VISUAL BIBLE TOUR
About This Project
A study of the geography, topography, and archaeology of the biblical world is fundamental to a fuller understanding of the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments. Various sites and excavated artifacts often shed light on the sacred text and leave students with a visual image that will not easily be forgotten. While these disciplines do not inherently prove the faith claims of the Bible, they do corroborate its historical accuracy and trustworthiness. The narratives that we read occurred in a cultural context—at an exact place and at a precise time in history.
Background
In 1994, my wife Debbie and I attended the first semester of Harding University in Greece (HUG). During that time, we also traveled to Israel, Turkey, Italy, and other countries in Europe. Since then, I have often used biblical archaeology in preaching and teaching, as well as in writing and editing Bible commentaries.
In 2012, I was given the opportunity to teach a small class of ministry students at Harding University in preparation for a trip to Israel led by Dr. Bill Richardson. After that tour, a book on CD was produced, containing the research from that course and the photographs taken on the trip. A decade later, after further revisions and updating, that material is now made available on this website.
Acknowledgements
I want to thank my students and my wife Debbie, whose initial reports provided a platform on which to build. I also want to thank the numerous students (including our daughter Carrie and our son John David), professors, friends, and ministers who have shared their pictures with me over the years. Their contributions have made the coverage more comprehensive. I deeply appreciate John David's creative design, computer expertise, and willingness to help us bring this website to fruition.
Future Plans
Lord willing, additional work will be added to this website on Greece, Turkey, and Italy in the future. It is my hope and prayer that your knowledge of the Word of God and your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will grow immensely through studying this material. May it help you to “contend for the faith that was once and for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). May it prepare you to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Pet. 3:15).
David Stewart
© 2022 David Stewart
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.