Bible Review, June 2003
Special Section
Introduction
The recently publicized bone box, or ossuary, inscribed in Aramaic, “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus,” has captivated scholars as well as the lay community of Jews and Christians all over the world. The day after it was first revealed to the public by our sister...Read more ›
Bringing James Out of the Shadows
Jesus’ brother led Jerusalem church
History, it is said, is written by the winners. Perhaps that’s why we know so little about James, the brother of Jesus. Although he was a major player in the first-century A.D., his popularity waned in the next few centuries as the followers of Peter and Paul...Read more ›
Where Was James Buried?
Making sense of contradictory accounts
Controversy over the burial of James, the brother of Jesus, is nothing new. As early as the fourth century A.D., the location of James’s tomb was disputed. In the words of the church father Jerome, writing in 392 A.D.: “Some monks think James was buried on the...Read more ›
Features
Moses’ Egyptian Name
The history of Israel begins with its enslavement in Egypt. Israel is defined in opposition to everything Egyptian—they are powerful, Israel is weak; they are rich, Israel is poor; they have many gods, Israel has one. Isn’t it ironic, then, that the greatest Hebrew...Read more ›
The Harrowing of Hell
[He] was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day, he rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Millions of Christians have recited these lines from the Apostles’ Creed as...Read more ›