Reading in the Ancient World
Ben Witherington
4.59
9 October 2015
20 August 2025
Reading conventions in the ancient world were significantly different than they are today. It was considered impressive if you could read without moving your lips! Documents, including the Biblical texts, were intended to be read aloud and heard by an audience. Listen as Ben Witherington III, the Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, discusses ancient reading practices and how understanding these can help interpret the Biblical texts. To learn more about reading in the ancient world and the basic principles of understanding ancient texts, watch Witherington's entire lecture "Who Was the Beloved Disciple? The Inside Story" in the new BAS DVD Scholars Speak: Gospel Questions. Shop here: http://bit.ly/1M7EBud
