Tag: maps

Where is Joppa? Well, we have an app for that.

Preview Map from Bible Geocoding for Acts 9On Sunday (4/21/13) we listened to a reading from Acts 9 (verses 36-43). In the reading we learned that Peter was in Lydda when he was summoned to Joppa. In Joppa he raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead and restored her to the community.

Setting aside the discussion about the historical accuracy of this account (or of Acts in general) and setting aside the discussion of miracles (for now), a 21st century American studying this account may wonder where these two towns were/are located. Fortunately, we live in an age where we “have an app for that.”

In this case we have a website and an app to help us locate Lydda and Joppa (well, modern cities overlaying an ancient landscape really).

If you already have Google Earth try out Bible Geocoding. If you do not have Google Earth, no problem: click on “preview” when seeking to locate a place named in the Bible and you will get plenty of information. For example, here is the “preview” of all the places listed in Acts 9.

We (the authors and editors of this blog) are working to build a Resources Page for your use. Our goal is to have the page active by the end of April. If you have an internet resource you would like to share, please share it via the Comments section. Let us help each other.

You’ll want to use BibleMap.org

Here is a resource that’s as easy to use as Google Maps: BibleMap.org. It is still being built, so be patient.

Once on the site, enter a book and chapter in the search panel (usually on the left). As soon as I selected the book (from the drop-down list) and the chapter number the map appeared.

Here’s what I got for 1 Thesslonians 1

Click the map – go to the map

Once you have the map you may navigate it as you do in Google Maps (use the controls on the right side of the map). You can zoom in or out. You can navigate in all compass directions. Clicking on a map pin will give you even more information (and choices).

In addition, you will find Paul’s Missionary Journeys mapped out. In the upper right hand corner click on events (sandwiched between home and report an error). I selected Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey from the pop-up list and received this map:

Click the map – go to the map

Have fun with this bible map tool. Share your experiences and questions here (Comments and Replies) or in the Forum on Sunday.