A Virtual File Cabinet for Our Studies of Christian Origins & Hebraic Faith
Multiple responses from ChatGPT on 7/18/2025. The words of the Shema, recited daily by Jewish individuals, including rabbis, come from Deuteronomy 6:4-9, but in traditional Jewish practice, the Shema is often expanded to include several additional verses. Here’s the full text of the Shema Yisrael as it’s commonly said in daily prayers: The Shema (Deuteronomy […]
Continue ReadingThree Prompts/Responses from ChatGPT on 7/17/2025. First Prompt – How do critical bible scholars understand tax collecting was done by the romans and their staff in Jesus time? Cite all sources. Critical Bible scholars and historians generally understand that Roman tax collection in Jesus’ time—especially in Judea and Galilee—was a system that combined Roman imperial […]
Continue ReadingHachlili, Rachel. “Synagogues: Before and After the Roman Destruction of the Temple,” Biblical Archaeology Review 41.3 (2015): 30–38, 65. Church-of-the-Apostles-Found-on-Mt.-Zion-Pixner-BAR by Bargil Pixner. The PDF is also in his directory in Dropbox. The link is to the pdf at Tabor’s site and is recommended by Dr. Tabor. It contains great info about synagogues. Extracts listed below. Ryan, […]
Continue ReadingFrom Chat GPT on 7/15/2025. Meals Eaten by Jesus and the Disciples – Bible References Event / Occasion Food Eaten Scripture Reference Notes The Last Supper (Passover) Bread, Wine (likely lamb and bitter herbs) Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20; Exodus 12:8 Passover meal redefined as New Covenant. Feeding of the 5,000 Barley loaves, Fish […]
Continue ReadingFrom ChatGPT on 7/15/2-25. Critical Bible scholars, archaeologists, and historians agree that the Dung Gate—one of the southern gates of ancient Jerusalem—was so named because it was the primary exit point for garbage, ashes, and waste, including refuse from the Temple sacrifices, and because of its geographic position near the Hinnom Valley, where waste was […]
Continue ReadingFrom Chat GPT on 7/15/2025 The Gospels do not explicitly name specific gates of Jerusalem that Jesus passed through. However, some gates are mentioned or strongly implied through geography and tradition. Here’s a list of gates most likely associated with Jesus, including relevant scripture references and context: 1. The Golden Gate (a.k.a. Eastern Gate) Tradition […]
Continue ReadingFrom ChatGPT on 7/14/2025. Prompt: In ancient Israel and Judah, what did the priests do with the body of the sacrificed animals? Cite all sources. [Below the response is a Follow-up Prompt – How did the priest make money from the skins and meat? Cite all sources.] In ancient Israel and Judah, the treatment of […]
Continue ReadingFrom BAS – This collection of articles paints a fascinating picture of Israel’s ancient neighbors, layering on fresh understanding of each ancient kingdom with archaeological evidence of what life was like for the biblical Iron Age societies of Ammon, Edom, and Moab. Read all these eye-opening articles and more from the pages of Biblical Archaeology Review and Bible […]
Continue ReadingFrom ChatGPT on 7/12/2025. Scroll down for the second response related to where Jesus encountered both. The shekel and the denarius were both units of currency in the ancient world, but they came from different cultures, had different values, and were made of different materials. Here’s a clear comparison: 1. Shekel Sources: 2. Denarius (plural: […]
Continue ReadingFrom ChatGPT on 7/12/2025. Critical Bible scholars have various interpretations about the role of the money changers in the Jerusalem Temple and why Jesus objected to them. Most agree they served a legitimate Temple function, but Jesus’ objection was not primarily to their presence, but to corruption, exploitation, or inappropriate use of sacred space. Here […]
Continue Reading