Archaeology and the Revelation of John: A Visual Guide - Paperback

by David A. deSilva (Author)

A fundamental principle of biblical interpretation is the importance of context--historical, literary, and canonical. But an often-neglected source of context for understanding Scripture is the field of archaeology. The physical and cultural world we inhabit affects us deeply, and that was no less true for the original writers and readers of Scripture. Archaeology provides insights into important questions like, What did these believers see day to day? What messages did they receive from their environment? What social practices influenced them?

In the third of three planned volumes, New Testament scholar David deSilva uses archaeological findings to explore places that are crucial for interpreting the book of Revelation. This visually compelling and beautifully designed book contains over 250 full-color photographs of sites and artifacts. The author focuses on the fruits of archaeology pertaining to sites that are important for studying Revelation, including the seven cities addressed in Revelation 2-3 as well as Patmos and Rome itself. This book helps readers understand how the Christ-followers John addressed would have understood his unveiling of the spiritual significance of the landmarks around them and the challenges they faced living in the Roman Empire.

This volume will be an important supplemental textbook for courses on the Book of Revelation. It will also benefit anyone who wants to better understand the lived context of John's audiences and how the original audiences would have made sense of Revelation's challenge to them.

Back Jacket

"Masterfully guides readers through the cities and world of Revelation"

Leading New Testament scholar David deSilva explores the archaeology of particular sites that are crucial for interpreting the book of Revelation.

"An excellent resource. Richly illustrated and clearly written, it makes the best in current archaeological research available to a wide audience. For those wanting a vivid sense of Revelation's setting or who plan to visit the sites themselves, this is an indispensable guide."
--Craig R. Koester, Luther Seminary (emeritus)

"Whether you plan to visit Revelation's places personally or virtually, deSilva's guide immerses you in the visual world of John's first audience."
--Mark Wilson, director, Asia Minor Research Center, Antalya, T?rkiye

"A stellar and invaluable guide for reading Revelation. DeSilva masterfully guides readers through the cities and world of Revelation with the best and most up-to-date archaeological research. I highly recommend!"
--Alan S. Bandy, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

"More than a guide book, this book opens up the Roman imperial and Jewish contexts of the seven cities of Revelation. Full-color photos and site plans illustrate this 'grounded' reading of Revelation. Don't travel to T?rkiye without this book!"
--Barbara Rossing, author of The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation

"DeSilva operates like a seasoned tour guide, pointing out critical features of archaeology--coinage, statuary, inscriptions, ruins, and more--that aid studying Revelation within its original setting. Highly recommended!"
--Ronald Herms, director, Institute for the Study of Christian Origins (T?bingen)

"Like an expert tour guide, deSilva leads us through the ancient world of the seven churches of Revelation. This book is an indispensable companion for readers interested in the history and meaning of John's Apocalypse."
--Jason Borges, Asia Minor Research Center, Antalya, T?rkiye

"As a Turkish tour guide who regularly leads visitors to the seven churches, I can say that deSilva's book is the next best thing to visiting the sites in person."
--Cenk Eronat, vice president, TUTKU Educational Travel

Author Biography

David A. deSilva (PhD, Emory University) is Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. He is the author of more than 30 books on the New Testament and Second Temple Period Jewish literature, including Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul, Archaeology and the World of Jesus, Introducing the Apocrypha, Discovering Revelation, and Judea Under Greek and Roman Rule, as well as commentaries on Hebrews, Galatians, and Ephesians. He is also an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church.