On several occasions, we have examined aspects of the ancient city of Philippi in northern Greece. We have noted its connection with St. Paul, including archaeological evidence for women’s involvement in pagan cults and Roman religion as the early Jesus movement was growing, and we noted how women may have carved the unique rock reliefs […]
In Part I, we presented an overview of the legendary correspondence between King Abgar of Edessa and Jesus, noting its popularity and how it was preserved in both literary and archaeological sources. Here we will look specifically at the archaeological sample found at Philippi in northern Greece. As we have noted elsewhere, Philippi is important […]
The rock reliefs carved on the acropolis hill at Philippi in northern Greece are a unique archaeological artifact that raise a number of important questions for the history of Christianity, the role of women in the church (and hence the West) and the legacy of St. Paul. The reliefs – which depict primarily the goddess […]
As we have seen in other posts, the city of Philippi in northern Greece was significant in the growth of the so-called “Christ cult” in the first century. St. Paul wrote a letter to the Jesus followers at Philippi, which has come down to us in the New (Christian) Testament and is a major reason […]
Philippi in northern Greece is an important city for the history of Christianity and a fascinating archaeological site. Here we will highlight a few features that raise important issues for modern contemplation, since Christianity has had such vast influence on the West. I will illustrate these points using photos of mine taken on site during […]
We have discussed prayer and its benefits several times. In 2021, we noted that our petitions to whatever Force we choose – God, Divine Love, Guardian Angels, Allah, Vishnu, etc. – direct our energies not only toward calming ourselves but also toward calling to mind the need for solidarity with like-minded souls. When praying or […]
Korinna Zamfir and Uta Poplutz, eds. Reading Women in the New Testament Letters. SBL Press, 2025. Editors Korinna Zamfir and Uta Poplutz have compiled an impressive collection of essays on women in the New Testament who are often overlooked: women in the letters of Paul and authors who came after him. New Testament scholars would […]
Here are some photos of archaeological sites from three cities associated with St. Paul, along with quotes to remind us that his circle included women in leadership roles. Philippi Phil 4:2-3: “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I […]
We have often engaged in discussions of various aspects of the New (Christian) Testament of the Bible; in fact, most of the posts in the Past category have something to do with either the Christian Testament or the social context of the early Jesus movement. We have pointed out the important role of women in […]
Books Paranormal: A New Testament Scholar Looks at the Afterlife. Self-published 2015; printed by Shires Press, Manchester Center, VT Goddess and God: A Holy Tension in the First Christian Centuries. Marco Polo Monographs 10. Warren Center, PA: Shangri-La Publications, 2006 Women and Worship at Philippi: Diana/Artemis and Other Cults in the Early Christian Era. Portland, […]