What is logos?
In John 1:1 we read, "In the beginning was the Word [ Logos ], and the Word [ Logos ] was with God, and the Word [ Logos ] was God." The Greek term " logos " is translated as "word," "principle" or…
The Revolt of the Maccabees and Hanukkah
Hanukkah or Chanukah (or more properly hanukiyah ) — the Festival of Lights — is a Jewish holiday. It commemorates the re-dedication of the second temple in Jerusalem during the time of the Maccabean…
Pharisees and Works Righteousness
It is my understanding that the Pharisees did not teach works-based salvation. According to the New Testament, their doctrine of salvation had some flaws, but trusting in personal merit is not…
In what language was the Bible originally written?
Thanks for your question. The Bible was given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21) and originally written and even spoken in Biblical Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek.…
Old Testament Date of Composition
The Old Testament was written over a long period of time, ranging from approximately the 15th century B.C. for some of the older books (e.g. Genesis, Exodus) to perhaps as late as the 4th century…
Ancient Near-Eastern Covenant Distinctions
I believe that sharp distinctions between different kinds of covenants paralleling ancient Near-Eastern texts are not as sure as they once were (Compare NIV Study Bible on Genesis 6). Abram's…
Timeline of Roman Emperors
Timeline of Roman Emperors This Timeline of Roman Emperors includes the names of the "official" Roman Emperors, joint rulers, together with the "usurpers" and "pretenders" who were also proclaimed…
Who Ruled Israel?
After the Babylonians, Israel was ruled by the Medes and the Persians, and then by the Greeks, and finally by the Romans. Israel ceased to be a nation-state in A.D. 70 when the Romans destroyed…
Time Elapsed Between Old and New Testaments
The last events recorded in the Old Testament surround the restoration of Israel to the Promised Land after the Babylonian exile. The history of the restoration recorded in Ezra and Nehemiah ends in…
Wherefore Art Thou, Hanukkah?
I'll try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, but since Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration not observed by most Christians, you might also poll the opinions of some Jewish sources.…