Work and vocation, as instituted by God, are good. Scripture opens with God at work, creating the entire world and giving man and woman their first occupations: farming and homemaking. He set them to care for the earth, work for their own living, and make or grow what they needed. And although ancient Israel alwaysContinueContinue reading “Bible Occupations: Home and Field”
Tag Archives: life in bible times
Pontius Pilate: A Character Sketch
Although his date of birth is unknown, Pontius Pilate was born Marcus Pontius Pilates to the Pontii clan in central Italy. He was the prefect or governor of Judea during the reign of the Emperor Tiberius. We know little more than that. But much of what we do know comes from the Bible, which portraysContinueContinue reading “Pontius Pilate: A Character Sketch”
A Shepherd’s Life in Bible Times
Shepherding is one of the oldest human occupations, second only to gardening and farming. It played a crucial role in biblical times. Sheep were central to the economy and religious life of Israel. And the contribution shepherds made, though invaluable, was often overlooked or undervalued. Abel was the first in the Bible to keep sheep.ContinueContinue reading “A Shepherd’s Life in Bible Times”
The Role of Women in Bible Times
In most ancient cultures women were accorded a low status in society, sometimes even lower than animals. Even the great Greek philosophers, with their vast culture, considered them inherently inferior creatures. Aristotle once said, “Woman may be said to be an inferior to man.” Jewish Scriptures elevated woman’s status. But the Hebrew Scriptures valued womenContinueContinue reading “The Role of Women in Bible Times”
Galilee in the Time of Christ
Galilee, a name well-known and much loved by many around the world. But in Christ’s time, the rabbis and religious leaders looked on Galilee with disdain. They viewed Judea proper, with its traditional lore and academic excellence, as far superior. The Galileans, they felt, were nothing but hot-headed country bumpkins. Israel’s northernmost region This nothernmost region of IsraelContinueContinue reading “Galilee in the Time of Christ”
The Importance of Fishing in Bible Times
Fishing and fishermen form an important element in the New Testament narrative. Most of Christ’s earthly ministry centered around the Sea of Galilee. It is where he imparted most of his parables and performed all of his miracles, and 4 of the 12 apostles were fishermen. Old Testament fishing Bible scholars believe, however, that fewContinueContinue reading “The Importance of Fishing in Bible Times”