bibliology – god’s word

300
Bibliology – God’s Word

Upload: penn

Post on 14-Jan-2016

97 views

Category:

Documents


16 download

DESCRIPTION

Bibliology – God’s Word. You can find the Truth!. The Bible is the ‘Word of God’. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Bibliology – God’s Word

Bibliology – God’s Word

Page 2: Bibliology – God’s Word

You can find the Truth! The Bible is the ‘Word of God’. (1Jo 2:14) I have written to you, fathers, because you

know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

  (Rev 1:2) who testified to the word of God and to the

testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.   (Rev 1:9) I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in

the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Page 3: Bibliology – God’s Word

(Heb 13:7) Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

(Heb 4:12) For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Page 4: Bibliology – God’s Word

(Rev 6:9) When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained;

Mat 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'"

Page 5: Bibliology – God’s Word

Every Word is essential!

Page 6: Bibliology – God’s Word

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the works of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).

  1 Corinthians 4:6 Now these things, brethren, I

have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.

Page 7: Bibliology – God’s Word

Deuteronomy 4:2 "You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Revelation 22:18-19 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; (19) and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

Page 8: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Bible is the sacred book for many religions. It is interesting how they all have the same facts, but they all believe vastly different things.

Page 9: Bibliology – God’s Word

1. Mormonism: "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."

2. Christian Science: "The Bible has been my only authority. I have had no other guide in "the straight and narrow way" of Truth. In following these leadings of scientific revelation, the Bible was my only textbook."

Jehovah's Witnesses: "The Holy Scripture of the Bible are the standard by which to judge all religions."

Page 10: Bibliology – God’s Word

1. The Way: "There is no room for interpretation or discussion. "We must come to The Word, let The Word speak, and then adjust our thinking according to the integrity and accuracy of The Word. After we have let The Word speak, we must accordingly harmonize our beliefs, our actions, and our living."

2. The Unification Church: "Until our mission with the Christian church is over, we must quote the Bible and use it to explain the Divine Principle. After we receive the inheritance of the Christian church we will be free to teach without the Bible."

Page 11: Bibliology – God’s Word

Islam - The Quran declares the Bible to be a true revelation of God and demands faith in the Bible. Sura 2:40-42,126,136,285; 3:3,71,93; 4:47,136; 5:47-51, 69,71-72; 6:91; 10:37,94; 21:7; 29:45,46; 35:31; 46:11

The Qur’an claims that NO ONE can change the Word of God. Sura 6:34; 10:34

Page 12: Bibliology – God’s Word

Why Do Muslims Believe The Bible Is Corrupted? In 1064, Ibn-Khazem, FIRST charged that the Bible had been

corrupted and the Bible falsified. This charge was to defend Islam against Christianity because Ibn-Khazem come upon differences and contradiction between the Bible and the Quran. Believing, by faith that the Quran was true, the Bible must then be false. He said, "Since the Quran must be true it must be the conflicting Gospel texts that are false. But Muhammad tells us to respect the Gospel. Therefore, the present text must have been falsified by the Christians after the time of Muhammad."

Page 13: Bibliology – God’s Word

You can know the Truth… 2Pe 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these

things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,

2Pe 3:15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you,

2Pe 3:16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

2Pe 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,

2Pe 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Page 14: Bibliology – God’s Word

Truth: Jesus Christ – The Word of God

Then Jesus said to those Jewish people who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-32

But thanks be to God that though you were slaves to sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were entrusted to.

Romans 6:17

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Page 15: Bibliology – God’s Word

1515

Arguments against the Bible

The Bible was written The Bible was written sooo long ago in sooo long ago in ancient languages, ancient languages, how could it still be how could it still be valid today?valid today?

It has been copied It has been copied sooo many times, the sooo many times, the original message was original message was lost!lost!

It’s all a matter of It’s all a matter of interpretation.interpretation.

Even if the Bible has Even if the Bible has been preserved, it is been preserved, it is so ambiguous that to so ambiguous that to develop any Truth develop any Truth from the text is from the text is impossible. That’s impossible. That’s why we have so many why we have so many denominations and denominations and belief systems within belief systems within Christianity.Christianity.

Page 16: Bibliology – God’s Word

1616

You can live a little over 40 days without food, 4 days without water, 4 minutes without oxygen – but without

faith you will surely die…Spiritually speaking

You can’t believe in God or the preservation of His Word without faith! So what is ‘faith’?

All it takes All it takes is Faith!is Faith!

Page 17: Bibliology – God’s Word

1717

Do we REALLY need faith?

The world in which we live often presents itself as cold and heartless – which in turn leads to a world of

discouraged, depressed, and despairing people. So YES we need

faith! Yet true faith is in short supply!

So, some make faith equal with hope…they simply are not the same!

Page 18: Bibliology – God’s Word

1818

Luke 24:13-21 - "Now that same day two of them were going to a village called

Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each

other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed

these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with

them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

Some ‘hoped’ that Jesus Some ‘hoped’ that Jesus was the Messiah…was the Messiah…

Page 19: Bibliology – God’s Word

1919

Luke 24:13-21 - "He asked them, "What are you discussing together

as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him,

"Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the

things that have happened there in these days?"

Page 20: Bibliology – God’s Word

2020

Luke 24:13-21 – "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth,"

they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and

they crucified him;

Page 21: Bibliology – God’s Word

2121

Luke 24:13-21 – but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took

place."

They ‘hoped’ but they did not have ‘faith’!

Hope is not Faith!Hope is not Faith!

Page 22: Bibliology – God’s Word

2222

So what is faith? Heb 11:1 Now Heb 11:1 Now faithfaith is the assurance of is the assurance of thingsthings

hoped for, the hoped for, the convictionconviction of things not seen. of things not seen. Webster Greek def: “The sense of the verb, Webster Greek def: “The sense of the verb,

from which that of rope and binding is derived, from which that of rope and binding is derived, is to strain, to draw, and thus to bind or make is to strain, to draw, and thus to bind or make fast. A rope or cable is that which makes fast.”fast. A rope or cable is that which makes fast.”

The Hebrew and the Greek suggest a trust or The Hebrew and the Greek suggest a trust or belief in a belief in a known truthknown truth, validated by evidence , validated by evidence that would lead to a conviction.that would lead to a conviction.

It is not a ‘blind leap’!It is not a ‘blind leap’!

Page 23: Bibliology – God’s Word

2323

Heb 11:1 Now Heb 11:1 Now faithfaith (the solid rope that holds (the solid rope that holds something together – the belief in a known truth) something together – the belief in a known truth) is the assurance(concrete foundation) of is the assurance(concrete foundation) of thingsthings hoped for, the hoped for, the conviction(evidence, proof)conviction(evidence, proof) of of things not seen. things not seen.

Faith in Jesus Christ is valid and reasonable!Faith in Jesus Christ is valid and reasonable!We derive our evidence from the Bible and personal We derive our evidence from the Bible and personal experience!experience!

If the Bible is not true, we have no basis for faith!If the Bible is not true, we have no basis for faith!

Belief + Proof=FaithBelief + Proof=Faith

Page 24: Bibliology – God’s Word

2424

Many Pastor’s have preached that you should be a Christian by blind faith. Even if the Bible is not reliable and even if Jesus didn’t raise from the dead.

The Apostle Paul doesn’t agree…

Page 25: Bibliology – God’s Word

2525

Everything rests Everything rests on the validity of on the validity of the Bible and the the Bible and the Resurrection! Resurrection!

1 Corinthians 15:13-20a - "IFIF there is no resurrectionno resurrection of the dead, THENTHEN not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

Page 26: Bibliology – God’s Word

2626

1 Corinthians 15:13-20a – “More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.”

Page 27: Bibliology – God’s Word

2727

1 Corinthians 15:13-20a – “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”

Page 28: Bibliology – God’s Word

2828

1 Corinthians 15:13-20a1 Corinthians 15:13-20a – “But Christ has – “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” indeed been raised from the dead”

Heb 4:12 For the word of God isHeb 4:12 For the word of God is living and activeliving and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and

intentions of the heart.intentions of the heart.

Isa 40:8 The grass withers, the Isa 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our flower fades, But the word of our God God stands foreverstands forever..

Page 29: Bibliology – God’s Word

2929

The Bible’s version of Christianity is not about a

religionreligion – but a relationshiprelationship!

John 1:12 "Yet to all who receivedreceived him, to those who

believedbelieved in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

Page 30: Bibliology – God’s Word

3030

Knowing Jesus is everything!

On judgment day, it won’t matter how On judgment day, it won’t matter how ‘good’ you were. ‘good’ you were.

The only thing that will matter is did you The only thing that will matter is did you make Jesus Lord and Savior of your make Jesus Lord and Savior of your life!life!

If you’ve done that – you know Him, and If you’ve done that – you know Him, and He knows you!He knows you!

Page 31: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Science and the Sacridity of Interpretation

We must remember that:

“Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the

Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”1 Corinthians 3:15-17

Page 32: Bibliology – God’s Word

That removal of the veil is also called illumination – the Holy Spirit bringing the Scripture to light.

Scripture is more important than our interpretation of it or Church tradition:

Jesus asked, “Why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your

tradition?”Matthew 15:3

Page 33: Bibliology – God’s Word

2Pe 1:20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation

This is saying there is only one interpretation of Scripture and it is what God intended when He had the scribe write it.

Page 34: Bibliology – God’s Word

I Corinthians 2:12-14

NIV: (12) We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. (13) This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. (14) The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Page 35: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Emergence of Books

From the Cavesof 4000 B.C.to the GutenbergBible printedc. 1454-55 A.D.

handwritten codexscrolls of papyrus andthe books of the Torah

Rosetta Stone

Gutenberg Bible

Page 36: Bibliology – God’s Word

We knew it was coming…

2Pe 3:3 Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts.

2Ti 3:1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.

Mat 10:22 "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

Mat 5:11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

Mat 5:12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Jam 5:8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.

Jam 5:9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

Jam 5:10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Jam 5:11 We count those blessed who endured.

Page 37: Bibliology – God’s Word

As darkness increases we need to shine brighter!Mat 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if

the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;

Mat 5:15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

Mat 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Page 38: Bibliology – God’s Word

Why do we need the Bible?

The Sufficiency of Scripture

The Necessity of Scripture

The Authority of Scripture

The Clarity of Scripture

A Spirit-Inspired Revelation from God

Our Finiteness – The finite cannot comprehend the infinite

For Faith – God’s Word is proven to be that source of TruthFor Life - If you live in obedience to God’s Word, you will have abundant life

Applied to Us by the Spirit – It is our sole source of faith and practice!

Our Sinfulness – Pride, self will, attachment to our own truthWe need a source of absolute Truth outside of our own thinking

Page 39: Bibliology – God’s Word

Misunderstanding Scripture

If the Bible is given to be understood, why is there so

much confusion as to it’s meaning?

Why are there so manyDenominations and beliefs?

Page 40: Bibliology – God’s Word

Is the Biblical Record Accurate?

Now we are going to examine some of the proofs for the Bible.

Scientific, Historical, Archeological, and more!

The Bible is God’s Word!

Page 41: Bibliology – God’s Word

Over the years there have been many criticisms leveled against the Bible concerning its historical reliability. These criticisms are usually based on a lack of evidence from outside sources to confirm the Biblical record. Since the Bible is a religious book, many scholars take the position that it is biased and cannot be trusted unless we have corroborating evidence from extra-Biblical sources. In other words, the Bible is guilty until proven innocent, and a lack of outside evidence places the Biblical account in doubt.

Page 42: Bibliology – God’s Word

This standard is far different from that applied to other ancient documents, even though many, if not most, have a religious element. They are considered to be accurate, unless there is evidence to show that they are not. Although it is not possible to verify every incident in the Bible, the discoveries of archaeology since the mid 1800s have demonstrated the reliability and plausibility of the Bible narrative.

Page 43: Bibliology – God’s Word

The history of written language began almost 6,000 years ago in the small villages of Mesopotamia. This first written language was called Cuneiform.

Most of history at this time was handed down orally.

Page 44: Bibliology – God’s Word

Archeological proof for the Bible

We will now take a look at the evidence that helps establish the reliability of the Bible and it’s record.

It is reliable – historically and Doctrinally!

Page 45: Bibliology – God’s Word

Classical Authors and Date of

Copies Authors Written Earliest

CopyTime Span No. of

CopiesAristotle 345-322

B.C.1,100 A.D. 1400 years 49

Caesar 100-44 B.C.

900 A.D. 1000 years 10

Plato 427-347 B.C.

1,100 A.D. 1400 years 20

Tacitus 100 A.D. 1,100 A.D. 1,000 years 20

Thucydides

460-400 B.C.

900 A.D. 1,300 years 8

Suetonius

75-160 A.D.

950 A.D. 800 years 8

New Test.

35–100 A.D.

Frags. 35 A.D. 250

A.D.

1-150 years Thousands

Page 46: Bibliology – God’s Word

Greek Manuscripts of the New Testament

Sources 1881 1965 1976 1998

Papyri 0 78 88 99

Uncials 19 224 267 306

Cursives 950 2,650 2,764 2,856

Lectionaries

400 2,000 2,143 2,403

TOTALS 1,369 4,952 5,262 5,664

1998 Figures from Bruce Metzger via Case For Christ. p. 60 - 63

Page 47: Bibliology – God’s Word

A Reporters Conclusion

Archaeology (N.T.)

“In extraordinary ways, modern archeology has affirmed the historical core of the Old and New Testaments--corroborating key portions of the stories of Israel’s patriarchs, the Exodus, the Davidic monarchy, the life and times of Jesus.”

Jeffrey Shelter, Is the Bible True?US News and World Report, Oct. 25, 1999, P. 52

Page 48: Bibliology – God’s Word

“Is the Bible True?” U.S. News & World Report, October 25, 1999 Mary & Joseph travel to hometown for

census? Recently discovered: Roman Empire-wide

census was held every 14 years Pool of Bethesda with 5 pillars? (John

Chapter 5) Archaeologists recently discovered this pool

Crucifixion? No skeletal remains found… But in 1968, found a tomb with remains of a 24-

28 year old man nailed to the cross, with leg broken

Page 49: Bibliology – God’s Word

A Skeptics Conclusion

“I began with a mind unfavorable to it (Acts), for the ingenuity and apparent completeness of the … theory. It did not lie then in my line of life to investigate the subject minutely; but more recently I found myself often brought in contact with the book of Acts as an authority for the topography, antiquities, and society of Asia Minor. It was gradually borne in upon me that in various details the narrative showed marvelous truth.”Sir Wm. Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen, P.

8

Is the New Testament corroborated by Archaeology?

Page 50: Bibliology – God’s Word

Another Skeptics ConclusionArchaeology (N.T.)

“As a matter of fact, however, it may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible.”

Nelson Glueck, Rivers in the Desert, P. 31

Page 51: Bibliology – God’s Word

Scientific Foreknowledge

Page 52: Bibliology – God’s Word

Scientific Foreknowledge“Many scientific facts, which prove the infallibility of Scripture, are tucked away in its pages. These proofs are given in non-scientific language; nevertheless, they substantiate the claims of the authenticity of the Holy Scriptures .... In some cases, scientific concepts have been known through the ages, but these concepts are mentioned in a unique manner in Scripture. In other cases, scientific topics have been mentioned hundreds or even thousands of years before man discovered them.” (Jean S Morton, 1978)

Page 53: Bibliology – God’s Word

Scientific Foreknowledge Bible contains scientific foreknowledge -

Contrary to the popular concepts and beliefs during the times when the Bible was written

Actual discovery made several centuries later confirming accuracy of Bible’s scientific foreknowledge

How did the authors know?

Page 54: Bibliology – God’s Word

Examples The world is round (Job 26:10, Proverbs 8:27,

Isaiah 40:22)

The earth is not supported by anything (Job 26:7)

The size of the universe cannot be measured (Jeremiah 31:36-37)

The stars cannot be counted (Genesis 15:5, Jeremiah 33:22)

The seas lie in one bed (Genesis 1:9-10)

There are paths in the seas (Psalm 8:8)

Page 55: Bibliology – God’s Word

More examples Knowledge of medical science

“seed of a woman” needed to reproduce (Genesis 3:15)

Life is in the blood (Genesis 9:4) Knowledge of health science

“clean” and “unclean” food (Leviticus 11)Eating of blood forbidden (Leviticus 17:12-14)Laws on hygiene (Leviticus 13-14, Deuteronomy 23:12-

14)

How did they know?

Page 56: Bibliology – God’s Word

Archaeology & the Bible

Page 57: Bibliology – God’s Word

Importance of Bible HistoryThe Biblical record must be historically as

well as doctrinally trustworthy.

Several important archaeological findings since the 1950’s, verify the Bible’s historical record

Page 58: Bibliology – God’s Word

Bible Archaeology Bible Archaeology: “A study based on the

excavation, decipherment and critical evaluation of the records of the past as they affect the Bible”

Not an exact science - tend to be fragmented, disjointed, and subject to interpretation - but reveals evidences to support the accuracy of the Bible record

Page 59: Bibliology – God’s Word

Value of Bible History Proved to be an important and valuable source

of information to archaeologists

Provides clues to successful archaeological expeditions

Existence of characters and peoples

Existence of places, cities, nations - at the precise locations recorded in the Bible

Occurrence of events

Page 60: Bibliology – God’s Word

Archaeological AccuracyWhere Biblical historical accounts have

been disbelieved, archaeological findings have proven their accuracy

Archeology has always validated the Biblical record

The Biblical historical record has always been proven over time.

Page 61: Bibliology – God’s Word

Examples In 1906, the Hittite nation was discovered - now

extensive proof of its existence

In 1922, Ur was discovered

In 1930, discovered record of Jehoiachin as a prisoner in Babylon

In 1931, the Nuzi tablets were discovered dating back to 1500 BC and confirmed several customs in Bible times

Page 62: Bibliology – God’s Word

Examples In 1975, the Ebla tablets were

discovered and in it were the names of Sodom & Gomorrah

Page 63: Bibliology – God’s Word

Accuracy of Bible History Luke set out to “to write to you an orderly

account, . . . that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed” (Luke 1:3-4)

Luke was determined to record the events accurately so that readers may know

for sure what happened

In order for this objective to be met, there must not be any single doubt over the accuracy of the record

Page 64: Bibliology – God’s Word

Bible History is Trustworthy William Ramsey, noted historian and

archaeologist, set out to disprove the historical events in Luke, Did not believe Augustus ordered a census Not necessary for man to return to his own city for

such a census Not necessary for other family members to accompany

the husband Concluded at the end, “Luke’s history is

unsurpassed in trustworthiness”

Not just Luke but the entire Bible!

Page 65: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Bible is Reliable“On the whole, however, archaeological work has

unquestionably strengthened confidence in the

reliability of the Scriptural record. More than one

archaeologist has found his respect for the Bible

increased by the experience of excavation in

Palestine. Archaeology has in many

cases refuted the views of

modern critics.” (Millar Burrows,

Yale University)

Page 66: Bibliology – God’s Word

Two hundred years ago, scholars doubted whether Babylon ever existed, and the only record could be found in the Bible. Higher critics used the story of Babylon, and what they called its "non-historic kings", to disseminate Scripture. However in 1898, Babylon was suddenly discovered and excavations started.

Page 67: Bibliology – God’s Word

We know today that it was one of the first cities in the world, and indeed, founded by Nimrod, great-grandson of Noah. (Genesis 10:10,11). Archaeologists have found his name on many inscriptions and tablets, while a massive head of Nimrod has been excavated near Calah on the Tigris River.

Page 68: Bibliology – God’s Word

Many of the people mentioned in the Bible are confirmed in sources outside the Bible. In the case of royalty, many times a likeness of the individual has been recovered. Over 50 persons named in the Old Testament are known outside the Bible, and we have likenesses of 12 of them. Some 27 people named in the New Testament are known from other records, with six likenesses surviving (four of them Roman emperors).

Page 69: Bibliology – God’s Word

Based on current knowledge of Biblical and Egyptian chronology, the best candidate for the pharaoh of the Exodus is Tuthmosis III, who ruled 1504-1450 B.C. We have many records from his reign, as well as this statuary of the pharaoh himself.

Page 70: Bibliology – God’s Word

The most documented Biblical event is the world-wide flood described in Genesis 6-9. A number of Babylonian documents have been discovered which describe the same flood.

We also have flood accounts from other cultures around the world!

Page 71: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Sumerian King List (pictured here), for example, lists kings who reigned for long periods of time. Then a great flood came. Following the flood, Sumerian kings ruled for much shorter periods of time. This is the same pattern found in the Bible. Men had long life spans before the flood and shorter life spans after the flood.

Page 72: Bibliology – God’s Word

The 11th tablet of the Gilgamesh Epic speaks of an ark, animals taken on the ark, birds sent out during the course of the flood, the ark landing on a mountain, and a sacrifice offered after the ark landed.

The Story of Adapa tells of a test for immortality involving food, similar to the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Page 73: Bibliology – God’s Word

Sumerian tablets record the confusion of language as we have in the Biblical account of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). There was a golden age when all mankind spoke the same language. Speech was then confused by the god Enki, lord of wisdom. The Babylonians had a similar account in which the gods destroyed a temple tower and "scattered them abroad and made strange their speech."

Page 74: Bibliology – God’s Word

Campaign into Israel by Pharaoh Shishak (1 Kings 14:25-26), recorded on the walls of the Temple of Amun in Thebes, Egypt.

Page 75: Bibliology – God’s Word

A number of remarkable clay tablets, discovered at Tell-el-Amarna in Upper Egypt. They confirm the historical statements of the Book of Joshua, and prove the antiquity of civilization in Syria and Palestine. As the clay in different parts of Palestine differs, it has been found possible by the clay alone to decide where the tablets come from when the name of the writer is lost. The inscriptions are cuneiform, and in the Aramaic language, resembling Assyrian. The writers are Phoenicians, Amorites, and Philistines, but in no instance Hittites, though Hittites are mentioned. The tablets consist of official dispatches and letters, dating from B.C. 1480, addressed to the two Pharaohs, Amenophis III. and IV., the last of this dynasty, from the kings and governors of Phoenicia and Palestine. There occur the names of three kings killed by Joshua, Adoni-zedec, king of Jerusalem, Japhia, king of Lachish (Josh. 10:3), and Jabin, king of Hazor (11:1); also the Hebrews (Abiri) are said to have come from the desert.

Page 76: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revolt of Moab against Israel (2 Kings 1:1; 3:4-27), recorded on the Mesha Inscription.

Page 77: Bibliology – God’s Word

1. Hebrew: id, a king of Moab, the son of Chemosh-Gad, a man of great wealth in flocks and herds (2 Kings 3:4). After the death of Ahab at Ramoth-Gilead, Mesha shook off the yoke of Israel; but on the ascension of Jehoram to the throne of Israel, that king sought the help of Jehoshaphat in an attempt to reduce the Moabites again to their former condition. The united armies of the two kings came unexpectedly on the army of the Moabites, and gained over them an easy victory. The whole land was devastated by the conquering armies, and Mesha sought refuge in his last stronghold, Kir-harasheth (q.v.). Reduced to despair, he ascended the wall of the city, and there, in the sight of the allied armies, offered his first-born son a sacrifice to Chemosh, the fire-god of the Moabites. This fearful spectacle filled the beholders with horror, and they retired from before the besieged city, and recrossed the Jordan laden with spoil (2 Kings 3:25-27).

2. The exploits of Mesha are recorded in the Phoenician inscription on a block of black basalt found at Dibon, in Moab, usually called the "Moabite stone" (q.v.).

Page 78: Bibliology – God’s Word

Fall of Samaria (2 Kings 17:3-6, 24; 18:9-11) to Sargon II, king of Assyria, as recorded on his palace walls.

Page 79: Bibliology – God’s Word

Campaign of the Assyrian king Sennacherib against Judah (2 Kings 18:13-16), as recorded on the Taylor Prism.

Page 80: Bibliology – God’s Word

Siege of Lachish by Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:14, 17), as recorded on the Lachish reliefs.

It was assaulted and probably taken by Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:14,17; 19:8; Isa. 36:2). An account of this siege is given on some slabs found in the chambers of the palace of Koyunjik, and now in the British Museum. The inscription has been deciphered as follows:

"Sennacherib, the mighty king, king of the country of Assyria, sitting on the throne of judgment before the city of Lachish: I gave permission for its slaughter."

Page 81: Bibliology – God’s Word

Lachish has been identified with Tell-el-Hesy, where a cuneiform tablet has been found,

containing a letter supposed to be from Amenophis at Amarna in reply to one of the

Amarna tablets sent by Zimrida from Lachish. This letter is from the chief of Atim (=Etam,

1 Chr. 4:32) to the chief of Lachish, in which the writer expresses great alarm at the approach of

marauders from the Hebron hills. "They have entered the land," he says, "to lay waste...strong

is he who has come down. He lays waste." This letter shows that "the communication by tablets in cuneiform script was not only usual in writing to Egypt, but in the internal correspondence of

the country. The letter, though not so important in some ways as the Moabite stone and the

Siloam text, is one of the most valuable discoveries ever made in Palestine" (Conder's

Tell Amarna Tablets, p. 134). Among other discoveries is that of an iron blast-

furnace, with slag and ashes, which is supposed to have existed B.C. 1500. If the theories of experts are correct, the use of the hot-air blast instead of cold air (an improvement in iron manufacture patented by Neilson in 1828) was known fifteen hundred years before Christ.

Page 82: Bibliology – God’s Word

Assassination of Sennacherib by his own sons (2 Kings 19:37), as recorded in the annals of his son Esarhaddon.

Page 83: Bibliology – God’s Word

Moabite Stone It was 3 1/2 feet high and 2 in

breadth and in thickness, rounded at the top. It consisted of thirty-four lines, written in Hebrew-Phoenician characters. It was set up by Mesha as a record and memorial of his victories. It records (1) Mesha's wars with Omri, (2) his public buildings, and (3) his wars against Horonaim. This inscription in a remarkable degree supplements and corroborates the history of King Mesha recorded in 2 Kings 3:4-27.

Page 84: Bibliology – God’s Word

Fall of Nineveh as predicted by the prophets Nahum and Zephaniah (2:13-15), recorded on the Tablet of Nabopolasar.

Page 85: Bibliology – God’s Word

Fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (2 Kings 24:10-14), as recorded in the Babylonian Chronicles.

Page 86: Bibliology – God’s Word

Captivity of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, in Babylon (2 Kings 24:15-16), as recorded on the Babylonian Ration Records.

Page 87: Bibliology – God’s Word

Fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:30-31), as recorded on the Cyrus Cylinder.

Page 88: Bibliology – God’s Word

Freeing of captives in Babylon by Cyrus the Great (Ezra 1:1-4; 6:3-4), as recorded on the Cyrus Cylinder.

The edict of Cyrus for the rebuilding of Jerusalem marked a great epoch in the history of the Jewish people (2 Chr. 36:22, 23; Ezra 1:1-4; 4:3; 5:13-17; 6:3-5).

This decree was discovered "at Achmetha [R.V. marg., "Ecbatana"], in the palace that is in the province of the Medes" (Ezra 6:2).

Page 89: Bibliology – God’s Word

The discovery of the Ebla archive in northern Syria in the 1970s has shown the Biblical writings concerning the Patriarchs to be viable. Documents written on clay tablets from around 2300 B.C. demonstrate that personal and place names in the Patriarchal accounts are genuine. The name "Canaan" was in use in Ebla, a name critics once said was not used at that time and was used incorrectly in the early chapters of the Bible.

Page 90: Bibliology – God’s Word

The word "tehom" ("the deep") in Genesis 1:2 was said to be a late word demonstrating the late writing of the creation story. "Tehom" was part of the vocabulary at Ebla, in use some 800 years before Moses.

Page 91: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Hittites were once thought to be a Biblical legend, until their capital and records were discovered at Bogazkoy, Turkey. Many thought the Biblical references to Solomon's wealth were greatly exaggerated. Recovered records from the past show that wealth in antiquity was concentrated with the king and Solomon's prosperity was entirely feasible.

Page 92: Bibliology – God’s Word

It was once claimed there was no Assyrian king named Sargon as recorded in Isaiah 20:1, because this name was not known in any other record. Then, Sargon's palace was discovered in Khorsabad, Iraq. The very event mentioned in Isaiah 20, his capture of Ashdod, was recorded on the palace walls. What is more, fragments of a stela memorializing the victory were found at Ashdod itself.

Page 93: Bibliology – God’s Word

Another king who was in doubt was Belshazzar, king of Babylon, named in Daniel 5. The last king of Babylon was Nabonidus according to recorded history. Tablets were found showing that Belshazzar was Nabonidus' son who served as coregent in Babylon. Thus, Belshazzar could offer to make Daniel "third highest ruler in the kingdom" (Dan. 5:16) for reading the handwriting on the wall, the highest available position.

He was “Co-Regent” – Nabonidus became sick and left the rule to his son.

Page 94: Bibliology – God’s Word

When Israeli archaeologists cleared the area around the southern portion of the Western Wall (above), they ran into the inscription you see here. Although not a verbatim copy, it comes reasonably close to a vision found in the last chapter of the Book of Isaiah: "When you see this, your bones will become like shoots of green grass."

Page 95: Bibliology – God’s Word

The existence of Jesus Christ as recorded by Josephus, Suetonius, Thallus, Pliny the Younger, the Talmud, and Lucian.

Page 96: Bibliology – God’s Word

Historian : JosephusJosephus says,

“At this time there was a wise man who was called Jesus. And his conduct was good and (he) was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. And those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive; accordingly He was perhaps the Messiah concerning whom the prophets have recounted wonders.”

As cited in Evidence that Demands a Verdict, Page 85 (Arabic text, 10th Cent.)

Page 97: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Significance of Josephus

Makes reference to Jesus’ claim to be the Christ

Speak of His miracles Points out that people perceived Jesus’

teachings as the truth Indicates the historicity of Pilate and the

event of the cross. Records the claim by His disciples that

Jesus was resurrected. Documents that Jesus had many converts

The significance of this passage by Josephus

Page 98: Bibliology – God’s Word

Jewish Source: The Talmud

“On the eve of Passover Yeshua was hanged. For forty days before the execution took place, a herald went forth and cried, ‘he is going to be stoned because he has practiced sorcery and enticed Israel to apostasy. Any one who can say anything in his favor, let him come forward and plead on his behalf.’ But since nothing was brought forward in his favor he was hanged on the eve of the Passover.”

The Talmud, Sanhedrin, 43a(cf. John 11:8, 16)

Page 99: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Significance of the Talmud

It confirms the historicity of Jesus’ life. It confirms His death by the method of

crucifixion (The Jewish method of execution would have been stoning)

It indicates that Jesus did do miraculous things but attributed his power to the devil (similar to Mark 3:22; Matt. 9:34; 12:24)

It indicated that Jesus gathered many converts from the Jewish community

The Significance of Jewish writings about Jesus

Page 100: Bibliology – God’s Word

Accuracy Established

“The interval then between the dates of the original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down to us substantially as they were written has now now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established.”

Sir Frederic KenyonThe Bible and Archaeology, P. 288

Conclusion from bibliographical and external evidence test

Page 101: Bibliology – God’s Word

Summary

The fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon

(2 Kings 24:10-14) is recorded in the Babylonian Chronicles.  

The captivity of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, in Babylon

(2 Kings 24:15-16) is recorded on the Babylonian Ration Records. 

The fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians

(Daniel 5:30-31) is recorded on the Cyrus Cylinder. 

The freeing of captives in Babylon by Cyrus the Great

(Ezra 1:1-4; 6:3-4) is recorded on the Cyrus Cylinder.  

Page 102: Bibliology – God’s Word

The campaign of the Assyrian king Sennacherib against Judah

(2 Kings 18:13-16) is recorded on the Taylor Prism.  

The siege of Lachish by Sennacherib

(2 Kings 18:14, 17) is recorded on the Lachish reliefs. 

The assassination of Sennacherib by his own sons

(2 Kings 19:37) is recorded in the annals of his son Esarhaddon. 

The fall of Nineveh as predicted by the prophets Nahum and Zephaniah

(2:13-15) is recorded on the Tablet of Nabopolasar.

Page 103: Bibliology – God’s Word

There have always been attacks on Christians;

Lucian of Samosata, (also called Lucian the Greek) was a second century (140 AD) satirist, wrote about Christ,

“The Christians, you know worship a man to this day—the distinguished personage who introduced their novel rites, and was crucified on that account…You see, these misguided creatures start with the general conviction that they are immortal for all time, which explains the contempt of death and voluntary self-devotion which are so common among them;

and then it was impressed on them by their original lawgiver that they are all brothers, from the moment that they are converted, and deny the gods of Greece, and worship that crucified sage, and live after his laws.”

(The Passing Peregrinus 11-13 as cited in Josh McDowell, The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict, p. 121.

Page 104: Bibliology – God’s Word

Giving an Answer

Answering the attacks against the Bible1Pe 3:13 Who is there to harm you if you

prove zealous for what is good? 1Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for

the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,

1Pe 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

Page 105: Bibliology – God’s Word

There is an attack against Evangelical Christianity today…We need to know how to answer these

attacks…““Jesus said to him, Love the Lord Jesus said to him, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and your soul, and with all your mindwith all your mind. . This is the first and greatest This is the first and greatest commandment.”commandment.”

Matt. 22:37-38 (NET)Matt. 22:37-38 (NET)

““But set Christ apart as Lord in your But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always hearts and always be readybe ready to give to give an answer to anyone who asks about an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.”the hope you possess.”

I Pet 3:18 (NET)I Pet 3:18 (NET)

Page 106: Bibliology – God’s Word

AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

Da Vinci Code:

“The Bible is a product of man, my dear. Not of God.”

--Da Vinci Code, 231

“…the New Testament is false testimony…every faith in the world is

based on fabrication.”

--Da Vinci Code, 341

Page 107: Bibliology – God’s Word

AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

We have already established the Bible as God’s Word (see previous PowerPoint's in this series)

2 TIMOTHY 3:16

“ALL SCRIPTURE IS BREATHED OUT BY GOD AND PROFITABLE FOR TEACHING FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, AND FOR TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS”

--ESV

Page 108: Bibliology – God’s Word

AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

Our Bible is God’s Word written through men;

2 PETER 1:21

“FOR NO PROPHECY WAS EVER PRODUCEDBY THE WILL OF MAN, BUT MEN SPOKEFROM GOD AS THEY WERE CARRIEDALONG BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.”

--ESV

Page 109: Bibliology – God’s Word

AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

Da Vinci Code:

“History has never had a definitive

version of the book.”

--Da Vinci Code, 231

Page 110: Bibliology – God’s Word

AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

Christian Response:No book has been copied more carefully

over the millennia than the Bible. Some 24,000 MSS, part or whole, exist

today and testify to its importance. Isaiah Scroll at Qumran (Dead Sea

Scrolls) In fact, the Bible is the most authenticated

book from antiquity around today!

Page 111: Bibliology – God’s Word

Early Manuscripts

This is papyrus p52, the oldest known fragment of any gospel.

The front is John 18:31-33 (shown), the back is John 18:37-38.

It is dated about AD 125, only 35 years after this Gospel was written.

Page 112: Bibliology – God’s Word

Early Manuscripts

This is papyrus p66, a manuscript of John in which nearly all of the Gospel has survived.

It is dated about AD 200.

This picture shows the first page, with the other pages behind it.

Page 113: Bibliology – God’s Word

Early Manuscripts

This is one page of papyrus p45, which contains all four canonical Gospels and the book of Acts.

It is dated from the 3rd century, so before AD 300 and before Constantine.

Page 114: Bibliology – God’s Word

Post-Constantine Manuscripts From the time of

Constantine and onwards, we have the entire New Testament preserved on parchment, much more durable than papyrus.

This is Codex Sinaiticus, from the 4th century – (300’s AD).

This was originally a complete Bible, though parts of the OT are now lacking.

Page 115: Bibliology – God’s Word

Post-Constantine Manuscripts

This is Codex Alexandrinus, from the 5th century.

It was originally a complete Bible, but now lacks most of Matthew & part of John.

Page 116: Bibliology – God’s Word

Post-Constantine Manuscripts This is the Freer (or

Washington) Codex, from the late 4th or 5th century.

It is a one-volume copy of the four Gospels.

Though its text is a mixture of the main text-types from antiquity, it shows no variations of the sort alleged in The Da Vinci Code.

Page 117: Bibliology – God’s Word

Point of fact, of all the variants we have in the 20,000 plus copies from antiquity, none of them disagree on the doctrines established in the Bible.

Most of the variants are punctuation and word order, or some with parts of verses missing, but the Truth is recorded in another passage.

The Bible has not been edited or changed!

Page 118: Bibliology – God’s Word

Summary on Papyri

The graph at right lists the number of surviving manuscripts written on papyrus for the four Gospels.

Those before AD 300, thus before Constantine. There are 22 of these.

0

5

10

15

20

Mt Mk Lk Jn

>300

<300

Page 119: Bibliology – God’s Word

Summary on Papyri

Comparing their texts with post-Constantine texts, there is no evidence of tampering.

Thus, the claim Constantine upgraded Jesus in the Gospel accounts is mistaken.

Browns premise proves false in light of the facts!

Page 120: Bibliology – God’s Word

Agreement in all translations

For the Old Testament we have;The Septuagint, the Masoretic text, the Jewish Publications english version, the dead sea scrolls bible, and quotes from the sages and Rabbis, and they all agree!

For the New Testament we have the afore mentioned manuscripts, the textus recepticus, the majority text, the critical text, and they all agree!

No doctrines are challenged!

Page 121: Bibliology – God’s Word

Evidence from Early Christian Leaders

Besides the evidence from manuscripts, we have the testimony of early Christian leaders regarding what gospels were in use in their churches.

This was, in fact, one of the criteria used to verify the authentic Gospels after persecution ended (at Constantine’s time).

Page 122: Bibliology – God’s Word

Apostolic Fathers

Several Christian leaders between AD 95-130 wrote letters and other writings that have survived.

Three of these explicitly quote NT passages as ‘Scripture’.

All of them make allusions to NT passages, including all four of the canonical Gospels and no others.

Page 123: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Muratorian Canon (~180)

This is the oldest canonical list preserved from the orthodox side.

It is anonymous, but was written from Italy in the late 2nd century by a Christian leader there.

Our only manuscript is broken at the beginning, but it starts with Luke as the 3rd Gospel, followed by John as the 4th.

It rejects the writings of the Gnostics and the Montanists.

Page 124: Bibliology – God’s Word

Clement of Alexandria (~200)

Clement was head of the Christian school in Alexandria, which trained new converts and Christian leaders.

He uses some of the non-canonical Gospels…

But he distinguishes them from those “that have been handed down.”

Page 125: Bibliology – God’s Word

Origen (~230) Successor to Clement as head of the Christian school in

Alexandria, Origen later moves to Caesarea, where he develops the largest Christian library in antiquity.

Origen gives some insight into the status of the canon question in his time. He notes that two categories were commonly recognized by the orthodox: Books acknowledged by all Christians (21)

4 Gospels, Acts, 13 Paul, 1 Peter, 1 John, Revelation Books disputed by some Christians (10)

Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2-3 John, Jude, Ps-Barnabas, Hermas, Didache, Gospel of Hebrews

Page 126: Bibliology – God’s Word

Eusebius (~325)

Writing at Constantine’s time. Four categories for canon discussion then:

Acknowledged (21-22) Gospels, Acts, Paul & Hebrews, 1 Peter, 1 John, Revelation

(?) Disputed but familiar to most (5)

James, 2 Peter, 2-3 John, Jude Spurious but orthodox

Acts of Paul, Hermas, Apoc of Peter, Ps-Barnabas Didache, Revelation (?), Gospel of Hebrews

Heretical Gospels of Peter, Thomas, Matthaias, etc. Acts of Andrew, John, etc.

Page 127: Bibliology – God’s Word

Summary on Canon

Thus the evidence is clear that Constantine did not suddenly set off in a new direction, putting together another Bible. He used Eusibus’ list of books of the Bible.

Rather, the four Gospels had been recognized by orthodox Christians as authoritative for at least 150 years.

Final decisions on the exact boundaries of the NT canon are made in the generation following Constantine, but this involves only one book that could be called a gospel, namely the Gospel of the Hebrews.

Page 128: Bibliology – God’s Word

THE DA VINCI CODE

Constantine, the Council of Nicaea and the Bible

From the DaVinci Code:

“What I mean is that almost everything our fathers taught us about Christ is false, as are the stories about the Holy Grail.” [235]

“At this gathering [Council of Nicaea in 325] many aspects of Christianity were debated and voted upon—the date of Easter, the role of the bishops, the administration of sacraments, and, of course, the divinity of Jesus.”

Sophie: “I don’t follow. His divinity?

Teabing: “My dear, until that moment in history, Jesus was viewed by his followers as a mortal prophet . . A great and powerful man. But a man nonetheless. A mortal”

Sophie: “Not the Son of God?”

Teabing: “Right. Jesus’ establishment as ‘the Son of God’ was officially proposed and voted on by the Council of Nicaea.”

Sophie: “Hold on. You’re saying Jesus’ divinity was the result of a vote?”

Teabing: “A relatively close vote at that . . .” [233]

Page 129: Bibliology – God’s Word

Early Church CouncilsCouncils held to determine important doctrinal matters were not uncommon to the early Christians (Acts 15.) Councils were important in order to maintain an orthodox faith and prevent the spread of false doctrine. The council in question was convened because;

• Arius taught that Jesus was a created being

• Bishop Alexander of Alexandria declared Arius a heretic in 32l

• To settle the matter once and for all Constantine called a Council

in 325 in the town of Nicaea.

• Over 300 hundred bishops participated. Many had suffered during the Great Persecution which ended only fourteen years previously.

• Only two bishops voted in favor of Arius’position

The Nicene Creed That Resulted from the Council States:

“And in one Lord Jesus Christ, and the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages, Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not made, of

one substance with the Father . .”

Left: Council of Nicaea. The vote was not close at all!

Page 130: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Early Church Reply

Ignatius of Antioch: “God himself was manifested in human form.” (105 AD)

Justin Martyr: “The Father of the universe has a Son. And He . . . is even God.” (160 AD)

Irenaeus: “He is God for the name Emmanuel indicates this.” (180 AD)

Tertullian: “Christ our God.” (200 AD)

Origen: “No one should be offended that the Savior is also God. . .” (225 AD)

Cyprian: “Jesus Christ, our Lord and God.” (304 AD)

Lactantius: “We believe Him to be God: (304 AD) [Tutor to Emperor Constantine’s son}

Page 131: Bibliology – God’s Word

SPEAKING OF QUMRAN

Da Vinci Code:

“The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the 1950s hidden in a cave near Qumran in the Judean desert.”

--Da Vinci Code, 234

“There are photocopies of the Nag Hamadi and Dead Sea Scrolls…The earliest

Christian records.”--Da Vinci Code, 245

Page 132: Bibliology – God’s Word

SPEAKING OF QUMRAN

Christian Response: The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in either the

Winter of 1946 or the Spring of 1947. The Community was an apocalyptic Jewish

group, perhaps “monastic” in nature. The scrolls date from 250 BC to 70 AD. No New Testament or Christian MSS found. See Geza Vermes, “The Complete Dead Sea

Scrolls in English.”

Page 133: Bibliology – God’s Word

Who do you rely on – God or Man?

Psa 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

(Psa 143:10) Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

(Luk 12:12) for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."

(Joh 14:26) "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

Page 134: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Bible is reliable!

One of the best ways to establish the reliability of Scripture is it’s historical accuracy, archeological proofs, and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Let’s look at a few proofs…

Page 135: Bibliology – God’s Word

Bibliology – the study of God’s Word – our

measuring stick for life!

“An unexamined life is not worth living”--Socrates, Athens, 5th century

B.C.

Page 136: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Unity of the Bible

Page 137: Bibliology – God’s Word

Diversity in the BibleA compilation of 66 different books

Written by 40 authors

Written over time span of 1,600 years

Written in 3 different languages -

Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek

Page 138: Bibliology – God’s Word

Diversity in the Bible Authors come from several cultures,

different nations (although all Jews) in different times

Authors come from different economic strata - king, physician, tax collector, fisherman, scholar

Authors wrote under very different circumstances - from prisons, from mountain-tops, from captivity

Yet, . . . . . .

Page 139: Bibliology – God’s Word

Unity in Theme

There is one central unifying theme from the beginning to the end

The spiritual fall of man, God’s plan to redeem him through Jesus Christ and the restoration of man at the end of all things

Knowledge of very difficult subjects which cannot be gained through observation or experimentation - can only come through revelation

Page 140: Bibliology – God’s Word

Unity in Structure Major division in the Bible - the Old and New

Testament - complement each other

“The New is in the Old concealed; the Old is in the New revealed”

Complete harmony amongst all its parts

“In its structure, the Bible is a unit, each part interlaced with and interpreted by the other parts, so that every part is necessary for a complete understanding of the whole.” (Floyd Hamilton)

Page 141: Bibliology – God’s Word

A Conspiracy?

How is the unity of the Bible possible in the face of diversity?

Through a conspiracy or collusion of its writers? Even if it is a non-deliberate one?

Page 142: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Conspiracy Theory How can a consistent conspiracy spring

forth from the diverse circumstances behind the origin of the Bible? How can a credible unified tale be spun across 16 centuries, involving 40 conspirators from different background and cultures?

The subject matter: difficult enough to get two to agree on secular subjects, much less a unified faith of considerable complexity cutting across the diversity

Page 143: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Conspiracy Theory Has human conspiracy ever produced

such a highly influential work with such enduring results?

Consider the contradiction and irony for a work of human conspiracy to inspire millions to aspire to a most high standard of morals and ethics

Conspiracy not only highly improbable - it is impossible!

Page 144: Bibliology – God’s Word

Unusual Style

Page 145: Bibliology – God’s Word

Unusual Style Noted for brevity - so unlike other books of human

origins

2,500 years of history recorded in only 50 chapters in the book of Genesis

A most notable miracle of the opening of the Red Sea recorded in only two verses

No detail of the childhood of Jesus Christ

No description of what Jesus looked like

No account of how the apostles died

Page 146: Bibliology – God’s Word

Unusual Style An impartial record - the faults of the major

characters were recorded and not omitted to be hidden and forgotten

There is calm in the writings over great emotional events such as the crucifixion of Christ and His resurrection

There is simplicity that can be understood by the less intellectual, yet also great depth requiring scholars to fathom

Page 147: Bibliology – God’s Word

Unusual StyleWhy the unusual style?

The Bible is not a history book although it is historically accurate

The Bible is concerned with spiritual lessons and focuses on these

The Bible is not of human origins but written under the guidance of God - hence, the style is distinctly unlike other books by man

Page 148: Bibliology – God’s Word

3. How do we know that the Bible is not just a myth

that developed over time?

Page 149: Bibliology – God’s Word

Liberal Dating

I Corinthians Spring 55

Mark 45-60 AD Matthew 40-60

AD Luke 57-60 AD Jude 61-62 AD Acts 57-62 AD John 40-65 AD

John A. T. RobinsonRedating the New Testament, P. 352

Couldn’t the stories about Jesus be a myth that was invented over a period of time?

Page 150: Bibliology – God’s Word

Conclusions of a Respected Archaeologist

Couldn’t the stories about Jesus be a myth that was invented over a period of time?

“Rephrasing the question, I would answer that, in my opinion, every book of the New Testament was written by a baptized Jew between the forties and the eighties of the first century A.D. (very probably sometime between about 50 and 75 A.D.”

Wm.. F. Albright, Toward a More Conservative ViewChristianity Today, Jan., 1963, P. 359

Page 151: Bibliology – God’s Word

An Historian Weighs In

Roman Historian, A.N. Sherwin-White calls the mythological view of the New Testament “unbelievable.”

Williams Lane Craig says,

“The tests show that even two generations is too short to allow legendary tendencies to wipe out the hard core of historical facts.”

William Lane Craig, The Son Rises, P. 101

Page 152: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Endurance of the Bible

Page 153: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Test of TimeAnd he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it -- lest you even be found to fight against God.” (Acts 5:35-39)

Page 154: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Test of Time

Has the Bible withstood the test of time?

2000 years is enough time for this question to be answered concerning the Bible. 3600 years if measured from the first book in the Bible.

Especially when its history involves several turbulent events that threaten it with extinction

Page 155: Bibliology – God’s Word

An Indestructible Book

Countless attempts to destroy the Bible King Jehoaikim tried but failed

(Jeremiah 36) Antiochus Epiphanes IV was recorded in 1

Macabees 1:27-28 as having tried to destroy the Bible

Roman emperor Diocletian commanded all Bibles to be burnt in March 303 AD

The Roman Catholic church unsuccessfully tried to suppress the reading of the Bible

Page 156: Bibliology – God’s Word

Modern Day Threats More intellectual than physical

Faith in the Bible challenged by modernists just as they challenge the existence of God

Doubts cast by Bible scholars engaged in reductionism and higher criticism

Including doubts about how the Bible has changed over the centuries

Page 157: Bibliology – God’s Word

Modern Day Threats “Atheists can’t wait to prove the whole thing is a fairy

tale.”(Time magazine)

Voltaire predicted its eventual demise in 1750 - his house was bought over and turned into a printing press for the Bible!

“A thousand times, the death knell of the Bible has been sounded, the funeral procession formed, the inscription cut on the tombstone,and the committal read. But somehow the corpse never stays put.” (Bernard Ramm)

Page 158: Bibliology – God’s Word

Well-preservedCritics claim the Bible has evolved overthe millenniums

Over 5,000 Greek and 10,000 Latin manuscripts of the Bible exist today - many of these prove the Bible has been well-preserved in its original accuracy

36,000 quotations used in letters and literature written by the early church show we have the same form as they had nearly 2,000 years ago

Page 159: Bibliology – God’s Word

Well-preserved Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947, reveal:

The Old Testament in the form we have today to be well preserved in accuracy over all these millenniums - minor transcription differences (5%) in book of Isaiah that do not alter the meaning

The books in the OT correspond to what we have today, except for Esther (and the

Apocrypha)

Page 160: Bibliology – God’s Word

Well-preserved“We can now be sure that copyists worked

with great care and accuracy on the Old

Testament. . . . . Indeed, it would be rash skepticism

that would now deny that we have our Old

Testament in a form very close to that used by Ezra

when he taught the Law to those who had returned

from the Babylonian captivity.” (R Laird Harris)

Page 161: Bibliology – God’s Word

Well-preserved

Which book of human origin is so enduring?

Ancient literary works of human origin only has a handful of manuscripts preserved

“There is no body of ancient literature in the world which enjoys such a wealth of good textual attestation as the New Testament.” (Dr F F Bruce, Professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis)

Page 162: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Word Lives On

Remains a worldwide best-seller

The most translated book - 1,700 languages

Credibility strengthened and not weakened by critics

“The word of the Lord endures forever.”(1 Peter 1:25)

Page 163: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Influence of the Bible

Page 164: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Power of Influence

“If a man could write a book on Ethics which

really was a book on Ethics, this book

would, with an explosion destroy all the

books in the world.”

(Ludwig Wittgenstein, philosopher, “Lecture on

Ethics”, who did not believe in the Bible but knew

that man cannot define moral absolutes on his

own)

Page 165: Bibliology – God’s Word

Its Influence on Nations God’s laws in the Bible have been adopted as

the basis of the civil law in several countries Contrast with societies that have not based their

moral standards or civil laws on Bible principles

It has in general guided man to higher moral standards, and whenever adopted, has produced positive influence on society Contrast with times and generations that have

chosen to ignore its teachings

Page 166: Bibliology – God’s Word

Its Influence on Lives

Dramatic 180o changes in livesSaul to PaulAugustineMartin LutherJohn NewtonLeo TolstoyC S Lewis

Page 167: Bibliology – God’s Word

Widespread & Lasting Influence A global best seller that is the most

widely translated book

Which book of human origin has been so widely read?

The only book that has had such major impact on mankind - even until today

Which book of human origins has had such a widespread and long-lasting influence?

Why?

Page 168: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Living Word

“For the word of God is living and powerful,

and sharper than any two-edged sword,

piercing even to the division of soul and spirit,

and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner

of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Page 169: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Prophetic Word

Page 170: Bibliology – God’s Word

Prophecies in the BibleStudy by J Barton Payne (1973)

Old Testament contains 1,239 predictions out of 6,641 verses (18.7%)

New Testament contains 578 predictions out of 1,711 verses (33.8%)

Total: 1,817 predictions out of 8,352 (21.7% i.e. 1 out of every 5 verses!)

Significant percentage an indication ofthe importance of prophecies in the Bible

Page 171: Bibliology – God’s Word

Prophecies in the Bible

Foretelling events before their occurrence, sometimes hundreds or thousands of years in advance:

“For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done,” (Isaiah 46:9-10)

“Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He” (John 13:19)

Page 172: Bibliology – God’s Word

Evidence of the Divine Work

Controversial because they make a very strong evidence of a supernatural divine work

Common objections: too vague and written after the fact

“Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a

Savior; There is none besides Me.” (Isaiah 45:21)

Page 173: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Prophecies of God Specific in word concerning the event so

that there is no room for doubt No riddlesNot obscure referencesNot ambiguous and open to interpretationCan be understood by people (Jeremiah 28:9)

Very unlike the “prophecies” of man, eg. those of Nostradamus

Page 174: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Prophecies of GodConsider the prophecy of the restoration of Judah 150 years before the event:

Who says to Jerusalem, “You shall be inhabited,” To the cities of Judah, “You shall be built,” And I will raise up her waste places; Who says to the deep, “Be dry! And I will dry up your rivers”; Who says of Cyrus, “He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be built,” And to the temple, “Your foundation shall be laid.” (Isaiah 44:26-28)

Page 175: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Work of GodCharacteristics of Divine Prophecies Prophecies not the result of man’s collusion -

concern events that were way beyond the control or influence of the prophets who spoke, so that they had no influence to bring about its outcome

Specific details provided so as to be unmistakable when fulfilled

Many prophecies can be dated to documents that leave no doubt they were not written after the fact

Page 176: Bibliology – God’s Word

Some prophecies of world history

The formation of the Ishmaelite (Arab) nation (Genesis 21:12-13)

Cyrus, king of the Medo-Persian empire under whom God would restore the nation of Judah (Isaiah 44:28-45:1)

The destruction of Tyre (Ezekiel 26) The advent of four great empires that would

dominate the world (Daniel 7:2-3) The rise of the Greek empire under Alexander the

Great, and its division into four parts (Daniel 11:2-4)

Page 177: Bibliology – God’s Word

Prophecies concerning Christ Over 200 prophecies concerning Christ in the

Bible Many address detailed specifics leaving no

doubt of the actual event when they occurred (cf those of Nostradamus)

Prophecies concern His birth His life His death

Page 178: Bibliology – God’s Word

Purpose of God’s PropheciesNot to invite speculation of the future, but divine:

To demonstrate the divine origin of the word (Isaiah 48:3,5)

To lend authority to the prophet speaking (Jeremiah 28:9)

To establish faith (John 13:19)

“There is only one real inevitability: it is necessary that Scripture must be fulfilled.”(Carl F Henry)

Page 179: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Name of the Scriptures

The Bible Our English word “BIBLE” comes from the Greek word

biblos meaning “a book.” “The book (biblos) of the generation of Jesus Christ”

Matthew 1:2; Also, from biblion, a diminutive from of bibles, meaning

“little book.” “And there was delivered unto him the book (biblion) …

and when he had opened the book (biblion)” Luke 4:17 The word biblos comes from the word given to the inner

pulp of the papyrus reed on which ancient books were written.

Page 180: Bibliology – God’s Word

Other Names

The Bible is also called “the scripture” Mark 12:10; 15:28; Luke 4:21; John 2:22;

7:38; 10:35; Romans 4:3; Galatians 4:30; 2 Peter 1:20

It is called “the Scriptures” Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24; Luke 24:27;

John 5:39; Acts 17:11; Romans 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15: 3,4; 2 Timothy 3:15; 2 Peter 3:16

Page 181: Bibliology – God’s Word

Holy Writings

These terms signify “Holy Writings.”Once Paul uses “the holy scriptures” in

Romans 1:2

Romans 1:2 NKJV

“which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures”

Page 182: Bibliology – God’s Word

Sacred Writings

He also uses “the sacred writings”

2 Timothy 3:15 RSV

“and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Page 183: Bibliology – God’s Word

Oracles of God

He used “the oracles of God”

Romans 3:2 NKJV

“Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.”

Page 184: Bibliology – God’s Word

“Word” of God

One of the most descriptive and satisfying names it “the Word of God”

Mark 7:13; Romans 10:17; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 4:12

Page 185: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Division of the Scriptures

Page 186: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Two Testaments

The Bible is divided into two sections known as the Old and the New Testaments.

The word “testament” was originally translated “covenant,” and signifies the thought that each is a covenant which God made with His people.

Page 187: Bibliology – God’s Word

Books of the Bible

Three are thirty-nine (39) books in the Old Testament, and

Twenty-seven (27) in the New Testament.

Page 188: Bibliology – God’s Word

Books of the Bible

Three are thirty-nine (39) books in the Old Testament, and

Twenty-seven (27) in the New Testament.

Page 189: Bibliology – God’s Word

Old Testament Divisions

The Hebrew Old Testament was commonly divided into three

sections:

Page 190: Bibliology – God’s Word

1. Torah

The Law (Torah) – Five (5) booksGenesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.

Page 191: Bibliology – God’s Word

2. The Prophets

The Prophets (Nebhiim) – Eight (8) books

Former Prophets – Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings

Latter Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, The following twelve.

Page 192: Bibliology – God’s Word

3. The Writings

The Writings (Kethbhim) – Eleven (11) books:

Poetical Books – Psalms, Proverbs, Job; Five Rolls (Megilloth) – Song of Songs,

Ruth, Lamentations, Esther, Ecclesiastes; Historical Books – Daniel, Ezra-

Nehemiah, Chronicles

Page 193: Bibliology – God’s Word

Jesus Words

These divisions are in keeping with Jesus words:

“These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” Luke 24:44

Page 194: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Law

Sometimes the Old Testament is more briefly referred to as “the law and the prophets”

Matthew 5:17 RSV; Acts 11:13; Acts 13:15

Even more briefly, the term “law” seems to include the other divisions

John 10:34; 12:34; 15:25; 1 Corinthians 14:21)

Page 195: Bibliology – God’s Word

New Testament Divisions

Biographical – Four (4) BooksMatthew, Mark, Luke, JohnHistorical – One (1) BookActs

Page 196: Bibliology – God’s Word

New Testament Divisions

Pedagogical - Twenty-one (21) Books

Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2 & 3 John, Jude

Prophetic – One (1) Book

Revelation

Page 197: Bibliology – God’s Word

Alternative Divisions

Sometimes another order or division is suggested:

The Gospels (Synoptic) – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

The Acts of the ApostlesThe Epistles of Paul (including Hebrews)The General EpistlesThe Book of Revelation

Page 198: Bibliology – God’s Word

Chapters and Verses

The Bible was not originally divided into chapters and verses as we know it today.

For convenience of reference, these were added at comparatively recent dates.

It used to be assumed that the chapter divisions were first introduced by Cardinal Hugh, who died in AD 1263.

Later investigations have attributed them to Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury, who died in 1228.

Page 199: Bibliology – God’s Word

Verses

The New Testament was first published with verse division by Robert Stephans in 1551.

The first Bible to be published entirely divided into verses was the Geneva Bible of 1560.

It is of considerable importance that the student realize that these divisions were not in the original text and were not inspired.

Page 200: Bibliology – God’s Word

Divisions

Most of the divisions are very helpful, but some have proven to be quite misleading

They have come right in the middle of the subject being dealt with

And there is the tendency to think that a new subject is being introduced when a chapter ends and new one begins.

Page 201: Bibliology – God’s Word

Divisions

One must, many times, completely ignore the chapter division.

Two simple examples of this are as follows:

In Acts Chapter 22, Paul’s address is cut off from the events that lead up to it as recorded in the previous chapter.

Page 202: Bibliology – God’s Word

Acts 21:37-22:5 NKJV37 Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks,

he said to the commander, "May I speak to you?"He replied, "Can you speak Greek? 38 Are you not the

Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?"

39 But Paul said,"I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people."

40 So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

Page 203: Bibliology – God’s Word

Acts 22:1-5Paul's Defense at Jerusalem1 “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now."

2 And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent.

Then he said: 3 "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, 5 as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished.

Page 204: Bibliology – God’s Word

Example 2

John 7:53 and 8:1 read together, without the chapter break, present a significant contrast:

“And every man went unto his own house. Jesus went into the Mount of Olives.”

Page 205: Bibliology – God’s Word

Canonicity

Why do we have these 66 books?

“Canon”

Hebrew for “reed” used as a measuring rod

“The collection of books acknowledged by the early

church as the rule of faith and practice”

They meet the standard of recognition as

authoritative

Page 206: Bibliology – God’s Word

Canonicity

Old Testament - Composition

• Law (Torah)

• Prophets

• Writings

1000 Years in the making

Moses (1500 BC) to Malachi (500 BC)

Page 207: Bibliology – God’s Word

Canonicity

Old Testament - Canonization

• The Law

immediate recognition, no later questioning

• Writings & Prophets

gradual recognition

So, Jews lived with an unfinished canon

throughout OT history!

Page 208: Bibliology – God’s Word

Canonicity

Old Testament - Canonization

• Reason for finally canonizing OT:

Intertestamental Apocryphal literature

• Jews complete it by 90 AD (Council of

Jamnia)

Early Christians accept it without questioning

Page 209: Bibliology – God’s Word

Canonicity

Old Testament - Apocrypha

• Intertestamental Jewish literature

• Is it canon scripture?

Jews No, but good literature

RCC Yes

Protestants No

Page 210: Bibliology – God’s Word

Canonicity

Old Testament - Apocrypha

• Why do we Reject it?

• Some clearly fictional stories

• Some support for heretical doctrine (purgatory)

• But it is still useful

• Does not greatly affect doctrine

• Helps clarify NT background & Jewish history

Page 211: Bibliology – God’s Word

Canonicity

New Testament – Tests for Canonicity

1. Apostolic Authority

2. Conformity to the Rule of Faith

3. Acceptance & Use by the Church at Large

Page 212: Bibliology – God’s Word

Canonicity

New Testament – Canonization

• Little need till 2nd century heretics &

persecution

• The Rule: “if in doubt, throw it out”

• So started small & grew as disputed books

resolved

Hebrews, James, 2 & 3 John, 2 Peter, Jude, and Revelation

Page 213: Bibliology – God’s Word

Canonicity

New Testament – Canonization

• When was our NT canon finally settled?

By the synod of Hippo in 393 AD

• Yet…“[the council] did not confer upon them any

authority which they did not already possess,

but simply recorded their previously established

canonicity.” F.F. Bruce

Page 214: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

Definition:

“The word revelation is derived from the Greek word apokalupsis, which means ‘disclosure’ or ‘unveiling.’ Hence, revelation signifies God unveiling Himself to mankind.”

Moody Handbook of Theology, 155

Page 215: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

General Revelation:

The revelation of God readily available to everybody on earth through natural and historical observation.

Page 216: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

Sources of general revelation:Natural world

(Rom 1:18-21; Acts 4:16-17; Ps 19:1-6).

Page 217: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.

Page 218: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Romans 1:18-21

Page 219: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

“In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways; and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”

Acts 14:16-17

Page 220: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

Sources of general revelation:Natural world

(Rom 1:18-21; Acts 4:16-17; Ps 19:1-6).HistoryNature of Mankind (Rom 2:14-15).

Page 221: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them.

Romans 2:14-15

Page 222: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

Special Revelation:

The revelation of God given through Jesus Christ and the Scriptures that leads us to a relationship with God.

Page 223: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

Sources of special revelationJesus Christ (Heb 1:1-2; Jn 1:18).

Page 224: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

Hebrews 1:1-2

Page 225: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

Sources of special revelationJesus Christ (Heb 1:1-2; Jn 1:18).Scripture (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

Page 226: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

2 Peter 1:20-21

Page 227: Bibliology – God’s Word

Revelation

God’s revelation is progressive, meaning that He did not reveal everything about

Himself at one time, but in stages throughout history.

Page 228: Bibliology – God’s Word

Inspiration

Inspiration:

The process by which God, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, communicated His special revelation to the individual authors of the Bible, using their unique writing styles, talents, and personalities.

Page 229: Bibliology – God’s Word

Inspiration

Theories of Inspiration:

1. Natural/Intuitive Inspiration

2. Illumination Theory

3. Dynamic Inspiration

4. Conceptual Inspiration

5. Dictation

6. Verbal Plenary Inspiration

Page 230: Bibliology – God’s Word

Inspiration

Several passages support verbal plenary inspiration (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Peter 3:15-16).

Jesus and Paul assume the inerrancy of Scripture (Jn 10:35; Gal 3:16).

Jesus declared the Scripture to be eternal and every letter to be important (Mt 5:18).

Page 231: Bibliology – God’s Word

Inerrancy

Inerrancy refers to the absolute truthfulness of God’s Word in everything that it affirms. If revelation deals with the content of God’s communication, and inspiration with the writing process, inerrancy deals with the final results.

Page 232: Bibliology – God’s Word

Definition of Inerrancy

The inerrancy of Scripture means that in its original autographs the Bible contains n mistakes.

In the original languages in which it was written, it is absolutely infallible – without error whatever.

This has been the position of all the confessions of the great evangelical churches down through the years.

Page 233: Bibliology – God’s Word

What’s the Problem?

If we say the Bible is inerrant in the original manuscripts, that is basically saying;

“What we have today contains errors.” If it contains errors, than it is not reliable.The errors in our Bible today are about

numbers of things (horses, etc.) or specifics about an event.

Page 234: Bibliology – God’s Word

Inspired with Errors

What if God inspired these inconsistencies?

They prove no one edited the Bible or they wouldn’t be in there!

They are actually proofs for the preservation of scripture!

Here they are!

Page 235: Bibliology – God’s Word

(a) Samuel 24:13 So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.

1 Chronicles 21:11-12 So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee {12} Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.

Page 236: Bibliology – God’s Word

(b) 2 Chronicles 36:9 Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD.

2 Kings 24:8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother's name was Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.

Page 237: Bibliology – God’s Word

(c) 2 Samuel 10:18 And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.

1 Chronicles 19:18 But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men which fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.

Page 238: Bibliology – God’s Word

(d) 1 Kings 7:26 And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.

2 Chronicles 4:5 And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand

Page 239: Bibliology – God’s Word

(e) 2 Chronicles 9:25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

1 Kings 4:26 And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.

Page 240: Bibliology – God’s Word

a. According to Matthew 28:2-4, an angel a. According to Matthew 28:2-4, an angel of the Lord with an appearance like of the Lord with an appearance like lightning was sitting on the stone that had lightning was sitting on the stone that had been rolled away. been rolled away.

b. According to Mark 16:5, a young man in b. According to Mark 16:5, a young man in a white robe was sitting inside the tomb.a white robe was sitting inside the tomb.

c. According to Luke 24:4, two men in c. According to Luke 24:4, two men in dazzling apparel. It is not clear if the men dazzling apparel. It is not clear if the men were inside the tomb or outside of it.were inside the tomb or outside of it.

Page 241: Bibliology – God’s Word

a. In Matthew, the tree withers at once and a. In Matthew, the tree withers at once and the disciples comment on this fact the disciples comment on this fact (Matthew 21:19-20).(Matthew 21:19-20).

b. In Mark, the tree is not found to be b. In Mark, the tree is not found to be withered until at least the next day (Mark withered until at least the next day (Mark 11:20-21).11:20-21).

Page 242: Bibliology – God’s Word

Who bought the Field of Blood?Who bought the Field of Blood?a. In Matthew 27:7 the chief priests buy a. In Matthew 27:7 the chief priests buy

the field.the field.b. In Acts 1:18 Judas buys the field.b. In Acts 1:18 Judas buys the field.

Page 243: Bibliology – God’s Word

These are all the contradictions of any These are all the contradictions of any significance.significance.

So, we must say that the Bible is the So, we must say that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, inerrant in all it inspired Word of God, inerrant in all it teaches, but the writers have been given teaches, but the writers have been given the ability to record events as they the ability to record events as they remember them. The event is true even if remember them. The event is true even if some of the details are contradictory.some of the details are contradictory.

Page 244: Bibliology – God’s Word

I believe that the discrepancies themselves attest to the authenticity of the Bible. If there had been editors who changed the Bible, we can be sure they would not have left these problems in the text – they would have changed them. The fact remains that they didn’t change them, and this allows us to conclude that no one ‘edited’ the Bible! It may be the God inspired the differences just so we would establish this truth. Not that none of the discrepancies affect doctrine or practice.

Page 245: Bibliology – God’s Word

Limited Inerrancy

In contrast to this, atheists, agnostics and liberal theologians have declared the Bible to be full of errors.

Indeed, there are those who teach a “limited inerrancy,” claiming the Bible to be inerrant in matters of faith and practice, but not necessarily so in scientific and historical matters.

The problem with this position is, who is going to decide what is true and what is not?

Page 246: Bibliology – God’s Word

Final Authority If one cannot have a positive faith in the infallibility of this

Book, how can he speak with final authority when it comes to matters of eternity?

Why is this question so vitally important? Why cannot one come to the bible as he does any other

book? When he reads any other book, a man will take what he

believes and leave that with which he is not in accord. Why cannot he do the same, as many are advocating,

with the Bible?

Page 247: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Testimony to Inerrancy

From whence does this doctrine of inerrancy come?

From the Scriptures themselves. It claims to be inspired by God.

Page 248: Bibliology – God’s Word

Authoritative Testimony

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God” – 2 Timothy 3:16

“For the prophecy came in old times by the will of men, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” 2 Peter 1:21

The writers of the Old Testament are most explicit in claiming they were speaking the Word of God.

They claim 3,808 times to be transmitting the very words of God.

Page 249: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Old Testament Writers

Moses declared: “Ye shall no add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it” Deuteronomy 4:2.

The Psalmist cried: “The law of the Lord is perfect … the testimony of the Lord is pure” Psalm 19:7 NASB

Samuel declared : “the spirit o fthe Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue” 2 Samuel 23:2

Page 250: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Old Testament Writers

Isaiah wrote: “Hear, O heavens, and gie ear, O earth, for the Lord hath spoken” Isaiah 1:2

Jeremiah quotes the words of the Lord to him: “Whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak … Behold I have put my words in thy mouth. Jeremiah 1:7,9

Ezekiel tells of commission: “Thou shalt speak my words unto them” Ezekiel 2:7

And, “Speak with my words unto them” Ezekiel 3:4

Page 251: Bibliology – God’s Word

God’s Words

Each and all of these writers declared that they were speaking God’s words.

Thus the Old Testament testifies concerning itself.

The New Testament writers also bear witness to the fact that the Old Testament was God speaking.

Page 252: Bibliology – God’s Word

New Testament Writers

In the Gospels. “All this was done, that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord by the prophets” Matthew 1:22

“As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began” Luke 1:70

“For David himself said by the Holy Ghost …” Mark 12:36

Page 253: Bibliology – God’s Word

New Testament Writers

In the Epistles. The Apostles also gave their witness to he

perfections of the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul said fo the Law that it was Holy, and the

commandment, holy and righteous and good” Romans 7:12 NIV

The writer of Hebrews regarded the Word of God as living and effectual, going so far as to judge even our feelings and innermost thoughts - Hebrews 4:12

Page 254: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Epistles, continued

James describes God’s word as “the perfect law of liberty” James 1:22-25

He regarded its complete authority when he issued the warning: “Think ye the scriptures saith in vain?” James 4:5

Page 255: Bibliology – God’s Word

John’s Revelation John brings the written revelation to a close with

the words: Revelation 22:18-19 KJV18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words

of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Page 256: Bibliology – God’s Word

Attesting to Inerrancy

Thus, toward the beginning, Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32, in the middle Proverbs 30:6, and at the end o the Scriptures Rev 22:18,19, God warns against tampering with His Word, by adding to or taking from its message.

Page 257: Bibliology – God’s Word

Attesting to Inerrancy Deuteronomy 4:2 NKJV “You shall not add to the word which I command

you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”

Deuteronomy 12:32 NKJV “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it;

you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” Proverbs 30:6 NKJV “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and

you be found a liar.”

Page 258: Bibliology – God’s Word

Testimony of Jesus Christ

Jesus himself bore witness to the Scriptures. Christ specifically confirmed the whole of the Old

Testament. He did not find one error or inconsistency in it. He continually based His arguments and

exhortations on it. He declared, “… one jot or one tittle shall in no

wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” Matthew 5:18

Page 259: Bibliology – God’s Word

Testimony of Jesus Christ

Discussing just one word with the Jews, He said, “The scripture cannot be broken” John 10:35

In Luke 24:44 Jesus said, “These are the words, which I spake unto you while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me.”

These three sections comprise all of the Old Testament.

Page 260: Bibliology – God’s Word

Testimony of Jesus Christ

Jesus referred to many Old Testament persons and events, and thus bore testimony to the authenticity and authority of the Old Testament.

It is interesting to note, from the following list, that Jesus put his stamp of approval on some of the events and miracles of the Old Testament which have always been under greatest question by critics.

Page 261: Bibliology – God’s Word

Reliability1. Bibliographical Evidence Test

How accurate are the copies we have?

How many variants among the copies?

New Testament: 40 lines out of 20,000 (.2%)

- no important doctrines effected

- most are spelling or stylistic changes

Homer’s Iliad: 764 lines out of 15,600 (4.9%) 

Page 262: Bibliology – God’s Word

Reliability1. Bibliographical Evidence Test

How accurate are the copies we have?

Outside Confirmation of NT accuracy

- 86,489 NT citations by the early church fathers

- They quote the entire NT except for 11 verses. 

Page 263: Bibliology – God’s Word

Reliability1. Bibliographical Evidence Test

How accurate are the copies we have?

Conclusion:

NT beats all other ancient literature at this test

So, our NT very closely matches original writings

But…

Were the writers accurate? Did they embellish?

This is a question for the following 2 tests

Page 264: Bibliology – God’s Word

Reliability2. Internal Evidence Test

Did the writers accurately record history?

Nearness affects reliability

NT writers as geographically & temporally near as possible

Mathew, John, & Peter were Christ’s disciples

Luke & Mark used eyewitness accounts

Paul met Jesus on the Damascus road

 

Page 265: Bibliology – God’s Word

Reliability2. Internal Evidence Test

Did the writers accurately record history?

But did they falsify history? No because…

Many direct witnesses were still alive, both friendly & hostile

They included many embarrassing events

 

Page 266: Bibliology – God’s Word

Reliability3. External Evidence Test

Do other historical sources confirm its accuracy?

Evidence in Historical Writings:

  Josephus, Antiquities completed ~93 AD

“He convened a meeting of the Sanhedrin and brought before

them a man named James, the brother of Jesus, who was called

the Christ, and certain others. He accused them of having

transgressed the law and delivered them up to be stoned.”

Page 267: Bibliology – God’s Word

Reliability3. External Evidence Test

Do other historical sources confirm its accuracy?

Evidence in Historical Writings:

  Josephus, Antiquities completed ~93 AD

“About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man. For he was one who

wrought surprising feats and was a teacher of such people as accept the

truth gladly. He won over many Jews and Greeks. When Pilate, upon

hearing him accused by men of the highest standing among us, had

condemned him to be crucified, those who had in the first place come to

love him did not give up their affection for him. And the tribe of

Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared.”

Page 268: Bibliology – God’s Word

Reliability3. External Evidence Test

Do other historical sources confirm its accuracy?

Evidence in Historical Writings:

  Tacitus, 115 AD

“Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures

on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the

populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered

the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of

one of our procurators, Pontius Pilate, and a most mischievous

superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not

only in Judea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome… ”

Page 269: Bibliology – God’s Word

Reliability3. External Evidence Test

Do other historical sources confirm its accuracy?

Evidence in Archeology:

  An example: Luke’s numerous historical

details

• Luke 3:1 – Lysanias, tetrarch of Abilene in 27 AD

• Acts 17:6 – “politarchs” in Thessalonica

• No archeological discovery contradicts Luke’s

reference to 32 countries, 54 cities, and 9 islands

Page 270: Bibliology – God’s Word

Reliability3. External Evidence Test

Do other historical sources confirm its accuracy?

Evidence in Archeology:

  Many archeologists view the Bible as one of

their best sources for locating ancient sites

“Those who know the facts now recognize that the NT must be

accepted as a remarkably accurate source book.”

Prominent Australian archeologist Clifford Wilson

Page 271: Bibliology – God’s Word

ReliabilityCompare the NT to other ancient literature

  The NT is absolutely unique!

1. Continuity & Fulfilled Prophecy

2. Lack of Distortion

3. Circulation & Translation

4. Worldwide Influence

Page 272: Bibliology – God’s Word

ReliabilityConclusion

• The NT is the most historically reliable

ancient document we have

• Similar evidence exists for the OT

See Josh McDowell, Evidence that Demands a Verdict

Page 273: Bibliology – God’s Word

2. The Bible A Unique Revelation Of Truth

The Bible is a revelation of truths about which Man can never know apart from what it tells him.

Man ask: Who am I? From where did I come? Where am I going?

What about immortality, Heaven , Hell, judgment, eternity?

What does man know, what can he know apart from the Bible.

Page 274: Bibliology – God’s Word

A God in our Image

Many are virtually making their own god. What good is a god that a man can make

himself?He does not need such, If he can make

him, then man is bigger than his god, and so does not need him.

No one, or no nation, has ever revealed a God such as the God of the Holy Scriptures.

Page 275: Bibliology – God’s Word

Knowledge Beyond Ourselves

Chafer says the Bible is infinite because it discloses truth concerning the infinite God, infinite holiness, infinites sin, and infinite redemption.

It seems to prove itself infinite, for “no human mind has fully comprehended its message or measured its values.

The Christian is not embarrassed in the least that he cannot explain everything about God.

Page 276: Bibliology – God’s Word

VERSION ACCURACY BEAUTY CLARITY THEOLOGY

New American Standard A B B Conservative

New International Version B A B Conservative

New King James Version B B B Conservative

King James Version B A C Puritan

Good News Bible D C B So. Baptist

New English Bible D C C Liberal

Jerusalem Bible D C C Romanist

Revised Standard Version F C C Liberal

The Living Bible F D C Arminian

Page 277: Bibliology – God’s Word

So why wouldn’t you believe?

The Bible is undergoing major attack today.

However, you can’t argue with Truth!

Page 278: Bibliology – God’s Word

Human or Divine?

Page 279: Bibliology – God’s Word

Human or Divine Origin?How can these things be if the Bible is of human origins?

Intuitive ArgumentsScientific ForeknowledgeArchaeological AccuracyUnityUnusual style of writing EnduranceInfluence Prophecy

Page 280: Bibliology – God’s Word

Not a single error The Bible has yet to be proven wrong or

contradictory in even one single point Conclusion of men who have investigated deeply

into discrepancies, alleged errors, contradictions, etc:Dr Gleason L ArcherDr Robert Dick WilsonJohn Warwick MontgomeryJohn W HaleyDr William Arndt

Page 281: Bibliology – God’s Word

Human or Divine Origin?

Very ironical - and deceptive - for a book to

challenge the world to such a demanding moral

standard, and wield such a great influence on

mankind for so many millenniums, if it turns out

to be based on fables and cleverly devised lies,

no matter how well intentioned the

authors were.

Page 282: Bibliology – God’s Word

Christ & the Bible

Page 283: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Source of Truth Christ recognised the authority of Scriptures as

the source of absolute truth (Mark 12:24)

Christ repeatedly quoted Scriptures (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10, 11:10, 21:13, 26:31, John 6:45)

Christ quoted Scriptures as He hung dying on the Cross (Matthew 27:46 cf Psalm 22:1, Luke 23:46 cf Psalm 31:5)

Christ used Scriptures to explain His work (Luke 24:27)

Page 284: Bibliology – God’s Word

Its Authority as Law Christ upheld the teachings of the Old Law

(Matthew 22:37-40)

Christ upheld every tiny detail of the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17-19)

He affirmed that Scriptures contains no error - even the slightest detail is correct and must be fulfilled

Christ appealed to Scriptures as Law (John 10:34)

Page 285: Bibliology – God’s Word

Its Historical Accuracy Christ considered Adam & Eve to be historical

persons (Matthew 19:4-5)

Christ considered the Flood to be a real event (Matthew 24:37-39)

Christ believed in Moses and the provision of heavenly manna (John 6:31-32)

Christ believed in the account of Jonah being swallowed by a large fish and in the repentance of Nineveh at his preaching (Matthew 12:39-41)

Page 286: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Inevitability of Scriptures

Christ upheld all the Old Testament prophecies (Luke 18:31-33, Luke 22:37, Matthew 26:24, 53-56, Luke 24:25-26, 46-47, John 5:39, 46-47, 13:18)

Christ affirmed that Scriptures cannot be broken (John 6:35)

Page 287: Bibliology – God’s Word

Implications Since Christ treated the Old Testament

Scriptures as the inerrant word of God:

Should we not do likewise?

Should we not accord the same to the New Testament?

If we do these, what then is our response to God’s revelations contained in the Bible?

Page 288: Bibliology – God’s Word

Archaeology & the Bible

Page 289: Bibliology – God’s Word

Importance of Bible History Bible not a history book, but based on actual

historical events and settings to bring forth spiritual lessons

Importance of historical accuracy: if Bible history is inaccurate, can Bible theology be accurate?

Hence, accuracy of Bible history is an important evidence leading to faith

Several important archaeological findings since the 1950’s, verify the Bible historical record

Page 290: Bibliology – God’s Word

Bible Archaeology Bible Archaeology: “A study based on the

excavation, decipherment and critical evaluation of the records of the past as they affect the Bible”

Not an exact science - tend to be fragmented, disjointed, and subject to interpretation - but reveals evidences to support the accuracy of the Bible record

Page 291: Bibliology – God’s Word

Value of Bible History Proved to be an important and valuable source

of information to archaeologists

Provides clues to successful archaeological expeditions

Existence of characters and peoples

Existence of places, cities, nations - at the precise locations recorded in the Bible

Occurrence of events

Page 292: Bibliology – God’s Word

Archaeological Accuracy Where Bible historical accounts have

been disbelieved, archaeological findings have proven their accuracy

Where archaeological findings appear to contradict the Bible record, the latter has been vindicated over time

Although not a historical record, Bible historical accuracy has not been disproved in all this time.

Why?

Page 293: Bibliology – God’s Word

Examples In 1906, the Hittite nation was discovered - now

extensive proof of its existence

In 1922, Ur was discovered

In 1930, discovered record of Jehoiachin as a prisoner

In 1931, the Nuzi tablets were discovered dating back to 1500 BC and confirmed several customs in Bible times

Page 294: Bibliology – God’s Word

Examples In 1975, the Ebla tablets were

discovered and in it were the names of Sodom & Gomorrah

Page 295: Bibliology – God’s Word

Accuracy of Bible History Luke set out to “to write to you an orderly

account, . . . that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed” (Luke 1:3-4)

Luke was determined to record the events accurately so that readers may know

for sure what happened

In order for this objective to be met, there must not be any single doubt over the accuracy of the record

Page 296: Bibliology – God’s Word

Bible History is Trustworthy William Ramsey, noted historian and

archaeologist, set out to disprove the historical events in Luke, Did not believe Augustus ordered a census Not necessary for man to return to his own city for

such a census Not necessary for other family members to accompany

the husband Concluded at the end, “Luke’s history is

unsurpassed in trustworthiness”

Not just Luke but the entire Bible!

Page 297: Bibliology – God’s Word

The Bible is Reliable“On the whole, however, archaeological work has

unquestionably strengthened confidence in the

reliability of the Scriptural record. More than one

archaeologist has found his respect for the Bible

increased by the experience of excavation in

Palestine. Archaeology has in many

cases refuted the views of

modern critics.” (Millar Burrows,

Yale University)

Page 298: Bibliology – God’s Word

The campaign into Israel by Pharaoh Shishak

(1 Kings 14:25-26) is recorded on the walls of the Temple of Amun in Thebes, Egypt.  

The revolt of Moab against Israel

(2 Kings 1:1; 3:4-27) is recorded on the Mesha Inscription.  

The fall of Samaria

(2 Kings 17:3-6, 24; 18:9-11) to Sargon II, king of Assyria, is recorded on his palace walls.  

The defeat of Ashdod by Sargon II

(Isaiah 20:1) is recorded on his palace walls.

Page 299: Bibliology – God’s Word

Is the Bible reliable?

Yes! In addition to all of this, there are

many other examples of extra-Biblical confirmation of Biblical events.

Page 300: Bibliology – God’s Word

For years, critics of the Biblical historical account have doubted its reliability not because there existed archeological evidence that DISPROVED its claims, but simply because there was no discovered archeological evidence found yet to SUBSTANTIATE its claims.

Now, in light of recent archeology, many are beginning to believe!