credibility of the Bible continued

Even MORE to consider ...

So although the oral and written testimony of the Bible displays unwavering credibility, it doesn’t stop there.  The Bible makes hundreds of references to historical events, places, people, etc.  Because of that, there are plenty of opportunities for contradiction between the Bible and historical record.  But in reality ... there have been very few contradictions, and although a small number have come up at some point, they have been dissolved by the realization that the Biblical account proved to be spot on.  This isn’t coming from a biased perspective, it’s coming from actual evidence that has been uncovered by Christian and non-Christian scholars, researchers, archeologists, and historians alike. 

Take these examples (from the few instances in which contradictions arose)…

Luke 3:1 says, “Lysanius was the tetrarch (governor) of Abilene” during the year of 29AD.  Well for years, critics said that Lysanius had been executed in 36BC – sixty years before the date that Luke claimed he was tetrarch of Abilene.  But about a decade ago, archeologists found an inscription on a stone that said “Lysanius: tetrarch of Abilene from 16-28AD.”  That’s legit evidence that the Biblical account was more accurate than the historical account.

Also in Luke, the word “polytarch” is used to describe governors, as well.  For years, historians were arguing that the world “polytarch” had not come into existence until hundreds of years after Luke was written … so obviously manuscripts have been altered since they were originally written.   But then in the last 15 years, there have been 35+ inscriptions on stone using the word “polytarch” that date back to the time that Luke wrote the gospel of Luke.

The book of Genesis talks about a nation of people known as the Hittites.  Historians were never able to come up with any trace of evidence for the existence of the nation, so for years this was used as evidence against the credibility of the Bible.  Then in 1906, an archeological dig proved the existence of the Hittite nation – it went so far as to uncover the nation’s capital and 40 other cities within it.  


In chapter 5 of Daniel, the Bible references a man named Belshazzar as being the King of Babylon in that day.  The historical records, though, have held that Nabonidus was the king of Babylon at the time that the book of Daniel is referencing.  Obviously a clear cut contradiction.  Historians argued that obviously the Bible is wrong – “We have straightforward evidence!”  Au contraire … in 1956, archeologists dug up 3 stones that contain the inscribed information that solved this problem.  It seems that Nabonidus decided to lead his armies out to a far away battle front, so he established his son as king of Babylon in his absence.  And his son’s name … Belshazzar.  Once again, the biblical account passed the test for historical accuracy. 

One archeologist did a study on Luke.  All 32 countries, 54 cities, and 9 islands Luke discusses or makes mention of were talked about with absolute accuracy.  They all existed.  There is no evidence to contradict statements made in Luke about these places.  In fact, there has never been a discovery in archeology that has contradicted a single thing in the Bible.  Instead, in the few cases when contradictions between the Bible and historical record existed, archeological records have shown that the Biblical account was the more accurate account.  Archeologist, Nelson Glueck, was quoted stating, “It may be categorically stated that no archeological study has ever contradicted a biblical reference.  Not even one.”  That’s quite a statement, but it’s true across the boards.

What all of this tells us is that the Bible is entirely credible.  The authors were truly eyewitnesses – the oral and written testimony is legit.  The “stories” and messages are consistent with the historical happenings, places, people, etc – the collateral evidence is flawless.  In regards to the oral and written testimony, Simon Greenleaf, who is the head of law department at Harvard University, was not a believer in Christ when he made the following statement:  “The resurrection, because of the testimony of those witnesses, would stand as fact in any English speaking court of law in the world.”  Since he came to this realization, he committed his life to the Savior.  So whether you believe in the importance of accepting Christ as your Savior, you cannot argue against the truth that the Bible was written exactly as it happened.  It is accurate.  It is credible.  It is not a bunch of made-up stories to entertain people.

Even still, although the Bible is in fact true, I know the question still remains … “Yea, but was it really inspired by God?  Do I really have reason to base my whole life on it's message?!"  This is the stuff that is actually most exciting to me!  I can’t wait to share it with you in the near future – so be on the lookout. :)

K thanks for reading.  Grace and peace ♥ 

credibility of the Bible

More to consider …

So although the Bible stands the test for accuracy, questions still remain … is the actual message of it credible; were the authors for real firsthand witnesses that are trustworthy?

The test for examining ancient literature’s credibility involves looking at the oral and written testimony, and collateral evidence of the writings.  When we consider the testimony given by the authors of the Bible, we face verses like , 2 Peter 1:16  which states, “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”

Also, Luke 1:1-4 says, “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”

At least 23 different times, the New Testament writers wrote that they were eyewitnesses.  And consider this, the disciples told the story of Jesus to people that were alive at the same time as Jesus was alive.  Moreover, their message of Jesus Christ and His resurrection was often proclaimed to hostile listeners who would have stopped the rumor, had it been false … but no one stopped it.  When the disciples and authors of the Bible spoke of Christ’s resurrection, for example, they spoke of it as a common knowledge; they wrote about actual people, places, things, and times – all of that would have been silenced immediately by opposition if it wasn’t true … but it wasn’t.  Instead, the message has lasted into the 21^st century, and has had a profound impact on millions of lives. 

I recently heard a great illustration that clarifies what I talked about above.  I’d love to hear what you think.  Okay, so …we were alive at the time of Princess Diana.  Imagine if I loved her so much that I started a cult proclaiming that one time in Wadsworth, OH, she took a happy meal and fed the whole town … or that since her life-ending car crash, she has been resurrected.  Would you accept that and pass the information along to others, or would you say it’s crazy and ignore it?  If the people alive at the same time as Christ and at the same time that the message of His resurrection was being proclaimed thought that the disciples were crazy, than that message would have not stood a chance and would not have been passed on so that we now receive it years and years later.  That’s gotta tell people something about the credibility of the Bible.

I’ve heard people argue that the twelve disciples who went all over the world sharing about Christ knew that they were telling a big lie and where just trying to make a killing off of their preachings.  Ironically, instead of “making a killing”, eleven of these twelve disciples were killed.  Peter, Andrew, James, Philip, Simon, and Bartholomew were crucified.  Matthew and one of the other James were killed by the sword.  Thaddeus were shot with arrows.  Thomas was speared to death, and the other James was stoned to death.  If they were all in on some big hoax, you would think they would have admitted to it quickly, especially when there were about to be tortured, but instead they held firmly to the Truth and gave their lives for its cause.  So that thousands of years later, we can read of their sacrifices and be assured that Jesus and Salvation is real.

Quick note: The only disciple that wasn’t murdered was John.  But he didn’t go without persecution for his faith and preaching of the Gospel … he was dipped in boiling oil several times, by the incredible grace and power of the Savior in whom he entrusted his life, he just wouldn’t die.  So his persecutors got so frustrated they just exiled him forever.  Pretty remarkable, in my opinion.  God is amazing.

So as far as oral and written testimony goes, the Bible proves to be credible.  The disciples [those who followed Jesus and went around preaching to the world about receiving His gift of salvation] were eye witnesses to the "stories" in the Bible, and they were willing to give their lives in order to spread the Truth about faith in Jesus Christ.   And the message they proclaimed was not shot down by those alive during Jesus' time on earth -- because it was all true.  So even those who were hostile to Christ and didn't want to accept the Truth, they knew it was all real and actual happenings; there was nothing they could do to stop the true message from being proclaimed.  And that is why you and I are still hearing this message today, and can believe every word about Christ Jesus and what He will do in our hearts, minds, and lives if we entrust our lives to Him.

So if you are a believer, I hope that this information can help you defend the faith that you have, just as it is helping me.  If you have not let Christ intervene in your life, think about this evidence and ask yourself, "What's stopping me from believing in him and fully accepting His gift of salvation?"

If you ever want to know the sources for what I am sharing with you, I’d be happy to pass them along.  This stuff is so incredible … eye opening, thought provoking, life changing.  I have even more I’ll be posting on here in the near future because there is just so much awesome truth to learn!

K thanks for reading.  Grace and peace, my friends ♥

accuracy of the Bible

The Bible was written over a period of 1600 years by 40 different authors.  The Old Testament tells of the old agreement between God and man, and the New Testament tells of the new covenant.  The new agreement entails that Jesus Christ bridged the gap and serves as the mediator between God and man.  The new covenant contains three promises: 1) the power to obey the Lord’s commandments through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives; 2) forgiveness of sins through acceptance of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross and our commitment to God and His will; 3) eternal inheritance of Christ’s kingdom.  [Hebrews 8-10 are one of many chapters that clarify these points – definitely worth checkin’ out!]

This new covenant offers so much hope and blessing.  Salvation is a gift greater than anything we could ever need.  And yet so many people choose to ignore the gift.  A common reason I have come across is that people don’t believe that this covenant in the New Testament is legit because they don’t believe that the Bible, itself, is legit or true.  Question is … what have they, and you, done to determine whether the Bible is true or not?  Through some recent searching, this is what I have found:

So there are 3 basic questions that are used in order to test all ancient literature for its accuracy.  The 3 basic questions are … 1)how soon after the original manuscript was written was the earliest manuscript copy produced? 2)how many manuscript copies have been produced since then? 3)how much variance is there between current copies and the original manuscript?  Well let’s compare the New Testament of the Bible to 3 very well known pieces of literature that have been discussed and studied in schools across the world for years and years.

Aristotle’s very first manuscript was written in 340 BC.  The earliest copy of that writing was produced in 1100 AD … 1400 years later.  There are now 5 manuscript copies of the original manuscript.

Caesar wrote the history of the Gallic wars around 50 BC.  The earliest copy of that manuscript was written in 1000 BC … 1100 years later.  Since 50 BC, only 10 manuscript copies of the original have even been made.

Homer wrote the Iliad in 850 BC. The earliest copy of that manuscript was produced in 150 AD … 1000 years later.  There are now 5000 manuscript copies of the Iliad.

The New Testament was completed in 90 AD.  The earliest manuscript copy of it was dated to 130 AD ... 40 years later.  There are now a whopping 24,363 copies of the original New Testament manuscript.  And it has been determined by Christian and non-Christian historians alike that there is less than 1/2 of 1% variance between the 24,363 manuscript copies and the very first manuscript from 90AD.

Keep in mind that when we talk about biblical manuscripts, we are talking about handwritten copies of the original text of the Bible.  The actual number of Bibles in circulation is estimated to be 6 billion copies; hence it is the best selling "book" of all time.   That's gotta tell people something. 

Common sense tells us that the sooner manuscript copies are made after the original manuscript, the more reliable they are likely to be.  Moreover, the more manuscript copies there are in existence, the easier it is to catch any changes made, which would blemish a piece of literature's accuracy.  The Bible fits into all of this: it has an incredible number of manuscript copies that vary negligibly, and these copies began to be produced only 40 years after the original manuscript was written.  From the test mentioned above, the same test given to every piece of ancient literature, we have incredible evidence that the recorded message of the New Testament Bible is very accurate.  And the more accurate a manuscript is, the closer it reflects the reality of what actually happened. 

I have lots more I'm learning right now, and I am super excited to share it with you.  So I'll add plenty more in the upcoming days or weeks.  Hopefully it can help clarify things for you, just as it has for me.

K thanks for reading.  Grace and peace ♥