This book is a fascinating resource. Its varied uses cover more territory than you’d ever imagine. It is so profusely illustrated that I’d love to take it on a trip to the sites of Paul. I can imagine reading it every evening as a precursor to the next day’s adventures. As nice as that is, it’s not a travel guide though, but a Bible study guide. Written in the order of Paul’s ministry, this book would be phenomenal to have at your side as you work through Paul’s itinerary.

It addresses what archaeology tells us about these sites, but that’s not the lead. Foremost it’s the biblical background that makes the book what it is. David deSilva is a scholar rather than an archaeologist. He’s quite an accomplished one at that. Most books of this type totally get immersed into archaeology at a level that is beyond what Bible students are looking for. Here the balance is perfect.

My only criticism is that he is a bit more critical in his scholarship in a few places than I’d prefer. You might add that a few maps would have helped. Its gorgeous content probably would have been appropriate for a hardback as well, but maybe the publishers anticipated that many might carry the book to these Bible sites. The pictures more than make up for any deficiencies and the text reads well too. I’d call this one a winner right out of the gate.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.