The Underwater Bascilica with Dr. Mark Fairchild

What happens when biblical scholarship, archaeological exploration, and adventurous faith intersect? In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Dr. Mark Fairchild—retired professor of Bible and Religion at Huntington University and renowned biblical archaeologist—joins Andrew and Michael to explore one of the most fascinating discoveries in early Christian history: the underwater basilica of Nicaea.

Together, they unpack the rich spiritual and historical significance of ancient Turkey (Anatolia), Paul's formative years in Rough Cilicia, and why archaeology matters for understanding the early Church. From PBS documentaries to Fulbright research and Indiana Jones-level treks through mountain canyons, Dr. Fairchild invites us to consider how the land still speaks to the reliability of Scripture and the unity of the early Church.

Topics Covered:

The discovery and significance of the underwater basilica at Nicaea
Dr. Fairchild’s archaeological adventures in Rough Cilicia and ancient Anatolia
Why Turkey is the cradle of Christianity
The role of inscriptions and geography in validating biblical narratives
Reflections on ecumenism and unity from the Council of Nicaea
How archaeology shapes spiritual formation and theological conviction
Mentioned Resources:

The Underwater Basilica at Nicaea (Fairchild, 2024)
Christian Origins in Ephesus and Asia Minor (Fairchild, 2015)
The Last Apostle (Documentary on Amazon Prime)
Dr. Fairchild’s Website: ancientbiblicalworld.com

🗝️ Key Quotes:
"Turkey is the cradle of Christianity… Even though it began in Israel, it found its primary hold in what is today Turkey. That’s where two-thirds of the New Testament was written either from or to."
— Dr. Mark Fairchild
"The Acts of the Apostles is quite credible. What we read here can be affirmed with discoveries being made in the land of Anatolia."
— Dr. Mark Fairchild
"Paul’s real first mission? It wasn’t Cyprus—it was those 7 to 9 unrecorded years in Rough Cilicia. And we’ve got strong archaeological reason to believe that."
— Dr. Mark Fairchild
"Archaeology helps fill the gap between the biblical world and our modern assumptions. It grounds the biblical narrative in real places, real people, and real sacrifice."
— Dr. Mark Fairchild
"We’ve fractured the Church over issues that are peripheral. Nicaea reminds us that unity around core doctrine matters."
— Dr. Mark Fairchild

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