Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 10 – The Ketef Hinnom Scrolls

In 1979, archaeologists uncovered two tiny rolled silver scrolls in a tomb from the First Temple period at Ketef Hinnom, just outside Jerusalem’s Old City. Dating to around 600 B.C., these are the oldest known surviving texts of a Bible passage.

Written in Paleo-Hebrew script, each scroll contains quotations that parallel with astonishing accuracy Numbers 6:24-26, the priestly blessing, which reads in the NKJV:

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”

These inscriptions predate the Dead Sea Scrolls by centuries, confirming that this text was already in use in Israel before the Babylonian exile. They provide strong archaeological evidence for the early transmission and preservation of the text of the Bible.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 9 – The Erastus Inscription at Corinth

The Erastus inscription is a first-century Latin pavement engraving discovered in Corinth in Greece in 1929 during excavations by the American School of Classical Studies.

It was found in a paved square near the theater, with the Latin words carved directly into the stone pavement. The style of lettering and archaeological context date it to the mid-1st century AD, aligning with the time when Paul wrote his letters from Corinth.

It reads: “Erastus, in return for his aedileship, laid (this pavement) at his own expense.”

This matches Paul’s mention of “Erastus, the treasurer of the city” in Romans 16:23 (NKJV). In Roman municipal life, an aedile was a civic official responsible for public works and finances — a role consistent with Paul’s description.

The stone strengthens the historical reliability of the New Testament by tying a named individual in Scripture to a real, archaeologically verified public official in the same city and period.

It’s a tangible reminder that the people Paul worked with were part of the real social and political life of their cities, and that the message of the Bible is grounded in real history – not fiction.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 8 – The Synagogue of Capernaum

Synagogues from the time of Jesus have been uncovered by archaeological excavations, including remnants of an ancient one in Capernaum. These were central places of worship and learning for the Jewish people.

Excavations in Capernaum have revealed that beneath the remains of a later synagogue are the lower sections of an earlier one. Humble basalt stones used for the foundation of the earlier assembly place have been dated to the early first century A.D., which aligns with the inspired accounts of Jesus teaching and healing in this very place.

Mark reports Jesus’ activity there: “Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught” (Mark 1:21 NKJV; see also Luke 4:31–33).

These discoveries confirm the New Testament picture and remind us that Christ’s message was heard in everyday settings, among real people, and that His mission was ultimately to bring spiritual healing.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 7 – The Ruins of Bethsaida

During the last thirty years, archaeologists have made some remarkable discoveries at Bethsaida, the ancient fishing village near the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. These discoveries show that Bethsaida was a thriving village and help us understand the history of the New Testament better. They’ve found Roman-era buildings, fishing tools, pottery and “Herodian lamps” that were only made in Jerusalem prior to A.D. 70. This matches what the accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John tell us about Bethsaida being the hometown of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1:44), and a place of important events in Jesus’ ministry, like healing a blind man (Mark 8:22-26) and the area where He fed the 5,000 (John 6:1-14).

The discoveries in the area of ancient Bethsaida give us a clearer picture of the real world of first-century Palestine and help us visualize the very places where Jesus and His apostles walked, taught, and healed.

Some of Jesus’ harshest words were aimed at this city, because the people failed to recognize the magnitude of what was happening there at the time: “Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you'” (Matthew 11:21-23 NKJV). This suggests that greater opportunity brings with it a higher level of accountability, and calls us to be more attentive to the evidence that is available to us today.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 6 – The Ossuary of Caiaphas

In 1990, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery in a burial cave south of Jerusalem – an ornate limestone box, or ossuary, inscribed in Aramaic: “Joseph son of Caiaphas.” This Joseph is believed to be the high priest who presided over Jesus’ trial, as referenced in John 18:13-14 (NKJV): “Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.”

This ossuary provides a tangible connection to a pivotal figure in biblical history. It also offers us a striking contrast: the earthly high priest, Caiaphas; and the “great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God” (Heb. 4:14).

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 4 – Jericho’s Fallen Walls

The story of the fall of Jericho in Joshua 6 is one of the most well-known accounts in the Bible. It provides a remarkable example God’s power and grace; and the faith and obedience to God’s plan that He expects of us in response.

The event has also been a focal point for critics questioning the historical accuracy of Scripture. Yet, archaeological evidence continues to affirm the biblical narrative.

In the 1930s and again in the 1950s, excavations in Jericho resulted in remarkable findings. Archaeologists uncovered walls that appeared to have collapsed suddenly, an event consistent with the biblical account of Joshua’s conquest. Layers of burnt debris were discovered, suggesting a swift and destructive event that matches the account in the book of Joshua.

The Bible records: “So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened… that the wall fell down flat” (Joshua 6:20 NKJV). The NT reaffirms: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days” (Heb. 11:30).

While there is ongoing scholarly debate over the precise dating of these events, the physical evidence strongly supports the biblical story.

Archaeology does not establish faith, but such discoveries can bolster the confidence of believers, confirming that the ancient text aligns with the findings of modern research.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 3 – The “House of David” Inscription at Tel Dan

For decades, skeptics questioned the existence of David, comparing him to legendary figures like King Arthur. But that all changed in the 1990s.

In 1993, archaeologists found a broken stone inscription at Tel Dan in northern Israel. It specifically referred to events involving a ruler from the “House of David.” This was thought to be the first extra-biblical mention of King David, and was written just a few generations after his life.

The Bible clearly describes David’s reign: “And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16 NKJV). Jesus was recognized as the promised Messiah, a descendant of David (see Matt. 1:17; Luke 1:32; John 7:42; Acts 13:22-23; Rom. 1:3).

The Tel Dan Stele confirms that David was real, his dynasty was real, and that the biblical account is based on history. It gives us confidence in what the Bible says – not just spiritually, but also historically.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Archaeological Discoveries That Strengthen Our Faith

Some people think of archaeology as dry science or distant history, but it can actually serve as a strong source of encouragement for those who follow the Bible. While our faith is built on God’s Word (see Romans 10:17) and not on stones or scrolls, the discoveries made by archaeologists in deserts and ruins can powerfully confirm the Bible’s reliability and historical accuracy.

Peter reminds us, “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Peter 1:16 NKJV).

Christianity is rooted in real events, real people, and real places. Archaeology doesn’t replace faith – it reinforces it, echoing the truth we already trust.

In his book Rivers in the Desert: A History of the Negev, Nelson Glueck observed: “It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible.”

In this blog series, we’ll revisit some of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the last 100 years. Each one sheds light on a biblical account or personality and confirms what Christians have known to be true all along.

Ancient Nineveh and the Assyrians

The ancient city of Nineveh played a key role in several Old Testament story lines. The prophet Jonah was sent there. Its armies invaded the Promised Land in 2 Kings. Nahum prophesied its demise. In this piece by Gordon Franz on Nahum, Nineveh and Those Nasty Assyrians, at BibleArchaeology.com, Franz provides an extensive background to the Old Testament accounts, focusing on passages in Nahum.

The Associates for Bible Research produce biblearchaelogy.com. for the purpose of “demonstrating the historical reliability of the Bible through archaeological investigation and related apologetic investigation.”

Ancient Corinth in photos

BiblePlaces.com has photos showing notable sites from ancient Corinth, including a panoramic view of the Peloponnese peninsula ; the now-silted harbor; and the Diolkos (a stone track upon which ships were lugged from one sea to another before the completion of the canal).

Acts 18:18 records Paul’s activities at one of Corinth’s ports: “And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.”