The reliability of the bible

The Reliability of the BibleThe Reliability of the Bible
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of
God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

OutlineOutline
Why the Bible?Why the Bible?
Evaluating the integrity of Ancient WritingsEvaluating the integrity of Ancient Writings
ProphecyProphecy
Textual CriticismTextual Criticism
Questions to ask to affirm the reliability of theQuestions to ask to affirm the reliability of the
GospelsGospels
– Where were they written?Where were they written?
– Do the writers use the right names?Do the writers use the right names?
– Geography: Do they know the places described?Geography: Do they know the places described?
 OverviewOverview
 Why the BibleWhy the Bible
 ProphecyProphecy
 IntegrityIntegrity
 Textual CriticismTextual Criticism

What is theWhat is the
Bible?Bible?
 39 in the OT, 10-14 Deuterocanonical Books39 in the OT, 10-14 Deuterocanonical Books
 27 in the NT27 in the NT
 Written over a period of 1600 yearsWritten over a period of 1600 years
 Has more than 40 authorsHas more than 40 authors
 It was originally written inIt was originally written in
– HebrewHebrew: Old Testament books: Old Testament books
– AramaicAramaic: Daniel, Ezra and a few of the Deuterocanonical: Daniel, Ezra and a few of the Deuterocanonical
BooksBooks
– GreekGreek: The New Testament: The New Testament

Why the Bible?Why the Bible?
 What distinguishes the Bible from otherWhat distinguishes the Bible from other
religious sacred texts like: The Koran, thereligious sacred texts like: The Koran, the
Hindu VedasHindu Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, the Buddhist, the Bhagavad Gita, the Buddhist
Tripitaka, TheTripitaka, The book of Mormon etc…book of Mormon etc…

Why theWhy the
Bible?Bible?
 How do we know thatHow do we know that
the bible isn't just anthe bible isn't just an
ancient book ofancient book of
mythology?mythology?
 That it isn’t inspiredThat it isn’t inspired
by the lore of nearbyby the lore of nearby
cultures whosecultures whose
religions sharereligions share
similar plot lines?similar plot lines?
 Is it just man madeIs it just man made
creations ofcreations of

SScientificcientific
ValidationValidation
• The Bible was completed long before theThe Bible was completed long before the
invention ofinvention of microscopes, telescopes, satellites,microscopes, telescopes, satellites,
and all the other technological innovations thatand all the other technological innovations that
have allowed us to investigate certainhave allowed us to investigate certain
phenomenon of the world and the universe.phenomenon of the world and the universe.
• That the Bible not only does not contain anyThat the Bible not only does not contain any
scientific errors, but anticipates later discoveries,scientific errors, but anticipates later discoveries,
in expressions contrary to the opinions of theirin expressions contrary to the opinions of their
day denotes a divine authorship and is powerfulday denotes a divine authorship and is powerful
support for inerrancy.support for inerrancy.
• Compare: Without exception, every ancientCompare: Without exception, every ancient
religious writing has certain unscientific views ofreligious writing has certain unscientific views of

CCompare -ompare -
VedasVedas
For example, the Hindu Vedas
teach that
1.The Earth is flat and
triangular.
2.Earthquakes are the result of
elephants shaking their bodies
underneath the ground.
3.They also claim that
civilizations live on the back

CoCompare –mpare –
QuranQuran
The Qur'an frequently describes the earth as "spread out", often
comparing it to a "carpet".
"And the earth have We spread out, and placed therein firm
hills, and caused each seemly thing to grow therein,"
(Qur'an 15:19).
The Quran says that the Sun sets in a muddy spring.
"when he reached the setting- place of the Sun, he
found it setting in a muddy spring.” (Surah 18:86)

Astounding
ScientificScientific
Foresight in theForesight in the
BibleBible
* The Greek astronomer and mathematician Hipparchus (190-120 B.C.) said there were exactly 1,026
stars, Ptolemy (c. 85-
A.D. 165) said there were 1,056 stars, Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) counted 1,006. When Galileo
DESCRITPION REFERENCE
1.The Sun on a circuit through space. Psalm 19:6
2.The Earth is Spherical Job 26:10
3.Earth suspended on nothing Job 26:7
4.The stars are beyond ability to count * Jeremiah 33:3
5.The universe had a beginning in space and time Genes
1:1
6.The universe is sustained with immutable laws Jeremi
33:25
•Universe subjected to law of decay Romans 8: 18
(2nd law of thermodynamics)

1010
What isWhat is
Prophecy?Prophecy?
 ProphecyProphecy – the future told in advance by God– the future told in advance by God
through a prophetthrough a prophet
 John 5:39John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures; for in, “You search the Scriptures; for in
them you think you have eternal life; and thesethem you think you have eternal life; and these
are they which testify of Me.”are they which testify of Me.”
 The reliability of the Bible is confirmedThe reliability of the Bible is confirmed
by the accuracy of its propheciesby the accuracy of its prophecies
– Cannot be said of any other “sacred writings”Cannot be said of any other “sacred writings”
– Other writings make great claims but contain noOther writings make great claims but contain no
prophecy unique to them that establishes “truth”prophecy unique to them that establishes “truth”

1111
Test of a TrueTest of a True
ProphetProphet
 Deut. 18:22Deut. 18:22, “When a prophet speaks in, “When a prophet speaks in
the name of the Lord, if the thing does notthe name of the Lord, if the thing does not
happen or come to pass, that is the thinghappen or come to pass, that is the thing
which the Lord has not spoken; thewhich the Lord has not spoken; the
prophet has spoken it presumptuously;prophet has spoken it presumptuously;
you shall not be afraid of him.”you shall not be afraid of him.”
 True Prophet – prophecy is fulfilledTrue Prophet – prophecy is fulfilled

1212
Why Did GodWhy Did God
UseUse
Prophecy?Prophecy?
 Is. 48:3-5Is. 48:3-5, “I have declared the former things, “I have declared the former things
from the beginning; they went forth from Myfrom the beginning; they went forth from My
mouth, and I caused them to hear it. Suddenly Imouth, and I caused them to hear it. Suddenly I
did them, and they came to pass. Because Idid them, and they came to pass. Because I
know that you were obstinate, and your neckknow that you were obstinate, and your neck
was an iron sinew, and your brow bronze, evenwas an iron sinew, and your brow bronze, even
from the beginning I have declared it to you;from the beginning I have declared it to you;
before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, lestbefore it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, lest
you should say, ‘My idol has done them, and myyou should say, ‘My idol has done them, and my
carved image and my molded image havecarved image and my molded image have
commanded them.’”commanded them.’”

1313
The ImportanceThe Importance
of Prophecyof Prophecy
 Is. 46:9-10Is. 46:9-10, “Remember the former things of, “Remember the former things of
old, For I am God, and there is no other; I amold, For I am God, and there is no other; I am
God, and there is none like Me, Declaring theGod, and there is none like Me, Declaring the
end from the beginning, And from ancientend from the beginning, And from ancient
times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘Mytimes things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My
counsel shall stand, And I will do all Mycounsel shall stand, And I will do all My
pleasure.’”pleasure.’”

1414
Prophecy …Prophecy …
1.1. Proves the existence of GodProves the existence of God
2.2. Proves Scripture and CreationProves Scripture and Creation
3.3. Proves the divine origin of ScriptureProves the divine origin of Scripture
4.4. Fulfilled in Jesus’ First ComingFulfilled in Jesus’ First Coming
5.5. Proves Jesus is coming againProves Jesus is coming again
6.6. Motivates believersMotivates believers
7.7. Proves God loves usProves God loves us

1515
Prophecy ProvesProphecy Proves
The Existence ofThe Existence of
GodGod
 Prophecy is “history written in advance”Prophecy is “history written in advance”
 Eschatology is the study of end timesEschatology is the study of end times
(last things)(last things)
 Over 1000 prophecies (when written) foundOver 1000 prophecies (when written) found
in Scripture (28% of Scripture)in Scripture (28% of Scripture)
– Over 500 already fulfilledOver 500 already fulfilled
– We can trust God for the fulfillment of theWe can trust God for the fulfillment of the
remaining 500remaining 500
 Fulfilled prophecy credentials the BibleFulfilled prophecy credentials the Bible

1616
The Lord SavesThe Lord Saves
IsraelIsrael
 Ezekiel 38 and 39Ezekiel 38 and 39
– 8 times God declares that He will destroy8 times God declares that He will destroy
the enemies of Israel on the mountains ofthe enemies of Israel on the mountains of
IsraelIsrael
– God declares “I am the Lord”God declares “I am the Lord”
 Soul harvest described inSoul harvest described in RevelationRevelation
– Every tongue, nation, peopleEvery tongue, nation, people
– 2 witnesses2 witnesses
– 144,000 Jewish witnesses144,000 Jewish witnesses

1717
Prophecy Fulfilled inProphecy Fulfilled in
Jesus’ First ComingJesus’ First Coming
 Prophets – holy men of God who spoke asProphets – holy men of God who spoke as
they were moved by the Holy Spiritthey were moved by the Holy Spirit
 Jesus is the only person who fulfilled allJesus is the only person who fulfilled all
109 prophecies of the Messiah109 prophecies of the Messiah
– Seed of the womanSeed of the woman
– Born of tribe of Judah … in the line of DavidBorn of tribe of Judah … in the line of David
– Born of a virginBorn of a virgin
– Born in BethlehemBorn in Bethlehem
 Jesus is the one and only MessiahJesus is the one and only Messiah
– 1 in 13 billion people who have ever lived!1 in 13 billion people who have ever lived!

1818
MessianicMessianic
PropheciesProphecies
 The only one who fulfilled 109 propheciesThe only one who fulfilled 109 prophecies
 Jesus is the only way of salvationJesus is the only way of salvation
 Jesus to be brought out of Egypt,Jesus to be brought out of Egypt, Hos.Hos.
11:111:1
 He will reclaim sight to the blind,He will reclaim sight to the blind, Is. 42:7Is. 42:7
 50 prophecies about His death:50 prophecies about His death:
– Sold for 30 pieces of silver,Sold for 30 pieces of silver, Zech. 11:12Zech. 11:12
– Betrayed by a friend,Betrayed by a friend, Ps. 41:9Ps. 41:9
– Slain between two malefactors,Slain between two malefactors, Is. 53:12Is. 53:12

1919
Key MessianicKey Messianic
Prophecy ChaptersProphecy Chapters
in the OTin the OT
 Genesis – Moses, 1400 B.C.Genesis – Moses, 1400 B.C.
 Psalm 22 – King David, 1000 B.C.Psalm 22 – King David, 1000 B.C.
 Psalm 69 – King David, 1000 B.C.Psalm 69 – King David, 1000 B.C.
 Isaiah 9 – Prophet Isaiah, 700 B.C.Isaiah 9 – Prophet Isaiah, 700 B.C.
 Isaiah 53 – Prophet Isaiah, 700 B.C.Isaiah 53 – Prophet Isaiah, 700 B.C.
 Daniel 9 – Prophet Daniel, 550 B.C.Daniel 9 – Prophet Daniel, 550 B.C.
 Zechariah 11 – Prophet Zechariah, 500 B.C.Zechariah 11 – Prophet Zechariah, 500 B.C.
 Malachi – Prophet Malachi, 420 B.C.Malachi – Prophet Malachi, 420 B.C.

2020
Psalm 22 & IsaiahPsalm 22 & Isaiah
52:13-53:1252:13-53:12
 They tell stories that perfectly parallelThey tell stories that perfectly parallel
events in the life of Christ that took placeevents in the life of Christ that took place
much later (700 to 1000 years later)much later (700 to 1000 years later)
 Psalm 22 – predicted 11 separate thingsPsalm 22 – predicted 11 separate things
about Jesus’ crucifixionabout Jesus’ crucifixion
 Isaiah chapters 9 and 53 refer to manyIsaiah chapters 9 and 53 refer to many
attributes of the Messiah to comeattributes of the Messiah to come
 The Bible was inspired by God!The Bible was inspired by God!

2121
MessianicMessianic
Prophecies - 1Prophecies - 1
Event Prophecy Fulfillment
Born of the “seed” of a
woman
Gen. 3:15 Luke 1:34-35
Raised from the dead Ps. 16:10,11 Luke 24:4-7
Would cry out to God Ps. 22:1 Matt. 27:46
Would be forsaken by
God
Ps. 22:1 Mark 15:34
Crucified (hands & feet
pierced)
Ps. 22:16 Luke 24:39-40

2222
MessianicMessianic
“He trusted God, let
Him deliver Him”
Ps. 22:8 Matt. 27:41-43
Would thirst Ps. 22:15 John 19:28
No bones broken Ps. 22:17 John 19:32-33,36
Garments divided Ps. 22:18 John 19:23-24
Betrayed by a friend Ps. 41:9 John 13:18-21

2323
MessianicMessianic
Ascend to heaven Ps. 68:18 Luke 24:51
Born of a virgin Is. 7:14 Luke 1:26-35
Called Immanuel Is. 7:14 Matt. 1:23
Ministry in Galilee Is. 9:1-2 Matt. 4:12-16
Light to the Gentiles Is. 9:1-2 Luke 2:28-32

2424
MessianicMessianic
Born as a male Is. 9:6-7 Mark 1:1
John 1:1-3, 14
Would be Son of God Is. 9:6 Luke 1:35
Despised Is. 53:3 Luke 4:28-29
Rejected Is. 53:3 Matt. 27:21-23
Side pierced Zech. 12:10 John 19:34,37

2525
MessianicMessianic
Silent when accused Is. 53:7 Matt. 27:12-14
Buried by a rich man Is. 53:9 Luke 23:50-53
Die for all mankind Is. 53:11 John 12:27
Condemned with
criminals
Is. 53:12 Luke 23:32-33
Part of new and
everlasting covenant
Is. 55:3-4 Matt. 26:28;
Mark 14:24

2626
MessianicMessianic
Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 Luke 2:4-7
Enter Jerusalem on a
donkey
Zech. 9:9 Matt. 21:1-11
Sold for 30 pieces of
silver
Zech. 11:12 Matt. 26:15
Silver used to buy a
potter’s field
Zech. 11:13 Matt. 27:7
Forerunner to prepare
the way
Mal. 3:1 Matt. 11:10

2727
Significance of theSignificance of the
MessianicMessianic
PropheciesProphecies
 Prophecies written down later on?Prophecies written down later on?
– NO, early documents found as part of the DeadNO, early documents found as part of the Dead
Sea Scrolls confirm the dates of the propheciesSea Scrolls confirm the dates of the prophecies
 How do we know these are Messianic?How do we know these are Messianic?
– They were recognized and discussed by the JewsThey were recognized and discussed by the Jews
before Jesus’ birthbefore Jesus’ birth
 Two missions fulfilled in one person?Two missions fulfilled in one person?
– Is. 61:1-3Is. 61:1-3 – Good News & Day of Wrath– Good News & Day of Wrath
– Made possible by Jesus’ resurrectionMade possible by Jesus’ resurrection

2828
Couldn’t SomeoneCouldn’t Someone
Else Fulfill TheseElse Fulfill These
Prophecies?Prophecies?
 Couldn’t anyone else have fulfilledCouldn’t anyone else have fulfilled
these prophecies if they really tried?these prophecies if they really tried?
 How do we know Jesus is THEHow do we know Jesus is THE
Messiah?Messiah?
– Other religions say they have a ProphetOther religions say they have a Prophet
that followed in Jesus’ footsteps – the realthat followed in Jesus’ footsteps – the real
Messiah?Messiah?
 Jews are still waiting for the MessiahJews are still waiting for the Messiah
– The “real” Messiah still to come?The “real” Messiah still to come?

2929
MessianicMessianic
Prophecy IssuesProphecy Issues
 Many of the prophecies are not underMany of the prophecies are not under
human controlhuman control
– Born in BethlehemBorn in Bethlehem
– Born of a virginBorn of a virgin
– Come out of Egypt (as a young child)Come out of Egypt (as a young child)
 Many have proclaimed to be theMany have proclaimed to be the
MessiahMessiah
– Some have founded religions and cultsSome have founded religions and cults
 Jesus Himself warned of falseJesus Himself warned of false
MessiahsMessiahs
– Matt. 7:15Matt. 7:15;; 24:1124:11,, 23-2523-25;; Mark 13:21-Mark 13:21-

# of
manuscripts
copies
When more than one ancient
manuscript is considered
excellent, and when 6 or
more is deemed an
embarrassment of riches,
what shall we say when the
New Testament has
24,970
Evaluating theEvaluating the
integrity of Ancientintegrity of Ancient
WritingsWritings

WritingsWritings
 Documented manuscripts and fragmentsDocumented manuscripts and fragments
 Papyrus and ParchmentPapyrus and Parchment
 There are over 5,800 Greek manuscripts of theThere are over 5,800 Greek manuscripts of the
New TestamentNew Testament
 The earliest manuscriptThe earliest manuscript
 P52, a fragment from John 18, discovered in 1934P52, a fragment from John 18, discovered in 1934
 Dan Wallace’s recent discovery has been datedDan Wallace’s recent discovery has been dated
back to the 1st centuryback to the 1st century

0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
# of Manuscript
Copies
WritingsWritings

Time gap between authorship and earliest extant
copies
Time Span (years)
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
WritingsWritings

“The interval, then, between the dates of
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 been removed.
Both the authenticity and the general
integrity of the books of the New
Testament may be regarded as finally
established.”
– Frederic G. Kenyon
Former director/principal librarian of the British Museum
Evaluating the integrity of AncientEvaluating the integrity of Ancient
WritingsWritings

@ Dr. Heinz Lycklama@ Dr. Heinz Lycklama 3535
Important NTImportant NT
ManuscriptsManuscripts
 John Rylands’ MS (125 AD)John Rylands’ MS (125 AD)
– Oldest extant fragment of Gospel of JohnOldest extant fragment of Gospel of John
– Found in EgyptFound in Egypt
 Bodmer papyrus II (150-200 AD)Bodmer papyrus II (150-200 AD)
– Purchased in Egypt in 1950’s and 1960’sPurchased in Egypt in 1950’s and 1960’s
– Fragments of Gospels of John and LukeFragments of Gospels of John and Luke
 Chester Beatty papyri (200 AD)Chester Beatty papyri (200 AD)
– Purchased from Egyptian dealer in 1930’sPurchased from Egyptian dealer in 1930’s
– Contains major portions of the NTContains major portions of the NT
– Includes “Harmony of four gospels” composed byIncludes “Harmony of four gospels” composed by
Tatian, an Assyrian Christian, in 160 ADTatian, an Assyrian Christian, in 160 AD

More ImportantMore Important
NT MSSNT MSS
 Codex Vaticanus (325-350 AD)Codex Vaticanus (325-350 AD)
– Maintained in Vatican libraryMaintained in Vatican library
– Contains most of the BibleContains most of the Bible
– Considered one of the most trustworthy MS of the NTConsidered one of the most trustworthy MS of the NT
texttext
 Codex Sinaiticus (350 AD)Codex Sinaiticus (350 AD)
– Discovered in Mt. Sinai Monastery in 1859Discovered in Mt. Sinai Monastery in 1859
– Contains most of NT and half of the OTContains most of NT and half of the OT
– Also contains many other early writingsAlso contains many other early writings
 Various Codex’s dated in 400’s and 500’s ADVarious Codex’s dated in 400’s and 500’s AD

Accuracy ofAccuracy of
MSS -MSS -
TranslationsTranslations
 Translated into multiple languagesTranslated into multiple languages
– NT translated into Syriac in 150 ADNT translated into Syriac in 150 AD
– NT translated into Coptic in 2NT translated into Coptic in 2ndnd
/3/3rdrd
century ADcentury AD
– NT translated into Latin in 3NT translated into Latin in 3rdrd
– Armenian, Gothic in 4Armenian, Gothic in 4thth
/5/5thth
– Georgian in 5Georgian in 5thth
– Ethiopic and Nubian in 6Ethiopic and Nubian in 6thth
 Accuracy of MSS supported by various versionsAccuracy of MSS supported by various versions
 More than 19,000 MSS in other languagesMore than 19,000 MSS in other languages

Languag
e
Earliest Manuscript
s
Greek 130 AD 5,800
Armenian 862 AD 2,000
Coptic Late 200’s AD 975
Gothic 400 - 600 AD 6
Ethiopian 500’s AD 600
Latin 300’s AD 10,000
Syriac Early 400’s AD 350
Georgian 400’s AD 89
Slavic 900’s AD 4,000

Accuracy of MSSAccuracy of MSS
– Church Fathers– Church Fathers
 Early church fathers quoted NT in their writingsEarly church fathers quoted NT in their writings
 Numerous quotations (up to early 4Numerous quotations (up to early 4thth
century) fromcentury) from
Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement, Origen, Tertullian,Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement, Origen, Tertullian,
Hippolytus, Eusebius – 36,289 in allHippolytus, Eusebius – 36,289 in all
 86,489 quotations counted by one historian when86,489 quotations counted by one historian when
later century writings are includedlater century writings are included
 NT could be recreated from the writings of the earlyNT could be recreated from the writings of the early
church fathers alone!church fathers alone!

Early Churh
Father Lived
New
Testament
Citations
Justin Martyr 100 – 165 AD 300
Irenaeus 130 – 202 AD 1,800
Clement of
Alexandria
150 – 215 AD 2,500
Origen 185 – 254 AD 18,000
Tertullian 160 – 220 AD 7,200
Hippolytus 170 – 235 AD 1,300
Eusebius 263 – 339 AD 5,200
Cyprian 200 – 258 AD 1,000

4141
Textual CriticismTextual Criticism
Four different kinds of variantsFour different kinds of variants
1.1.Spelling/NonsenseSpelling/Nonsense readings- 75% of all variantsreadings- 75% of all variants
2.2.Untranslatable wordsUntranslatable words – do not change the meaning– do not change the meaning
of the textof the text
3.3.Meaningful, non-viable variantsMeaningful, non-viable variants -- variants that wouldvariants that would
make a difference, but do not claim to be original Lukemake a difference, but do not claim to be original Luke
16:22-late manuscript doesn’t include ‘son of man’16:22-late manuscript doesn’t include ‘son of man’
4.4.Meaningful and viable variantsMeaningful and viable variants - less than 1% of all- less than 1% of all
variants.variants.

4242
 Meaningful and viable variantsMeaningful and viable variants - less than 1% of all- less than 1% of all
variants.variants.
– Differences affect what particular passage teaches, but doDifferences affect what particular passage teaches, but do
not jeopardize essential beliefsnot jeopardize essential beliefs
– Acts 7:4- additional phraseActs 7:4- additional phrase
– Mark 16:9-20- longer endingMark 16:9-20- longer ending
– John 7,9- woman caught in adulteryJohn 7,9- woman caught in adultery
– In handwritten ancient documents, this is to be expectedIn handwritten ancient documents, this is to be expected
and actuallyand actually adds to the credibility of the New Testamentadds to the credibility of the New Testament
as a historical, reliable documentas a historical, reliable document..

4343
Do the writers use the right names?Do the writers use the right names?
Tal Ilan: The Lexicon of Jewish names in later antiquity – MohrTal Ilan: The Lexicon of Jewish names in later antiquity – Mohr
SiebeckSiebeck
– The right pattern of names for the area signifying they have eyewitnessThe right pattern of names for the area signifying they have eyewitness
accessaccess
 Richard Bauckham; Jesus and the EyewitnessesRichard Bauckham; Jesus and the Eyewitnesses
– Correlates 1st century Jewish Palestinian names with those of the Gospels andCorrelates 1st century Jewish Palestinian names with those of the Gospels and
Acts: results within 1%Acts: results within 1%
– Comparison with nearby countries – popular namesComparison with nearby countries – popular names
 The right features of namesThe right features of names
– The popularity of Simon – Simon Cephas, the Zealot, the Leper, of Cyrene, theThe popularity of Simon – Simon Cephas, the Zealot, the Leper, of Cyrene, the
tannertanner
– Matthew 10:2-4, disambiguation of namesMatthew 10:2-4, disambiguation of names
– Only most common names have qualifiers in this listOnly most common names have qualifiers in this list
 TextualTextual CriticismCriticism

4444
The top 6 male names in first century Palestine are:
1.Simon/Simeon [Freq 8]
2.Joseph/Joses [Freq 6]
3.Lazarus/Eleazar [Freq 1]
4.Judas/Judah [Freq 5]
5.John/Yohanan [Freq 5]
6.Jesus/Joshua [Freq 2]
7.We can see, therefore, that there exists a remarkable correlation
between first century Palestinian names outside and inside the
New Testament.

4545
 What is especially remarkable about this is that the rankings of
names in Palestine does not correspond with the rankings of those
names in other regions. For example, the rankings of names in Egypt
during that period are:
 1) Eleazar (ranked 3rd in Palestine)
2) Sabbataius (ranked 68= in Palestine)
3) Joseph (ranked 2 in Palestine)
4) Dositheus (ranked 16 in Palestine)
5) Pappus (ranked 39= in Palestine)
6) Ptolemaius (ranked 50= in Palestine)
7) Samuel (ranked 23 in Palestine)
 Such a correlation clearly suggests a close connection to the time
and place (first century Palestine) in which the events that the
gospels narrate unfolded.

4646
 Curiously, this contrasts strikingly with the second century apocryphal
gospels in which such a correlation is not borne out.
 But we can go further. Consider the following excerpt from Matthew 10
(verses 2-4) where we are given the names of the twelve disciples. Where
these names feature in the top 90 names, their ranking is given in brackets:
 “Simon (1), called Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James (11) the son of
Zebedee, and John (5) his brother; Philip (61=) and Bartholomew (50=);
Thomas and Matthew (9) the tax collector; James (11) the son of Alphaeus,
and Thaddaeus (39=); Simon (1) the Cananaean, and Judas (4) Iscariot,
who also betrayed him.”
 Notice that there is correlation between those names that have a high
ranking and those names that are assigned a qualifier. The lower ranked
names do not have a qualifier.

4747
Geography: Do they know the places described?
The four gospels mention 12-14 towns each, for a total of 23
places including tiny villages
– The Gospel of Philip only mentions Jerusalem and Nazareth
– The Gospel of Peter mentions only Jerusalem
– Other 2nd/3rd century gospels mention no specific places
What if the four New Testament gospels told things as they really
happened?
They mention the place names naturally, not in a way that’s
intrusive.
This is about a real time and place.

BookBook
RecommendationsRecommendations
 Norman Geisler and William E. Nix,
From God to Us
 F. F. Bruce, The New Testament Documents:
Are They Reliable
 Craig Blomberg and William Lane Craig,
Reasonable Faith
 John W. Wenham
Inerrancy

The reliability of the bible

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The reliability of the bible

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