Culture

Broaden your understanding of the text by learning what the world was like when the text was written.

  1. “Be Salt”

    “Be Salt”

    Salt was very valuable during Jesus' day. It aided in the preservation of meat and enhanced the taste... Read More

  2. “Go Into All the World”

    “Go Into All the World”

      Jesus commanded his followers to "go into all the world and preach the good news to all... Read More

  3. A Galilean Boat

    A Galilean Boat

    A Galilean Boat This replica has been constructed based on the remains of a first-century boat found recently... Read More

  4. A Study in Contrasts

    A Study in Contrasts

    Hellenism, the dominant worldview in the first century, stands in stark contrast to the truths of God found... Read More

  5. Agriculture

    Agriculture

    Some areas of Israel are well suited for agricutlure. The climate of Galilee, for example, is quite tropical,... Read More

  6. Ancient Anchors

    Ancient Anchors

    Ancient Anchors These stone anchors were found in one of the ancient harbors in the area of Galilee.... Read More

  7. Animal Husbandry

    Animal Husbandry

    While some areas of Israel were suitable for farming, other regions were better suited to raise sheep and... Read More

  8. Assyrian Conquests

    Assyrian Conquests

    Assyrian Conquests During the 700s BC, the Assyrian empire made many conquests in the land of Israel. Because... Read More

  9. Basalt Crusher

    Basalt Crusher

    This crusher is found at Capernaum, Jesus' home-base (Matthew 4:13), near the synagogue. The local basalt "a hard,... Read More

  10. Biblical Covenants

    Biblical Covenants

    Biblical Covenants Similar to a business agreement or contract made today, in the ancient Near East, there was... Read More

  11. Biblical Names

    Biblical Names

    In biblical times, a good name meant more than a good reputation. People understood that a name expressed... Read More

  12. Burial Practices

    Burial Practices

    Burial Practices The Body According to Jewish interpretation of the Old Testament Law, burial had to occur within... Read More

  13. Casting the Net

    Casting the Net

    Casting the Net   This modern-day fisherman demonstrates how to use a cast net, one type of net... Read More

  14. City Daughters

    City Daughters

    City Daughters A city king's influence often extended beyond the city walls. Major cities, such as Gezer, had... Read More

  15. City Gates

    City Gates

      City gates played a significant role in ancient life. Because openings in city walls created a weak... Read More

  16. City Gates in the Bible

    City Gates in the Bible

    City Gates in the Bible Since gates were the center of city life, it is not surprising that... Read More

  17. City Kings

    City Kings

    The American concept of a king is usually negative. The Revolutionary War experience prompted most Americans to view... Read More

  18. City Life

    City Life

    Most cities from the biblical period were fairly small, and people lived in closely knit, well-defined communities. Jerusalem... Read More

  19. Cliff at the Garden Tomb

    Cliff at the Garden Tomb

    Cliff at the Garden Tomb This cliff face is located just outside the garden tomb. It was originally... Read More

  20. Commerce

    Commerce

      Commerce was an important part of ancient life, allowing people from various regions to trade with each... Read More