The Hasmoneans began a revolt that changed the shape of Palestine between the New and Old Testaments. Read more about this influential family. “Maccabees,” the family nickname of the Jewish dynasty that ruled Judea from the time of the Maccabean Revolt (167 B.C.) until the Roman conquest of Palestine… Read More

Use this Bible-reading guide to encounter Scripture in three new ways: by asking questions, and by considering the social and historical context of the text. Check out our online guide now. Reading any document, even the Bible, can often become routine. And reading the Bible in the same… Read More

Mary Magdalene has been surrounded by myths for centuries. What does the Bible have to say about her? Mary Magdalene was the first of Jesus’ followers to encounter the resurrected Christ. Magdalene refers to Mary’s hometown, Magdala (or Migdal), a fishing town on the western shore of Lake Galilee. Read More

The concept of birthright played an important role in many Bible stories. Learn more about what the significance of birthright was and how it factored into different Bible stories. Israel and other cultures of the ancient Near East gave special honor and privileges to the oldest son in every family. Read More

Each Gospel has unique features, including different perspectives on the Christmas story. Learn about the differences to prepare for your Bible reading during Advent and Christmas. The Gospels according to Matthew and Luke give an account of Jesus’ birth, but each offers a different perspective. Matthew’s Gospel focuses on Joseph’s… Read More