Have you ever looked at an old map and wondered what life was truly like back then? How about imagining the places where incredible stories of resilience, exploration, or mere survival unfolded? If so, this series is for you...
Since the beginning, all of my articles have focused on the legacy people of the past have left behind for the future we live in today, but what about the places those people lived in? For this new series, I dove into that very topic. While this particular series will focus on what I have discovered about the ancient cities in biblical times, there is always room to discover other cities as well.
The cities in this new series are all mentioned in the scriptures of the Christian faith, but they also had an impact on history as well. These cities were not just names in a book; they were real, tangible places. Each of these cities was a center for selling goods and services. Places of culture and chaos collided in profound ways. They were the setting of some of the biggest events that have taken place in our history. These places were the foundation of change and economic growth.
Along the way, we will travel to the glories of the Roman world, which was the center of this ancient world. We will travel to the dusty streets of Nazareth, where a carpenter’s son would become something much more. Each story has its own unique story that explores the vast array of architecture and values of that time. Imagine being able to see the world through the eyes of the ancient past. Have you ever wanted to see what people like Peter and Paul saw without leaving the confines of your comfortable home or coffee shop? Well, this is what this new series will strive to do.
The goal of this series is to share my take on each of these historical gems in a way that reflects the tone of my stories. It is to illustrate the importance of remembering our history and to feel connected with the past. By discovering more about these cities found primarily in the New Testament narrative, we can learn more about them. There is a reason this series is called “Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities.” My goal isn't to provide an exhaustive historical detail, but rather to build on the essence of these cities and the influence they had in their time. I hope to give anyone who reads these posts something that they can connect with. The questions I have tried to answer are things like:
Who are the kinds of people who lived there?
What types of historical events took place?
When were they really at the height of their existence?
Where were they actually located?
Why are they so important to the biblical narrative?
How did they leave a lasting legacy on our world today?
In essence, I am taking the legacy concept into a whole new direction in an attempt to discover the impact history has had on these ancient cities and building something we can all learn from. All of this has resonated with me in a quite unexpected way, and I hope that it will be the same for those who read this series.
Each post will focus on what my research has revealed, and I will do my best to produce resources to verify what I have found. To keep things simple, I have narrowed down each post to three key factors.
The History and what was found
Important Biblical and Historical connections
Lessons we can hold on to for today
By understanding these three focal points, we can gain an understanding of what made each city important in history. We can highlight both the good and the bad while retaining information to guide our steps into our own future. So, get ready for a journey through time and history. Discover what “Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities” is all about and find out the lasting significance of these cities. Maybe we can learn something from the past that can impact us today.
Next week, we will delve into Caesarea Maritima, the city where my new book, The Hope of Inheritance, began its journey. Caesarea holds a special place in my heart and was a huge governing power in Judea. One thing I learned from researching this city for my book was that there was actually a huge revolt that took place in 66 AD that changed the course of its history. It will be a fun place to begin this journey.
Are there any cities you are particularly interested in learning about? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below or on whatever social media platform you found this on.
~ Biography ~
Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.
Matthew and his wife, Traci, have three children named Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah, who bring them immense joy and inspiration. As a writer, his goal is to share love, equip others, and edify them for the greater good. He loves connecting any amount of scripture to his stories and uses his knowledge of Biblical History to do so often.
You can find Matthew's works on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, BookBub, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.
~ Highlighted Release ~
My Newest Biblical Fiction Novel, The Hope of Inheritance, came out on Father's Day and has received a ChristLit Book Award for excellence in Christian Literature. Grab it via Amazon. If you enjoy it please let me know by posting a review.
One Story Still Untold. Four Unlikely Authors.
Together, their Message will speak to Many.
The city of Rome was a vast and beautiful place-- on the surface. That is, until a great fire burned and destroyed most of it. Deep in a world hidden from those who would strike against them, four unlikely men work together to share a message of truth. This truth was spoken by those who were cut down because of the calling to go forth and preach.
The message has always been clear: The hope of our inheritance is Christ living within each of us. In the echoes of persecution, sorrow, and even death, this message still reigns supreme, but will the people listen? Only time will tell, but before anything, these four men must come together and unite a church separated by fear and suffering.
Thank you for outlining where you will be taking us in this new series. I look forward to learning about these cities.
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