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Posted on Fri, Jul. 22, 2005

A guest column by Ron Coody

Archaeology reveals truth in Bible history

Rising up proudly from an ancient harbor now silted in from centuries of disuse, an open amphitheater faces the Aegean Sea, waiting no longer for Greek and Roman ships but for air-conditioned buses carrying loads of tourists. The amphitheater is the largest structure in the restored city of Ephesus located in the modern country of Turkey. For almost 2,000 years, it fell into disuse and decayed. It was covered by soil and overgrown by weeds, a haunt of scorpions and a pasture for grazing sheep.

Several decades of research by archaeologists have brought to light some of the best Greek and Roman ruins anywhere in the Mediterranean and have once again supported a belief that many people have long held to be true: The Bible really is historically accurate.

The New Testament Book of Acts speaks extensively about Ephesus. At one time it was the largest city in the world, a commercial, intellectual and cultural center of ancient civilization. Its importance quickly drew the attention of the early Christian evangelists, the foremost of whom was the Apostle Paul. But their efforts to proclaim the new message of salvation in Jesus Christ did not come without intense resistance when it challenged the celebrated goddess Artemis of Ephesus.

This summer, my family gazed at the huge stone amphitheater on the hillside as we drove our 1985 Volkswagen van down the road that follows the now long-gone sea approach to Ephesus. We walked about the stairs and stood on the platform in the same spot Paul must have stood when the crowds loudly protested him. We also drove a couple of miles away to what little is left of the once splendid Temple of Artemis. All we found there were a few foundation stones mostly submerged by a marsh and a single column supporting a large stork sitting on her massive nest. It provided an unforgettable contrast.

The 19th chapter of Acts says that city people shouted for hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians.” Obviously they didn’t shout loudly or long enough. The city ruins not only testify to the triumph of a greater power but also to the fact that it all really happened in a historical place and time.

Pastor Roger,

Here's another example of the "no coincidence" comment I made in another article you posted. THANKS!

Love In Christ,
Tom

2 Timothy 3:14-17 ASV  But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.  And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.  That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

There is much more than this. One archaeologist believes that he has located King Davids lost tomb and treasure. The IAA (Israel Antiquities Authority) is forbiding that he proceed with his excavation and has locked down the site. This same group (the IAA) are the ones that has permitted digging for construction in and around Jerusalem that has destroyed much of the area for archaeological research.

I agree these finds are no coincidence. Irregardless of how many people try to stop it, these things will be made known when God wants them to be. Even those that do not believe in God can and will be used to unwittingly show these things to the doubting Thomas' of this world.