Biblical Archaeology Discovery Group

Biblical archaeology can be a very useful topic for Bible discussions, as it can help to provide context and historical background for the events and stories in the Bible. Biblical archaeology is the study of archaeological evidence related to the Bible, including the places, people, and events described in the text. It can help to shed light on the historical accuracy and reliability of the Bible, and can also provide a deeper understanding of the culture and context in which the Bible was written.

By discussing biblical archaeology, Bible study groups can learn more about the customs, practices, and beliefs of the people in Bible times, and can gain a better understanding of how the Bible was shaped by historical events and cultural influences. It can also be an interesting way to explore the connections between the biblical text and the material evidence that has been discovered through archaeological excavations.

Some potential topics for discussion could include the archaeological evidence for the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the excavation of biblical cities such as Jerusalem and Jericho, and the search for evidence of the historical Jesus. Overall, biblical archaeology can provide a fascinating and informative lens through which to explore the stories and teachings of the Bible.

The Silver Scrolls are older than the Dead Sea Scrolls

The Silver Scrolls are two small amulets made of real silver. They were discovered in 1979 at Ketef Hinnom, an archaeological site southwest of the Old City of Jerusalem. The major importance of these scrolls is that they are the oldest copies of scripture, older than the Dead Sea Scrolls. 

They contain a variation of the Priestly Blessing, found in Numbers 6:24-26. The scrolls were dated paleographically to the late 7th or early 6th century BCE, placing them in the First Temple period.

The Priestly Blessing is a Hebrew prayer found in Numbers 6:22-27. The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace".

The Silver Scrolls provide evidence that the bible text has been copied multiple times over the millennia and has remained unchanged. 

Silver Scroll documentary

Wine in Biblical teaching

Wine as a symbol of joy, celebration and abundance

In the teachings of Jesus, wine is often used as a symbol of joy, celebration, and abundance. In the New Testament, Jesus is recorded as turning water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana, demonstrating his ability to perform miracles and his desire to bring joy and celebration to people's lives.

Wine as a symbol of Jesus blood

Additionally, in the Last Supper, Jesus used wine as a symbol of his blood, which was shed for the forgiveness of sins. This act of drinking wine together became the basis of the Christian practice of Communion or the Eucharist. 

New wine as new and revolutionary teaching

Jesus used the metaphor of new wine to describe the new and revolutionary nature of his teachings and mission. In the Gospels, Jesus says, "No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins." (Mark 2:22, NIV).

In this metaphor, the new wine represents the radical nature of Jesus' teachings and the transformative power of his message. Just as new wine cannot be contained in old wineskins, Jesus' teachings cannot be contained within the old religious systems and traditions of his time. His teachings emphasized love, mercy, and compassion, and challenged the religious and social norms of his time. He invited people to embrace a new way of living, one that focused on a personal relationship with God and caring for others.

Did Jesus drink wine?

It is worth noting that wine was a common beverage in Jesus' time, and it was often consumed in moderation as a part of everyday life. While the Bible does not provide a definitive answer on whether Jesus drank wine, it is possible that he did, in moderation and in the context of cultural practices of his time.