David deSilva was one of the historical advisors for my new book The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded (March 2025). He, along with 19 other scholars, endorsed the work.
deSilva has just released a new book, which serves as a nice visual companion to The Untold Story. It’s called Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul: A Visual Guide. The book is blend of scholarship and visual storytelling that aims to transport readers into the heart of the Paul’s world.
As the first of a planned three-volume series, this book stands out not only for its academic depth but also for its accessibility and aesthetic appeal, making it a valuable resource for scholars, pastors, students, and any reader eager to better understand the New Testament’s historical context.
The book is organized geographically and thematically, tracing Paul’s journey from his beginnings in Tarsus through his missionary travels across the Roman Empire, and culminating in his final days in Rome. Each chapter focuses on a significant city or region-such as Antioch, Philippi, Corinth, and Ephesus-offering archaeological insights that illuminate the cultural, religious, and social environments Paul encountered.
The author’s approach is to let the stones and artifacts speak, using more than 250 full-color photographs to bring ancient sites and objects vividly to life. This was the same goal that The Untold Story has achieved by putting the entire New Testament narrative together chronologically and filling in all the social and historical details.
One of the greatest strengths of deSilva’s book is its ability to bridge the gap between text and context. The author skillfully weaves together biblical narratives, Pauline letters, and archaeological evidence, demonstrating how the physical realities of the ancient Mediterranean world shaped the experiences of early Christians.
For example, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by Paul and his congregations as they navigated Roman urban life, local religious practices, and imperial politics. The result is a portrait of Paul’s ministry that is grounded in the tangible realities of first-century life, moving beyond abstract theology to the lived experiences of real people.
In sum, Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul is a handsomely produced, richly illustrated, and carefully researched volume that breathes new life into the study of Paul and his world. It is a must-have for anyone seeking to understand the apostle’s ministry in its original context, and it sets a high standard for future works in biblical archaeology and visual guides.
The publisher is Baker, the same publisher who released Insurgence, ReGrace, and The Day I Met Jesus — their academic arm.
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