Go on a journey to some of the most significant New Testament archaeological sites as you learn about the historical and biblical context of Jesus’ ministry. Discover how the Qumran Dead Sea Scrolls reveal how deeply rooted in the Old Testament the early Christian movement was, and hear how these texts have been preserved for future generations. You’ll gain insight into the Qumran community as Dr. Perrin provides historical background to help you understand how beliefs and practices of the group that wrote and preserved the Dead Sea Scrolls compares to other Jewish groups from the time of Jesus.
Dr. Craig Evans combines his extensive knowledge of ancient manuscripts and New Testament studies to survey the contents, context, and influence of the Dead Sea Scrolls. He details the history of the scrolls and the Essenes, and shows how the scrolls affect our understanding of Jesus, John the Baptist, and the early church.
Dr. Joel Willitts guides you through key historical moments and literary works of the Second Temple period. Discover the history between Israel’s return from Babylonian exile, beginning in 583 BC, and the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70. Develop an understanding of the beliefs of Jewish groups such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. Survey a vast array of Second Temple literature, from the Old Testament Apocrypha to the writings of Philo and Josephus.