Last updated on May 28th, 2026 at 09:21 pm
Archaeology, inscriptions, ancient sources, and careful claims
Is there historical proof of the Bible? The best answer is: there is strong historical evidence for many people, places, events, cultures, and political settings described in the Bible. Archaeology cannot prove every spiritual claim, miracle, or theological meaning of Scripture. But ancient inscriptions, artifacts, manuscripts, and non-biblical writers repeatedly show that the Bible is rooted in real geography, real rulers, real empires, and real historical memory.
Quick answer: what kind of historical proof exists?
Some of the strongest evidence includes the Merneptah Stele, which names Israel in Canaan by the late 13th century BC; the Tel Dan Stele, which refers to the “House of David”; the Mesha Stele, which overlaps with the Moab-Israel conflict; Assyrian and Babylonian records of kings such as Hezekiah, Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, and Jehoiachin; the Dead Sea Scrolls; and New Testament-era evidence for figures such as Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, and Gallio.
- Archaeology confirms many settings
- Inscriptions name biblical rulers
- Ancient sources mention Jesus and early Christians
- Some topics remain debated
- Faith claims and historical claims are not identical
Important distinction: evidence is not the same as proving every claim
Historical evidence can confirm that a person existed, a city was real, an empire invaded, a king ruled, a document was preserved, or a custom fits its ancient setting. It cannot, by itself, prove the meaning of a miracle, the presence of God, or the spiritual message of a passage. A fair article should avoid two extremes: saying there is “no evidence” for the Bible, and saying archaeology has proven every biblical detail beyond question.
How to read the evidence
This article uses simple evidence labels so readers can tell the difference between a direct match, a strong historical setting, and a debated or indirect connection.
- Direct named evidence means the artifact or source names a biblical person, people, dynasty, or place.
- Strong historical context means the evidence strongly matches the world described in the Bible, even if it does not prove every detail.
- Textual evidence means the evidence helps us understand the transmission, preservation, or early use of biblical texts.
- Helpful but limited means the evidence is useful, but should not be overstated.
- Debated means scholars disagree about identification, interpretation, or significance.
Study Bible history in context
See biblical events and world history on one timeline
Evidence is easier to understand when you can place Abraham, Egypt, Israel, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Rome, Jesus, and the early church in chronological order. The Amazing Bible Timeline helps readers see Bible history and world history together at a glance.
Historical evidence for the Bible at a glance
| Evidence | Approximate date | Bible connection | What it supports | Evidence level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merneptah Stele | c. 1207 BC | Israel in Canaan before the monarchy | Shows a people called Israel were known in Canaan by the late 13th century BC. [1] | Direct named evidence |
| Shoshenq / Shishak relief at Karnak | 10th century BC | 1 Kings 14:25–26; 2 Chronicles 12 | Connects Egyptian Pharaoh Shoshenq I with a campaign in the southern Levant during the period of Rehoboam. [2] | Strong context |
| Mesha Stele / Moabite Stone | 9th century BC | 2 Kings 3; Moab and Israel | Names Mesha, Moab, Israel, Omri, and the Israelite God YHWH, giving Moab’s side of a conflict also remembered in Kings. [3] | Direct named evidence |
| Tel Dan Stele | 9th century BC | Davidic dynasty; kings of Israel and Judah | Refers to the “House of David,” supporting the existence of a Davidic royal house known outside the Bible. [4] | Direct named evidence |
| Hezekiah seal impression | c. 700 BC | King Hezekiah of Judah | A royal bulla reads “Belonging to Hezekiah [son of] Ahaz king of Judah.” [5] | Direct named evidence |
| Sennacherib Prism / Taylor Prism | 691 BC | 2 Kings 18–19; Isaiah 36–37; 2 Chronicles 32 | Names Hezekiah king of Judah and describes Sennacherib’s 701 BC campaign. The Assyrian account boasts of ravaging Judah but does not claim to capture Jerusalem. [6] [7] | Direct named evidence |
| Lachish reliefs | c. 700–692 BC | 2 Kings 18:14; 2 Chronicles 32:9; Isaiah 36:2 | Depict the Assyrian capture of Lachish, a major city of Judah, during Sennacherib’s campaign. [8] | Strong context |
| Siloam Tunnel and Siloam Inscription | 8th century BC | 2 Kings 20:20; 2 Chronicles 32:30 | Supports the historical setting of Jerusalem’s water works in the era associated with Hezekiah, though exact dating discussions continue. [9] | Strong context |
| Iron Age Jerusalem radiocarbon work | Published 2024 | Jerusalem as Judah’s capital | New radiocarbon research gives a more precise chronology for Iron Age Jerusalem and the Babylonian destruction horizon. [10] | Current research |
| Babylonian Chronicle | 6th century BC copy of earlier events | 2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 52 | Describes Nebuchadnezzar’s 597 BC campaign against Jerusalem. [11] | Direct event evidence |
| Jehoiachin ration tablets | 6th century BC | 2 Kings 25:27–30; Jeremiah 52:31–34 | Babylonian administrative tablets mention Jehoiachin / Jeconiah, king of Judah, receiving rations in Babylon. [12] | Direct named evidence |
| Cyrus Cylinder | After 539 BC | Ezra 1; return from exile | Does not name the Jews, but reflects Cyrus’s broader policy of restoring temples and returning displaced peoples, fitting the background of Ezra. [13] | Strong context |
| Dead Sea Scrolls | 3rd century BC–1st century AD | Hebrew Bible textual history | Contain some of the oldest extant biblical manuscripts and show the ancient transmission of Scripture before and around the time of Jesus. [14] | Textual evidence |
| Pontius Pilate inscription | 1st century AD | Jesus’ trial under Pilate | Confirms Pontius Pilate as a Roman official in Judea during the period of Jesus. [15] | Direct named evidence |
| Caiaphas ossuary | 1st century AD | High priest Caiaphas in the Gospels | An ossuary from a Jerusalem family tomb bears the name Joseph bar Caiaphas, connected by many scholars with the high priest known from the New Testament. [16] | Helpful but limited |
| Gallio inscription | Mid-1st century AD | Acts 18 and Paul in Corinth | Helps anchor the chronology of Paul’s ministry in Corinth when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia. [17] | Direct named evidence |
| Yehohanan crucifixion remains | 1st century AD | Roman crucifixion in Judea | Provides rare physical evidence of Roman crucifixion practice in the same broad world as the New Testament. [18] | Strong context |
| Tacitus and Josephus | 1st–2nd century AD | Jesus, James, Pilate, and early Christians | Non-Christian ancient writers mention Jesus, early Christians, or figures connected with the New Testament. Some passages are debated and should be handled carefully. [19] [20] | Literary evidence |
Best practice: Use the word “evidence” more often than “proof.” “Proof” can sound as if every historical, theological, and miraculous claim has been settled by archaeology. The stronger and more accurate statement is that many biblical people, places, events, and settings are well supported by external historical evidence.
What historical evidence can and cannot show
It can confirm real-world setting
Archaeology can show that cities, roads, pools, gates, kingdoms, governors, kings, and empires mentioned in the Bible were real parts of the ancient world.
It can confirm named people
Inscriptions can name people such as Hezekiah, Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Pontius Pilate, and Gallio.
It cannot prove every spiritual claim
Historical tools cannot prove God’s presence, the meaning of prophecy, or the spiritual significance of miracles in the same way they can verify an inscription or date a manuscript.
Old Testament historical evidence
1. Israel appears in an Egyptian inscription before the monarchy
The Merneptah Stele is one of the most important artifacts for early Israelite history. It is an Egyptian victory inscription from the late 13th century BC. Near the end of the inscription, a people called Israel are listed among groups in Canaan. This does not prove the Exodus or every detail of the conquest narratives, but it does show that a people known as Israel were already recognized in Canaan by that time.
2. Shishak / Shoshenq connects Egyptian and biblical history
1 Kings and 2 Chronicles describe Shishak king of Egypt coming against Jerusalem during Rehoboam’s reign. Egyptian Pharaoh Shoshenq I is widely identified with biblical Shishak. His campaign is commemorated on the Bubastite Portal at Karnak, where a list of towns and regions in the southern Levant appears. The Egyptian record does not preserve Jerusalem’s name, so it should not be overstated, but it strongly fits the historical setting of the biblical account.
3. The Moabite Stone gives another nation’s view of Israel
The Mesha Stele, also called the Moabite Stone, is valuable because it is not an Israelite source. It presents King Mesha of Moab’s side of conflict with Israel. The inscription mentions Israel, Omri, Moab, Chemosh, and YHWH. It overlaps with the world of 2 Kings 3 while also showing that Israel’s neighbors had their own political and religious interpretations of events.
4. The Tel Dan Stele supports the “House of David”
Before the Tel Dan discovery, some scholars questioned whether David was a historical ruler or only a literary figure. The Tel Dan Stele does not prove every story about David, and it was written after David’s own lifetime. But its reference to the “House of David” is strong evidence that a Davidic dynasty was known in the region by the 9th century BC.
5. Assyrian records line up with Judah’s crisis under Hezekiah
The Bible describes the Assyrian threat against Judah during the reign of Hezekiah. Assyrian sources, especially Sennacherib’s Prism, name Hezekiah and describe the 701 BC campaign against Judah. The Lachish reliefs from Sennacherib’s palace show the Assyrian capture of Lachish in vivid detail. The Assyrian sources and biblical accounts differ in emphasis, but they agree that Judah was invaded and that Jerusalem was not described by Assyria as captured.
6. Babylonian sources support the exile setting
The Babylonian Chronicle describes Nebuchadnezzar’s 597 BC campaign against Jerusalem. Other Babylonian administrative texts mention Jehoiachin, the exiled king of Judah, receiving rations in Babylon. These do not prove every detail of Kings, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel, but they strongly support the historical setting of the Babylonian exile.
7. Cyrus fits the world of Ezra
The Cyrus Cylinder does not mention the Jews by name, so it should not be used as if it directly quotes Ezra. But it does show Cyrus presenting himself as a restorer of temples and displaced peoples after the conquest of Babylon. That broader imperial policy fits the setting of Ezra 1 and the return from exile.
What current research adds
One important recent development is the continued use of radiocarbon dating and microarchaeology in Jerusalem. A 2024 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences presented more than 100 radiocarbon dates from Iron Age Jerusalem. The study helps refine the city’s chronology, including the Babylonian destruction horizon, and provides a stronger scientific framework for discussing Jerusalem in the period of the kings of Judah.
This kind of research is helpful because it moves the discussion beyond slogans. It does not automatically prove every biblical claim, but it does give historians and Bible students better tools for understanding when and how Jerusalem developed as a major Judahite center.
New Testament historical evidence
8. Pontius Pilate was a real Roman official
The Gospels place the trial of Jesus under Pontius Pilate. The Pilate inscription from Caesarea confirms Pilate as a Roman official in Judea. This does not prove every detail of the trial narratives, but it confirms that the Gospel writers placed Jesus in a real administrative setting.
9. Caiaphas fits the priestly world of the Gospels
The Gospels name Caiaphas as the high priest involved in Jesus’ trial. The Israel Museum has exhibited an ossuary from a family burial cave bearing the name Joseph bar Caiaphas. Many scholars connect this with the high priest known from the New Testament, though the identification should still be described with care.
10. Gallio anchors Paul’s chronology in Acts
Acts 18 says Paul was brought before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia, in Corinth. The Gallio inscription from Delphi helps date Gallio’s office in the early 50s AD, making it one of the most important chronological anchors for Paul’s ministry.
11. Archaeology confirms New Testament places and customs
New Testament archaeology often confirms the physical setting rather than the miracle itself. For example, the Pool of Siloam is important for the world of John 9, and first-century Jewish ossuaries help explain burial customs in the time of Jesus. The remains of Yehohanan, a crucified man found in Jerusalem, give rare physical evidence for Roman crucifixion in the same broad historical setting as the Gospels.
12. Ancient non-Christian writers mention Jesus or early Christians
Tacitus mentions Christus and early Christians in connection with Nero’s Rome. Josephus also contains references to Jesus and James, although one passage about Jesus is famously debated because later Christian copying may have affected the wording. These sources are not Christian sermons; they are external literary witnesses that help show Christianity emerged in the historical world described by the New Testament.
The Dead Sea Scrolls and the preservation of Scripture
The Dead Sea Scrolls are not “proof” that every biblical event happened. Their value is different. They show that biblical texts were being copied, read, and preserved before and during the time of Jesus. The Great Isaiah Scroll and other manuscripts help scholars compare ancient Hebrew textual traditions with later manuscripts.
Important caution: Because the market for “biblical artifacts” has produced forgeries, provenanced artifacts and museum-held manuscripts matter. Real evidence is strongest when it comes from a controlled excavation, a documented museum collection, or careful scholarly study.
Connect the evidence
Put Egypt, Israel, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Rome, and the New Testament on one chart
The strongest Bible-history evidence makes more sense when you can see the empires and events in order. The Amazing Bible Timeline helps Bible readers connect Scripture with world history in a clear visual format.
A simple timeline of key evidence
- c. 1207 BC: Merneptah Stele Egypt names Israel in Canaan.
- 10th century BC: Shoshenq / Shishak campaign Egypt records a campaign in the southern Levant during the period associated with Rehoboam.
- 9th century BC: Mesha Stele and Tel Dan Stele Moab, Israel, Omri, and the House of David appear in external inscriptions.
- 8th century BC: Hezekiah, Sennacherib, Lachish, and Jerusalem’s water system Assyrian records, reliefs, seals, and Jerusalem archaeology illuminate the world of Judah.
- 6th century BC: Babylonian exile evidence Babylonian records support the capture of Jerusalem and the exile setting.
- After 539 BC: Cyrus and the Persian period Persian imperial policy fits the background of the return from exile.
- 3rd century BC–1st century AD: Dead Sea Scrolls Ancient biblical manuscripts show the transmission of Scripture before and around the time of Jesus.
- 1st century AD: Pilate, Caiaphas, Gallio, crucifixion, and early Christians Archaeology and ancient writers illuminate the world of Jesus and the apostles.
People also ask
Does archaeology prove the Bible?
Archaeology confirms many biblical people, places, events, and historical settings. It does not prove every spiritual claim, miracle, or theological interpretation. The best wording is that archaeology provides strong historical evidence for many parts of the Bible.
What is the strongest archaeological evidence for the Old Testament?
Some of the strongest examples are the Merneptah Stele, Tel Dan Stele, Mesha Stele, Sennacherib Prism, Lachish reliefs, Babylonian Chronicle, and Jehoiachin ration tablets. These connect directly with Israel, Judah, biblical kings, or events described in the Old Testament.
What is the oldest reference to Israel outside the Bible?
The Merneptah Stele is the earliest widely accepted clear reference to Israel outside the Bible. It places a people called Israel in Canaan by the late 13th century BC. Some scholars have proposed earlier possible references, but the Merneptah Stele remains the standard clear example.
Has archaeology proven King David existed?
The Tel Dan Stele does not give us a biography of David, but it does refer to the “House of David.” That is strong evidence that a Davidic dynasty was known in the region by the 9th century BC.
Is there archaeological proof of the Exodus?
The Exodus is more debated than later biblical periods. There is evidence for Semitic peoples in Egypt, Egyptian control in Canaan, and ancient slavery in Egypt, but there is no single agreed-upon archaeological artifact that proves the Exodus event in the way the Tel Dan Stele supports the House of David or the Pilate inscription supports Pontius Pilate.
Is there historical evidence that Jesus existed?
Yes. The New Testament is the primary source for Jesus, and non-Christian writers such as Tacitus and Josephus also provide external evidence. Archaeology also confirms the historical world of the Gospels, including figures such as Pontius Pilate and settings such as first-century Judea.
Does the Pilate Stone prove Jesus’ trial happened?
It proves Pontius Pilate was a real Roman official in Judea during the right period. It does not, by itself, prove every detail of Jesus’ trial. It does show that the Gospels place Jesus within a historically real Roman administration.
Do the Dead Sea Scrolls prove the Bible is unchanged?
The Dead Sea Scrolls show that biblical texts were copied and preserved long before many later manuscripts. They also show that there were textual variants in antiquity. Their importance is that they give scholars a much earlier window into the transmission of the Hebrew Bible.
Why do skeptics and believers interpret the same artifacts differently?
Artifacts usually answer limited historical questions. A seal can show that a king existed, but it does not settle every theological question about that king. Believers and skeptics may agree on the artifact but disagree about what it means for faith.
Should Christians be afraid of archaeology?
No. Archaeology often deepens our understanding of the Bible’s world. It also teaches humility, because some evidence is strong, some is partial, and some questions remain open.
What is the difference between historical evidence and faith?
Historical evidence can show that a person, place, or event fits the ancient world. Faith responds to the spiritual meaning of Scripture. The two can support each other, but they are not the same kind of claim.
What is the best way to study biblical history?
Read the Bible carefully, compare it with reliable historical sources, learn the timeline of major empires, and avoid overstating claims. A visual timeline can help you see how biblical events fit into the larger ancient world.
Go deeper
See more than 6,000 years of Bible and world history together
The Amazing Bible Timeline is designed for Bible readers, homeschoolers, churches, teachers, and families who want a clearer picture of how biblical events fit with world history. It helps turn scattered names and dates into a connected story.
Sources and further reading
- Museum of the Bible: The Merneptah Stele — overview of the Egyptian inscription and early reference to Israel.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Sheshonk I — Sheshonk/Shishak and the Karnak reliefs.
- Digital Karnak: Bubastite Portal — Shoshenq I’s victory reliefs and name rings.
- Louvre Collections: Stèle de Mesha — museum record for the Mesha Stele.
- World History Encyclopedia: Moabite Stone / Mesha Stele — background on Mesha, Moab, Omri, and Israel.
- The Jewish Museum: Tel Dan Stele — “House of David” inscription background.
- Museum of the Bible: Tel Dan Stele exhibit — limited display and historical summary.
- Jewish Virtual Library: King Hezekiah Royal Seal — overview of the Hezekiah bulla discovery.
- British Museum: The Taylor Prism / Sennacherib Prism — object record mentioning tribute from Hezekiah, king of Judah.
- The Israel Museum: The Assyrian Campaign in Judah as told in the Sennacherib Prism — 701 BC Judah campaign context.
- British Museum: Lachish relief panel — Sennacherib watching the capture of Lachish.
- Bible Odyssey: The Siloam Inscription and Hezekiah’s Tunnel — inscription and water tunnel context.
- Biblical Archaeology Society: Hezekiah’s Tunnel Reexamined — discussion of dating and interpretation.
- PNAS / PubMed: Radiocarbon chronology of Iron Age Jerusalem — 2024 radiocarbon study of Iron Age Jerusalem.
- British Museum: Babylonian Chronicle — Nebuchadnezzar’s 597 BC campaign against Jerusalem.
- Bible Archaeology Report: Three Babylonian Inscriptions About the Exile — summary of Jehoiachin ration tablets and exile evidence.
- British Museum: The Cyrus Cylinder — Cyrus’s restoration policy and Babylonian context.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia — Cyrus Cylinder exhibition overview.
- The Israel Museum: The Digital Dead Sea Scrolls — Shrine of the Book and ancient biblical manuscripts.
- Bible History: Pilate Inscription — summary of the Caesarea inscription naming Pontius Pilate.
- The Israel Museum: Ossuary of Caiaphas — The High Priest — museum exhibition record.
- Bible Odyssey: Erastus, Gallio, and Paul — Gallio inscription and Acts 18 context.
- Biblical Archaeology Society: A Tomb in Jerusalem Reveals the History of Crucifixion — Yehohanan and Roman crucifixion evidence.
- Posen Library: Tacitus, Annals 15.44 — Tacitus on Christus and early Christians.
- Oxford Academic: Josephus, James the Brother of Jesus, Antiquities 20.200 — discussion of Josephus’s reference to James and Jesus.
- Wikimedia Commons: Merenptah Stele image — photo by Alyssa Bivins, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Thanks for the information. May we get more proof so that Bible can now be preached with scientific proofs.
I have always heard, if you don’t have secular proof of a biblical account, just wait. Archaeologists are finding new things every day.
Do you ask for all this proof when referring to the books that teach you in school? Do you scrutinize that history as much as the Bible? Maybe not you … but whoever is questioning it? The Bible has 16,000 documents spanning decades found in different places …. and the corroborate the others stories … that is hard evidence.
History books in school do not contain miracles or events that are contrary to scientific discoveries. It’s the job of a historian to figure out what is the most likely event to have occurred for a given piece of history. Miracles, by their own definition, are not likely events to take place. Therefore, you may have 16,000 documents spanning decades, but this in no way makes the narratives a literal history.
“History books in school do not contain miracles or events that are contrary to scientific discoveries.”
Of course they do. To read history in a school book, one in which the trillions of intricacies of nature, the human body (any living organic thing for that matter) came about by only time and happenstance would have to be the most outrageous miracle/fairy tales of all.
Some of the links bring up blank pages. I’m finding this is happening with MUCH of the links to proof of Biblical finds. Is this our govt trying to cover it up? If not, why only those links? Please let me know if it might just be a glitch? I would love to see some of the original studies. Thank you!
I will update the links. Thanks for pointing that out.
Thank you Amazing Bible.
There is proof that what the Bible says is truth, and that what Jesus did is properly documented.
I love the stories of scientists and archaeologists who have become believers by the preponderance of evidence found in extensive research of Gods Holy Book.
We agree John. Thank you for your comment
How much is the Bible and how can you order it
Hello Betty, I’m sure any Christian church near you would be glad to give you a Bible. Did you ever end up finding one?
There is a Wiki page entitled ‘Josephus on Jesus’ which makes interesting reading.
Thank you so much. Now I finally know exactly what to say when someone questions my faith!
As nothing was brought forward in his defence, he was hanged on Passover Eve.”
does it mean crucified ? .
my english is not good yet
This account does indeed say Hanged and your English is good since you’ve already noticed the difference. Obviously even in this day and age misinformation is a problem. As this article states the bible is more historically accurate than historians and unbelievers throughout history are willing to admit. For that reason id simply gloss over the word and replace it with crucified in my mind as that is the biblical account and word of god.
In summary it does not mean crucified.
Hanging being a different type of death but not the one suffered by Christ.
Many translations conclude he was “hanged” (“hung” isnt used in english for executions) on a cross. Crucifixion comes from latin, while the new testament (and probably that Rabbi referring to Jesus) is primarily written in ancient greek which didn’t have this word. We only know it was crucifixion specifically because of the description, but I would say that “hanged” at the time would be commonly used to describe it in hebrew or greek as they do indeed hang him on a cross.
Jesus was hung on the cross by nails. Maybe that’s what it means. I don’t know if they hung people in Jesus day. I think they chopped head off or crucified people like Jesus.
Sometimes hanging on the cross means that the victims were put on the cross and they’d be tied by leather straps around the wrists….so they wouldn’t die quickly but a slow agonising death!! Crucifing by nails was also used maybe to quicken the procedure!! As is said above it was passover and they wanted to get it over and done!!
AS FOR GREEK…..THE ANCIENT GREEK LANGUAGE HAD A MEANING FOR EVERYTHING!! THE ANCIENT GREEK LANGUAGE COULD/CAN DEFINE MATHEMATICS AND MUSIC!!!
The Anglo-Saxons who translated from Greek had no “”word”” or “”words”” to explain what Ancient Greeks meant!!
One more thing people or religious sects that translated the bible…..translated it in order to suit their agendas, political and religious views!! I DON’T believe that it is actual in meaning as it was 2000 years ago!!!
Jesus lived in the first century.
Christianity was created in the 1st century.
The Talmud speaks of a Jesus who was hanged, not crucified.
The Talmud was written in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th centuries, so whoever that Jesus was, wasn’t the Jesus of Nazirith.
Did you look at the rest of that Talmud? It states that “Yeshu had five disciples, Matthai, Nakai, Netzer, Buni and Todah”. Where are those 5 disciples in your bible?
The old Testament stuff was good though 🙂
these 2 men may not be the same seperated by 100 years. i am a quad with use of 1 stylist to type so forgive my brievity. can’t research easlie. i read once being suspended in crucifixion causes the body to hang in such a way as to restrict breathing. sound similar?
Lets not forget that crucifixion in english came from a latin word, and most translations/documents from that error were rather written in ancient greek, not latin. The biblical description is “hanged” on a cross. Hanged.
“Hanged” on a cross. Crucifixion is english, derived from latin not used at the time. These documents were all written in greek.
pure fiction
Yeah – archeology is “pure fiction” – said no serious person…..ever. SMH
I see hung as crucified. Like hanging a picture on a wall. Hung on the cross. Not hung like Judas hung himself. The disciples of Jesus had other names given. Simon Called Peter and Bartholomew Nathaniel or Mathais who replaced Judas. We are asked to search the scriptures and pray. Seek and find. Ask and it will be given. God will provide what we need when He is ready to reveal it to us. I found this info as well below. Best in everyone’s studies and personal relationship with God.
“According to the Sanhedrin passage, Nakai is said to mean “innocent”; Netzer means “an abhorred offshoot”; Buni is a distortion of Beni, “my son”; and Todah means “thanksgiving.”
“A biblical verse is then cited in order to prove that these men were all worthy of execution—along with Yeshua. There is no NT record of Yeshua’s disciples being executed by the Sanhedrin, except for Stephen (Acts 7). Church history contains various legends how the original Twelve Apostles were imprisoned or executed.”
Good evidence is not required for someone who merely utilizes faith as a path to truth. In fact, faith, which is believing something to be truth, in spite of the lack of evidence, is celebrated in the New Testament. If someone chooses to believe that the story, “The Amazing Spider-Man” is true, because this creation myth of a superhuman takes place in a factually provable New York City with provable Skyscrapers from which the superhero could have suspended himself, that is allowed to be believed, of course, and that belief can also be ridiculed, as it is ridiculous. Some people have claimed to have seen the web slinger over the years (eye witness testimonials are typically dreams, hallucinations, incorrect conclusions of what is actually perceived, etc.) , and believers will site these eye witness claims as further proof of Spider-Man’s existence. Even if there is a guy wearing a Spider-Man outfit in Times Square today, and there is (He is often next to Batman, and you can have your picture taken with them.) this is not evidence that he has any superhuman power, as he never demonstrates it. Now let’s pretend that New York City never existed. Shouldn’t people, who believe that an amazing, superhuman Spider-Man exists, question their faith, as the city in which the story is based, never existed?
Even if the Egyptians did have slaves make their pyramids, this does not demonstrate that a guy named Moses lived, parted the Red Sea, led a mass exodus, etc. However, if it could be proven that Egyptians never had slaves build the pyramids, then the foundation of the Exodus story is complete fabrication, and that should cause believers in that tale to question the rest of the story too.
After Israel defeated the Arabs, and from Egypt, annexed the Peninsula where the former Hebrew “slaves” allegedly wandered for 40 years, Israeli scientist got their chance to find proof of these wanderings. To their chagrin, the archaeological evidence proved that the Hebrews never wandered the Peninsula, and much evidence from Egyptologists confirms that slaves were not used to build pyramids. Of course, people of “faith” are stubborn and will say that the scientists are merely human and wrong in their findings, as these scientific proofs conflict with a story in their holy book. At the same time, these certain people of faith never are skeptical about the greater possibility of human error of the human authors of their beloved stories, written long before scientific method, which is the best methodology that we currently have of determining truth. Faith is currently the worst method that we possess for determining truth, as any ridiculous concept or position can be believed, simply on faith.
You’ve obviously spent much time in comic books. How much time have you spent in the Bible?
I agree. How about the Ark found on Mount Arafat as described in the Bible? And astrologers have found the “lost day” when the Hebrew marched around Jericho and the sun stopped moving..?
Try reading up on advances in the realm of theoretical physics. There you will see that all knowledge relies, in essence, on faith.
When did Spiderman and batman die and rise from the dead to inspire a group of cowards to go die as loving martyrs and start a worldwide faith? The bible was written long before any “scientists” and so called archeologist wrote they just so stories to establish their ideas. It is just that, storytelling. We cannot go back in time and establish EXACT events, timelines, dating, etc. Trust me I have studied this stuff for over 25 years. 90% of what you hear regarding historical science is storytelling at best. Go read any dinosaur find. “Perhaps this creature was drinking beside a still calm pond”, “Lightning storms raged over the plains, the herd of blahblah rushed to the highlands to prevent drowing in a “new sea” forming..” Its STORYTELLING. The worst thing is this sort of storytelling HAS NO EYE WITNESSES! The bible is written by real people who saw and experienced such events. Does it require faith? Yes, just like the just so stories and long ages. However I believe you can establish a collaborative case by looking at as much evidence as you can stomach. The bible will ALWAYS come out on top. Look at nature, the heavens, space and time… Order, complexity, information… all of it cries out that there is a God who designed and created our universe. Don’t stay in the dark too long, you may get eaten.
Well Joseph, your story telling will not get you into heaven, whereas the essence of Truth over fiction, lies, and deceit will direct you to the one true God.
It is better that you spend your time earnestly seeking the truth over fiction. That will get you to the real truth.
He who holds all things together is the only one Who can direct your path.
Anyone who seriously tried to disprove Jesus by doing research into the matter ended up giving their lives to Jesus.
He is alive, and knows everything about us down even to our thoughts and motives.
I know, because I found the Fountain of Life.
You GO, Joseph Cayouette. I agree!
Too many words. Sounds like you are trying to convince yoyrself if something, maybe.
FAITH in a spiritual sense does NOT mean “believing when there is a lack of or no evidence. That is a modern interpretation of the word “faith” that was given by Richard Dawkins and made WITH the benefit of knowledge of the scientific method. In a spiritual sense, FAITH means TRUST. To have faith in God is to trust God. Like a husband has FAITH that his loving wife will act in his best interests and vice versa. He has no PROOF she will, but in their mutual love and affection he TRUSTS she will act in his best interests. We all had FAITH that our parents would protect us as children. This is specifically what makes it so damaging and scarring when certain parents fail to act in their childrens’ defense. Plus we all need to have faith that there is a point to our human existence and a meaning that is bigger than ourselves. Whether that be Christ or God or even some abstract value like truth, justice, or pursuit of happiness. We do not have any objective proof that any of these things exist beyond our conceptual framework, but we all have faith that these things are good and true. The entire US Justice System is underpinned by our collective faith in justice and truth, and relies on our faith that these values are worthy of preservation. Besides, when you are not weaving TL:DR comments ridiculing believers, I’m sure you have plenty of faith. You have faith that the sun will rise tomorrow, faith that you exist and have a conscious subjectively experienced mind, and faith that the laws of physics will still apply tomorrow. We cannot objectively PROVE any of these things since they require unattainable knowledge, but it is still perfectly rational and logical to believe all of those things and to TRUST that they are true. Foolishly re-defining faith to mean “blind faith” is a strawman attack, and a poor one at that.
Hebrews 1:1 states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This passage emphasizes faith is believing in something even when you cannot physically see or touch it.
I purchased your Bible Timeline several years ago and still find it “amazing”.
I would love to have a one year overview of the whole timeline for children….textbook/storybook to be used to introduce Elementary age children to our history including all nations and people groups and where they fit together.
Any suggestions?
Me too! I have wanted one, but never found it in my price range. I am still looking for a child’s timeline, like you are.
Why is there no mention of one of the few Pharoahs to be mentioned by name? Tirhakah/Taharqa whose remains are at the largest pyramid in Sudan (Meroe/Ancient Nubia). Taharqa’s army battled the Assyrians and sent them packing thus saving the Hebrews from annihilation…Most people don’t talk about the Nubian Kings of the 25th dynasty (720- 630BC) due to our modern racism/bigotry even among the faith community but Taharqas legacy is part of Biblical and Ancient Egyptian history…his story is mentioned in Isaiah and Kings in the OT
Thanks for the page. It makes interesting reading.
There are two points I will make, though:
1. The link to the Smithsonian letter you provide, while it does mention the words “Much of the Bible, in particular the historical books of the old testament, are as accurate historical documents as any that we have from antiquity…”, that very same letter also has the sentence:
“In the best analysis, the Bible is a religious book, not an historical document”.
In light of this, any excitement gained from the first sentence quoted should be tempered by the second sentence quoted.
2. The mention of Jesus in Sanhedrin 43a is clearly not referring to the Jesus of the gospels, for a number of reasons.
The judgement on Jesus was pronounced very quickly – no opportunity was given 40 days ahead to look for defenders.
Nowehere in the gospels does it mention about Jesus leading Israel astray with apostasy.
In John, Jesus was hung on Passover Eve, but in the rest of the gospels, Jesus has the Passover meal.
Otherwise, even though I am an atheist, I do find the Bible as a whole to be an interesting snapshot of the beliefs and history of the times.
Stay safe and healthy,
Damien
It never ceases to amaze me why people call themselves atheists when they know very well something is missing in their lives. Until one chooses to believe in Jesus Christ, he or she just keeps on searching and searching for life’s purpose. Those of us who find it in God just keep on wanting to share the gift of life He gives. Years ago, I was talking with an unbeliever about spiritual truths that he vehemently rejected. Another unbeliever was eavesdropping on our conversation. “May I,” she interrupted, “say something about what I am hearing. I have have been listening to both of you for a long time, and there is a question I must asked. “Bobby, if you are right and she is wrong, what does she have to lose? When she dies, life will just end, and that will be it. You must agree she is very happy and contented with the life she is living so there has to be something good about her faith. Suppose, however, she is the one who is right and you are wrong; what awaits her when there is no more life. Furthermore, what’s going to happen to you when you die? Although I am not a Christian, if she is right about what she is saying, I believe I would rather be in her shoes than in mine or yours. At least she has hope for the future. You nor I have any hope, not now or after death. If she’s right, we have nothing but God’s judgement in our future.” The young student responded to her question by bowing his head.
I have often heard that it takes more faith to believe in evolution than it does to believe in God. If people would only take Him at his word, “If you seek me, you will find me when you have searched for me with all of your heart.” Your heart, dear friend, is the seat of your affections. Trust Him. His grace is sufficient.
I won’t be quite as nice as the other person in their response to you. What I don’t understand is… why do unbelievers seek out groups or pages/websites, articles.. etc.. that clearly are for Christians. If you’re an atheist or satanist.. or whatever… go to an atheist page! If I don’t enjoy cooking.. I don’t go to a cooking page, if I don’t enjoy gardening.. I don’t seek out gardening pages! Go to your page…. Do not come to our pages looking to spew your hate or spread your disbelief or negativity where it belongs.. and I know I’m not acting Christian like… but this is not the first comment I’m reading by an atheist.. so I’m a little outdone… I’ll pray for you, and while I’m at it.. I’ll pray for me too! But God does tell us not to cast our pearls upon swine! And to stomp the dust from our feet!
It’s a free country and free Internet. Aethiests are not satanists you dimwit. I find it hard to believe you are a Christian with how you respond to non believers. They have a right to share their views and if you can’t take it so what. Believe what you want, don’t be a dick
You are right in that Christians should always be gracious. This is not always easy when under attack, but we are to try our hardest. You did mention our freedoms, but I would point out just how much freedoms we are loosing in American. As we rapidly push God out of our society we are witnessing a huge increase in suicides, drug & alcohol abuse, sex trafficking, abortions, violent crime, and ballooning of our welfare system due to rapidly growing dysfunctional families. Because God and His loving values for our lives is shunned we are left with trying to fix all these issues with money, policies & rules. We are forcibly taxed to pay for all of this expense, we are being told what we can and cannot say, as crime rises we are affected by increased costs of doing business, credit interest rates, we are at a growing risk of being directly impacted by crime, many are proposing to take away our right to own guns in an effort to control the violence instead of attacking the true source, because we no longer can be trusted to do the right thing tons of regulations are created each year to try and control our growing sinful nature. AIDS is a perfect example of what happens when man does whatever “feels good” instead of God’s way. 32 million people worldwide have died since HIV began.
In light of all these responses, it’s sad to see the damage that fallen angels have done. It’s a complete mess…. Christians who want to love God so bad and don’t know how because we are literally born in sin… “meaning, “ the damage is already done before you were born. Christians calling Yashua, jesus when their is no such thing as that name. For the Messiah says he comes in his father’s name (YHWH) = Ya-shua as in YH-WH. God says no one can cometh onto me but through my son. However you plan to fit that bogus name into Gods name is utterly impossible. You can use all the names that are referred to YHWH. It will never fit. Plus, Christians celebrating pagan holidays is a true slap in the face. Church on Sunday when the Sabbath is Saturday.
As for the so called atheist, I appreciate you…. you claiming someone else’s faith in Spider-Man is biblical prophecy … “and they shall run to fables.” That is in revelation. After all, what would the world be without naysayers, gentiles, false prophets and idolaters? From dark comes light. If want to want to follow Baal, follow Baal. If you want to follow God, follow God. So, in essence, you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing. Keep up the good work.
Also, to the one mentioning seek and ye shall find, I believe you should practice what you preach. Apparently you haven’t been seeking. If you had, you would not be calling the Messiah in that bogus name. His name is a Hebrew name… as a matter of fact, you actually fall in the line when Messiah says,” many will say lord, lord to me and I will say part from me, for I never knew you.” I won’t write it here, however, all of you should look up what the name jesus actually applies to and where it came from. Seek and ye shall find.
P.s.
I apologize if I come off as abrasive. I only wish to spread truth. I am working on learning how to express myself in a positive manner so that I don’t attack one’s wellbeing, for I am not perfect. Please, forgive me.
She never said Atheists are Satanists, So how’s the dimwit now. She also said it’s wasn’t Christian like to be saying it. Yes, we do have freedom of speech in the U.S.A. In the long haul, all the nonbelievers will have their day of Judgement.
Hi Damien. I am sorry if you were mistreated by certain people here. There are folks who become very agitated and insecure when their beliefs are shaken or questioned and that causes them to resort to anger or some other form of agitated rhetoric/argument. Personally, I DO believe in a God and I can defend my beliefs ably. But I also wholly respect that you are entitled to your own beliefs as well and I personally feel that if you can add to the discourse, I personally welcome that. If you say that there is a good reason to suspect the Talmud does NOT mention the NT Jesus, I want to know because that enriches my database of knowledge. We cannot be prejudiced against good information just because it does not support our argument. The search for Truth is very important. I do not want to believe a lie! So thank you.
I do pray that you find God someday, not to be preachy or pushy, but only because it does provide a level of peace and mental clarity for me and I wish those things for you as well. God will come to each person as He sees fit. Although I can say for certain that any atheist who is attacked and slandered by a Christian CERTAINLY will go away with a worse impression of the Faith. So I apologize and wish you well.
As Christians and Believers we should treat atheists, agnostics, and adherants of Islam/Hinduism/etc.. with love and kindness. First, because you can “attract more flies with honey than with vinegar”, but more importantly because it was commanded: “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matt 25:40
This is one of the most level headed responses I have seen on this post. Thank you
Personally I don’t believe, but happened upon this post as I am fascinated by the religious texts of abrahamic religions and the stories that have so much in common; as they say there’s no smoke without fire, so I like learning about what historical/archeological truths can be found in the stories.
Many texts that are passed down and rewritten over the centuries(millennia) are obviously going to be changed particularly when translated from one language to another. I like to investigate what could be true and what may be embellished by the authors of the compendium that is the Bible.
Thanks for reading the post and your open, honest response to it. I appreciate the respect with which you wrote, rather than ridicule despite believing differently.
Loved the content but you could post more examples to help me and others understand more clearly. But other than that I think you did a really good job.
I vote 4 and a half stars.
God’s plan was to create eternal beings with free will. The problem to solve is “how will there be justice?” The Bible melds history, prophesy, miracles, human authors and thousands of years to prove that God, by His very nature, is worthy of being the ultimate judge. Hell is living with the knowledge that WE rejected His GRACE! No human could dream up that story let alone tell it in that fashion!
Hi Margaret, I really enjoy your deep dives and how you really get down to the details. I don’t believe that archaeology is fiction and they really are clues to our past. To deny it is a shame. God bless you!