A Roman period tomb cut from stone, using a rolling stone to cover the opening.
The following text is taken from the Gospel of John, chapter 20.
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as ye they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes. (Jn. 20:1-10 ESV)
Imagine the emotions of the disciples of Jesus, both women and men, when they were told that the tomb that had been so carefully secured on Friday was found empty on the first day of the week, with only the grave clothes and the cloth that covered the head still in the tomb.
[The second photo showing the disciples of Jesus at the open tomb was made in Leonardo AI. David Padfield assisted me in this project.
Corinth is located about two miles south of the narrow isthmus which forms the land bridge, and controlled access, between the main land mass of Greece and the Peloponnesus. Corinth seemed to have flourished from the 8th to the 5th centuries B.C., and there are signs of habitation much earlier. In 146 B.C. the Greek history of Corinth was terminated when the Roman consul Mummius destroyed it. All that remains today of the old Greek city are the seven columns of the Temple of Apollo. Julius Caesar rebuilt Corinth in about 46 /4 4 B.C. as a Roman colony and settled many Roman soldiers there. Corinth became the capital of the Roman province of Achaia and had direct communications with Rome. There were enough Jews in the city to account for a synagogue (Acts 18). Perhaps the two most noticeable sites at Corinth today are the ruins of the temple of Apollo and the Acrocorinth (the mountain or high point of Corinth). The temple of Apollo was built in the 6th century B.C., but only seven of the original 38 Doric monolith columns are standing. There were numerous other pagan temples in the city including one dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.
The ruins of the Temple of Apollo at Corinth with the Acro Corinth in the background.
The judgment-seat (Greek, bema) was a speaker’s platform on which the judge sat or stood for the trial of one against whom an accusation had been made. In the excavations a t Corinth which have been conducted since 1896 the bema has been exposed in the agora. It is likely that Paul stood before Gallio at this place (Acts 1 8:12). The bema is dated to A.D. 44, but could be as early as the time of Augustus. The gospel was successful in this pagan city. Paul preached “Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2; 15:1-4). Paul was fearful but the Lord told him, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this ci ty” (Acts 18:9-10 ). Paul remained in Corinth for a year and six months.
A portion of the Erastus inscription at Corinth.
Inscribed in a limestone pavement near the theater at Corinth is a phrase which reads in Latin: ERASTVS PRO AEDILITATE S P STRAVIT. The translation goes something like this: Erastus , in return for the aedileship, laid the pavement at his own expense. It is possible, but not certain, that this Erastus was the friend of Paul (Rom. 16:2-3; 2 Tim 4:20). If so, then Erastus may have been one of the few (contrast, not many) of the socially elite at Corinth who accepted the gospel (1 Cor 1:26).
In the gospels one may find several references or allusions to events of the wilderness wandering. This indicates the significance of the event and suggests that it should be studied carefully by Christians as well as Jews.
“The Word became flesh and dwelt [tented, tabernacled] among us…” (Jn. 1:14). The Lord made His presence known to the Israelites in the “tent of meeting” (the tabernacle; Ex. 29:45-46).
The Law was given through Moses [in the wilderness] (Jn. 1:17).
The serpent in the wilderness (Jn. 3:14ff.; cf. 8:28; 12:32).
The manna (Jn. 6:31ff.; notice the “grumbling” over the bread, vs. 41).
The water (Jn. 7:37-38).
Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by the devil. (Mt. 4:1-11).
Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights (cf. Israel’s 40 years).
Jesus was tempted but did not succumb.
In response to the temptations of the devil Jesus quoted from the book of Deuteronomy (Mt. 4:4;
Dt. 8:3; Mt. 4:7; Dt. 6:16; Mt. 4:10; Dt. 6:13).
Stephen made several references to the events of the wilderness in his sermon (Acts
7:30-44).
Paul calls attention to the exodus and events of the wilderness wandering (Acts 13:18; Gal. 4:21-31). Notice his use of the phrase, “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves” (1 Cor. 5:13; cf. Dt. 13:5, the false prophet; 17:7, the one who served other gods; 17:12, one who acts presumptuously; 21:21, the rebellious son; 22:21, a girl not found a virgin).
Israel was baptized, ate spiritual food and drank spiritual drink, but practiced idolatry and immorality and fell (1 Cor. 10:1-13). Compare the situation at Corinth: Christians who had been baptized, ate and drank the Lord’s supper, were tempted by the idolatry (meat sacrificed to idols) and immorality of their city.
The Writer of Hebrews speaks of events of the wilderness wandering.
The events at Mount Sinai (Heb. 12:18-29). The word spoken through angels (2:2; cf. Gal. 3:19).
The unfaithfulness of Israel in the wilderness (Heb. 3–4).
In the book of Revelation.
“See…that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain” (Heb. 8:5; Ex. 25:40, the building of the tabernacle).
The woman who gave birth to the man child fled into the wilderness where she was nourished (Rev. 12:6). This symbol makes the wilderness a place of protection and nourishing. The figure seems to be based on the experience of the nation of Israel and of Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18) as they were cared for by the Lord.
Some of the trumpets of chapters 8-10 are drawn from the plagues of Egypt. The one like a son of man came on a white cloud (cf. Isa. 19:1, judgment of Egypt) and judged the enemy (Rev. 14:14-20). The saints sing the song of Moses and the Lamb beside the sea (Rev. 15; cf. Ex. 14:31; 15:1-19).
At the top of our home page, we have a link to INDEXES (INDICES). There, occasionally I have included a collection of posts on a specific subject. If you have not used this feature of the blog, I suggest you take a look.
Specifically, I am calling attention to the INDEX: Route of the Exodus and the Location of Mount Sinai. Click on the link below to visit that page which includes many photos pertaining to the exodus and Mount Sinai.
Recently I observed on a social media site a discussion conducted by several young preachers. One was asking others what they thought about the location of Mount Sinai. A few days ago I received a note from an older former student about a column that some are calling Solomon’s Post or Pillar. I have learned enough about archaeology to know that an artifact must have a context. One random stone is not enough to build a legitimate conclusion. What archaeological excavation has determined the origin and provenance of the stone post? What ancient document has mentioned the post? What evidence do we have that it is in any way associated with Israelite King Solomon?
One respondent in the exchange on social media did call attention to the articles on my blog, but mostly they each were giving their opinion. The thing that really got my attention what that not one of them referenced a Bible dictionary or Bible encyclopedia. No one called attention to a Bible Atlas. When I was in college and several students gathered in a room to pool our ignorance we called it Shooting the Bull.
Most of my Bible Atlases.
Most of my Bible Atlases can be seen in this photo, but I have some others in digital format, and I do have several other smaller atlases on different shelves. Over half a century of travel to the Bible lands might explain why I have collected so many atlases as well as numerous road atlases and maps. Every preacher/teacher needs a few good Bible Atlases.
Gordon Franz at ETS annual conference.
Some scholars concentrate on certain areas of study and produce good material. Here I call attention to the work of Gordon Franz. He has written several essays under the category of Cracked Pot Archaeology at https://www.lifeandland.org/category/cracked-pot-archaeology/
His article on “Where is Mount Sinai in Arabia (Galatians 4:25)? Is especially helpful. Franz documents the view that the region commonly called Sinai was known as Arabia in Roman times:
Also check the article, MT. SINAI IS NOT AT JEBEL EL-LAWZ IN SAUDI ARABIA.
When you arrive at the Life and Land page search for Saudi Arabia. The site will return links for several articles.
Many of the articles written by Gordon Franz are available on the ABR (Associates for Biblical Research) web site. Go there and search for Mount Sinai. Use the link below to visit this site.
Franz exposes the claims of the late Ron Wyatt and Robert Cornuke pertaining to several biblical events.
This is on the way to Mount Sinai which is still a distance to the east (left), Photo by Ferrell Jenkins
Carl Rasmussen says there are at “at least ten different proposals for the location of the Red Sea or Reed Sea including three lakes near the Mediterranean Sea, five lakes along the line of the present-day Suez Canal, as well as the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Elath. In addition, there are at least twelve different candidates for Mount Sinai: five in the southern part of the peninsula, four in the north, one in the center, one in Midian (Saudi Arabia), and another in Edom (southern Transjordan). (Zondervan Atlas of the Bible Revised Edition. 105).
The following map is part of a collection by David at BibleMapper now numbering 165. You may access this wonderful resource here.
BibleMapper shows no less than 10 candidates for the location of the Biblical Mount Sinai.
Anson F. Rainey was considered one of the top scholars on matters of Old Testament geography. I am pleased to have an autographed copy of The Sacred Bridge which was written by Anson Rainey (OT) and Steven Notley (NT).
Rainey’s comment on this matter is on page 120 of The Sacred Bridge. “Mount Sinai = Horeb = Mount Paran. The wilderness itinerary (Num 33:1–49) seems to point to a location for Mount Sinai in the southern Sinai Peninsula. Mount Sinai (סִינַי) is mentioned fifteen times in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers as the place where the people of Israel received the revelation of the Torah. Poetic passages (e.g. Judg 5:5; Ps 68:9 [Eng. 8; note also v. 18 = Eng. 17]) depict it as the dwelling place of YHWH. Two call it Mount Paran (הַר פָּארָן; Deut 33:2; Hab 3:3). The steppe land (wilderness) of Paran (מִדְבַּר פָּארָן; e.g. Num 10:12; 12:16; 13:3) seems to be the generic name for the main Sinai expanses of which there are various subdivisions. Its name may be preserved in that of the oasis of Feirân known as Φαραν in Byzantine sources (Aharoni 1979:199). In Numbers 10:33 Sinai is called “the mountain of YHWH.” Seventeen times in the Hebrew Bible, especially throughout Deuteronomy and three passages in Exodus (3:1; 17:6; 33:6) and elsewhere (1 Kgs 8:9; 19:8; 2 Chr 5:10; Ps 106:9; Mal 3:22), the name Horeb (חֹרֵב) is used, evidently for the same place.” He also reminds us that several passages mention the mountain of God.
The Rest. This is suggested as the large expanse near Sinai where the Israelites camped before receiving the ten commandments.
In conclusion, I am writing this post in an effort to encourage all preachers and teachers to study more widely and deeper. I am aware that books are extremely expensive these days and many churches do not take into account this peculiar expense that ministers have. Perhaps this word to the sufficient is wise.
Cornelius, a Roman centurion, was the first Gentile convert to the faith. He was stationed at Caesarea on the Mediterranean coast at the time when the apostle Peter was actively working in the spread of the Gospel.
A centurion in the Roman army normally had charge of 100 men (= to an Army captain). A regular cohort was one tenth of a legion and had a paper strength of 600 men. An auxiliary cohort was usually comprised of 1,000 men. Cornelius was of the Italian cohort. There is inscriptional evidence for the “Italian cohort” from Syria (See Bruce, 215).
When Paul set sail from Caesarea for Rome he was accompanied by a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius (Acts 27:1). All of the centurions mentioned in the New Testament make favorable impressions. This was not true of soldiers generally (Luke 3: 14). Note these examples:
The centurion at Capernaum (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:2-10).
The centurion at the crucifixion of Jesus (Luke 23:47).
F. F. Bruce (The Book of Acts, NICNT) cites Polybius (History vi.24) saying,
“Centurions are required not to be bold and adventurous so much as good leaders, of steady and prudent mind not prone to take the offensive or start fighting wantonly, but able when overwhelmed and hard-pressed to stand fast and die at their post.”
There is a wonderful performance in the early second century A.D. hippodrome at Jerash, Jordan. The RACE show (Roman Army Chariot Experience) shows actors dressed as Roman soldiers performing various activities of the early soldiers. Our photo shows a Roman centurion from that show.
Roman Centurion, with his chariot waiting, in the RACE show at Jerash, Jordan.
The Apostle Simon Peter followed Jesus during His personal ministry. It is not surprising that some of the illustrations he uses come from this experience. In 1 Peter 1:13 the apostle wrote,
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13 NKJ).
The Louw-Nida Lexicon says that the Greek phrase used in 1 Peter 1:13 is “(an idiom, literally ‘to bind up the loins of the mind’) to prepare oneself for learning and thinking – ‘to get one’s mind ready for action, to be ready to learn and to think, to be alert.” The Greek phrase is translated this way: ‘so then, have your minds ready for action.1 Peter 1:13.” (27:55)
In The IVP Bible Background Commentary, Craig Keener writes,
Men wore long robes and would tuck them into their belt, “gird up their loins,” so they could move more freely and quickly. Although the image also occurs elsewhere in the Old Testament, here Peter may specifically allude to the Passover (Exodus 12:11): once God’s people had been redeemed by the blood of the lamb (1 Peter 1:19), they were to be ready to follow God forth until he had brought them safely into their inheritance (cf. 1:4), the Promised Land.”
Even though I have never worn a long, flowing robe I could illustrate this over and over from my years of travel in Israel. Take a look at this photo made at Horbat Adumim in upper Galilee.
Walking across fields to get a desired photo often brings one in contact with thistles, as happened at Horbat Adumim.
Horbat Adumim is a national park in Israel, the site of an the ruins of an ancient synagogue. My frequent traveling companion on private study tours is Leon Mauldin. Leon is seen here seated at the entrance to the old synagogue.
I have used this text from 1 Peter various times in discussing the need to avoid those things that hinder us in service to God. Gird up the loins of your mind.
In the parable of the young prodigal and his older brother, Luke says that when the younger brother ran out of money he would gladly have eaten the pods the pigs were eating.
He was longing to eat the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. (Luke 15:16 NET)
BDAG says that the word keration (translated pod) is used in the plural “of the fruits of the carob tree, carob pods.” Louw-Nida states that the word is “a diminutive derivative of keras which means horn.” They add,
“the pod of the carob tree (which closely resembles a small horn.…Carob pods were commonly used for fattening swine and were employed as an article of food by poor people.”
The first photo shows a carob tree loaded with green pods in the Spring of the year in the Jezreel Valley at Gan-Hashlosha.
Green Carob pods in the Spring of the year.
Some nutritionists suggest that carob is high in protein content and is a good substitute for chocolate.
The next photo shows dried pods underneath a Carob tree at Hazor. Having been brought up on a farm, I can easily image the pigs rooting in these pods for the best one.
Dried Pods in the fall of the year at Hazor.
When the young prodigal son came to himself he headed for home. There is a good lesson in this for each of us when we become too attached to the things of this world (1 John 2:15).
The climb to the roof of the Citadel, also known as the Tower of David, is worth the climb just to see the roof tops of various significance buildings. The Citadel is located at Jaffa [Joppa] Gate which serves as the main entry to the Old City of Jerusalem on the west side of the walled city.
Our photo looks northeast.
In a second photo I have placed identifying names on many of the highlights. Remember that you may download these photos for use in your Bible teaching. I had trouble uploading the second photo to WordPress, but you can see it in larger format by right clicking on it to open it.
Beginning left to right here is a list of some of the significant places shown on the photo.
Hezekiah’s Pool. Whether this pool had anything to do with King Hezekiah is unknown. Josephus identified it by the name Amygdalon, a place where the 10th Roman Legion was active in A.D. 70 (Wars, 5:468).
The Holy Sepulchre. This site has marked the location of Golgotha (the smaller dome) and of the burial of Jesus (the larger dome) since the early 4th century A.D.
The tower of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer is the white tower with a pyramidal top. It is also possible to climb to the top of that tower.
At this point look to the North (left) on the horizon where you will see Mount Scopus, the place from which Alexander the Great scoped the city. Today this is the home of the Hebrew University. Continue along the mountain top right to the tower of the Victoria Augusta Hospital. Continue to the south (right) and you will see the Mosque of Omar, more commonly known as the Dome of the Rock. This site sits very near where Solomon’s Temple was built. The hill to the east of the Temple Mount is the Mount of Olives. If I had been using a slightly wider lens we would have a photo of the Tower of Ascension which is near Bethphage and Bethany.
Throughout the modern lands that we often refer to as the Bible World groups are taken to a shop where they see a potter at work making pottery typical of ancient pottery. The resulting pottery is often decorated, etc. to make it sell for more than a simple pot. The town of Avonos, Turkey, is noted for it potters. In our photo you see the potter molding the clay into the vessel of his choice.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us all that the LORD God is the potter and we are the clay. He has given us free will and this means that we must choose to allow Him to make us as he wishes.
But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand (Isaiah 64:8).
An experience with AI.
AI is all the rage in our society. Well, today WordPress allowed AI [Artificial Intelligence] to tell me how I should have written this blog. I thought of some of the things suggested in the AI comment, but had specifically chosen not to write that way. I am hoping that I will classify as not a complete dummy. But I thought you might enjoy reading the AI suggestions.
AI Assistant
The content explains the process of pottery making and relates it to the analogy of God being the potter and us being the clay. The use of the photo is a nice visual addition. However, the feedback could be improved by adding more depth and analysis to the topic. Here are some suggestions to enhance the content:
1. Provide more historical context: Explain the significance of pottery in ancient cultures and how it was an essential part of their daily lives.
2. Elaborate on the analogy: Explore the deeper meaning behind the analogy of God as the potter and us as the clay. Discuss how this relates to our relationship with God and the concept of surrendering to His will.
3. Include biblical references: In addition to Isaiah 64:8, reference other passages in the Bible that highlight God’s role as the potter and how it is relevant to our lives today.
4. Offer personal reflections: Share personal anecdotes or stories that illustrate the transformative power of God working in our lives and shaping us according to His purpose.
5. Connect with the reader: Provide practical insights on how readers can allow God to mold them and align their lives with His plans.
By expanding on these points, the content will become more engaging and insightful for the readers.
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Now, for those who read through the additional AI comments, you can let me know which you prefer today. Leave a brief comment to say if you liked FJ or AI.
My first trip to Lebanon was in May, 1968. At that time I was able to visit several of the historic places that I had read about in the Bible and other sources. These included Tyre and Sidon, Byblos, and the Cedars of Lebanon.
The Cedars are about 75 miles north of Beirut on a mountainous road and not included on my second Bible Lands Tour. But we had a half day free to visit as we wished. My wife Elizabeth and I were joined by Louis and Margie Garret, co-workers at Florida College, and Joe Corley who had come all the way from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada to join the tour. We had met Joe and his family earlier when I preached there a year or two earlier. We crowded into a taxi willing to take us to the Cedars.
A couple of days ago I located a slide I made on Agfachrome film during that visit. I hope you will enjoy it about half as much as I enjoyed seeing it again.
There are numerous biblical references to the cedars, but I wanted to mention just one reference today.
About 1040 BC King Solomon, the new king of Israel, requested cedars from King Hiram of Tyre in Lebanon for use in building the temple in Jerusalem. If you have visited Israel or read about the buildings you know that most of them are made of stone. Wood for various purposes had to be brought from other places.
Now therefore command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. And my servants will join your servants, and I will pay you for your servants such wages as you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians” (1 Kings 5:6 ESV).
Over the years we have posted several articles about the Cedars of Lebanon. To access these just put Cedars of Lebanon in the Search box. Think of the blog as a mini-dictionary where you can find information about various Bible places and customs.
Ferrell's Travel Blog 
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