SAINT FRUMENTIUS ABA SELAMA

KESATE BIRHAN THEOLOGICAL

COLLEGE
INTRODUCTION TO BIBLE
GEOGRAPHY AND ARCHEOLOGY

ASSIGNMENT - 1
SUBMITTED BY: ELIAS DEFALGN
CENTER: ADDIS ABABA

SUBMITTED TO: MENKIR G/EGZIABEHER (INSTRUCTOR)

JUNE 2020
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THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

Course: introduction to Bible geography and Archeology

Name of the Disciples Elias Defalgn ID______________
Assignments and summary with personal reflection
Part one
A. Assignment I

1. Define the term Biblical or Bible geography and add its: -

importance
its relationship with bible study
Meaning

Biblical or bible geography is the study of bible lands, and an examination of the places and
features that are within the boundaries of those lands.
The bible mentions rivers, mountains, details about topography, and even nations and empires
that all had geographical boundaries. In short, biblical geography is looking at biblical history
with its geographical setting in mind.

Its importance includes:

 A basic knowledge of the physical and climatic features of the land is necessary for a proper
intellectual understanding of the bible’s narrative.
 Geography, by providing a rich and decorative backdrop for the dramatic events of biblical
history heightens the sensory and emotional impact of the narrative. The interrelationships in any
series of events cannot be fully comprehended apart from a consideration of where they took
place.
 Familiarity with biblical geography is important for one’s theological view.
 The study of biblical geography has an important relevance to teaching of the scriptures.

In relation to our Bible study the biblical geography adds more views in Historicity,
Interpretation, Relationships (who were their friends and who were their enemies),
Personalization (what was important to them and how they conducted their lives) and Presence
(Giving us of “presence” as participants rather than observers)

2. State and locate shortly about the Physical Palestine: Bible World.

The physical Palestine includes the land on both sides of the Jordan River, that is, Cisjordan
(west) and Transjordan (east). Palestine extends from the southern slopes of Mount Hermon, the
highest mountain in the area (9,230 ft / 2,814 m.), to the edge of the southern desert (the Negeb),
bounded on the west by the Mediterranean (or Western) Sea and on the east by the Arabian
steppe. This is the land from “Dan to Beersheba’’ (Judg. 20: 1, 1Sam 3: 20).

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God's promise to Abraham, however, included an area larger than Palestine. Gen. 17:18 mentions
simply "all the land of Canaan," but in other places the land of promise extends north as far as
"the entrance of Hamath" (in modern Syria) and south to "the river of Egypt" (wadi el-Arish in
northern Sinai; wadi is a watercourse that is dry except in the rainy season; Num. 34:1-12).
Under David and Solomon, Israel reached its greatest extent, occupying most of this territory
plus much of Transjordan, even though the promise didn’t include it. (Num 34 :12)

3. Mention Principal Places and Cities of the old Testament history and explain them with biblical
verses

Principal Places and Cities connected with Old Testament history are:

Eden:
Eden is the first locality mentioned in the Bible. The plains of Babylon are called “Edin” in the
ancient Sumerian language of the country, and the word was adopted by the Semitic Babylonians
in faint of "Edinu." The Bible tells us theft the beautiful garden in which our fore parents were
placed was eastward in Eden. Its probable location is somewhere between the high lands of
Armenia and the Persian Gulf. It has been supposed that Eden was located at the junction of
Tigris and the Euphrates (Gcn. 2:14).

Ur and Haran:
Ur and Haran (Gen 11:33) will be remembered in connection with Abraham: Ur of the Chaldees
as the native home, and Haran as his dwelling-place in the land of Mesopotamia.

Damascus
Damascus (Gen. 15:2) is the oldest city in the world. In Old Testament times it was the capital of
Syria. Hebron, a mountain city twenty miles south of Jerusalem, was the home of Abraham after
his separation from his nephew Lot (Gen. 13: 18).

Sodom and Gomorrah

Sodom and Gomorrah, the destroyed cities of the plain, are supposed to have been located in the
valley of the Jordan, just north of the Dead Sea; or else they are supposed to have been located
below the Dead Sea. Certainly, Abraham from Hebron could see the smoke of the burning cities
(Gen. 19:28).

Tyre
Tyre was the metropolis of Phoenicia and the home of King Hiram, the friend of David and
Solomon (I Kings 9 :11-13).

Shusfoan, or Susa
Shusfoan, or Susa, was the capital of the great Persian Empire. In this city, in the palace of
Ahasuerus, Queen Esther saved the lives of her people from the decree of death that had been
issued at the instigation of wicked Haman.

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Babylon
Babylon was the capital of Chaldea and was situated on the river Euphrates, the river running
through the city. It will be remembered that Jerusalem was destroyed by the kings of Babylon and
that many the Jews were carried captive to this city. Among them were Daniel, who cast into the
den of lion; and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were cast into "the burning fiery
furnace."

Nineveh
Nineveh, capital of Assyria, was situated on Tigris. In connection with this city will be
remembered the experience of Jonah. This city was cursed by the prophet Nahum (Nah.1-3).

Memphis

Memphis (Hosea 9:6), situated on the river Nile, was the earliest capital of Egypt.

Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Capital of Palestine, is the most important city connected with the History of the
Bible. Before the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites it was in the possession of the Jebusites. It
was the capital of David's and Solomon’s kingdom and the place of the temple of the Lord. It is
called the "city of the great King," and "the joy of the whole earth” (Ps. 48:2).

4. What are the four features of Palestine those go from west to east?
The four features of Palestine those go from west to east are:
a. the coastal plain
b. the western (or central) mountain range
c. the rift valley system
d. the Transjordan mountain range or plateau

5. List down the seas, islands and provinces of the New Testament history and shortly describe them
in terms of biblical events.

The seas, islands and provinces of the New Testament history are as follows;

Seas

The Mediterranean Sea, the largest and most important sea of the New Testament about whose
shores are grouped many of the lands mentioned in the New Testament. That part of the
Mediterranean from its eastern extremity to the western shores of Italy is included in New
Testament geography.

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The Sea of' Galilee. called in Lk. 5:1 "Lake of Gennesaret and in Jn. 6: l "Sea of Tiberias," was
closely associated with the life of Christ. It is located in the Jordan Valley, in the northern part of
Palestine.

The Black Sea forms the northern boundary of Asia Minor. About its shores were grouped most
of the Roman provinces visited by the apostle Paul and other ministers of the early church.

The Aegean Sea lies between Greece and the western shore of Asia Minor. Turkey is on its
northern shore.
The Adriatic Sea (Acts 27:27) lies between Greece and Illyricum on the east and Italy on the
west. In New Testament times it seems to have extended as far south as the Islands of Crete and
Sicily.

The Dead Sea, though lying so near Jerusalem and included in the land of Palestine, where so
much of the New Testament history was made, is not mentioned in the New Testament. It lies at
the mouth of, and receives the waters of, the Jordan.

Islands

The ten major islands found in the New Testament seas are:
Cyprus (Acts 4:36) is in the north eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea, about fifty miles
from the western shore of Syria, and about twenty-five miles from the southern shore of Cilicia.
Crete (Acts 27:7, 12, 13, 21) lies in the Mediterranean directly south of the Aegean, Sea.
Sicily, the farthest west of all the islands mentioned in the New Testament, lies southwest of
Italy.
Rhodes is south of the western pan of Asia Minor and southeast of the Aegean Sea. Paul stopped
at this island on one of his missionary tours (Acts 21: 1).
Melita (Acts 28: 1), now called Malta, is a small island south of Sicily.
Patmos is a small island in the Aegean Sen not far from Ephesus. This island was the exile home
of the apostle John, and it was there that he wrote the book of Revelation (Rev. 1:9).
Samothracia, a small but conspicuous island in the northern part of the Aegean Sea, rises to a
height of 5,250 feet.
Chios, Coos, and Samos, in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea were touched by Paul as he
turned to Jerusalem from & missionary tour (Acts 20: 15,21: 1)

Provinces

The provinces we under four heads:

1) those on the continent of Europe

2) those in Africa
3) those in Asia
4) those in Asia Minor

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1) Those of Europe are: Thrace, on the western shore of the Black Sea; Macedonia, northwest of
the Aegean Sea; Greece (also called Achaia), the peninsula between the Aegean and Adriatic
Seas; Illyricum, north of Greece on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea.
2) The provinces of Africa are: Africa proper, to the westward; Egypt, to the eastward; and
Libya, in the center. All are on the southern shore of the Mediterranean.
3) Those on the continent of Asia are: Arabia, southeast of Palestine; Judea, a Jewish name
applied to the land of Palestine, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean; Phoenicia, north of
Palestine along the Mediterranean; Syria, east of Phoenicia and north of Palestine.

4) The provinces of Asia Minor are: the most important frequently mentioned in the Acts and the
Epistles:
- Mysi
- Galati
- Lycaonia, Lycia, Lydia
- Cappadocia, Caria, Cilicia
- Bithynia
- Paphlagonia. Pamphylia, Pisidia, Pontus, Phrygia
As to location, they are grouped as follows
On the Black Sea; Pontus, Paphlagonia Bithynia
On the Aegean Sea: Mysia, Lydia, Caria
In the interior: Gralatia, Cappadocia, Lycanonia, Lycia
On the Mediterranean; Pamphylia, Cilicia, Pisidia, Phrygia

B. Assignment II

1. Elaborate shortly about the Third year and first year of His ministry of Jesus Christ.

First Year of Our Lord Jesus Christ's Ministry

While at Cana, Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine (Jn.2:1-11).
Visit to Capernaum (Jn. 2:12)
On this visit the mother of Jesus and His disciples accompanied Him.
Journey to Jerusalem; first Passover (Jn. 2: 13-22)
It was during this visit to Jerusalem that Jesus rebuked the Jews for making His Father's
house a house of merchandise. It was also at this time that He prophesied concerning His
resurrection: "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." And it was during this
stay at Jerusalem that He had the conversation with Nicodemus recorded in Jn. 3: 1-21.

Journey to Sychar (Jn. 4:1-42)

On His way back toward Galilee He had, of necessity, to go through Samaria. Coming to the city
of Sychar, the place of Jacob's well, and being weary with His journey, He sat on the well. It was

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about the sixth hour. While resting here He had the conversation with the woman of Samaria,
which is recorded in Jn. 4:7-26.

Return to Cana (Jn. 4:43 -54)

It was on this second visit to Cana that He healed the nobleman's son.

Return to Nazareth (Lk. 4: 15-30)

Returning to His home at Nazareth, Jesus appeared for the first time; he went into the synagogue
on the Sabbath-day and stood up to read the passage in Isa. 6:1. After His discourse at Nazareth,
his townsmen were so enraged that they rose up and dragged him out of the city. They led Him to
the brow of the hill whereon the city was built and would have cast Him down headlong, but He
passed through the midst of them and went His way.

Second Visit to Capernaum (Lk.4:31)

Here He again entered the synagogue and began to preach. Many Here astonished at His teaching
for His word was with power. It was here that an unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice,
saying ‘Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? arc you come to
destroy us! I know you who you are, the Holy One of God." After easting the evil spirit out of
the man, Jesus left the synagogue and entered into the house of Simon and dined. Simon's
mother-in-law was sick with fever, and he healed her. Later in the evening people came from all
directions with their sick. and Jesus healed everyone and cast out the unclean spirits, many of
whom testified, saying, You are Christ the Son of God. On the next day He departed from the
multitude and went into a desert place. Even here the people sought Him and pled with Him not
to depart from them; but He told them that He must preach the Gospel to other cities as well as to
them. Jesus then departed and went into synagogues throughout Galilee preaching the kingdom
of God. It is recorded that "Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues" and
"healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease" (Mt. 4:23).

Mount of Beatitudes (Mt. 5:7)

After His general tour of Galilee Jesus went up into a mountain, and when He had seated
Himself; according to the custom of teachers in those days, His disciples came to Him, and He
taught them those wonderful sayings recorded in Matthew, chapters 5-7 inclusive, which we call
the Sermon on the Mount.

The Lake of Gennesaret (Lk. 5: l)

Next find Jesus at the Sea of Galilee. Here, the people pressed upon Him to hear the words of
God. In order that He might address the assembly better, He entered a ship, or fisherman's Boat,
and had the fishermen row out a little space from the shore. From this position He then taught the
people. Talc ship belonged to Simon Peter, a fisherman and a disciple of the Lord.
After the sermon, Jesus said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a
draught”. He replied that they had toiled all the night and had taken nothing 'nevertheless, added
he, at thy word I will let down the net." The result was, ‘that they enclosed a great multitude of

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fishes" (Lk.5: 1 - 1 1), The next probable event associated with this visit to the Sea of Galilee
was the healing of the leper, as recorded in Mt. 8:2 Mk.l: 40-45, Lk.5: 12-15. After this Jesus
retired into the wilderness for a season of prayer.

Visit to Jerusalem (John 5: 1)

The first notable event associated with this visit to Jerusalem was the miracle at the Pool of
Bethesda, the healing of the impotent man who had been afflicted for thirty-eight years (Jn.5:2-
16). Afterward we find Jesus in the temple. A conversation led to the discourse recorded in John
5: 1 7-47.

Return to Galilee
After His return to Galilee. we note first the plucking of the ears of corn (Mt.12:1; Mk 2: 23; Lk.
6:1).

Again, at Capernaum
Here Jesus, after His discourse in the synagogue, performed the miracle for healing the withered
hand (Mt.12:10 -13; Mk.3:1-5; Lk. 6:6 -10). After the opposition of the Scribes and the Pharisees
on amount of the healing of the withered hand, Jesus again retired for prayer (Lk 6:12). After He
had prayed all night, He chose and ordained His twelve disciples, "Whom also He named
apostles’

Plain of Gennesaret
Going out to the Plain of Gennesaret which was doubtless near Capernaum, Jesus met great
multitudes of people from Judea, Jerusalem, and from the seacoast towns of Tyre and codon,
who had heard of His fame and had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases. Many
of them were vexed with unclean spirits, and he holed them. "The whole multitude sought to
touch Him: for there went virtue out Him, and healed them all " (Lk .6: 1 7- 1 9).

Return to Capernaum
Raving ended His sermon and His ministry in the Plain of Gennesaret, He returned to
Capernaum. It was at this time that the centurion heard of Jesus and sent unto him, beseeching
him to come and heal His servant. "When he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent
friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest
enter under my roof: . . . but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed." At this Jesus
marvelled, and said, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel," and immediately the
servant was healed (Mt. 8:5 - 13; Lk. 7: l - 10).

Jesus Goes to Nain (Lk. 7: 11 -17)

Just outside the gate of Nain He met a funeral procession. On hearing that the one dead was the
only son of a widowed mother, Jesus had compassion on the bereaved mother He touched the
bier and said unto the young man, "I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and
began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother."

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Return to Capernaum
Upon His "tum to Capernaum, Jesus received the message from John the Baptist recorded in Lk.
7:19-21, and in reply sent the answer given in verses 22 and 23. After the discourse in verses 24-
30, Jesus gave the warnings to Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum recorded in Mt.11 :21 and
uttered the prayer regarded in verses 25-27. Next, Jesus was invited to dine with a Pharisee.
While he was in the Pharisee's house, a woman of the city, probably a Gentile, washed his feet
with her tears, wiped them with the hair of her head, and anointed them with very precious
ointment (Lk. 7:36 -50).

Second General Circuit of Galilee (Lk. 8:1-3; Mk 15:41)

On this general circuit we note the following important events: return to Capernaum; healing of a
demoniac (Matt. 12:22); warning to the Pharisees about blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (Mt. 1
2:24-32; Mk. 3:22 -30); discourse about the unclean spirit (Mt.12:43-45). The following parables
he probably spoke the Plain of Gennesaret (Mt.13:24-30, 36-43); the Mustard Seed (Mt.13:31,32;
Mk. 4:30 -32); the Leaven (Mt.13:33): The Candle (Mk- 4:21, 22, Lk 8:16); the Treasure
(Mt.13:44); the Pearl (Mt. 13:45.46); the Net (Mt. 13 :47-49),

Voyage to the City of the Gergesenes (Matt. 8: 23-27)

The first notable event after Jesus landed in the country of the Gergesenes, or the Gadarenes (LK.
5:26-36). which is supposed to been at Gadara, a city in that country, was the casting out of
devils and permitting them to enter the herd of swine (Mt.8.28-32).

Return to Galilee (Matt 9: 1)

After His return to Galilee, Jesus spoke the parable of the bridegroom (Mt. 9:14,15) and
performed various miracles' the issue of blood; the healing of Jairus daughter (Mt.9.18-26, Mk 5
2l-43, Lk 8:41-56) the healing of the blind men (Mt. 9:27-30); the dumb spirit (Mt 9:32 33).
After this Jesus commissioned His twelve apostles (Mt.l0:1, Mk.6.7 -11, Lk. 9: 1 -5).

Bethsaida
Jesus next went over the Sen of' Galilee to Bethsaida. To this place great multitude followed Him
because they saw the miracles that He performed. Jesus now took His disciples and went aside
privately into a desert place near Bethsaida; but the people somehow ascertained his whereabouts
and followed him even to the desert. He received them, preached to them the kingdom of God,
and healed those in need of healing (Lk.9:10,11) After spending saint time in the desert, the
multitude became fatigued and hungry, and it was necessary that they should have victuals. The
disciples suggested sending the multitude away that they might go into the country villages round
about and buy food; but Jesus answered "Give ye them to eat." They replied, "We have here but
five loaves, and two fishes." Jesus then performed the well-known miracle, feeding the five
thousand from this small account of food (Mt.14: 13-21; Mk. 6: 30-44; Lk. 9: 12-17).

Return to Galilee
Immediately after feeding five thousand Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship and go
out on the deep while He sent multitude away. Having sent the multitude away, He went up in to

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a mountain to pray. Night drew on, and when the ship was in the midst of the sea, one of the
Violent storms so common on the sea of Galilee came upon the disciples, who were rowing hard
against the contrary winds and waves. In the after part of the night Jesus. knowing of their
distress, came walking to them over the stormy bellows. It was at this time that Peter started to
his Mater walking of the waves. When Jesus came into the ship, the wind ceased (Mt. 14:25-33;
Mk. 6:45.51; Jn.6: 16-21).

Again, at Capernaum (Jn. 6: 22-24)

After His return to Capernaum, he gave the discourse recorded in Jn. 6:26 -71.

Third Year of Our Lord Jesus Christ's Ministry

At the beginning bathe third year of His ministry, Jesus is still found at Capernaum. Here he
preached a discourse to the Pharisees (Mk.7: 1 -23).

Journey to Phoenicia (Mt.15:21-28; Mk.7: 24-30): The one notable event connected with our
Lords visit to Phoenicia was the healing of the Syro - Phoenician woman's daughter.

Decapolis: Returning from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, Jesus came again to the Sea of Galilee,
probably through the country east of the Jordan (Decapolis). On this return journey we notice the
following miracles: healing of the deaf and dumb man (Mk. 7:32-35); healing of many sick (Mt.
15:30, 31); feeding the four thousand near the Sea of Galilee (Mt. 15:32 -38; Mk.8:1-9)

Bethsaida (Mk 8:22). Returning to Galilee, Jesus healed blind man (Mk. 8:22 -26)

Journey to Mount Hermon (Mt,16:12; Mk 8:27): Jesus took three of His disciples Peter, James,
and John, with him up into a high mountain, where He was transfigured (Mk 9:2 -10). It was
while on His journey home that our Lord healed the demoniac child (Mt. 17: 14-21; Lk. 9:37
-42)

The Return to Galilee (Mk. 9: 30): On the return to Galilee, we note the following events: lesson
on humility and docility (Mt.18:1-5; Mk. 9:33 -37; Lk 9:46 -48); lesson on forgiveness (Mt.1
8:15)' parable of the unmerciful servant (Mt.18:23-35).

Return to Jerusalem; Feast of the Tabernacles (Jn. 7:2 -10): While Jesus was at Jerusalem to
attend the feast of tabernacles, we note the following events of his ministry: the discourse
recorded in Jn. 7:14 – 46; officers sent to arrest Him (Jn. 7:30 -46); the adulteress forgiven (Jn.
8:3 - 11 ); discourse accorded in John 8: 12- 58; threatened with stoning (Jn. 8:59); healing of the
blind men and conversation with Pharisees (Jn. 9: 1 -41 ); Christ, the door and the good shepherd
(Jn. 10 : 1 - 18) ; the time of the Jewish feast of the dedication now came, and We find Jesus still
at Jerusalem (Jn-l0:22, 23). After his discourse on his divinity and his oneness with the Father
(Jn. 10: ), the Jews took up stones and would have killed him (Jn. 10:31).

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Retreat across the Jordan to Perea (Jn.10:40): in order to escape the mob at Jerusalem, Jesus
retreated across the Jordan to Perea at the place where John baptized. Many people came thither
to Him; He taught them, and many believed.

Journey to Bethany
It was while Jesus Was in Perea that He heard of the death of Lazarus. He went to Bethany and
raised Lazarus from the dead and comforted the hearts of the bereaved sisters (Jn.11: 1-44),
Following this event, bitter persecution broke out among the Jews, and they took counsel how
they might put him to death.

Retreat to Ephraim (Jn. 11: 54): The apostle John says, "There He continued with His disciples.’'

Journey to Samaria: Jesus sent His disciples to prepare a place for him in a village of Samaria;
but the people did not receive Him, for they saw that He was going toward Jerusalem. On
account of this treatment the disciples wanted to command fire to come down from heaven and
consume the people; but for this Jesus rebuked them, saying that He came not "to destroy men's
lives, but to save them." Then they went into another place. It was on this visit to Samaria that
the healing of the lepers took place (Lk. 17: 12-14). After this, it seems, Jesus returned to Galilee,
where he appointed the seventy (Luke 1 0:1 -17).

Return to Jerusalem: our Lord next returned to Jerusalem and that on the journey, probably
between Jerusalem and Jericho, He uttered the parable of the Good Samaritan. After the record
of this parable we find Him at the home of Mary and Martha (Lk10:38).

Bethany (Lk. 10:38-42): While at Bethany He stayed at the home of Mary and Marta. and had
the conversation with these sisters recorded in Lk.10:41,42. It was about this time, possibly while
on the Mount of Olives near Bethany, that our Lord taught His disciples to pray (Mt. 6:9-13;
Lk.11:2 -4). It was probably here also that he taught the lesson of importunity (Lk .11:5-13).

Jerusalem: We next find our Lord at Jerusalem, where He cast out a dumb spirit (LK 11: 14);
healed a woman with an infirmity (Lk. 13: 11 - 13); healed a man of dropsy (Lk .14 :2); gave a
lesson on humility (Lk.14:7 -11); and spoke the following parables: The Rich Pool (Lk,12:16);
the Baron Fig-Tree (Lk.13:6 -9); the Mustard-Seed (Lk.13:18 ,19); the Great Supper (Lk.14;16-
24); the Lost Sheep and the Piece of Silver (Lk. 15;1-10); the Prodigal Son (Lk. 15:11-32); the
Unjust Steward (Lk. 16: l -12); Lazarus and the Rich Man (Lk.16: 19-31); the Importunate
Widow (Lk 18: 1-8); the Pharisee and the Publican (Lk. 18:9 -14); the Rich Young Man (Lk. 18:
18-23; Mt. 1 9: 16-22; Mk. 10: 1 7-22); the Labours in the vineyard (Mt.20: 1 -16); the Ten
Pounds (Lk. 19: 12-28).

Jericho (Mt. 20:29): it may have been on His journey from Galilee to Jerusalem that He healed
blind Bartiniaeus at Jericho.

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2. Describe the three missionary journeys of St. Paul with their typical events (first
please read the chapters carefully) according to Acts:
I. 13:1-14:28
II. 15:36-18:22
III. 18:23-21:16

I. The First Missionary Journey (A.D. 45-49)

With John Mark as their assistant, Paul and Bernabas started on their first missionary journey
from Antioch, the metropolis of Syria. Acts 13: 14.

Seleucia (Acts 13:4)

It was their first station after leaving Antioch. It was the sea port of Antioch, sixteen miles from
the city.

Cyprus
Setting sail from Seleucia, they crossed the arm of the Mediterranean and came to Cyprus (Acts
13:4 -13), an island sixty miles west of Syria and forty miles south of Asia Minor. The island is
supposed to have been the early home of Barnabas. It was probably thickly inhabited, and was
governed by a Roman proconsul.

Salamis (Acts l3:5)

Their first stop was at Salamis, a place on the eastern shore of the island. Here they found a
Jewish synagogue and began preaching the word of God.

Paphos (Acts 13:6)

Continuing their journey westward through the island, they came to Paphos, a western seaport
town of Cyprus. Here, they found Bar-Jesus, a sorcerer and false prophet, who was with the
deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus. The deputy was a prudent man, and he called for Barnabas
and Saul and desired to hear the Word of God. They began to preach to him, but Elymas
withstood them and sought to tum away the deputy from the faith of the Lord. Paul, filled with
the Holy Ghost, cursed the sorcerer with blindness. When the deputy saw this, he was astonished
at the doctrine of the Lord, and believed on him.

Perga (Acts 13:13)

Loosing from Paphos, they sailed in a north westerly direction about one hundred and seventy
miles, to Perga, a city in the province of Pamphylia in Asia Minor, about seven and one-half
miles from the sea. Here John Mark gave up his journey and returned to Jerusalem.

Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13: 14-52)

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This Antioch should be carefully distinguished from the Antioch in Syria. It was east of Ephesus
and northwest of Tarsus. Here again, as their custom was, Paul and Barnabas went into the
synagogue on the Sabbath-day. After reading the law and the prophets, the ruler of the
synagogue invited the apostles to speak; whereupon Paul rose and preached the discourse
recorded in Acts 13: 16-41. On the next Sabbath they again spoke to the people. This time the
whole city gathered to hear the Word of God. Because of this the Jews became envious. Paul and
Barnabas waxed bold and rebuked the envious and unbelieving Jews and declared that they
would turn to the Gentiles. The Gentiles heard this and were glad. The Word of the Lord was
published throughout all that region. The Jews then shined up the people, and persecution broke
out against the apostles, causing them to be expelled from the country.

Iconium
Shaking off the dust of their feet for a testimony against their persecutors, the apostles continued
their journey and came to Iconium Here again they entered into the synagogue of the Jews and
preached the word of God. A great number both of the Jews and of the Gentiles believed
unbelieving Jews again stirred up the minds of the people against the apostles, so they were
compelled to flee from the city to avoid being stoned by the Jews and the rulers (Acts 14: 1-5).

Lystra
The apostles took a south ward course to Lystra. a heathen city in Lycaonia (Acts 14:6). For
some time, they were permitted to labor and preach the Gospel. Here an impotent man, who had
been a cripple from his mother's womb and had never walked, was healed. On account of this the
citizens sought to worship Paul and Barnabas under the names of their heathen deities, Jupiter
and Mercurius. The apostles with great effort restrained them from saying, "We also are men of
like passions with you, and preach unto you that you should tum from these vanities unto the
living God" To Lysol also the apostles were followed by their relentless foes, who came up from
Antioch find Iconium and soon succeeded in turning the people against the apostles. They stoned
Paul and dragged him out of city, supposing him to be dead, but as the disciples stood round him,
he rose and came into the city, and the next day he departed with Barnabas.

Derbe (Act 14:20, 21)

The apostles now went to Derbe, a city twenty miles from Lystra in the same province. This
place marked the turning-point in their journey. They now retraced their steps, visiting Lystra,
Iconium. and Antioch, and confirming the souls of the disciples that they might stand fast in the
Lord. After ordaining elders in every city and commending them to the Lord, they passed
through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.

Attalia
After preaching for some time in Perga, they came to Attalia, a seaport town sixteen miles from
Perga. Here they took ship and sailed for Syria.

Antioch

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When they reached home again, they were gladly relayed by the church. They delayed all things
that God had done for them on their journey, and especially that the door of faith had been
opened to the Gentiles. After this the apostles for a long time labored with the church at Antioch.

The Council of Jerusalem.

Following the first missionary Journey, it was natural for Paul to visit Jerusalem and consult the
church there in regard to certain questions that had arisen about the relation of the Gentile
believers to the Law of Moses. (Acts 15: 1-29; Galatians 2.)

II. The Second Missionary Journey (A. D. 50-54)

The second missionary journey was through Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece.
Acts15:36,8:22.
After spending some at Antioch teaching and preaching He Word of God, Paul proposed to
Bernabas that they go again and visit the brethren in every city where they had before preached
the Word of God. Barnabas was determined to take with him on this trip John Mark, who before
had forsaken them; but Paul was opposed to taking with them a man that was likely to forsake
them at a critical moment. This caused a contention between Paul and Barnabas. So, on the
second missionary tour Barnabas did not accompany Paul. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to
Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas. who was recommended by the brethren, to accompany him on this
journey.

Syria
Starting from Antioch, Paul first travelled throughout Syria visiting the churches. This Journey
was probably through northern Syria only, the general direction being toward Asia Minor.

Cilicia (Acts 15:41)

Froom Syria, Paul went the province of Cilicia, probably visiting Tarsus his birthplace.

Derbe and Lystra (Acts 16:1)

The next station were Derbe and Lystra, places visited by Paul and Barnabas on their first
missionary tour. Here Paul found Timotheus. who hadgood report of the brethren at Lystra and
Iconium

Phrygia (Acts 16:6)

We next read Paul’s having gone having gone throughout the region of Phiygia. This probably
refers to a tour among the churches of Iconiuni, Antioch, and Phrygia, where he and Bernabas
had formally labored. We have no record of any discourse delivered on this tour. Doubtless their
principal object was to deliver to the several churches the decree ordained by the apostles and
elders at Jerusalem.

Galatia

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They next turned northward and for the first time entered the province off Gelatia (Acts16:6). It
was Paul's desire to preach the Word throughout the Roman provinces of Asia, which comprised
Phrygia, and the northern districts of Mysia, of Lydia, and of Caria; but they were forbidden by
the Holy Ghost to preach the Word in Asia at this time.

Mysia
Taking a westward course, they came to Mysia and thought to go northward into Bithynia, on the
southern shore of the Black Sea, but were again forbidden by the Spirit to go the route they had
mapped out.

Troas
Forbidden by the Lord to enter Bithynia, they took a westward course through Mysia and come
to Troas, a port on the Aegean Sea. Here Paul had a vision in which a man of Macedonia said,
"come over into Macedonia and help us"

Samothracia
This vision Paul understood to be a call from the Lord to preach the Gospel in the Macedonia.
Therefore, loosing from Traos, welcome with a straight course to Samothracia (Acts 16:11,12).
Samothracia, by which Paul passed on his voyage, is a small island in the Aegean Sea off the
coast of Thrace.

Neapolis
It was the seaport town of Macedonia, where Paul and his company first landed. Macedonia was
the province north of Greece and famed in history from the conquests of King Philip and his
illustrious son, Alexander the Great. Paul and Silas must have felt honoured of the Lord for
having been privileged to carry the Gospel of the kingdom of God to the country of Him
(Alexander) who had all but conquered the world; for the kingdom that they represented was not
to almost, but altogether, conquer the entire World. The Gospel had not yet been preached in
Europe. The apostles did not stop at Neapolis, but continued on to Philippi.

Philippi
Philippi was an ancient town a few miles inland. It had been named by Philip after himself. Here
the conversation and baptism of Lydia, the first European convert, took place. A church was
planted, but finally Paul and Silas were scourged and imprisoned. They were set free by an angel
of the Lord through an earthquake. The result of this manifestation of the power of God was the
conversion of the jailor.

Amphipolis (Acts 17: l)

A town thirty-three miles southwest of Philippi and three miles from the Aegean Sea, was the
next stopping-point. We infer from Acts 17: 1 that there was no Jewish synagogue in the city. It
was doubtless for this reason that the apostles journeyed on, they finding no convenient play to
preach.

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Appollonia
Appollonia (Acts 17: 1) was thirty miles from Amphipolis. Here, as in Amphipolis, the apostle
found no Jewish synagogue, and for some reason stayed only a short time.

Thessalonica (Acts 17: 1-9)

Here Paul and Silas found a Jewish synagogue. They preached three sabbath-day, reasoning with
the people from the Scriptures, openly preaching the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Many of the devout Greeks believed on the Lord; but as usual, the success of the Gospel aroused
the enmity of the Jews, and they gathered together a mob of the lower class and incited them
saying that the apostles had acted contrary to law, affirming that there was King other than
Caesar. After due consideration the brethren thought best send Paul and Silas away to avoid
further disturbance.

Berea (Acts 17: 10-13)

The small city of Berea was probably chosen by the apostle on amount of its retired situation. As
usual, Paul entered into the synagogue of the Jews, and began preaching. The Bereans received
the Word with readiness, and searched the scripture daily. The people of Berea have thus left to
all generations an example of studiousness and earnestness in searching the world of God.

Athens (Acts 17: 15-34)

The relentless Jews having followed Panel from Thessalonica to Berea, the brethren immediately
sent him away. He went by sea to Athens. He immediately sent word to Silas and Timotheus,
who had stayed at Berea, to come with all speed and join him. While waiting for their arrival,
Paul was stirred at the gross idolatry of the city. He constantly reasoned with the Jews and the
devout persons in the market-places. He also encountered certain philosophers, who invited him
to speak in the Areopagus, a place on Mars Hill, and the highest point in Athens. These men
asked themselves, "What will this babbler say?" Like the other Athenians, they spent all their
time either in hearing or telling something new. Paul accepted their invitation and delivered the
discourse recorded in Acts 17: 23-31, which stands among the best examples, and of sacred
oratory.

Corinth (Acts 18: 1-18)

The next station at which the apostles stropped was Corinth, forty mile- west of Athens, on the
isthmus between Hellas and Peloponnesus. Corinth was at this time the metropolis of Greece and
the residence of the Roman proconsul. Here Paul preached for a year and a half, and worked for a
while at his trade as tent maker. It was during this stay at Corinth that he wrote his two epistles to
the Thessalonians.

Cenchrea (Acts 18: 18)

Cenchrea is merely mentioned as the place from which Paul set forth on his return journey. It is
evident, however, that he or some other Christian minister had planted a church here: for in Rom

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16 :1 we read of Phebe, who was a servant of the church at Cenchrea. It is supposed to have been
the eastern harbor of Corinth, about nine miles from that city.

Ephesus
Setting sail from Cenchrea, the apostle sailed eastward across the Aegean Sea, and after a voyage
of about two hundred- and fifty-miles reached Ephesus (Acts 18:19 -21). He stayed at Ephesus
but a short time, though the people desired him to tarry longer with them. Having a great desire
to attend the coming feast at Jerusalem and promising that if God willed he would return to them,
he set sail from Ephesus.

Caesarea (Acts 18:22)

After voyage of about six hundred miles, in which he passed around the southwestern border of
Asia Minor, past the islands Rhodes and Cyprus, he landed at Caesarea, on the western coast of
Palestine. Jerusalem (Acts 18:22). For the fourth time since his conversion the apostle entered the
Holy Land and the city of Jerusalem. He stayed only a short time, to salute the church and
perhaps to leave the gifs of the Gentile Christians to the poorer saints of Judea; then he set out
once more for Antioch.

Antioch
From Jerusalem he probably went overland to Antioch. It is likely theft he took with him not
only Silas, who had accompanied him since the beginning of his second missionary journey, but
also Timotheus. This ended the second missionary journey of the apostle Paul.

III. The Third Missionary Journey (A. D. 54-58)

Antioch
It was from this place that the apostle started on each of his three great missionary journeys.

Galatia (Acts 18:23)

After spending some time at Antioch, Paul again departed and went over a put of Asia Minor
strengthening the disciples. The places visited in Asia Minor on this journey are not definitely
known. There are two probable routes, either of which the apostle may have taken from Antioch
to Ephesus.

Ephesus (Acts 19:1)

It is said that Ephesus may be regarded as the third capital of Christianity, Jerusalem having been
its birthplace and Antioch the center of its foreign missions. Paul remained at Ephesus this time
for nearly three years. It was at this time that Paul "disputed ' daily in the school of Tyrnnnus.
This disputation continued for about two years, so that "all Asia ' heard the word of the Lord,
both the Jews and the Greeks. It was here that the Lord wrought special miracles by the hand of
Paul (Acts 19: 12) So mightily grew the word of God that many who had been practising magical
arts brought their books together and burned them publicly. After the church had been fully

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established and the Gospel planted at Ephesus, Paul planned to go through Macedonia and
Achaia, then to Jerusalem, and afterward to Rome. It is interesting to note that at Ephesus Paul
for the first time separated the Christians from the Jewish synagogues.

Trots (2 Cor. 2:12, 13)

On this visit to Troas, Paul expected to meet his companion Titus with news from the Church at
Corinth, but was disappointed. Waiting some time for the expected news, Paul again took ship
and sailed once more from Asia to Europe.

Macedonia (Acts 20:2, 3)

We are not told what places he visited in Macedonia at this time but we may infer that he visited
Philippe, Thessalonica, Berea, and places of his famer labors. It was probably while in
Macedonia that he wrote the two Epistles to the Corinthians. Greece (Acts 20:2). We read, "And
when he had gone aver those parts (Macedonia), and had given them much exhortation. he came
into Greece."

Philippe (Acts 20:2-6)

Paul was now ready to start on his homeward journey; but for some reason, probably on account
of the plotting of the Jews to kill him, he did not take a direct route. but went around the Aegean
Sea by way of Philippi and Troas. From Corinth, where with all probability he had spent some
time while in Greece, he chose to go overland to Philippe. This was now the third time that Paul
visited Philippi. Here he was joined by Luke, the evangelism who ever acer was his companion
in labor.

Troas
From Philippi the company sailed across the Aegean Sea to Tran, where they remained seven
days. A part of the company had preceded Paul and Luke. Paul chose to go on foot as far as
Assos, a distance of nineteen miles, where he was taken on board with the rest of the company. It
was while at Troas that Paul preached until midnight and Eutychus, having fallen asleep, fell
down from the third story and was taken up dead.

Mitylene
Here they anchored for the night, probably because the channel Was not easy to follow among
the islands (Acts 20: 14).

Chaos (Acts 20:15)

This place was barely touched, and they then sailed across to the shores of Asia Minor.

Samos (Acts 20:15)

Here they probably anchored again for the night.

Trogyllium (Acts20: 15)

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A place on the coast of Asia Minor at the foot of Mt. Mycale. This place is still called St. Paul’s
port. They sailed past the harbor of Ephesus without stopping.

Miletus (Acts 20: 16-38)

Here the ship was delayed for a time. Taking advantage of the opportunity thus afforded, Paul
sent for the elders of the church at Ephesus and gave them a farewell address and his fatherly
advice and counsel.

Coos (Acts 21: 1)

It was the next stopping-place for the ship

Rhodes (Acts 21: l)

At this island they did not stop long

Petard (Acts21: 1)
It was a seaport in the province of Lycia in Asia Minor opposite Rhodes. Here the vessel in
which the apostolic company was sailing came to the end of its voyage. "And finding a ship
sailing over unto Phoenicia we went aboard and set forth" (Acts 21: 2)

Tyre
Passing by Cyprus, they paused for seven days for the vessel to unload its burden. Here Paul
found a body of Christians, planted probably by Philip, the evangelist. At this place Paul was
warned against going up to Jerusalem. When he and his companions were ready to leave, the
brethren accompanied them to the shore to bid them adieu.

Ptolemais
Taking, ship from Tyre, they sailed to Ptolemais, where they saluted the brethren and stopped for
a day.

Caesarea
At this station they entered the house of Philip, who years before had been driven out of
Jerusalem by Saul of Tarsus. What a happy meeting of Paul and Philip this must have been! Here
again Paul received warning from the prophet Agabus not to go up to Jerusalem.

Jerusalem
Paul was steadfast in his determination to see the holy city again, and for the fifth time since his
conversion and for the last time in his life Paul entered Jerusalem, from which soon afterward he
was carried as a prisoner.

Myra
After leaving Sidon, the vessel was carried by contrary winds to the north of Cyprus; so, Paul
was again sailing in the waters through which he had passed many times (Acts 27 :4-6). At Myra,
in Lycia, the prisoners were transferred to another vessel.

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Crete
The next port was to have been Cnidus, on the coast of Caria one hundred miles from Myra; but
on account of unfavourable weather the vessel was unable to enter, so turned southward to the
island of Crete. Rounding Cape Salmone, the eastern end of the island, they entered at a place on
the southern coast known as Fair Havens. Here they remained for some time, and Paul exhorted
them to remain there until the winter was over (Acts 27:9, 10). But the master of the ship and the
majority of those on board, however, favoured the attempt to make the haven of Phenice (Acts
27: 12) before going into winter quarters. Loosing, therefore, from Fair Havens, they sailed close
by Crete. Soon the Euroclydon winds arose and the ship was driven near an island called Clauda,
where the ship had to undergo some repairs before again putting to sea. A heavy tempest tossed
them for many days mid they were finally shipwrecked.

Melita
After being shipwrecked they succeeded in gaining the shore, whereupon they learned that they
were on the island of Mehta, now called Malta. It is about sixty-two miles south of Sicily. The
place where Paul is supposed to have been shipwrecked is on the northeaster side of the island.
At Malta Paul was entertained by the chief man of the island (Acts 28:7).

Syracuse (Acts 28: 12)

After spending the winter on the island of Mehta, Paul and the other prisoners were placed on
board another ship bound for Borne. The first stopping-place on this part of the voyage was
Syracuse, on the eastern shore of Sicily, where they stayed three days.

Rhegium (Acts 28:13)

Here the ship stopped a day, awaiting a favourable wind. Puteoli was one of the chief ports of
Italy. Here the vessel ended its voyage, and Paul and his fellow-prisoners disembarked. Paul
found a Christian church, and he was permitted to remain a week before going to Rome, which
was now only one hundred and forty-one miles distant.

Appii Forum.
At this place, and again at Three Taverns, Paul was met by Christian brethren who had heard of
his coming and had come to give him welcome and to bid him to be of good cheer.

Rome
Arriving at last at the imperial city, Paul was delivered to the captain of the guard, but was
allowed to dwell in his own house with a guard.

Part two (50%)

a. Summary

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b. Write the summary of the ten Old Testament archaeological sites in terms of their
importance for our studying and understanding the bible, as well as in defending
the false accusation on the truthiness of the bible.

The ten Old Testament archaeological sites in terms of their importance are summarized as
below:

1. Ashkelon
 Listed in OT as one of Philistine Pentapolis (Josh.13:3; 1Sam. 6:4,17) and also
mentioned in David's elegy over death of Saul and Jonathan (2Sam. 1 :20).
 From Tiglath-pileser's invasion of Philistia in 734, Ashkelon was tributary to Assyria
until late in 8th century
 Under the Persians Ashkelon became a Tyrian city

2. Gczer
 Mentioned in Battle of Makkedah in Aijalon Valley (Josh.10:33; 12:12)
 Allotted to Ephraim (Josh.16:3 ,10; Judg.1:29; lChr. 6: 67,7 :28)
 Levitical city (Josh.21 :21)
 Referred to in David's campaigns against Philistines (2Sam.5:25; lChr.14:16;20 :4)
 Given to Solomon, part of marriage to daughter of pharaoh (1Kgs. 9:15 -17)
 Fortified by Solomon like Megiddo, Razor, and Jerusalem
 Important in Maccabean period (1Macc. 9:52; 13:43 -48,53)

3. Hazor
 "King Jabin of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor" (Judg. 4:2), was leader of confederation
of Canaanite city-states who fought against Joshua at "the waters of Merom" (Josh.1
1:7). Joshua reportedly "burned Hazor with fire,’’and only Hazor (Josh. 11: 10- 13)
 1Kgs.9: 15 states: "This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon conscripted
to build the house of the Lord and his own house, the Millo and the wall of Jerusalem,
Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer. . .
 Solomon rebuilt or refortified Gezer, Megiddo, Hazor, and other locations.
 Destroyed by Tiglath-pileser 111 of Assyria ca.733, during the reign of Pekah (2Kgs.
15:29)

4. Heshbon
 First biblical reference in Num. 21:21-30(Deut 2: 16-37) to city of Sihon, king of the
Amorites, with a kingdom stretching from the Jabbok River south to the Amon (Josh.
12:2) Border with Moabites changed frequently, complicating interpretation of
geographical allusions (Judg.11 .12-28)
 Allotted to Reuben in the conquest of Conquest of Canaan; later to Gad (Num.32:1-5,
Josh 21:34-40).

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 Locale seems to belong to Moab in Isa.15:4; 16:8 -9; Jer. 48:2, 34-35, but must be back
in Ammonite hands by Jer. 49:3
 Site important in Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine times

5. Jericho
 Joshua sent spies to city (Josh. 2)
 Israelites marched around Jericho until walls fell (Josh. 5:13 – 6:23)
 Became Benjaminite city (Josh.16 and 18)
 Held by Moabites under Eglon (Judg. 3)
 Home of a school of the prophets (2Kgs. 2:4 -5, 15).

6. Jerusalem
 Shortened form Salem in Gen 14:18 and Ps. 76:2 seems also early
 "Jebusites" inhabited Jerusalem before David (Ezek. 16:3).
 City of David and Temple Mount: David took Jerusalem from Jebusites early in (2Sam
5:6-9), although 1Chr.11:4-7 credits Joab. Jebusites lived with people of Benjamin in
Jerusalem (Judg1:21) David transferred scat of government from Hebron to Jerusalem, to
City of David. David "built the City round about from the Millo in complete circuit"
(1Chr.11:8; 2 Sam. 5:9)
 Royal Temple and royal palace: Construction of acropolis of Jerusalem, including
Temple and royal palace, began after death of David.
 City of Judah: Temple continued to be center of national and religious feelings of people
throughout Divided Monarchy.

7. Lachish
 Possibly destroyed by Israelites (Josh. 10:31 -32)
 City second only to Jerusalem in Judean Kingdom period
 Fortified by Rehoboam (2Chr.11 :5-12, 23)
 Death of Amaziah in 769 took place here (2 Kgs.14: 19; 2 Chr. 25:27)
 Sennacherib's army set up command post from which to attack Jerusalem (2Kgs.18:14;
walls reliefs in palace at Nineveh)
 Exiles from Babylon occupied site in Persian period (Neh. 11 :30)
 destroyed by Nebuchadrezzar/Babylonians during conquest of Judah. 587. As shown by
ostraca, bullae, seals (Jer.34:7)

8. Megiddo
 Scene of battle in Judg.5:19. Josh 12 :21
 Manassites unable to take some strong Canaanite towns, notably Megiddo (Josh. 17: 11
-13; Jude. 1 :27- 28: l Chr. 7:29)
 One of Solomon's fortified cities in 5th administrative district (1Kgs. 4:12; 9: l5)

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 Ahaziah (2Kgs 9:27), Josiah (2Kg 23:29 ,2Chr. 35:22) died near Megiddo.
 Judah felt defeat sorely: "the mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo"
(Zech.12: 11), evident reference to Josiah's death

9. Samaria

 Capital of Israel, the Northern Kingdom, from Omri's time (884-874;1Kgs.16:23 ,24)
until Assyrian conquest (722)
 Fortified heavily by Ahab (874-853; lKgs.22:39) and probably embellished by Jeroboam
11 (793-753 ,2 Kgs. 14:23-29)
 Served as capital of the Assyrian province of Samaria in 7 th century
 Retained some importance under Persians (539-332), though headquarters of the
Samaritan community shined south to Shechem

10. Shechem
 Mentioned in Bible in connection with Abraham (Gen.12:6), Jacob (Gen. 33:18), Jacob s
family (Gen.34), and Joseph (Gen. 37:12-17). Also, in Deuteronomic history; Deut. 27;
Josh. 8:30 -35, Judg. 9, Josh. 24:1 ,32 and 1Kgs. 12
 A city of refuge (Josh. 20:7), part of Levitical allotment
 Abimelech, Rehoboam, and Jeroboam came here to establish sovereignty over region
(Judg. 9, 1Kgs. 12)
 One of districts that provisioned Samaria in Samaria Ostraca, presumably from half of 8 th
 century (Josh. 17:2)

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Reflection

I. Write down your personal reflection of how this course helps you in your journey to
study and understand the bible (in one page)
Learning geography of the Biblical world specially Israel enriches our understanding of Biblical events
and stores to the greater depth, as required by the servants of the church.
The Bible’s original audience would have known these places and regions and why they were important
to the story. But we, today’s Bible readers, often skip over details about the land. We read the names of
places, but there’s no meaning attached. And when we don’t know the land, we don’t  really know the
whole story.

The specific benefits of studying biblical geography are:

One of the major important of Biblical geography its historical accounts of Scripture. Since history takes
place in time and space, the spacial setting proves critical to the truthfulness of history. Authentic history
demands accurate contextual descriptions of geography, topography, and time.
There are also several prophecies in the Bible that require an understanding of Biblical geography in
order to understand their fulfillment.
Studying Bible geography also clarifies locations stated in the Bible. There are some questions that
present themselves to Bible students that can be answered through a study of geography. Why would
Jesus choose such a route? Paul’s missionary journeys and all the topography of Bible lands recorded in
Acts are chosen? The answer is found in Biblical geography and topography.
Bible geography also fills the missed facts our understanding of the Bibles, for example I, personally,
have found that the three rivers are one; The Sea of' Galilee, in Lk. 5:1 "Lake of Gennesaret and in Jn. 6: l
"Sea of Tiberias," This helps me better to interpret the Word of God. The Bible contains references to
hundreds of place names, in addition to several scores of mountain names, water names, desert,
wilderness names, regional names, territorial names, and the like. Even beyond these casual spatial
references, there are numerous occasions when geography is tellingly employed as the interpretive axis
around which the narrative itself revolves; in which case geography functions as a nexus of interpretation.
Context is crucial when interpreting Scripture.
Concerning Biblical archaeology, its purpose is not to prove the Bible since as a Christian we don’t need
anything to prove the Bible, it is the revelations from our Lord. Instead its purpose is to bring historical
confirmation to the historical statements in the text of the scripture. Specially when preaching to the new
Christians of this digital era, substantiating the history of the bible with archaeological findings will
builds the confidence of the audience.

Prepared by Menkir G/her (instructor)