We are currently looking at evidence for the credibility of the New Testament. This evidence is based on what was available in the early months of 1971 when I was investigating truth claims for the existence of God. I believed it would be simple to disprove God and Christianity, but I ran into some problems during the investigation. The problems were the evidence I found.

We started sharing the evidence that can lead an atheist to theism and Christianity several years ago (click here to read the first article in this series). We’ve most recently been looking at evidence for the reliability of the New Testament writings.

So far we’ve looked at –

In the last part of our series, we looked at some examples of names, places and environments mentioned in the first five chapters of Acts to see what could learn about them from archaeology. The process we demonstrated will work for the remaining chapters in Acts as well.

In this second part of that study, we will look at several of the most important archaeological finds pertaining to the Book of Acts.

Archaeological Findings for Acts (Available in 1971)

The Pilate Stone — Archaeologists found a damaged block of carved limestone in Caesarea Maritime in 1961, just ten years before I began my investigation. The stone dates to the 1st century AD and includes the Roman inscription “[Pont]ius Pilatus.” The stone confirmed that Pontius Pilate was “prefect of Judea” from 26 – 37 AD. Caesarea Maritmia was most likely Pilate’s headquarters. The Pilate Stone is located at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Jewish Ruler Coins — Archaeologists found many coins in Israel that date to the 1st century AD and support information in Acts about rulers of that era. They include the following names:

  • Philip, son of Herod the Great
  • Herod I
  • King Herod the Great
  • Agrippa I
  • Antonius Felix

Synagogue of the Freedman Inscription — Excavation in Jerusalem in 1913 discovered inscription about a man named “Theodotus” .. “Theodotus constructed the synagogue.” Theodotus father had a Latin name, “which probably means that the father was one of the Jews captured by Pompey … taken to Rome, and later liberated, becoming a ‘libertine’ or freedman. Thus it seems likely that this inscription, bearing the name appropriate for a freedman, or libertine, may come from this very synagogue of the libertines which initiated the persecution against Stephen … This name Vettenos is the type of game which would be given by a man named Vettius to his slave.” (Archareology and Bible History, Joseph P. Free, Scripture Press, 1969, p310) .. Acts 6:9

Queen Candace of Ethiopians — Archaeological excavations in Nubia from 1908-09 discovered group of queens called Candace during the 1st century AD. Acts 8:27

Sergius Paulus Inscription — A Greek inscription for Sergius Paulus was found on the northern coast of Cyprus in 1877. The Apostle Paul and Barnabas met Sergius Paulus and preached Christ to him (Acts 13:4-12). The inscription is currently housed in the Yalvac Museum in Cyprus. Other 1st century inscriptions for Sergius Paulus include a boundary stone and an inscription stone discovered near Pisidian Antioch.

Erastus Inscription — Erastus is mentioned in Acts 19, Romans 16 and 2 Timothy 4. Paul calls him “the treasurer of the city” in Romans and mentions that Erastus “stayed in Corinth” in 2 Timothy. Slabs with an inscription with his name were discovered in Corinth between 1929 and 1947. The Latin inscription translates as – “Erastus laid this pavement at his own expense, in appreciation of his appointment as aedile.” An aedile was a Roman magistrate responsible for public buildings and festivals. The inscription is located in a grassy area east of the city theatre.

Gallio Inscription — Luke mentioned Gallio in Acts 18:12 as being “proconsul of Achaia.” Jews brought Paul before Gallio because of his preaching. The Gallio Inscription, also known as the Delphi Inscription (a group of nine fragments), was discovered in Delphis, Greece in 1908. It confirms that Junius Annaeus Gallio was proconsul of Achaia during the reign of Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD). The Gallio Inscription is believed to date to about 52 AD. The events of Acts 18 are believed to support Paul’s being in Corinth between 51-53 AD.

Tyrannus Inscription — Luke mentioned Tyrannus in Acts 19:9 as having a school in Ephesus. The “school” was more of a lecture hall. Though it hasn’t been discovered yet, several inscriptions dating to the 1st century AD with the name Tyrannus have been found in Ephesus, including one on a stone pillar.

Ephesian Magic Books — Luke wrote in Acts 19:19 about many Ephesians who responded to Paul’s preaching and burned their books about magic. Excavations in that part of the world since the 19th century have found ancient scrolls dated to the 1st century with the wording of magical spells.

Temple of Artemis (Diana) — Luke wrote in Acts 19 that Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of the goddess Artemis, gathered many men who worked in similar trades. Demetrius was concerned that the impact of Paul’s preaching in Ephesus could end their trade and dethrone the goddess. They caused quite a riot until a city leader calmed and dismissed the crowd. The Ephesian temple of Artemis (known as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world) was discovered in 1863. Excavations in the 20th century discovered the theatre where the silversmiths dragged Paul’s traveling companions.

Zeus and Hermes — Luke recorded in Acts 14 that Paul and Barnabas were in Lystra when Paul healed a cripple who had been lame from birth. The people raised their voices in the Lycaonia language saying “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” They called Barnabas, Zeus and called Paul, Hermes. Paul and Barnabas denied their claim and Paul was stoned and left for dead, though he rose up and went into the city. Archaeologists unearthed a temple and several inscriptions in the ancient of Lystra in 1909 that showed the importance of Zeus and Hermes to the people. The inscriptions showed that the people of Lystra believed the gods would return in the future, which might explain why they were so quick to believe Paul and Barnabas were those gods.

Asiarch — Luke used the term Asiarchés in Acts 19:31. The ESV and NASB use the Greek name — “Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent word to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater.” The NJKV translates the word as “officials,” but includes this note — “Asiarchs, rulers of Asia, the province.” Asiarchs was a term used for public patrons and leaders named by cities in the Roman province of Asia (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Holman Reference, 2003, p 131). Some of these rulers were friends of the Apostle Paul. Archaeological discoveries of inscriptions in Ephesus and other parts of the region have shown that the term asiarchs was used for community leaders during the 1st century AD.

Politarch — Luke used the term politarchas (city rulers, city leaders) in Acts 17:6 — “ But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” Archaeology has confirmed from inscriptions that the name politarch was used during the 1st century AD in many cities of the Roman Empire (e.g. inscription discovered in 1895 on an arch in Thessalonica). Politarchs served as city leaders and magistrates.

Paul’s Roman Citizenship — Luke mentioned Paul’s Roman citizenship in Acts 22:28. Paul told a Roman commander that he had been “born a citizen.” Luke recorded Paul as saying he was born in Tarsus (Acts 21:39). The Hatay Archaeology Museum (Antakya, Turkey) contains four letters of Octavian granting citizenship to Seleucus of Rhosus who had helped Octavian during his naval struggles with Marc Antony of Egypt. Octavian mentioned Le Munatia et Aemilia as a legal basis for his grant to Seleucus. The citizenship grant included Seleucus’ wife, children and parents. It is a demonstration of how Paul’s family may have also received Roman citizenship through some special service rendered to Rome.

Claudius Command To Jews to Leave Rome — Jews lived in Rome in the 1st century AD and were expelled twice from the city, only to be allowed to return. The first occurred in the reign of Tiberius (19 AD). The second occurred in the reign of Claudius (approx. 49 AD) because of problems between Jews and followers of “Chrestus” (Christ?). Luke mentioned that event in Acts 18:2 when Paul met Aquila and Priscilla who had come to Corinth from Italy “because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome.” The 1st century Roman historian Suetonius wrote about the event as did the 2nd century Roman historian Lucius Cassius Dio.

Caesarea Marítima — Archaeological excavations have confirmed the 1st century existence of the city mentioned in Acts. Caesarea became the capital of Judea in 6 AD. Luke mentioned the city more than a dozen times in Acts. Herod had a palace in Caesarea and died in the city (Acts 12 and Josephus). The Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea for more than two years. Paul made an appeal to King Agrippa and Felix (the governor) in Caesarea. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote about Felix in Tacitus History 5:9. Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as governor of Judea and Felix left Paul in prison. Josephus mentioned Festus in Antiquities 20:8-9.

Iconium — Luke wrote that Iconium was located in Phyrigia. Cicero and others wrote that Iconium was located in Lycaonia. However, a monument discovered in 1910 confirmed Luke’s information that Iconium was a city in Phyrigia.

Azotus — Luke wrote in Acts 8:40 that Philip “was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.” Excavations north of Gaza show that Azotus was both a coastal city and inland city that was built on the ancient Philistine location of the city of Ashdod. The city was later destroyed and restored. Herod the Great seized the town and made coastal Azotus a Jewish city. It eventually became an imperial estate.

Tarsus — The Apostle Paul was born in Tarsus. Excavations have confirmed that Tarsus was a flourishing city in western Cilicia that had a Jewish community.

Lydda — Luke wrote about the city of Lydda in Acts 9 where the Apostle Peter healed people and preached Christ. Lydda was known previously as Lod in the Old Testament. It was an important city located on the eastern edge of Sharon (a plain). Excavations have discovered a Jewish tomb and Greco-Samaritan inscription.

Joppa — Luke also mentioned Joppa in Acts 9. That’s where Peter raised a woman (Dorcas) from the dead. Joppa is about 11 mile northwest of Lydda. Excavations have confirmed the town’s existence prior to and during the 1st century AD.

Phoenicia — Luke mentioned Phoenicia in Acts 11:19. Archaeological excavations have confirmed that it was well-known prior to and during the 1st century AD.

Cyrene — Luke mentioned Cyrene in Acts 11:20. It was the name of a city and Roman province in the 1st century AD. Cyrene had a large Jewish community during that time. Excavations have confirmed its existence and prominence during the time Luke wrote Acts.

Antioch (Syria) — Luke mentioned Antioch of Syria in Acts 11 and other parts of his letter. Antioch became Paul’s primary church and headquarters for his missionary journeys. Antioch was a large and important city in the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD. Archaeological excavation has been difficult because the modern Turkish city of Antakya was built over the ancient site.

Ancient Tiberius — Excavations by Bezalel Rabani of ancient city (1945-1956). Findings include street, bathhouse, marketplace, possible basilica, fortified gateway with towers, pottery, metal, glass, jewelry and coins. A. Druks uncovered large urban villa complex in 1964. M. Dothan uncovered two synagogues between 1961-1963.

Forum of Appius — Luke mentioned this forum in Acts 28:15. It was located about 40 miles from Rome. A milestone for 43 miles from Rome was discovered in the area. Archaeological excavations found pottery and other materials from before the 1st century AD. It served as a post station for travelers.

Three Taverns — Luke mentioned this in Acts 28:15. It was located about 30 miles from Rome and the first or last stop for travelers (depending on leaving from or headed to Rome).

The location of many other regions and cities Luke mentioned in Acts are confirmed as accurate by archaeological excavations and historical documents, including:

  • Seleucia
  • Salamis
  • Paphos
  • Perga
  • Lystra
  • Lycaonia
  • Galatia
  • Phrygia
  • Derbe
  • Pamphylia
  • Attalia
  • Troas
  • Samothrace
  • Philippi
  • Neapolis
  • Thyatira
  • Amphipolis
  • Apollonia
  • Thessalonica
  • Macedonia
  • Berea
  • Athens
  • Corinth
  • Pisidian Antioch
  • Rome
  • Ephesus
  • Cenchrae
  • Alexandria
  • Assos
  • Miletus
  • Mitylene
  • Chios
  • Samos
  • Cos
  • Rhodes
  • Patara
  • Ptolemais
  • Jerusalem
  • Antipatris
  • Adramyttium
  • Sidon
  • Lycia
  • Myra
  • Cnidus
  • Salmone
  • Fair Havens
  • Lasea
  • Phoenix
  • Cauda
  • Syrtis
  • Adriatic Sea
  • Malta
  • Syracuse
  • Rhegium
  • Puteoli

You may find Sir Walter Ramsay’s book The Cities of St. Paul (Baker Book House, 1949) helpful in your study of the archaeology of many of these ancient areas. The book is based on lectures Ramsay gave at Mansfield College, Oxford, in 1907.

Archaeology and Bible History by Joseph P. Free (Scripture Press, 1969) is also helpful.

The Popular Handbook of Archaeology and the Bible by Joseph Holden and Norman Geisler is a more recent book with updated archaeological findings (Harvest House Publishers, 2013).

The Archaeology Study Bible (ESV) is a wonderful reference with updated information across the entire spectrum of Scripture in addition to the Book of Acts (Crossway, 2017).

Luke’s Accuracy

Many scholars acknowledge that Luke was a master historian because of both his knowledge of the travels of Paul and others and the accuracy of his accounts. In addition to the people, cities and regions mentioned above, Luke accurately described ships, crew members, harbors, wind systems and other historical data and aspects of ancient travel. The discoveries of nautical archaeology support many of these findings, including shipwrecks similar to what happened to Paul in Acts 27.

Archaeology has also shown that Luke was accurate in his use of terms. Some of them include:

  • Athenian word for Paul as spermologos (“babbler” “seed picker” Acts 17:18)
  • Greek word for member of Athenian court as Areopagitēs (“judge of the court of Areopagus” Acts 17:34)
  • Greek word for “city clerk” as grammateus (“writer” “scribe” “clerk” Acts 19:35)
  • Greek word for “temple guardian” as neōkoron (“temple keeper” “temple warden” honorary title Acts 19:35)
  • Greek plural for two or more proconsuls as anthupatoi (plural “male proconsuls” Acts 19:38)
  • Greek words for “first man of the Island” as prōtō tēs nēsou (“chief, first” “principal” “most important” Acts 28:7) .. NKJV translates “leading citizen of the island”
  • Greek word for taking soundings as bolisantes and knowledge of water depth near Malta (“to heave the lead” “cast the line for sounding” Acts 27:28)

A reminder for you: I am only sharing the archaeological findings available in 1971. Many more discoveries have been uncovered since that time that continue to support the accuracy of Luke’s writings in both Acts and Luke’s Gospel account.

Next Time

In the next part of our report we will look at the single most powerful evidence for Christianity that led me from atheism to theism to become a Christian.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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