The third annual “These Stones Will Shout” lecture in biblical archaeology will explore the rich intersection of Scripture, history and archaeology at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Werner Auditorium on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
This year’s lecture, titled “Finding the Last, Lost City of the Gospels,” will be presented by Dr. R. Steven Notley [1], dean of religious studies at Pillar College, Newark, N.J.
Notley will present the results of 10 seasons of excavations at Khirbet el Araj on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, the evidence unearthed of a Jewish fishing village that was transformed into a small Roman polis – just as Josephus Flavius describes it – and conclude with the discovery of a legendary Byzantine basilica that according to tradition was built over the house of St. Peter.
“The excavations at Khirbet el Araj have provided exciting insights into the world of the apostles Peter, Andrew and Phillip. The fifth century basilica unearthed there, long thought to be lost to history, provides us with much insight into the early church in this region,” said Dr. Stephen Pietsch [2], dean of Theological Research and Publications. “In 2022, archaeologists discovered a dedicatory inscription in the sacristy of this ancient church that refers to the ’chief and commander of the heavenly apostles.’ This title is commonly used by Byzantine Christians to refer specifically to St. Peter. The basilica is believed to have been built over Peter’s house, giving us a tangible and exciting connection with scenes from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.”
The lecture is made possible through the generosity of Tom and Linda Ray, whose archaeological experiences in Greece and Israel inspired their desire to bring deeper awareness of biblical archaeology to the Seminary and the broader community. The Rays also established the W.G. Ray and Louis J. Rechtzigel Endowed Chair of Biblical Studies [3] at the Seminary in 2021. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or [email protected] [4].
About Concordia Seminary
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) [5]. To learn more, visit csl.edu [6].