Kerby Anderson

Biblical archaeology seems to be going through a “golden age of apologetics.” One illustration is the fact that over the last two months I have had the privilege of interviewing three authors on their newest books about archaeology.

Dr. Paul Weaver was on my radio program to talk about his new book, Faith-Affirming Findings. It deals with 50 archaeological discoveries that validate the historicity and reliability of the Bible.

Jericho is regarded as one of the oldest cities in the ancient world. The location of the site as well as the archaeological details (burn layer, food storage jars not plundered) affirm the historical reliability of the Old Testament. The discovery of Solomon’s fortified cities affirm the location described in the Bible, and the form of the gates indicated they were designed and built by one king.

Hezekiah’s tunnel was discovered in the 19th century and testifies to the history recorded in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Archaeologists theorized that it should point to the ancient Pool of Siloam. The pool was only discovered by accident in 2004. This confirms Old Testament statements about it, but also points to the miracle Jesus performed on the blind man (John 9) who was to wash his eyes in the Pool of Siloam.

While we are talking about the New Testament, we have the synagogue at Capernaum (a limestone synagogue constructed on the first-century basalt stone) and the home of Peter. Dr. Weaver also has a chapter on “the Jesus Boat” which was discovered in the mud and reconstructed. This first-century fishing boat provides a glimpse of the type of boats described in all the Gospels.

On the program I praised him and his publisher for including so many color photographs. I am sure the Bible colleges and seminaries will be using the book, but it is readable for the lay person.