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In 2010, using a specialized robotic camera, authors Tabor and Jacobovici, working with archaeologists, geologists, and forensic anthropologists, explored a previously unexcavated tomb in Jerusalem from around the time of Jesus. They made a remarkable discovery. The tomb contained several ossuaries, or bone boxes, two of which were carved with an iconic image and a Greek inscription. Taken together, the image and the inscription constitute the earliest archaeological evidence of faith in Jesus’ resurrection.
Since the newly discovered ossuaries can be reliably dated to before 70 AD, when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans, they also provide the first evidence in Jerusalem of the people who would later be called “Christians.” In fact, it is possible, maybe even likely, that whoever was buried in this tomb knew Jesus and heard him preach.
The newly examined tomb is only 200 feet away from the so-called Jesus Family Tomb. This controversial tomb, excavated in 1980 and recently brought to international attention, contained ossuaries inscribed with names associated with Jesus and his immediate family. Critics dismissed the synchronicity of names as mere coincidence. But the new discovery increases the likelihood that the “Jesus Family Tomb” is, indeed, the real tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. Tabor and Jacobovici discuss the evidence in support of this interpretation and describe how both tombs appear to have been part of the property of a wealthy individual, possibly Joseph of Arimathea, the man who, according to the gospels, buried Jesus.
The Jesus Discovery explains how the recent find is revolutionizing our understanding of the earliest years of Christianity. Tabor and Jacobovici discuss what the concept of resurrection meant to the first followers of Jesus, particularly how it differed from the common understanding of the term today. Because the new archaeological discovery predates all other Christian documents, including the gospels, it offers a dramatic witness to what the people who knew Jesus believed.
There is no doubt that this is one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever made. The Jesus Discovery is the firsthand account of how it happened and what it means.
Religion professor James Tabor and documentary filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici have already generated major controversies about the early history of Christianity. The Jesus Family Tomb, which Jacobovici co-wrote, contended that a first-century tomb discovered in 1980 might lend no evidence to the Gospel story and Tabor's 2006 The Jesus Dynasty proposed a new understanding of the early Christian movement. The revelations of The Jesus Discovery promise to eclipse even the hubbub generated by these two earlier books. According to the co-authors, a recent archaeological discovery provides proof that belief in the resurrection of Jesus actually predates the Gospels. The new find will be the subject of a primetime Discovery Channel television documentary. A book that will command media attention.
© 2012 James D. Tabor
Gregor1066
Posted March 16, 2012
Informative with Support for Historical Facts. I found this book to be very interesting, well written and solid in reinforcement of the authors proposed conclusions. Although many will say this book is a fraud, it is well worth reading for anyone interested in history of religion, early Christianity and Holy Land archaeology. As explained in the book, what is found in the tomb provides strong support for the beliefs of the early Christians and the words of Paul. I believe that ones faith should be stronger after reading this book and recognizing what the early followers of Yeshua believed and understood. Reading this book was also very timely in that Oded Golan, that was on trial for alledged forgery regarding the James son of Joseph and brother of Jesus ossury trial was recently dismissed. The book provided some interesting additional questions to consider as well as illustrate how we can lose valuable information from neglect of artifacts, ignorance, resistance and adversion to change. In general, this book was was difficult for me to put down and I have ordered the Jesus Tomb to read as a follow up. As so well stated in the book, "good history is never the enemy of informed faith."
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Posted March 1, 2012
The other reviews are silly. They say they didn't even read it.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 3, 2012
I've had this pre-ordered forever. When will it be available?
0 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 29, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
The story of a stunning new discovery that provides the first physical evidence of Christians in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus and his apostles
In 2010, using a specialized robotic camera, authors Tabor and Jacobovici, working with archaeologists, geologists, and forensic anthropologists, explored a previously unexcavated tomb in Jerusalem from around the time of Jesus. They made a remarkable discovery. The tomb contained several ossuaries, or bone boxes, two of which were carved with an iconic image and a Greek inscription. Taken together, the image and the inscription constitute the earliest archaeological ...