Bibleworld
Find out below what has been happening at Bibleworld . . .
Illuminate a Bible Page
Sep 5, 2020
Many Bibles throughout the Middle Ages were amazing works of art. The pages of Scripture were beautifully decorated in a process called illumination. Now at Bibleworld, visitors can have a go at illuminating their own portion of Scripture. You can create your own design or take inspiration from the various Bible pages on display at Bibleworld.
Roman Glass
Jul 7, 2020
The Romans were masters in the art of making glassware. Glass of many colours was used to make items such as bowls, cups, glasses, perfume vials, jewellery and even some of the first basic window panes. This new display at Bibleworld features two Roman jars and a number of coloured bracelet fragments. The glass is displayed in a light box to enhance the colour of some items.
5500 Year Old Artefacts
Jan 29, 2020
These artefacts have been gifted to Bibleworld and are about 5500 years old. They were used in southern Mesopotamia during the time the city of Uruk was flourishing. The Bible describes Uruk as being part of the kingdom of Nimrod, the great grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:10).
Who Was Pontius Pilate?
Oct 22, 2019
Pontius Pilate will forever be remembered for his role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. This new display about Pontius Pilate features a replica of what has become known as the Pilate stone. Excavated in Israel in 1961, the real stone provided the first archaeological confirmation of Pilate's existence and his role as Prefect of Judea. Also on display are two real bronze coins that were minted in 29 and 30 AD under Pilate's authority.
People from other Nations
Apr 10, 2019
Have you ever wondered what the people mentioned in the early books of the Bible looked like. These replica tiles, now on display at Bibleworld, are copies of five tiles that once adorned the palace of pharaoh Ramses III of Egypt (c1184 - 1153 BC). They depict noblemen from five nations that Rameses III subdued during his reign. From left they depict a Syrian (Aramean), a Philistine, an Amorite, a Hittite and a Nubian (Cushite).
Maori and Kiwi Bibles
Feb 4, 2019
We have two new uniquely New Zealand additions to our 'Story of Scripture' exhibit - The Bible Society of NZ donated a copy of Te Paipera Tapu (Maori Bible) and Chris Grantham donated a couple of editions of his 'Kiwi Bible' - a modern paraphrase with a distinctly kiwi flavour.
Jerusalem Then and Now
Nov 19, 2018
A number of people have asked us over the years how the city of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus compares with the city today. We've come up with one way of answering this question - a 2.5 metre long image of the old city of Jerusalem as it is today. Now visitors can stand behind the model and see the similarities and differences between then and now.
Under the Law
Oct 14, 2018
We frequently see in the media images of Moses stumbling down a mountain carrying two huge chunks of rock inscribed with God's law. Recently we installed this replica tablet containing the written law of a ruler called Lipit Ishtar. The original tablet was created 400 years before the time of Moses and contains numerous laws relating to the treatment of slaves and recompense for injured animals. Come and see how big this law tablet is - you may be surprised!
Flooding in our Building
May 23, 2018
On the 24th May, a huge spinkler pipe burst in our building, flooding the basement to a height of about 50 cm. Bibleworld fortunately was untouched, but there has been substantial damage to the Victoria Grove Costume Hire; and the Wall and Basement Theatre. Please take care around our entrance way as there may be tradespeople and others working to clear up the damage.
Real or Fake: The Ivory Pomegranate
Dec 3, 2017
This tiny replica on display at Bibleworld illustrates an ongoing debate. It is a copy of an item placed on display at the Israel Museum in the late 1980s. It was described as the only known artefact from Solomon's temple. However over the last 15 years there have been questions raised about its authenticity. Come and read the story and see what you think.
Tiglath Pileser
Jul 6, 2017
This full-size replica depicts the Assyrian King Tiglath Pileser III. In the Bible, he is also called 'Pul' and he causes great destruction to the kingdom of Israel just before the time of Isaiah the prophet (See 2 Kings 15-16). Soon after this time, Isaiah would prophecy of a much brighter future: 'The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those walking in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.' (Isaiah 9:2).
The Story of Scripture
Jul 6, 2017
We have brought back an old favourite exhibit. This story of Scripture exhibits some real and replica Bible pages, illustrating how the font, language and format of the Bible has changed over the last 2000 years. This exhibits tells the stories of a few of the many Christians throughout history who have helped to faithfully preserve and pass on the message of the Scriptures. The exhibition includes a real Bible page from c 1250 AD.
Four Roomed "Pillared" House Model
Jan 11, 2017
This very detailed model shows a row of "Four Roomed" or "Pillared" houses typical of city housing during the Old Testament period. Each house features a particular trade common during the period including: farming, weaving, pottery making and carpentry.