"Archaeology, of course, is a scientific way of “resurrecting” history. Thus, its relevancy in exploring biblical history seems obvious. There are, however, a few things that archaeology cannot—or should not—do. For example, archaeology should not be
considered a final authority with regard to biblical veracity. That is to say, archaeology’s purpose cannot be to prove the Bible. If archaeology is allowed that position of authority, the Bible’s own self-described authority is subjugated to one outside of the text.
Moreover, as Adventist archaeologist and Old Testament scholar Lloyd Willis notes, “Because archaeology is interpretive in nature [subjective] apparent contradictions are inevitable, and the Christian can then be left in a quandary. Faith should be in God and Scripture.”
In spite of these limitations, however, archaeology can do a number of positive things with regard to the Bible.
For example, it can serve as a test for reconstructions of the biblical texts by historical critics. That is to say, archaeology can challenge bad theories about the Bible or, to put it in a more positive light, archaeology can provide a different point of view “against which to test . . . [a historical-critical] interpretation of the documents.”
Second, archaeology can provide the contemporary setting and context—historical, cultural, linguistic, and religious—for the writing of biblical materials and the events these materials describe. In this sense, it can sometimes provide clarification.
Third, it can, at times, offer corroborative evidence for the existence of specific people, places, and even events mentioned in the biblical writings."
RandallYounker
Moreover, as Adventist archaeologist and Old Testament scholar Lloyd Willis notes, “Because archaeology is interpretive in nature [subjective] apparent contradictions are inevitable, and the Christian can then be left in a quandary. Faith should be in God and Scripture.”
In spite of these limitations, however, archaeology can do a number of positive things with regard to the Bible.
For example, it can serve as a test for reconstructions of the biblical texts by historical critics. That is to say, archaeology can challenge bad theories about the Bible or, to put it in a more positive light, archaeology can provide a different point of view “against which to test . . . [a historical-critical] interpretation of the documents.”
Second, archaeology can provide the contemporary setting and context—historical, cultural, linguistic, and religious—for the writing of biblical materials and the events these materials describe. In this sense, it can sometimes provide clarification.
Third, it can, at times, offer corroborative evidence for the existence of specific people, places, and even events mentioned in the biblical writings."
RandallYounker
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:
as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Romans 1:17
