Tag: History
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The Real Mary: A First-Century Jewish Mother, Not a Silent Icon

This is a long-awaited week for many of us who are passionate about Christian origins and history. The venerable and recently “retired” Dr. James Tabor’s book on the mother of Jesus is FINALLY being released. The Lost Mary: Rediscovering the Mother of Jesus will be released in the US on September 30. Just like her…
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Papias of Hieropolis

Papias of Hieropolis is more than just an amazing name for your next child; he may be one of the most important players in early Christian history that you have (probably) never heard of. It is through him that what little we know about the author of the “main” gospel, Mark, comes to us today.…
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There’s Something About Mary, Mary and Mary….
The name “Mary” occurs quite often in the story of Jesus. Whether “Maria”, “Mariam” or “Mariamne”, the new testament is loaded with them. In fact, did you know that the gospel of John lists the women who were present at Jesus’ crucifixion and that all three of them were named MARY? That is exteremly odd…
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Part 1.5: The Man Behind (most of) the New Testament; Paul.
Before we go any further into the individual components of the New Testament, it may be helpful to learn a little bit about the man who is (either directly or indirectly) behind most of it: Paul. It is true that I tend to take a bit of a cynical tone towards his actual knowledge of…
