman tax-farmers and … Continue reading Taxation in Bible Times
Jews and Gentiles in the Time of Christ
When Christ appeared on the scene, it was during a time of hatred, factions, and divisions. Judaism was split into three factions: the middle class Pharisees, rich aristocratic Sadducees, and the Essenes who had taken vows of poverty. All three disliked each other and looked down on the Galileans, whom they viewed as uneducated country people. … Continue reading Jews and Gentiles in the Time of Christ
The Religious Climate in Christ’s Time
Rabbis in Christ's time used the following saying to express their disdain of Galilee. They proudly viewed southern Judea, with its traditional lore and religious academies, as far superior to the north. And could find no words strong enough to express their arrogant dislike of their northern Galilean cousins, from Nazareth in particular. If any one … Continue reading The Religious Climate in Christ’s Time
Inns & Hospitality in Bible Times
We can only imagine Joseph's dismay at finding no room in Bethlehem. Having to sleep in the stable, and with a baby on the way! But it wasn't because the infamous misused innkeeper, anonymous and ever accused, was inhospitable. But because every home and inn was already full. In Jewish culture, it would have been a … Continue reading Inns & Hospitality in Bible Times
