J. A. Thompson facts for kids
John Arthur Thompson (1913–2002) was an Australian expert who studied the Old Testament part of the Bible and ancient history. He was also known as a biblical archaeologist, which means he helped dig up and study old sites related to the Bible.
He spent his life learning and teaching about ancient times and religious texts.
Early Life and Education
John Arthur Thompson went to several universities in Australia and England. He studied at the University of Queensland, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Cambridge. He earned degrees in different subjects, including science, arts, and theology (the study of religion).
Before focusing on ancient history, he taught science. For some years, he taught chemistry and physics.
Teaching and Archaeology
Thompson taught at the University of Melbourne's School of Middle Eastern Studies from 1947 to 1956. Later, he taught at the Baptist Theological College of New South Wales starting in 1957.
He played a big role in starting the Australian Institute of Archaeology in Melbourne. He was the first director of this institute, which studies ancient history and artifacts, beginning in 1947.
In 1950 and 1951, he worked in Jerusalem with the American Schools of Oriental Research. He helped with archaeological digs at important ancient places. These sites included Roman Jericho and Dibon, where he learned more about ancient civilizations.
Writings and Contributions
John Arthur Thompson wrote several books that explain parts of the Bible. These books are called commentaries. He wrote commentaries on the books of Deuteronomy, 1 and 2 Chronicles, and Jeremiah.
He also helped translate the Bible into a modern version. He was one of the people who worked on the New Living Translation of the Bible. This translation makes the Bible easier for many people to understand.
Thompson also wrote a book called "Archaeology and the Pre-Christian Centuries" in 1958. This book explored how archaeology helps us understand the world before Christianity.
