[I] QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE BIBLE

1)1) Is not much of the Bible borrowed Is not much of the Bible borrowed from other sources? (from other sources? (Source Source CriticismCriticism, i.e. oral accounts, stories), i.e. oral accounts, stories)

2)2) Who chose the books? (Who chose the books? (CanonicityCanonicity))3)3) How do we know what we have was How do we know what we have was

actually written? (actually written? (Manuscript Manuscript evidenceevidence))

4)4) Is the New Testament not written Is the New Testament not written too Late? (too Late? (DatingDating))

5)5) Could not someone have changed Could not someone have changed the Bible along the way? the Bible along the way? ((Accretions/DeletionsAccretions/Deletions))

[A][A] Source Criticism:Source Criticism:

The Old Testament Sources?The Old Testament Sources?

Epic of Creation Epic of Creation

Flood Tablets Flood Tablets

New Testament Sources?New Testament Sources?Sectarian Apocryphal Sectarian Apocryphal

Fragments:Fragments:22ndnd - 4 - 4thth Century Century

(B)(B)THE CANONTHE CANON

Apostolic Authorship:Apostolic Authorship: Was it written by Was it written by a prophet, or spokesman of God?a prophet, or spokesman of God?

Ecclesiastical Acceptance:Ecclesiastical Acceptance: Was it Was it accepted by the people of Godaccepted by the people of God

Divine Authority:Divine Authority: Was the prophet Was the prophet confirmed by an act (miracle or confirmed by an act (miracle or prophecy)?prophecy)?

Divine Truth:Divine Truth: Did the message tell the Did the message tell the truth about God (no contradictions, or truth about God (no contradictions, or errors)?errors)?

Divine Power:Divine Power: Did it have the power of Did it have the power of God (did it change lives)?God (did it change lives)?

[C] MANUSCRIPT EVIDENCE[C] MANUSCRIPT EVIDENCE

(1) Manuscripts:

(2) Dating

(3) Eyewitness accounts:

(4) Hostile Accounts:

(5) Versions or Translations:

(6) Lectionaries:

(7) Early Church Father’s Letters:

(1) Extant Manuscripts:(1) Extant Manuscripts:

New Testament New Testament extantextant manuscripts manuscripts

5,300 Greek

10,000 Latin Vulgate

9,300 other early versions

+ 24,000 manuscript copies, or portions

230 MSS compiled before the 7th century!!

(2) Dating(2) Dating

Author Date Written Earliest Copy Time Span Copies (extent)Secular Manuscripts:Herodotus (History) 480 ‑ 425 BC 900 AD 1,300 years 8Thucydides (History) 460 - 400 BC 900 AD 1,300 years ?Aristotle (Philosopher) 384 ‑ 322 BC 1,100 AD 1,400 years

5Caesar (History) 100 ‑ 44 BC 900 AD 1,000 years 10Pliny (History) 61 ‑ 113 AD 850 AD 750 years 7Suetonius (Roman History) 70 - 140 AD 950 AD 800 years ?Tacitus (Greek History) 100 AD 1,100 AD 1,000 years

20

Biblical Manuscripts: (note these are individual manuscripts)Magdalene Ms (Matthew 26) 1st century 50-60 AD co-existant (?)John Rylands (John) 90 AD 130 AD 40 yearsBodmer Papyrus II (John) 90 AD 150-200 AD 60-110 yearsChester Beatty Papyri (N.T.) 1st century 200 AD 150 yearsDiatessaron by Tatian (Gospels) 1st century 200 AD 150 yearsCodex Vaticanus (Bible) 1st century 325-350 AD 275-300 years

Codex Sinaiticus (Bible) 1st century 350 AD 300 yearsCodex Alexandrinus (Bible) 1st century 400 AD 350 years

Papyrus Fragments: Papyrus Fragments: Upto 4Upto 4thth Century Century

Sinaiticus (320 Sinaiticus (320 AD):AD):

Old/New TestamentOld/New Testament 44thth Century Century

ALEXENDRINUSALEXENDRINUS

-Old & New Testament-Old & New Testament

-5-5thth Century Century

(3) Eyewitness accounts: Internal Corroboration

(3) Eyewitness accounts: Internal Corroboration

Luke 1:1-3(Disciples)

“...to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the Word have handed them down to us, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order.”

Acts 2:22(Jews)

“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know...”

Acts 26:24-26(Secular Auth.)

“...Paul said, 'I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter the words of sober truth. For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner.”

LUKE’S accuracy:LUKE’S accuracy:

Erastus = Corinth treasurer (Rom. 16:23)Erastus = Corinth treasurer (Rom. 16:23) -pavement found in 1929 with this name

Politarchs = civil authority of Thessalonica (Acts 17:6)Politarchs = civil authority of Thessalonica (Acts 17:6)

-19 inscriptions use it, 5 in Thesselonica

Praetor = for Philippian ruler instead of DuumuirPraetor = for Philippian ruler instead of Duumuir

-Romans used Praetor earlier

Proconsul = title for Gallio (Acts 18:12)Proconsul = title for Gallio (Acts 18:12)

-corroborated by Delphi Inscription-(52 AD) Gallio held this position for 1 year only.-corroborated by Delphi Inscription-(52 AD) Gallio held this position for 1 year only.

(4) Hostile Accounts:External Corroboration

(4) Hostile Accounts:External Corroboration

1) Thallus: a Greek historian

2) Tacitus: a Roman historian

3) Josephus: a Jewish historian

4) Suetonius: a Greek historian

5) Pliny the Younger: a Roman author and administrator

52 AD, crucifixion, day suddenly turned dark, and earth tremled

80-84 AD, death of Christ, reign of Tiberius’,by governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate

90-95 AD, death of Jesus, martyrdom of James, John the Baptist, resurrection

Expulsion from Rome of followers of Crestus,

by emperor Claudius, (Acts 18:2)

112 AD of the Christian community in Asia Minor,and of their devotion to Christ

(5) Versions or Translations:19,284 translations, in 11 languages!(note: 230 examples between 2nd - 6th C.)

(5) Versions or Translations:19,284 translations, in 11 languages!(note: 230 examples between 2nd - 6th C.)

LatinLatin

SyriacSyriac

CopticCoptic

ArmenianArmenian

GothicGothic

GeorgianGeorgian

EthiopicEthiopic

Nubian

150 AD -> (over 10,000 examples)

150-250 AD -> (350 examples)

early 3rd and 4th centuries (100 + examples)

400 AD -> (2,587 examples)

4th century -> (6 examples)

5th century -> (4,101 examples)

6th century -> (2,000 examples)

6th century ->

(6) Lectionaries:(6) Lectionaries:

2,135 lectionaries2,135 lectionaries6th century6th century

(7) Early Church Father’s Letters:(7) Early Church Father’s Letters:

Clement of AlexandriaClement of Alexandria 2,406 quotes

TertullianTertullian 7,258 quotes

Justin MartyrJustin Martyr 330 quotes

IrenaeusIrenaeus 1,819 quotes

OrigenOrigen 17,922 quotes

HippolytusHippolytus 1,378 quotes

EusebiusEusebius 5,176 quotes

36,289 quotes36,289 quotes

Dr. Jean Burgon: 86,489 quotesSir David Dalrymple: 36,289 quotes before Sir David Dalrymple: 36,289 quotes before 44thth C. C.

+36,000 quotes from before 325 AD = all but 11 verses of the New Testament!!!!

[II] ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE[II] ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE[II] ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE[II] ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE

PEOPLE:PEOPLE:

-50 Old Testament people-50 Old Testament people

-27 New Testament people-27 New Testament people

I.e. Daniel 5:16I.e. Daniel 5:16 Belshazar?Belshazar?

Let’s go and see just how Let’s go and see just how authoritative the Old authoritative the Old

Testament is:Testament is: Looking at Architecture: From the British Looking at Architecture: From the British

Museum….Museum…. Epic of Creation Epic of Creation

Flood Tablets Flood Tablets

Ur of the Chaldees & Tablets from Ur of the Chaldees & Tablets from Mari, Nuzi, Ebla & ArmanaMari, Nuzi, Ebla & Armana

Harps from UrHarps from Ur

Tablets from Amarna Tablets from Amarna (1394 BC)(1394 BC)

Armana tablets:Armana tablets:

Ebla tablets:Ebla tablets:

Mari tablets:Mari tablets:

Nuzi tablets:Nuzi tablets:

(1900=Abraham, 1700=Joseph, 1447=Moses, 1000=David)

Case Laws, Customs, and Judicial Proceedings

Apiru or Habiru first found = Genesis 14:13

(Deuteronomy 22:22-30)

Arriyuk, or Arioch found in Genesis 14

a) a barren wife giving a handmaiden to her husbandb) a bride chosen for the son by the fatherc) a dowry paid to the father-in-lawd) work done to pay a dowry (i.e. Jacob)e) the unchanging oral will of a father (i.e. Isaac)f) a father giving his daughter a slave-girl (i.e. Leah, Rachel)g) the sentence of death for stealing cult gods (i.e. Jacob).

Neo Hittite FiguresNeo Hittite Figures

Assyrian Architecture:Assyrian Architecture:

Jehu ObeliskJehu Obelisk (841 BC)(841 BC)

((2 Kings 9 & 10 – Elisha & Ahab)

Tiglath Pileser IIITiglath Pileser III

(745-727 BC)(745-727 BC) ((2nd Kings 15:19/20

& 1st Chronicles 5:26 – ‘PUL’)

Sargon IISargon II ((722-701BC)

(2 kings 17:6, 24)

& & SennacharibSennacharib (704-681BC)

LachishLachish

Taylor PrismTaylor Prism1. Hezekiah rebelled against Senacharib.2. The fortified towns of Judah fell.3. Lachish also fell4. Hezekiah was shut up in Jerusalem5. He paid 30 talents of gold in tribute to

Senacharib to gain favour6. Jerusalem did not fall7. The Assyrian army left without firing a

single arrow at Jerusalem.

‘‘Tirhakah’ (Tirhakah’ (2 Kings 19:9, and Isaiah 37:9)

Sennacharib cont.Sennacharib cont.

‘‘Tirhakah’ Tirhakah’ statuestatue

(2 Kings 19:9; Isaiah 37:9)

Hezekiah MuralHezekiah Mural(II Kings 19:35-36)(II Kings 19:35-36)

Murals of Ninevah Murals of Ninevah ((Nahum 1:10, 2:13, 3:13-15))

Book of Daniel and the Nabonidus Book of Daniel and the Nabonidus DrumDrum

Drum – (539 B.C.)Drum – (539 B.C.)

Prayer for Prayer for BalshazzerBalshazzer

(Daniel 5:16)(Daniel 5:16)

NabonidusNabonidus Tablet Tablet

Persian Artifacts Persian Artifacts (6(6thth c. c. BC)BC)

CyrusCyrus CylindarCylindar

ArtaxerxesArtaxerxes Silverware Silverware

EVENTS:EVENTS:

-The Flood-The Flood

-Tower of Babel-Tower of Babel

(Gen. 11:1-9)

-David's capture of Jerusalem via water shafts

(II Samuel 5:6-8; I Chronicles 11:6)

-David's capture of Jerusalem via water shafts

(II Samuel 5:6-8; I Chronicles 11:6)

Macalister, J.G. Duncan, and Kathleen Kenyon

What the Archaeologists sayWhat the Archaeologists say

G.E. Wright: “We shall probably never prove that Abram really existed.. but what we can prove is that his life and times, as reflected in the stories about him, fit perfectly within the early second millennium, but imperfectly within any later period.”

G.E. Wright: “We shall probably never prove that Abram really existed.. but what we can prove is that his life and times, as reflected in the stories about him, fit perfectly within the early second millennium, but imperfectly within any later period.”

Sir Frederic Kenyon: “The evidence of archaeology has been to re-establish

the authority of the Old Testament, and likewise to augment its value by rendering it moreintelligible through a fuller knowledge of its background and setting.”

Sir Frederic Kenyon: “The evidence of archaeology has been to re-establish

the authority of the Old Testament, and likewise to augment its value by rendering it moreintelligible through a fuller knowledge of its background and setting.”

William F. Albright: “The excessive skepticism shown toward the Bible by important historical schools of the 18th and 19th centuries, certain phases which still appear periodically, has been progressively discredited. Discovery after discovery has established the accuracy of innumerable details, and has brought increased recognition to the value of the Bible as a source of history.”

William F. Albright: “The excessive skepticism shown toward the Bible by important historical schools of the 18th and 19th centuries, certain phases which still appear periodically, has been progressively discredited. Discovery after discovery has established the accuracy of innumerable details, and has brought increased recognition to the value of the Bible as a source of history.”

Millar Burrows: “On the whole, archaeological work has unquestionably strengthened confidence in the reliability of the scriptural record.”Millar Burrows: “On the whole, archaeological work has unquestionably strengthened confidence in the reliability of the scriptural record.”

Joseph Free: confirms that while thumbing through the book of Genesis, he mentally noted that each of the 50 chapters are either illuminated or confirmed by some archaeological discovery, and that this would be true for most of the remaining chapters of the Bible, both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Joseph Free: confirms that while thumbing through the book of Genesis, he mentally noted that each of the 50 chapters are either illuminated or confirmed by some archaeological discovery, and that this would be true for most of the remaining chapters of the Bible, both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Nelson Glueck: (a Jewish Reformed scholar and archaeologist) “To date no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a single, properly understood biblical statement”

Nelson Glueck: (a Jewish Reformed scholar and archaeologist) “To date no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a single, properly understood biblical statement”

[III] FURTHER

EVIDENCES

FOR THE

BIBLE'S

AUTHORITY

[III] FURTHER

EVIDENCES

FOR THE

BIBLE'S

AUTHORITY

[1] Its Fulfilled Prophecies:[1] Its Fulfilled Prophecies:

Principle: Deuteronomy 18:21-22; Isaiah 43:9; and John 13:18-21

MosesMoses and IsaiahIsaiah: prophecies which were fulfilled immediately, or the next day:

-Defeat of Egyptians=Exodus 14:13-14,27-28, -holding the sun back=Isaiah 38:5-8-Sennacherib's rout=Isaiah 37:21-38

prophecies which were fulfilled between 150-200 years later:-Israelites sent to Babylon=Isaiah 39:6-7

or even centuries later:-blessing/curses for Israel=Deuteronomy 28:1,15,64-66; 30:1,4-5-fall of babylon=Isaiah 13:1,19-20

and others that are just now being fulfilled:- the return from exile=Isaiah 11:11-12

MosesMoses and IsaiahIsaiah: prophecies which were fulfilled immediately, or the next day:

-Defeat of Egyptians=Exodus 14:13-14,27-28, -holding the sun back=Isaiah 38:5-8-Sennacherib's rout=Isaiah 37:21-38

prophecies which were fulfilled between 150-200 years later:-Israelites sent to Babylon=Isaiah 39:6-7

or even centuries later:-blessing/curses for Israel=Deuteronomy 28:1,15,64-66; 30:1,4-5-fall of babylon=Isaiah 13:1,19-20

and others that are just now being fulfilled:- the return from exile=Isaiah 11:11-12

[2] Its extraordinary Unity and Harmony:[2] Its extraordinary Unity and Harmony:

[3] Its amazing Circulation:[3] Its amazing Circulation:-+2,000 translations in 260 languages, 1,167 ongoing transls.-700 million Scripture portions-over 14 million Bibles, nearly 13 million New Testaments-in over 100 countries, now 93% of pop. have it in their tongue![4] Its Appeal to all Classes everywhere:[4] Its Appeal to all Classes everywhere:

1900 AD = only 558 million Christians in the world2000 AD = were an estimated 2,020 million (2.2 billion)!!

66 books - +30 authors – 1,500 years – common theme: God’s redemptive plan for humanity!

[5] Its Wisdom and high Moral Teaching:

‑ ‑ Basis of Law and Morality worldwide: Basis of Law and Morality worldwide: (10 Commandments, Golden Rule, (10 Commandments, Golden Rule, Sermon on the Mount)Sermon on the Mount)

‑ ‑ Gives patterns copied by the world Gives patterns copied by the world (even non‑Christian): (even non‑Christian):

‑ ‑ via colonialism (i.e. Hindu India, Muslim via colonialism (i.e. Hindu India, Muslim Senegal)Senegal)

‑ ‑ via adoption (Shinto Japan, laws based via adoption (Shinto Japan, laws based on U.S. Constitution, modelled on Bible)on U.S. Constitution, modelled on Bible)

UN Declaration of Human RightsUN Declaration of Human RightsThe most universal secular document used today as a standard:The most universal secular document used today as a standard: ‑ ‑ Biblical thread throughout, in direct contrast to Islamic principlesBiblical thread throughout, in direct contrast to Islamic principles ‑ ‑ Art.4: no Art.4: no slavery:slavery: Abolition movements= Christian: Clapham sect = UK, Abolition movements= Christian: Clapham sect = UK,

‘underground railway’= US, Sierra Leone = Africa‘underground railway’= US, Sierra Leone = Africa ‑ ‑ Art.5: no cruel, degrading Art.5: no cruel, degrading punishmentpunishment:: Bible forbids it (Matt.5:39; Bible forbids it (Matt.5:39;

26:5226:52; ; Lk.6:27‑28Lk.6:27‑28; 1Cor.13); 1Cor.13) Qur’an allows it (amputations, floggings, stonings = Qur’an allows it (amputations, floggings, stonings = HududHudud)) ‑ ‑ Arts.7,8,10: Arts.7,8,10: equalityequality:: Bible encourages it (Gal.3:28) while Qur’an Bible encourages it (Gal.3:28) while Qur’an

distinguishes distinguishes between Muslim/Kufr (between Muslim/Kufr (wergildwergild 10/1, 10/1, DhimmiDhimmi laws, laws, JizyaJizya)) ‑ ‑ Art.16: Art.16: marriagemarriage & & divorcedivorce equality: equality: Biblical (only one wife etc...) Biblical (only one wife etc...)

Qur’an = no Qur’an = no KufrKufr husband, must convert first to Islam. husband, must convert first to Islam. ‑ ‑ Art.18: Freedom of Art.18: Freedom of thoughtthought and and religionreligion (to change): (to change): Bible allows Bible allows

choice choice (Jn.3:16; Rom.10:9‑15)(Jn.3:16; Rom.10:9‑15) ‑ ‑ Qur’an=fight unbelievers (S.8:39=fight them; 9:5=slay pagans, Qur’an=fight unbelievers (S.8:39=fight them; 9:5=slay pagans,

29=fight; 29=fight; 47:4=smite, subdue, bind)47:4=smite, subdue, bind) ‑ ‑ Art.19: Freedom of Art.19: Freedom of opinionopinion & & expressionexpression:: Bible (no censorship, only Bible (no censorship, only

must not must not change scripture Rev.22:18‑19)change scripture Rev.22:18‑19) ‑ ‑ Qur’an (no criticism of the Qur’an, Muhammad; i.e. Pakistan’s .= Qur’an (no criticism of the Qur’an, Muhammad; i.e. Pakistan’s .=

Sect.295‑C Sect.295‑C Blasphemy law)Blasphemy law) ‑ ‑ Art.21: Art.21: EqualEqual accessaccess /will of people basis of authority /will of people basis of authority .= .=DemocracyDemocracy: :

Bible Bible (separation of Church/state, Rom.13:1‑7)(separation of Church/state, Rom.13:1‑7) ‑ ‑ Qur’an=Caliph, Ulema, Shari’ah =authority, non‑Muslim may not Qur’an=Caliph, Ulema, Shari’ah =authority, non‑Muslim may not

rule, or rule, or participate in high office, participate in high office, MawlaMawla

Shows that secular governments borrow Biblical Shows that secular governments borrow Biblical principles, though they try to distance from the principles, though they try to distance from the source of its authority.source of its authority.

Any God‑given scripture must be universally Any God‑given scripture must be universally adaptable, to all cultures, for all times.adaptable, to all cultures, for all times.

Most countries use Biblical principles of morality Most countries use Biblical principles of morality and lawand law

Few Muslim countries uses strict Shari’ah laws, Few Muslim countries uses strict Shari’ah laws, even when in even when in absolute control; must revert absolute control; must revert back to Biblical principles.back to Biblical principles.

Excuse = ‘corrupt leaders’, yet West has Excuse = ‘corrupt leaders’, yet West has corrupt leaders also, but Biblical memory still corrupt leaders also, but Biblical memory still exists.exists.

Result = "just" and democratic society, Result = "just" and democratic society, improved economic environment = mass improved economic environment = mass immigration to West.immigration to West.

[6] Its life-changing power:[6] Its life-changing power:

3,500 new churches are being planted every week3,500 new churches are being planted every week

70,00070,000 people receive Christ daily!70,00070,000 people receive Christ daily!

[II Timothy 3:16]

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting,

and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped

for every good work.

[II Timothy 3:16]

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting,

and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped

for every good work.