5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

A Good Atlas

Jul 30, 2025
Discover how maps can illuminate biblical narratives and enhance our understanding of redemptive history. The discussion delves into the significance of geography in biblical interpretation, showcasing tools like the Macmillan Bible Atlas. The evolution of atlases is examined, from traditional formats to modern digital navigation. Context plays a crucial role in understanding ancient texts and historical sites, offering a fresh perspective on Scripture.
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INSIGHT

Geography Deepens Biblical Empathy

  • Stephen Nichols says historical geography helps us empathize with ancient people.
  • It places biblical events in ecological and sociocultural context.
ANECDOTE

A College Atlas That Lasts

  • Stephen Nichols kept the Macmillan Bible Atlas since college.
  • He devoured it then and returns to it often.
INSIGHT

Reading Between Biblical Place Names

  • Stephen Nichols notes the Bible rarely describes settlement locations because they were assumed.
  • Scholars reconstruct ancient maps using history, later names, and archaeology.
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