A fundamental principle of biblical interpretation is the importance of context--historical, literary, and canonical. But an often-neglected source of context for understanding Scripture is the field of archaeology. The physical and cultural world we inhabit affects us deeply, and that was no less true for the original writers and readers of Scripture. Archaeology provides insights into important questions like: What did these believers see day to day? What messages did they receive from their environment? What social practices influenced them?

In this first of three planned volumes, New Testament scholar David deSilva uses archaeological findings to explore the places the apostle Paul ministered and his audiences lived. This visually compelling and beautifully designed book contains more than 250 full-color photographs of sites and artifacts. deSilva focuses on the fruits of archaeology in regard to the sites associated with the ministry of Paul in Acts and in Paul's own writings. The combination of photos and text helps readers understand the real-life situations Paul addressed.

This volume will be an important supplemental textbook for courses on the New Testament and for anyone who wants to better understand the lived context of Paul and his readers.