The following two articles by Shmuel Safrai are the most essential reading on this question: “Spoken Languages in the Time of Jesus” and “Literary Languages in the Time of Jesus.”
Did women go through a mikveh (ritual immersion pool) after childbirth?
Scripture seems to say nothing about a woman washing herself either after childbirth or after her monthly period.
Matthew 24:20: Why did Jesus advise people to pray that their flight not be on the Sabbath?
If one had to flee on the Sabbath one would be forced to leave behind nearly all of one’s possessions.
Did Jews in the first century know their tribal affiliation?
The New Testament mentions individuals who belonged to this or that tribe. Did Jews in the first century know their tribal affiliation, and did it affect people’s daily life in any way?
Has a Hebrew Gospel Been Found?
Although the church fathers testify that Matthew wrote the words of Jesus in Hebrew, not a single fragment of an early Hebrew manuscript containing Jesus’ sayings has survived from the first centuries of the Christian era.
Christ’s Folded Napkin (John 20:7): Is it significant that the napkin that had been around Jesus’ head when he was buried was found in the empty tomb folded?
Does the folded “napkin” in Jesus’ tomb mean anything?
Is there an index of the fifty-six issues of Jerusalem Perspective magazine that were published between 1987 and 1999?
For a full list of the contents of JP printed issues, click here on the “JP Magazine Index” link.
Who is behind Jerusalem Perspective?
There are many ways to answer the question, “Who is behind JP?” but the best answer is probably: “You are!” Member support and charitable contributions Jerusalem Perspective going and make it what it is. Your membership contribution enables JP to maintain its web presence, to produce the exciting new content you value, and to remain free of annoying advertizements that distract readers and dilute the focus of JP’s important mission.
Perspective on Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code
In the marketplace of ideas, legitimate biblical scholarship competes with the likes of Erich von Deniken (Chariots of the Gods) and Dan Brown (The Da Vinci Code), and other sensationalists.
Was New Orleans Punished for Its Sinfulness?
Let’s consider how Jesus would have responded to the damage and loss of life wrought by Katrina.
Recommended Books On Ritual Purity Laws
Jack Poirier calls attention to four books on a topic that few readers of the New Testament understand.
Our New and Improved Website
As Director of Marketing for TotallyFabricated.com I am always looking for ways to help make our customers products even better. JerusalemPerspective.com has always been one of my favorite websites because they have such a great mission and it is obvious that God has blessed this ministry. It is amazing that we have so many great minds coming together in this online community.
Reflections at 65
On July the 20th I celebrated my 65th birthday. Does that mean I’m “old”? Only someone who has reached my age knows how young I feel! It seems to me as if only a year has passed since I arrived in Israel at the age of 24.
Studying the Gospels Synoptically
A synopsis allows us to see the differences in each Gospel—which is often valuable in understanding the texts and determining the better readings.
Landmark New Work by Professor David Flusser Explores Jesus’ Jewishness
In March 1995, Professor David Flusser shared with me his intent to re-publish the 1968 English translation of his biography of Jesus. Serious problems had occurred in the English translation of the book, which in German had sold almost 100,000 copies.
Israel: A Relief Map on the Scale of 1:1
One of the many exciting advantages of living in Israel is access to biblical sites. Nothing beats reading a biblical story at the place where it happened
A History of the Intersection of JP, JS, & Brian Becker
Fifteen years ago, I met David and Josa Bivin at a seminar in Tulsa, OK, made possible by HaKesher. As an introduction, I would like to share with you the cord that weaves my life with David’s family.