The Archaeology of Passion Week (pt. 3) - Kyle Keimer and Chris McKinny
Apr 9, 2023
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Delve into the archaeological treasures of Jerusalem that illuminate Passion Week. Discover the intricate history of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, including its architectural marvels and the significance of Jesus's trial. Explore burial practices that shaped the city's landscape and hear about the complexities of religious coexistence at this iconic site. Uncover evidence related to Jesus's crucifixion and burial, revealing how archaeology intertwines with biblical narratives to deepen our understanding of these pivotal events.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre's complex structure exemplifies the challenges in accurately identifying biblical sites due to historical landscape changes.
Archaeological evidence challenges traditional views on Jesus's trial locations, suggesting Herod's palace near Jaffa Gate is more plausible than previous assumptions.
The intersection of early Christian tradition and archaeological discoveries at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre reinforces its significance in the narrative of Jesus's burial.
Deep dives
The Significance of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a focal point for visitors to Jerusalem, rich in historical and archaeological significance. Known for its confusing structure, it is suggested that early explorers misidentified biblical sites due to the city's changing landscape over time. For example, Edward Robinson rejected the church as the tomb of Jesus because of its location within the old city walls. This conception highlights the need to examine archaeological locations closely to better understand their relevance to biblical events.
Archaeological Insights into Jesus's Trial
The podcast delves into the historical context of Jesus's trials, suggesting the palace of Herod, located near Jaffa Gate, as the probable site rather than the traditional location at the Antonia Fortress. The discussion emphasizes how archaeological evidence sheds light on the locations related to the final events of Passion Week. Further exploration of the Gospel texts reveals the need to consider the actual topography of first-century Jerusalem to understand Jesus's journey. This provides a clearer picture of the crucifixion and burial sites in relation to Jerusalem's landscape.
The Role of First-Century Burial Practices
First-century Jewish customs regarding burial are pivotal to understanding the location of Jesus's tomb. It was customary for individuals to be buried outside city walls, as burial within the city was reserved for kings. Thus, both the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb, despite their popularity, actually lie outside the ancient city. This practice informs the arguments for both sites by linking them to historical Jewish customs regarding the treatment of the dead.
Evaluating the Garden Tomb's Historicity
The Garden Tomb has been proposed as an alternate site for Jesus's burial, largely due to its seemingly suitable appearance for the biblical descriptions. However, archaeological evidence indicates that it is an Iron Age tomb, which contradicts the Gospel accounts of Jesus being laid in a newly cut tomb. The conversation suggests a need to adhere to established historical practices and supports the Church of the Holy Sepulchre's claims based on more credible and corroborative evidence. The emphasis on historical accuracy underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of claimed holy sites.
Tradition and Archaeology in the Holy Sepulchre
Tradition plays a significant role in affirming the location of Jesus's burial and resurrection at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Early Christian records indicate that a temple was built on this site within a century of Jesus's death, further substantiating its historical claims. The discovery of a Constantinian-era slab beneath the church serves as archaeological evidence aligned with early church traditions. This convergence of tradition and archaeological findings strengthens the argument for the church’s significance in the Christian narrative.
Episode: This episode is the final installment in the 3-part archaeology of Passion Week discussion. Chris and Kyle take a detailed look at how archaeological finds in Jerusalem can help us better situate and understand the events of this fateful week. Chris and Kyle discuss the location of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, the Garden Tomb, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and traditions about Jesus’ death and burial. (republished from 2021)