In Bible times, many containers for liquids as water, olive oil, and wine made from the skins of animals, particularly young goats. After the head and feet were cut off, the skin was stripped in one piece from the animal’s body. These skin retained the shape of the animal, with the neck sometimes serving as the channel through which the container was filled and emptied. Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (ANIMAL SKIN CONTAINERS)
Conservative churches that discourage or ban use of alcoholic beverages are bewildered at the production of wine as Jesus’ first miracle. Such churches have sometimes insisted that the wine in John 2 was nonalcoholic, despite the wedding guests’ unusual delight and appreciation of it. Surely, Jesus did make very good wine, yet not hint of alcoholic abuse clouds this account. Continue reading DOES JESUS’ MIRACLE AT CANA ENCOURAGE THE USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES?