History and Culture of the Bible

Question:

How can I gain a better understanding of the history and culture of the Bible?

Answer:

Here are a few suggestions on better understanding the history and culture of the biblical texts.

1. The classical book on this topic is Alfred Edersheim's "The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah." (1883) Edersheim was a Jewish convert to Christianity and his insights are amazing. A big book and not an easy read, but a great resource.

2. Here is a fun read, a historical novel entitled "The Flames of Rome" by Paul L. Maier. It is a real page turner, but in the process you learn an incredible amount about the first century church. Maier also has a book about Pontius Pilate that I plan on reading.

3. If you want to delve into a more ancient resource, Flavius Josephus' Antiquities of the Jews will tell you numerous extrabiblical stories about the Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes who were the major Jewish groups of Jesus' day. You will also learn about the intertestamental period, those years between Malachi and Matthew during which Alexander the Great conquered the world. The story of Hannukah is told here. Not easy reading, but an amazing resource.

4. Let me put the cookies on a lower shelf. I gain great insight by reading the commentaries of David Guzik of Calvary Chapel. They are available online http://www.enduringword.com/library_commentaries.htm Guzik has written a commentary on most of the biblical books and often shares historical and cultural insights. Best of all, it's free!

5. If you want another easy way to gain a better understanding of the first century Roman world, rent the BBC series "I Claudius" which tells the story of the Roman Emperors. It is based upon the accounts of the ancient Roman historian Suetonius. However, it is a fun series to watch, and a real education.