SYNEIDON Feed

The 'Oldest Bible' gets 44.1 million hits in one day

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

The launch of the online edition of the Codex Sinaiticus (including the most recent findings) raised an unprecendented amount of public attention, with the site recieving over 44 million hits on the first day alone. To read more...

Podcast on the Gospel of Mark now available

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:12:00 EST

The Gospel of Mark is this year's (Year B) Lectionary Gospel. We are producing a series of podcasts which explore this fascinating and influential Gospel, discussing areas of research and talking to people who are specialists in their field. The podcasts are designed to be an informal, but informative introduction for anyone who would like to know more about the Gospel. Click here to listen to the first episode.

Which is the most popular version of the Bible in our Visitor's Poll?

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST

Find out which version of the Bible has been named as the most popular by our site users in our latest update.

Apocalyptic Frogs - Should we see the funny side?

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:44:00 EST

The Book of Revelation is not normally the place one would expect to find humour. However, one scholar suggests we should take another look. Find out more in the SYNEIDON Research Digest.

A letter from the court of King David?

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:31:00 EST

Does the discovery of a 3,000 year old shard of pottery provide us with our first piece of archaeological evidence for King David?

Contemptuous scavenger or man's best friend?

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:41:00 EST

Have we misinterpreted how the Ancient Israelites viewed dogs? One scholar argues why we should alter our perception of how the dog was perceived in ancient Israelite society. To Find out more go to the Research Digest.

Was Bethlehem 'least' or 'in no wise least'? What did the early Church think?

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:51:00 EST

The way that some of the New Testament writers used the Old Testament has not been without its difficulties. Were the early Christian readers aware of these difficulties and, if so, how did they respond to them? Visit the Research Digest to read some recent research on this issue.

Now you can read the oldest copy of the Bible

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:20:00 EST

The fourth century Codex Sinaiticus, the oldest surviving complete copy of the Bible, is now available for everyone to explore. The first stage of the British Library's publication of the digitised codex is now online. Find out in what ways it is the same and in what ways it differs from our modern versions.

Gabriel's Vision of Revelations and Christ's Resurrection

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:02:00 EST

Does a first century BCE tablet known as Gabriel's Vision of Revelations provide the first concrete evidence for a Jewish belief that the messiah will be resurrected three days after his death?

'In' or 'of' revisited... again... once more

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:49:00 EST

Many of you will have already had a grapple with the pistis Christou question featured here on the SYNEIDON site in the coffee-break posers. However, the debate still continues to rumble on in the academic presses as well. Recently it has been the focus of a theologian's attention. To find out what he makes of the question go the the Research Digest.

Why did the ground swallow them up?

Fri, 16 May 2008 10:06:00 EST

When a group of Israelites tried to institute a type of priesthood of all believers they all came to a sticky end. Find out how the identification of 'spatial markers' helps to uncover why YHWH was portrayed as taking such drastic action against those involved. Find out more by reading the Research Digest

Why were the Gospels anonymous?

Thu, 01 May 2008 13:01:00 EST

Unlike other historiographies of the time, why were the Gospels anonymous? And could their anonymity disclose the attitudes behind those who wrote them? One scholar suggests some answers.

Spinning the Septuagint

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST

Press releases that put a particular spin on an event appear to be nothing new. Is the Letter of Aristeas an attempt to 'spin' the Septuagint into a more acceptable light to its Greek and Jewish readers?

Research on Teaching New Testament Greek

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:13:00 EST

A slightly revamped Research Profiles section, which aims at a higher degree of interactivity, is launched with a new Profile on Alana Taylor's doctoral research on Methods for Teaching New Testament Greek.

How was Jesus crucified?

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:27:00 EST

How did Jesus die? Following the BBC drama about the Passion of Christ, the actual method of Jesus' crucifixion has once more become the focus of debate.

Could the use of spittle show a different kind of messiah?

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:16:00 EST

Could Mark's account of the healing of the blind man at Bethsaida be a direct response to Flavian propaganda?

Which version of the Bible tops our latest visitor's poll

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:30:00 EST

Which version of the Bible do you has made it to the top spot in the latest results of our visitor's poll? Also, find out which are the most popular versions for church services.

Does Proverbs equate some types of women with pigs?

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:28:00 EST

Does the Book of Proverbs really equate some types of women with pigs? Knut Heim thinks not and suggests an interesting alternative. Also featured: An examination of an early Arabic New Testament manuscript.

The Philistine's Mysterious Affliction

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:33:00 EST

What was the mysterious affliction that struck the Philistines in 1 Samuel? Find out here if recent archaeological discoveries might help to provide an answer?

The Breastplate of Righteousness is re-examined

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:51:00 EST

In 1643 Paul Bayne asked whose righteousness does the breastplate in Ephesians 6 refer - God or the believers? A more recent scholar takes another look.

1,000 year old text kept as lucky charm

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:13:43 EST

Find out how a lucky charm salvaged from a burnt building 60 years ago has turned out to be part of one of the most important manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible.

A misunderstood Queen and where did the lion of Revelation go?

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:42:01 EST

What does the Bible really tell us about Queen Michal and why did the lion in Revelation 5:5 disappear?

Was Nebuchadnezzar mad and how did Paul picture the apsotles in 1 Cor 4:9?

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 10:52:46 EST

Find out how the figures of the Mesopotamian underworld may provide a clearer understanding of Nebuchadnezzar's affliction and the brutal reality behind Paul's metaphor in 1 Cor 4:9 concerning the status of the apostles.

NEW! An Interactive Introduction to Biblical Studies for Absolute Beginners

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:00:00 EST

Take a look at our new section designed to introduce beginners to different approaches used in Biblical Studies. Based on the popular CSI style detective programmes, it is interactive and provides the opportunity for the visitor to engage with the different methodologies and directly apply them to a scriptural text. More approaches will be added during the next few months.

Why the Devil's Bible is a 'must see'.

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:50:13 EST

The magnificent Codex Gigas (or the Devil's Bible), weighing 75 kilogrammes and is the largest codex Bible in the world, is to go on display.

Where did the LORD choose to cause his name to dwell?

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:49:29 EST

The Israelites were instructed in Deuteronomy that they should worship God at only one specific site. Where exactly was it? Sandra Richter examines the evidence.

Lasers to reveal Dead Sea Scroll Secrets

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:11:09 EST

Previously unread Dead Sea Scroll fragments will soon be examined by the latest laser technology.

Is the NRSV still the most popular Bible?

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:52:00 EST

The New Revised Standard Version has topped our previous poll results. Take a look at our most recent update on which version of the Bible you think is the best.

Has the identity of the Christians facing rejection by Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23 been revealed?

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:41:17 EST

Who are those Christians that face being rejected by Jesus? One scholar suggests a rather startling candidate - can you guess who that is? You might be in for a surprise!

Which is the most popular Bible - Update

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:27:15 EST

Check out the updated poll results to find out if the NRSV is still the most popular version of the Bible with our visitors.

Jeremiah and the Tax Return

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:21:04 EST

Find out how a 2,500 year old tax return throws important light on Jeremiah's account of the siege of Jerusalem.

You and the Internet

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 08:57:07 EST

Have you found any interesting and helpful sites or Internet tools or can you recommend software for Biblical studies? Submit your recommendations on our Bible Study on the Internet survey and help us to compile a list of online and electronic resources.

SYNEIDON on Facebook

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 08:44:22 EST

We have realised that a number of our visitors are also on Facebook. We have now set up a SYNEIDON Facebook account. Come and join us there and say hello to other group members.

Research Update

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 07:21:21 EST

Find out how trying to identify a mystery man helped to uncover Samuel's cunning strategy (and historical spin) concerning Israel's struggle with the Philistines. Also, the Gospel of Judas in context. What are the texts that were found with this 'lost' Gospel?

Which is the most popular Bible?

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 04:54:49 EST

Which version of the English Bible do you think is the most popular with visitors to the SYNEIDON site? Find out by checking the latest interim findings from our poll.

SYNEIDON RSS feed

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:36:50 EST

New to the SYNEIDON website, an RSS feed that will help you to stay in touch with us as we develp the site and explore together the world of Biblical Studies.