The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered 75 years ago in a series of caves near the ancient settlement of Masada in the Judean Desert. The manuscripts include the influential Book of Enoch and Book of Isaiah, and have even inspired modern forgeries. Scholars continue to debate related mysteries, such as who wrote the scrolls. In this interview, Jean-Pierre Isbouts discusses his National Geographic special feature, The Dead Sea Scrolls: 75 Years Since Their Historic Discovery.
It’s a golden age for New Testament studies. Scholars like N. T. Wright and Mike Bird increase biblical literacy by teaching about the history and theology of ancient scripture. In this interview, F. B. A. Asiedu continues the tradition by addressing a historical mystery: Why is Josephus largely silent about Paul and early Christianity?
Excerpts from Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible (JST) have been included as footnotes in the Latter-day Saint standard works since 1978. The translation process used by the Prophet remains a source of mystery today. Some scholars feel that Joseph Smith consulted and borrowed from Adam Clark’s commentary of the Bible. Others, like Kent P Jackson, believe there are flaws in the hypothesis.
It’s difficult to separate the life of Joseph Smith from his recurring role as a “translator.” The meaning and methods of the Prophet’s translation activities sometimes meant different things, such as the different approaches and outcomes for his translation of the Book of Abraham, Book of Mormon, and the Bible. Thomas Wayment’s chapter in Producing Ancient Scripture contributes to our knowledge about Joseph Smith and his translation of the Bible.
Everyone knows the story of Jonah and the whale from the Old Testament, but no one knows it quite like Rabbi Steven Bob. He is the author of Jonah and the Meaning of Our Lives.
Second Temple literature includes texts written when the Jews returned to Judea after the description of the First Temple. Jewish scholar Malka Simkovich discusses the scriptures and stories that shaped early Judaism, including the Hebrew Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
What was the Holy Land? Where is it? Writings from the time period can be found in Second Temple literature like the Dead Sea Scrolls, but the region isn’t easily defined. Old Testament scholar H. G. M. Williamson walks readers through a 3,000-year period which gave birth to today’s three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Thomas Wayment has just completed a translation of the New Testament designed specifically for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Thomas Wayment is a professor of Classics at BYU and the author of “The New Testament: A Translation for Latter-day Saints.” Wayment has also published on Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible in Producing Ancient Scripture (University of Utah Press, 2020).
Michael F. Bird is a biblical theologian and the author or editor of more than 30 books, including a collaboration with New Testament scholar N. T. Wright. He is Academic Dean and Lecturer in Theology at Ridley College.