Apologetics: May 2015

Preface

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9 (written 64 A.D.).

…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; 1 Peter 3:15 (written 64 A.D.).

How could I be ready to make a defense to everyone who asked, to give an account for the hope that is in me, if I had no idea 1) what I hoped for or 2) how to defend it? But I was afraid to ask questions. I was afraid to compare the two: the Bible and science. I was afraid I would find information that would squash my child-like faith. I attended public schools and was taught things that were in direct opposition to Scriptures. I was torn. Then came Apologetics. I am so grateful for the answers to all the questions in my heart, so much so that I am eagerly awaiting questions from others now! Also, when my Christian friends are “on the fence” about something, I can quickly lead them to the answers that satisfy their concerns and questions. My heart is completely full of the joy that comes with His peace and understanding.

Mathew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Science means knowledge, and true science always agrees with the observable evidence. Scientific research continues to unfold the wonders and mysteries of our universe. Interestingly, there is one book that has anticipated many of these scientific facts. That book is the Bible.

With knowledge, comes power and responsibility. Armed with knowledge, you then hold the power to change lives and the responsibility to share the Truth with those who do not know. Join me on this journey. Your faith will be stronger than ever and your heart will be renewed.

Be careful stepping into the world of Apologetics. Sometimes Truth shakes what you've been taught in error or by those who do not know, it can shake assumptions you've made and things you've held to be true for a long time. The key is: 1 Peter 3:15 (written 64 A.D.) and 1 Peter 2:9 (written 64 A.D.) and Matthew 5:6 (written 40-45A.D.). Taking a study in Apologetics is opening your heart and mind to understand and accept Truth when presented. According to 1 Peter 3:15 (written 64 A.D.), We must “sanctify Christ as Lord in [our] hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks and give an account for the hope that is in [us], yet with gentleness and reverence;”

*Before turning another page, I want you to understand that this book is an ever-changing document. Each time that new evidence comes to light, or if anything contained herein is proven false, the book will be updated. You are holding the First Edition!

This project would not have been possible without the encouragement of the Father, who has provided me with promised blessing in Philippians 4:7 (written 61-62 A.D.) “and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” His guidance and comfort have led me to reach further than I ever thought possible. Many dedicated Biblical scholars have done extensive work in several fields to provide us with the information that leads us to the discovery of more truth. Without their work, this book would not have been possible.

Acknowledgements

Thanks be to God, above all else!

Well, there's a part of me that wants to say "It is finished!” (and maybe take a nap...or a bubble bath) ...but this book is much like the work that Christ is doing in us. As He hones us into a beautiful masterpiece, He chips away the things that are not of Him and adds to us a little something here and a little something there...

The same idea applies when it comes to Lampstand: Pointing the Way to Christ. As relieved as I am to have inserted most of my notes, scribbles, research, pictures, citations, and references, I am sure that there will be much, much more going into this compilation of my last several years’ research. I pray you will continue to extend your wonderful grace and patience as I work toward a more presentable work for the Lord.

This will be a living, breathing, document that is forever changing based on recent research and findings. THAT'S where YOU come in! I pray that we all have an open mind and an open heart to receive every Truth He has for us. If you come across reliable evidence that something should be added, removed, or changed in Lampstand: Pointing the Way to Christ, I trust that you will contact me and let me know. I promise to receive you with open arms and an open mind. This project cannot work without you, His church and His people and we only want to share Truth. So I'm counting on you! Thank you so much to the many, many people who have made this project FUN!

I've had so many contributors; I pray I don't neglect anyone here:

Randy Goldenberg, Senior (and Founding) Pastor at Frederick Christian Fellowship Church in Frederick, Maryland. If anyone were a greater inspiration for a Christian to train and grow in Apologetics, I have yet to meet them. Randy continues to deliver a convicting message and regularly submits himself to the torture of adult learners with thousands of questions that he patiently answers. We are truly blessed to know him! Randy has given my household a courageous thirst for knowledge of Him and our conversations are constantly leading to research and triumphs in Jesus. Randy is an incredible, humble man of God with a heart for Jesus like I have never seen. We praise God for him.

My precious and mighty man of God: Karl (who is also my husband!) I could not have taken this journey without you. You are so patient and always willing to pitch in! Thank you for the laughs, the learning, the research, the proofreading, and listening to me whine about the tedious tasks. You are a saint!

My two angel girls: Chelsea and Grace. You have been more helpful than you may ever know and even though you'll probably deny it, you were instrumental in the completion of this project. Thank you for the proofreading, the research, the typing, and the hugs and smiles when I needed it!

My precious class and pilot study for Lampstand: Pointing the Way to Christ:

At the beginning of the pilot study, I told the participants that I wanted them to challenge any and everything they found in the text. They were not afraid to step up!

Mary Lee Schumeyer, my precious co-facilitator, who read and proofread every page I handed you...You are so diligent and have such a passion for Apologetics, you truly inspire me!

Crystal Denlinger, our wonderful and very knowledgeable archaeologist in disguise, I am so thankful for you and the way the Lord puts us right where He wants us! He knew that I needed you and I pray you don't run the other direction when I tell you that I have MUCH to learn from you!

Maggie Sayre, Joanne Phebus, Marie Reese, Jean Gonzalez, Darcy To and again, Chelsea Lovell: thank you for challenging me and keeping me on my toes! This project has parts of you all over it!

I am so blessed to have been encouraged by numerous people and I do not take that lightly. I am surrounded by those who cheer me on, laugh with me, cry with me, and encourage me when I'm wallowing in the mire. Thank you for keeping me focused, Connie Barker, Rachel Ketterlinus, Mary Lee Heller, Tracey Egbert, and all my precious Sisters and Brothers in Christ who have seriously stood in the gap for me when I needed it! I love you guys!

Wisdom’s Invitation

Proverbs 9:1-12

Wisdom has built her house,

She has hewn out her seven pillars;

2 She has prepared her food; she has mixed her wine;

She has also set her table;

3 She has sent out her maidens, she calls

From the tops of the heights of the city:

4 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!”

To him who lacks understanding she says,

5 “Come, eat of my food

And drink of the wine I have mixed.

6 “Forsake your folly and live,

And proceed in the way of understanding.”

7 He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,

And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.

8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,

Reprove a wise man and he will love you.

9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,

Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For by me your days will be multiplied,

And years of life will be added to you.

12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,

And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

Stepping Out of the Boat

I’m a Christian, a retiree’s wife, a mother, a Servant Leader and a researcher. In November of 2016, I will mark 13 years as a student, having completed my Bachelor’s, my Master’s, and finally, my Doctorate. Mama calls me her “lifelong student” and although I laugh, I now agree with her. I never want to stop learning, especially about this subject!

I was baptized in the Baptist church when I was just a kid in Bartlett, Texas, mainly because I wanted to go “full immersion” just like all the other kids (and because my big sister, Christy, was doing it and of course I had to keep up with her!)

So I got baptized and asked Jesus into my heart, but I didn’t mean it because I had no idea what “it” meant! I didn’t know that I was acting like those who actually become Christians, but never knew what that entailed. Some of the negative aspects of my childhood made it easy to avoid fully comprehending what forgiveness really was, what it felt like to receive it and in turn, give it.

All at once, I had to make a decision. I needed to either concede to the “proof” for the theory of evolution or I needed to find answers that would help me to sleep at night. As I considered the many reasons that others point to when discrediting the Bible, I could feel a sense of panic and my heart began to weaken at the thought. How could I know Him, yet doubt Him, at the same time? I was not a Christian. I was a believer, but I had doubts because of the weight of the “proof.” While working on my Doctorate in a secular university, I remember other Doctoral students making the comment (in various forms): “As a person advances in education, they soon come to realize there is no God.” I knew the first residency was going to be uncomfortable.

I walked in and lo and behold, both professors held multiple Doctorates in Divinity, Theology, Religious Studies, etc. I was immediately put at ease! I felt so comfortable around the two of them, that during a break I worked up the nerve to tell them what the self-proclaimed atheists were saying to me over the last few years while I was studying with other Doctoral students. Their reply made my heart soar like an eagle! (One stated it, the other immediately agreed): “I have found precisely the opposite to be true.”

I’m pretty sure my feet never touched the ground, during the entire residency. But I also realized that I didn’t have to wait on “experts” to tell me anything about prophecy (that which has already come to pass and that which has not yet been fulfilled). I knew from that day forward that I needed to be the “expert.” I have a very long way to go to even be considered an amateur, but I’ve spent the last 4+ years focusing 100% of my time in the Bible, doing research, reading secular and historical sources, taking notes, taking classes, writing notes on everything, and teaching others to become seekers of Truth.

In this study, I provide you with data I have compiled that I have rewritten a multitude of scribblings from my notebooks, my tablet, (even napkins!) and virtually anything that would hold still long enough for me to scribble down Truth. Here, in this book, I have attempted to share with you many of the beautiful “aha!” moments that I’ve experienced over the last several years. I ask this of you: Please don’t “assume” that what you were taught in science class was truth, but keep an open mind because this study is different. We’re going to tackle the questions that you’re afraid to ask, perhaps for fear other “Christians” will judge you. Those answers will come for you. He wrote those answers and wants you to have them. In this study, not only will you gain some powerful insight and become prepared to give a defense for the hope that is within you, but together, we are going to shake your faith to the core, until the Truth sets you free!

Have you read what four things Paul prays for us? Ephesians 1:14-19 (written 60-62 A.D.) “For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in Heaven and on earth derives its name, 16that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, (1) to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; 17so (2) that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and (3) that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and (4) to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”

Also, 1 Peter 3:15 (written 64 A.D.) reminds us to… “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;”

Also, in this study, you will find writings from some of the most learned scholars on various topics. Why didn't I rewrite them and simply cite them? Why risk misrepresenting their data?

“Apologetics? What Are Christians ‘Apologizing’ For?”

I have been asked by several people, nonbelievers, believers, and even followers of Christ, what apologetics is and what we are ‘apologizing’ for. You may be wondering the same thing. Apologetics comes “from the Greek word apologia, originally used” as “a speech of” (Inya, 2012) defense and is typically defined as the defense of the Christian faith. The word apologia appears 17 times in noun or verb form in the New Testament (NT), and can be translated "defense" or "vindication" in every case (Boa, 2007). The Bible makes reference to the idea of defending the faith in Philippians 1:7 &16 (written 61-62A.D.); and especially in 1 Peter 3:15 (written 64 A.D.), but no specific theory of apologetics is outlined in the NT” (Boa, 2007).

An apologist is a person who defends a specific theological discipline. Christian apologists develop their defense of the Christian faith in matters relating to science, history, philosophy, ethics, religion, theology, or cultural issues. Science has proven the Bible to be accurate and historical repeatedly. According to leading apologists and authors, apologetics serves four functions including: vindication or proof, defense, refutation of opposing beliefs, and persuasion.

What is Apologetics?

by Kenneth D. Boa

Apologetics may be simply defined as the defense of the Christian faith. The simplicity of this definition, however, masks the complexity of the problem of defining apologetics. It turns out that a diversity of approaches has been taken in defining the meaning, scope, and purpose of apologetics.

The word "apologetics" derives from the Greek word apologia, which was originally used as a speech of defense. In ancient Athens it referred to a defense made in the courtroom as part of the normal judicial procedure. After the accusation, the defendant was allowed to refute the charges with a defense (apologia). The classic example of an apologia was Socrates's defense against the charge of preaching strange gods, a defense retold by his most famous pupil, Plato, in a dialogue called The Apology.

The word apologia appears 17 times in noun or verb form in the New Testament (NT), and can be translated "defense" or "vindication" in every case. The idea of offering a reasoned defense of the faith is evident in Philippians 1:7, 16; and especially 1 Peter 3:15, but no specific theory of apologetics is outlined in the NT.

In the second century this general word for "defense" began taking on a narrower sense to refer to a group of writers who defended the beliefs and practices of Christianity against various attacks. These men were known as the apologists because of the titles of some of their treatises, but apparently not until 1794 was apologetics used to designate a specific theological discipline.

It has become customary to use the term apology to refer to a specific effort or work in defense of the faith. An apology might be a written document, a speech, or even a film. Apologists develop their defenses of the Christian faith in relation to scientific, historical, philosophical, ethical, religious, theological, or cultural issues.

We may distinguish four functions of apologetics, though not everyone agrees that apologetics involves all four. Such opinions notwithstanding, all four functions have historically been important in apologetics, and each has been championed by great Christian apologists throughout church history.

The first function may be called vindication or proof, and involves marshaling philosophical arguments as well as scientific and historical evidences for the Christian faith. The goal of this function is to develop a positive case for Christianity as a belief system that should be accepted. Philosophically, this means drawing out the logical implications of the Christian worldview so that they can be clearly seen and contrasted with alternate worldviews.

The second function is defense. This function is closest to the NT and early Christian use of the word apologia, defending Christianity against the plethora of attacks made against it in every generation by critics of varying belief systems. This function involves clarifying the Christian position in light of misunderstandings and misrepresentations; answering objections, criticisms, or questions from non-Christians; and in general clearing away any intellectual difficulties that nonbelievers claim stand in the way of their coming to faith.

The third function is refutation of opposing beliefs. This function focuses on answering the arguments non-Christians give in support of their own beliefs. Most apologists agree that refutation cannot stand alone, since proving a non-Christian religion or philosophy to be false does not prove that Christianity is true. Nevertheless, it is an essential function of apologetics.

The fourth function is persuasion. By this we do not mean merely convincing people that Christianity is true, but persuading them to apply its truth to their life. This function focuses on bringing non-Christians to the point of commitment. The apologist's intent is not merely to win an intellectual argument, but to persuade people to commit their lives and eternal futures into the trust of the Son of God who died for them.

How Apologetics Changed my Life

by Lee Strobel

Skepticism is part of my DNA. That’s probably why I ended up combining the study of law and journalism to become the legal editor of The Chicago Tribune-a career in which I relentlessly pursued hard facts in my investigations. And that’s undoubtedly why I was later attracted to a thorough examination of the Christian faith.

A spiritual cynic, I became an atheist in high school. To me the mere concept of an all-loving, all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the universe was so absurd on the surface that it didn’t even warrant serious consideration. I believed that God didn’t create people, but that people created God out of their fear of death and their desire to live forever in a utopia they called heaven.

I married an agnostic named Leslie. Several years later she came to me with the worst news I thought I could ever get: She had decided to become a follower of Jesus. My initial thought was that she was going to turn into an irrational holy roller who would waste all of her time serving the poor in a soup kitchen somewhere. Divorce, I figured, was inevitable.

Then something amazing occurred. During the ensuing months, I began to see positive changes in her character, her values, and the way she related to me and to the children. The transformation was winsome and attractive. So one day when she invited me to go to church with her, I decided to comply.

The pastor gave a talk called “Basic Christianity” in which he clearly spelled out the essentials of the faith. Did he shake me out of my atheism that day? No, not by a long shot. Still, I concluded that if what he was saying was true, it would have huge implications in my life.

That’s when I decided to apply my experience as a journalist to investigating whether there is any credibility to Christianity or any other faith system. I resolved to keep an open mind and follow the wherever it pointed-even if it took me to some uncomfortable conclusions. In a sense, I was checking out the story of my career.

At first, I thought my investigation would be short-lived. In my opinion, having “the faith” meant you believe something even though you knew in your heart that it couldn’t be true. I anticipated that I would very quickly uncover facts that would devastate Christianity. Yet as I devoured books by atheists and Christians, interviewed scientists and theologians, and studied archaeology, ancient history, and world religions, I was stunned to find that Christianity’s factual foundation was a lot firmer than I had once believed.

Much of my investigation focused on science, where most recent discoveries have only further cemented the conclusions that I drew in those studies. For instance, cosmologists now agree that the universe and time itself came into existence at some point in the finite past. The logic is inexorable: Whatever begins to exist as a cause, the universe began to exist, and therefore the universe has a cause. It makes sense that this cause must be immaterial, timeless, powerful, and intelligent. What’s more, physicists have discovered over the last 50 years that many of the laws and constants of the universe-such is the force of gravity and the cosmological constant-are finely tuned to an incomprehensible precision in order for life to exist. This exactitude is so incredible that defies the explanation of mere chance.

The existence of biological information in DNA also points toward a Creator. Each of our cells contain the precise assembly instructions for every protein out of which our bodies are made, all spelled out in a four letter chemical alphabet. Nature can produce patterns, but whenever we see information – whether it’s in a book or a computer program – we know there’s intelligence behind it. Furthermore, scientists are finding complex biological machines on the cellular level that defy a Darwinian explanation and instead are better explained as the work of an Intelligent Designer.

To my great astonishment, I became convinced by the evidence that science supports the belief in a Creator who looks suspiciously like the God of the Bible. Spurred on by my discoveries, I then turned my attention to history.

I found that Jesus, and Jesus alone, fulfilled ancient messianic prophecies against all mathematical odds. I concluded that the New Testament is rooted in eyewitness testimony and that it passes the tests that historians routinely used to determine reliability. I learned that the Bible has been passed down through the ages with remarkable fidelity.

However, the pivotal issue for me was the resurrection of Jesus. Anyone can claim to be the son of God, and Jesus clearly did. The question was whether Jesus could back up that assertion by miraculously returning from the dead.

And one by one, the facts built a convincing and compelling case. Jesus’ death by crucifixion is as certain as anything in the ancient world. The accounts of His resurrection are too early to be the product of legendary development. Even the enemies of Jesus conceded that His tomb was empty on Easter morning. And the eyewitness encounters with the risen Jesus cannot be explained away as mere hallucinations or wishful thinking.

All of this just scratches the surface of what I uncovered in my nearly two-year investigation. Frankly, I was completely surprised by the depth and breadth of the case for Christianity. And as someone trained in journalism and law, I felt I had no choice but to respond to the facts.

So, on November 8, 1981, I took a step of faith in the same direction that the evidence was pointing- which is utterly rational to do-and became a follower of Jesus. And just like the experience of my wife, over time my character, values, and priorities began to change-for the good.

For me, apologetics proved to be the turning point of my life and eternity. I’m thankful for the scholars who so passionately and effectively defend the truth of Christianity-and today my life’s goal is to do my part in helping others get answers to the questions that are blocking them in their spiritual journey toward Christ.

Why Study?

I have heard this common argument: “I go to church, Bible study, Sunday school, fellowship groups, and live uprightly…Why would I need to investigate the Truth any further? I’m fortunate, I can trust my pastor!” I can give you two very compelling reasons (among many). First, God preserved the Holy Bible for us, as an instruction manual for living our lives. It is a love letter that speaks to our souls, comforts us when we are in pain, and it is a tangible representation of the blessed hope of what is to come. Why wouldn’t we study the instructions for our purpose, so that we may fulfill that purpose? Second, I believe that each Scripture in the Bible can mean something different to you each time you read it, depending on the “season” of life you are in. Also, I believe the very personal way that God speaks to us in Scripture is indeed VERY personal [and intimate] so when another person reads the Scriptures, it can instruct them in one way and it may instruct you in another. When you are out of that “season,” that same Scripture may mean something entirely different to you.

Because of these reasons, I believe it’s important that we read, reflect, research, and apply every word He’s given us. It’s very easy to fall into the trap of trusting someone’s perception of the Scriptures simply because they’re charismatic; they “tickle your ears” (2 Timothy 4:3 (written 63 A.D.)) with the things you’d want to hear; or they promise fortunes that may never come while you are still on this side of Glory! Be wary of those who would have you believe that becoming a Christian leads to riches! We yearn for beautiful things and surround ourselves with luxurious things because He has instilled in us a desire for the kind of Home that only He offers. You may notice that once you’ve acquired “stuff,” you simply want more stuff…a bigger house, an expensive car, more jewels, more clothes, etc. That is because our desire for those things will only be quenched when we are Home. Prosperity preachers may encourage you to “use” God, but we know the truth of biblical Christianity is just the opposite—God uses the follower of Christ.

Paul warned Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:5 (written 62-66 A.D.) about these depraved minds… “and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.”

And again in 1 Timothy 9-11 (written 62-66A.D.) “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”

The pursuit of wealth is a dangerous path for followers of Christ and one which God warns about (see verse 10 above). If riches were a reasonable goal for the godly, Jesus would have pursued it. But He did not, preferring instead to have “no place to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20, (written 40-45A.D.)) and teaching His disciples to do the same. It should also be remembered that the only disciple concerned with wealth was Judas.

So What Should I Watch For?

A “prosperity preacher” is one who claims to be a follower of Christ, but his or her teaching is focused on happiness and prosperity while still living in this realm. Perhaps subtle for a while, but later you may notice there is much talk about money, living an easy life, and complete happiness. Prosperity preachers typically make a fortune saying the things that people want to hear. But remember when Jesus became angry at the men who were using the house of the Lord to make money? Check out Luke 19:45-46 (written 58-65 A.D.). There is no difference today! Prosperity preachers often use the church’s money to buy large homes, expensive cars and clothes all at the expense of the millions of people who are not living lavishly, but have been promised fortunes and have far less money than the preacher (HePrayed.com, 1999).

Any time you are wondering what the right way is to follow Him, go straight back to His word and strive to follow His example. Consider that Jesus did not even carry a penny on Him based on what we read in Matthew 22:19 (written 40-45A.D.) when He said “Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. He had no place to live. “Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’” (Luke 9:58 (written 58-65A.D.)). Expensive clothing? Nope. According to Isaiah 53:2 (written 740-680 B.C.), Jesus’ physical appearance was not such that people were attracted to Him.

Now consider this contrasting practice: Some preachers are so focused on money and increasing the number of people attending the church service, they completely lose focus on developing the spiritual maturity of the congregation. They want to include everyone. They want everyone to feel welcome in their church, so they will say just about anything and everything to make people feel good, meaning they might return. Not even Jesus did this. C.S. Lewis reminds us that according to Scriptures, “He produced mainly three results: Hatred, Terror, and Adoration.” “Jesus’ word is a sword. It cut people into two groups - those for Him, and those against Him. Those who love Him and those who do not. The sons of God, the children of the devil” (HePrayed.com, 1999).

Prosperity preachers fail to recognize that even an atheist can listen to the prosperity gospel and feel good. They may even wish to unite the world no matter who believes what. Their focus is peace and happiness instead of God's honor. They will sometimes promise blessing if you give to their ministry (emphasizing the word “their”). Try to find one instance in scripture where our Lord asked for money. You cannot do it! Jesus never asked for money… not even one time (HePrayed.com, 1999). He taught us contentment, in every situation. Also, Jesus was doing as the Scripture commands: “And of some have compassion, making a difference. And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 1:22-23 (written 70-80A.D.)). Prosperity preachers only follow the "compassion" part of that passage, for they are too fearful or careless to rebuke. They believe in the love of God, but not the fear of God. If you care to read further, there is quite a bit of information on the characteristics of prosperity preachers.

What are Worldviews and Why Are They Important?

by Bayard Taylor

A worldview is how you look at the world. Different worldviews view the world in different ways. You can think of a worldview as a mental map that shapes how we understand and experience the world. Another definition might be “shared assumptions about what is real, true, and good.” Worldviews seek to answer the big questions in life, such as “Who am I?” or “Where did I come from?” Worldviews also set what is acceptable and unacceptable thinking and behavior.

Worldviews cover a lot of the same ground as religions. However, the term worldview is useful because everybody has a worldview, whether or not he or she claims to be religious. His or her worldview serves like a religion for him/her. This is a key insight, for it shows that all humans filter the world through their particular perspective. Everyone is biased, so to speak. No human sees the entire big picture of the world exactly as it is. Only God can do that.

Here are some other things all worldviews have in common:

Even though people may not have a well-thought-out worldview, and even though they may not be able to speak clearly about it, they still live by one.

All worldviews are based upon bottom-line assumptions that are not supposed to be challenged.

All worldviews compete for allegiance; they claim that their way of looking at the world is best or the only true path.

All worldviews, therefore, are at least somewhat narrow-minded, even those that claim to be the most open-minded.

All worldviews have very strict rules that must never be broken.

Understanding how worldviews work levels the playing fields for Christian in a culture that often seems biased against them. It also helps you see how some assumptions that people make are false, such as Christians are narrow-minded (response: All worldviews force some narrowing of the mind); or, everything is relative (responses: Is even this statement relative? Or, should we never break the rule of relativism, even when confronted by atrocities such as state-sponsored genocide in Darfur?)

By learning how worldviews work, you are equipped to understand the assumptions and rules that others play by. You have more empathy for them, but you also have greater appreciation for the solid truths of the biblical worldview.

And what is so great about the biblical worldview? Paganism holds that many gods and spirits exist, all competing with one another and typically harming humans. Naturalism says the physical, material world is all that exists. Pantheism holds that the world itself is divine. Syncretism blends together many different worldviews and ignores their fundamental contradictions. The biblical worldview, on the other hand, teaches (1) that we humans are not left to figure this stuff out on our own, for God reveals Himself to us, expressly through Jesus; (2) that we have innate value and dignity because no matter our race, gender, or ethnic background, we’re created “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27; 9:6); and (3) God loves us and proved it by sending His Son to die for us.

Bible Translations

Never again will you have to wonder (or ask) “Which translation is best?” The question is unanswerable. However, several translations can be valuable when doing a precept study or to gain consensus from a range of Biblical scholars on the meaning of a particular verse. Below is a continuum that is commonly used to determine which translation to buy, based on your preferences between “word-for-word” and “thought-for-thought” (or meaning-for-meaning). That being said, keep in mind a few key points: popularity does not dictate accuracy, mistranslations have become quite common, and you should do your research before selecting the translations you will use.

Figure 1 Bible Translation Continuum

The Interlinear Bible is a valuable resource, although it can sometimes be difficult to arrange the thoughts in each verse (See below); for this reason, the NASB may be easiest to read for the sake of comprehension.

Figure 2 An excerpt from the Interlinear Bible, the above contains Hebrew, Greek, and English text. NOTE: Although this is Genesis 1:1-2, the John 1:1-5 hyperlink was included for reference.

How old is the Earth?

by Chris Sherrod

There are two main views among Christians. Old earth creationists (OEC), also known as progressive creationists, believe God created the universe and all life forms in stages separated by long periods of time. They believe the geologic record accurately portrays a very long earth history. Young earth creationists (YEC) believe the universe and all life forms were created in six successive 24-hour days, meaning earth is only thousands of years old. Major arguments for each view include the following:

OEC

· Speed of light measurements and the distance of stars indicate an ancient universe.

· The Hebrew word yom (day) does not always mean a literal day (e.g, Genesis 2:4).

· Genesis 1:12 says the land produced vegetation on Day Three, indicating growth from seed to maturity. That takes longer than 24 hours.

· There is too much activity on day 6 to fit 24 hours. (See Genesis 1:24-31; 2:15-25).

· Many animals are specifically designed to prey upon other animals. This indicates that by God’s design, animal death preceded the fall of Adam and Eve.

· The sun was created on day 4; thus Days 1-3 could not have been 24-hour solar days.

· The testimony of nature powerfully indicates an ancient creation.

YEC

· The usual meaning of yom is a literal, 24-hour day. (See Genesis 1:5 and 1:8)

· “Evening came, and then morning, “seems to indicate a literal day (Genesis 1:5; 1:8, etc.).

· Sabbath rest (Exodus 20:11) seems to imply six literal days of work during Creation week.

· The sun was not created until Day 4, but there was life on Day 3 (Genesis 1:11-13). Life cannot exist for long periods without sunlight, and so the days were not long ages.

· Plants were created on Day 3 and animals on Day 5. The interdependence between plants and animals implies that their creation was not separated by long ages.

· If death is an enemy (1Corinthians 15:54), was God’s original paradise free from killing, or was it filled with violence, decay, and death? Man was not permitted to eat animals until after the flood (Genesis 9:2-3).

· If decay and death were originally part of creation, why is creation looking forward to liberation from bondage to decay (Romans 8:20-22)?

Despite these differences, Christians in both groups are committed to God’s supernatural creation of all things. Similarly, both are committed to the inspiration and authority of the Bible. Also, it is important to note that even if earth is millions of years old, this still is not enough time for life to arise naturally and then evolve into the complex species we have today.

Though Christians sometimes passionately disagree about the age of earth, we should not break fellowship about issues of peripheral importance (Romans 14:1). Both parties can work together, support common ground (such as Intelligent Design), and work “side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). We can have friendly “in-house” debates, graciously discussing our viewpoints in a spirit of love while standing united against the world’s deceitful philosophies (Colossians 2:8).

Reliability of the Manuscripts

Hold it Right There! We simply cannot go one step further until we have a basic understanding of the reliability of the manuscripts. You see, a large majority of apologetics is the discussion of the extensive prophecy that is in Scripture. But how can we be in awe of the overwhelming evidence in prophecy if we do not understand how well preserved the original text is?

Skeptics may argue “The Bible has been copied over and over and over again” or “There are so many errors in the copies, how can we trust the Bible now?” or “The Bible contradicts itself repeatedly. Is that what God inspired?” or “The Bible is outdated and has no impact on our world today.” Perhaps you have asked these same questions or you were unable to respond to these challenges in the past. Well, no more!

*Throughout the rest of this text, you will find research information. But most of all, there are various topics, followed by prophetic Scripture and then a brief explanation of the “discovery” by science and other information. While I did not include a discussion for each piece of prophecy, the information largely speaks for itself.

Masoretic Text Manuscripts

(McDowell)

Of course after all these years, the original writings have crumbled, but they were carefully copied by hand, and then the copies were copied. Our modern day Bible is based on those copies. It is quite difficult to compare the Masoretic Text Manuscripts with each other and with the manuscripts that serve as the basis for Bible translations today, they are virtually identical! Although the printing press didn’t come along until the mid-15^th Century, Jewish scribal tradition was utterly meticulous in copying the Scriptures. Let’s attempt to gain a sense of the techniques employed by Masoretic scribes as they carefully copied Holy Writ.

Ever Heard of the Masoretes?

The goal of the Masoretes was to guard and preserve the text of the Bible, which had been handed down from generation to generation. To achieve this goal, the Masoretes worked in several parallel directions, and in the end they were highly successful. The Masoretes worked to determine the text of the Bible. They stated the proper way of writing and reading the Bible, and in passages where they found differences between texts and ways of reading, they issued a decision and ruled as to which opinion was correct. These decisions related not only to verses and words, but to every single letter (The Masoretes, 1999).

They knew it would be easy to make a mistake in copying a new transcript, so they developed elaborate and meticulous rules for transcribing:

· When a person was making a new text, he had to copy the original page with such exactness that the number of words on a page could not be changed.

· If the original page had 314 words, then the page being copied had to have the same 314 words.

· Each line on a new page had to be the exact same as the line on the old page. If the first line on the original page had nine words, the first line on the copy page had to have nine words.

· After the page was copied, the number of letters on that page was counted and compared with the original.

· After a page was copied, someone would check to see what the middle letter was on the copy and the original.

· A synagogue roll must be written on the skins of clean animals, the length of each column must not extend less than 48 or more than 80 lines, the breadth must consist of 30 letters.

· No word or letter, not even a yod (the tenth and smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet) must be written from memory; between every consonant the space of a hair or thread must intervene, between every book, three lines.

· The scribes were not allowed to copy sentence for sentence or even word for word. They had to copy letter for letter.

· After a page was copied and checked by another, still a third person would check to see what the middle word was on the page.

· Then, when the entire book was finished, another would count the phrases. This process was so accurate they could pinpoint the exact middle of a book simply by letter count and would check the verse at that point as one of the methods for confirmation. If a single error was found, the entire manuscript was destroyed to ensure that it could never be used as a master copy in the future.

One reverent Rabbi warned a scribe, “Take heed how you do your work, for your work is the work of Heaven, lest you drop or add a letter of the manuscript, and so become a destroyer of the world.

These are just a few examples of the great detail that went into ensuring the accuracy of the Scriptures. To illustrate just how accurate the scribes were, they counted and knew, for example, that there were exactly 78,064 letters within Genesis! When comparing Yemenite copies of the Torah with Masoretic copies from Eastern Europe, a discrepancy of only 9 letters was found. Keep in mind that was not just in Genesis, but the entire Torah, (also known as the Pentateuch, or the first five books of the Old Testament).

Cleanliness is next to G-dliness!

Devout Jews refuse to even write the word, “God” thinking it is too casual for someone so sacred and significant. Instead, they will cite him as “G-d”. In Biblical days, Scribes, who made copies of Scriptures prior to the printing press, were required to use a fresh quill each time that they began writing the name of God. They also took a ceremonial bath prior to the first stroke. At the conclusion of each stroke of the quill that was required to write the name of God, they would repeat the bathing and take a new quill. It served as a constant reminder of the majesty and authority of the One whose words they were copying (Burrell, 2009).

Below you’ll find a table comparing various historical texts to the New Testament, in regard to the original writing, the date the first copy was made, the number of copies that are available to verify the accuracy of the copy and the percentage at which they are accurate. In many cases, there are not enough copies to determine how accurate the text was copied.

But why Discuss the Reliability of the Bible?

We discuss the reliability of the Bible because it is the foundation of our belief. We believe the stories in the Bible because we believe the Bible to be historically accurate. If you’ve ever been asked a question about the Bible and replied, “Because the Bible says so”, then that is a logical fallacy called circular reasoning. You are using the Bible to prove the Bible.

It is better to say, “I believe in the archaeological and historical evidence for the reliability of the Bible. Because I find the Bible to be reliable, then I believe it to be true.” What are some of the archaeological evidences? To name a few in the New Testament, we have the Pilate Stone and Gallio or Delphi inscription, Caiaphas Ossuary -a box used to bury the bones of Caiaphas, the Pool of Siloam, Pool of Bethesda, and inscriptions documenting Lysanius as the tetrarch of Abilene at the time John the Baptist began his ministry-all of these were thought to be fictional at first, which is the reason why I think that the majority of scholars believe in a historical Jesus. There is just too much that corroborates the stories in the Bible. To name a few pieces of evidence for the Old Testament (OT), we have:

The Taylor Prism

Cyrus Cylinder

Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser

Epic of Gilgamesh

Moabite Stone

Tel Dan Stele

Ancient city of Ur

Also, we have historical evidence such as the New Testament manuscripts and extra-Biblical writings that are from Roman or Roman Empire Sources:

Suetonius, Claudias 25.4. De Vita Caesarum
Life of Nero 16.2
Tacitus, Annals xv.44.
Pliny the Younger, Epistles x.96-97.
Julius Africanus on Thallus
Lucian of Samasota, The Passing of Peregrinus.
Source from a Syrian Philosopher:
Mara bar Sarapion.
Josephus, Antiquities 18.116-19
Josephus, Antiquities 20.200
Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 1.1.7-8
Eusebius, Demonstration of the Gospel 3.5.105-06
Origen, Against Celsus 1.47
Origen, Commentary on Matthew 10.17.
Rabbinic Sources and Evidence of Debate with the Church Fathers
b Sanh 43a and 107b
b ‘Abodah Zerah 27b, 16b-17a
Tosefta, Shehitat Hullin
‘Abodah Zerah 16b-17a
‘Abodah Zerah 27b
Justin, Dialogue 69:7
Justin, First Apology 30
Justin, Dialogue 108
Origen, Contra Celsum 1:68.
Justin’s Dialogue 69:7

"Christianity is a historical religion. It claims that God has taken the risk of involving Himself in human history, and the facts are there for you to examine with the utmost rigor. They will stand any amount of critical investigation...” (Green, 1968).

When we establish that the Gospels are reliable, what is contained in them, such as the references to the OT lead us to believe that the people in the NT also believed the OT to be true.

So, what does it mean for a text to be reliable? I think people confuse this issue with inerrancy, which is the belief that the original manuscripts are without error. We infer that the original autographs are inerrant based upon our belief that Jesus is God. Are we talking about 100% accuracy? Robert Stewart, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Theology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and editor of many theological books, says “Not unless we are prepared to consider virtually every extant Greco-Roman document unreliable and cease talking about what notable ancient authors, religious and secular, taught...I suggest that we think of textual reliability in terms of probability, or failing that, plausibility. We simply cannot have certainty about historical texts whose originals are not available. But we can have confidence that the wording of contemporary critical NT texts reflects what the autograph most likely said, given the available evidence...we can be confident beyond a reasonable doubt that this reading is most likely the original".

From the same book mentioned earlier, two arguments can be given over the reliability of the gospels:

John W. Burgon argues:
1. If God inspired the NT autographs, then he would also prevent them from being seriously corrupted.
2. God inspired the NT autographs.
3. Therefore, God has also providentially prevented the NT manuscripts from being seriously corrupted.

Agnostic Bart Ehrman argues:
1. If God inspired the NT autographs, then he would also prevent them from being seriously corrupted.
2. NT manuscripts show numerous signs of corruption.
3. Therefore, God did not inspire the NT autographs.

Christians believe that if God inspired the NT autographs, then he would have also prevented them from being ‘seriously corrupted’. There are a couple of definitions of the word ‘corrupt’:

1 a: to change from good to bad in morals, manners, or actions; also: bribe b: to degrade with unsound principles or moral values

2 : rot, spoil

3 : to subject (a person) to corruption of blood

4 : to alter from the original or correct form or version <e.g. the file was corrupted>

In Bart Ehrman’s first premise he uses the words ‘seriously corrupted’, but in the second premise he only uses the word ‘corrupted’, so his premise 2 does not follow from premise 1. (This is a common fallacy that you will learn to identify in this study.) Scholars agree that there was some alteration from the original NT autographs, whether intentional or non-intended, so, definition #4 can be used on the NT manuscripts. There were some changes, but skeptics believe that any sign of change, whether intentional or non-intentional, makes the whole unreliable. But is this reasonable? As we saw in the opening statement, it is not reasonable or we would have to discount almost every extant Greco-Roman document. Another reason to refuse to accept that their argument is that if God (who is perfect), used man (who is imperfect) to transcribe and copy the Bible, then we would expect to see some errors in the transcription, and so Christians can claim that the scriptures are not ‘seriously corrupted’.

What are these errors? Before we go on, we shouldn’t call them ‘errors’ since some changes could be made when translating from one language to another, and those aren’t errors, so we should instead call them ‘variants’. A popular claim made by skeptics is that there are more textual variants in the New Testament manuscripts (about 300,000-400,000) than there are words in the whole New Testament, which is fewer than 140,000. The reason why there are so many variants is because we have so many manuscript copies – around 6,000.

So, add up and average all the variants across all of those manuscripts and you will get fewer than 100 variants per manuscript. The reason that we know there are variants is because we have so many texts to compare them to, so we most likely know what the original manuscripts say.

How about Legendary Material Being Added to it?

There are some skeptics who protest and say that Jesus was neither Lord, Liar, or Lunatic, but a Legend. I had one atheist who deconverted from Christianity tell me that the Gospels were not trustworthy because they were written 60 years after Jesus’ death, and to him, the magic number of 50 is acceptable for copies to be trustworthy. Now, we have good reason to believe that the Gospels were written within 7 years after Jesus died, but even if they were written 60 years after Christ’s death 1) The time-frame is within the lifespan of the eyewitnesses 2) When compared to other texts such as the biographies of Alexander the Great written more than 400 years after his death and that legendary material only surfaced 500 years afterwards, and still considered trustworthy, there is a double standard when it comes to the Bible.

The Bible as a History Book

No historic fact in the Bible ever has been shown to be in error. The Bible text has been used time and again by archaeologists to locate long-lost sites of cities and towns mentioned in the Bible by geographical references made to them. One archaeological discovery, the Ebla site, contained rich archives of clay tablets, an ancient "library" if you will. In these tablets were references to ancient Biblical characters (i.e., Abraham) and sites (i.e., Sodom and Gomorrah).

The ancient city of Babylon of the famous king Nebuchadnezzar yielded 2500-year-old cuneiform tablets (now located in the British Museum) that contained the name of Jehoichin King of Judah who, along with the inhabitants of Judah, was deported to Babylon as a prisoner after the conquest of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar. The tablets dated and described the conquest itself. This discovery substantiates the story recorded in the Bible in 2 Kings, chapter 24. Any historical statement made in the Bible that has archeological, geographical, or scientific references that have come to surface has been verified by the physical evidences provided by discoveries in these different areas.

Variants and the 4 Categories

Of the hundreds of thousands of textual variants in NT manuscripts, the great majority are spelling differences that have no bearing on the meaning of the text. Several of the spelling differences are nonsense readings (Kostenberger & Kruger, 2010) (e.g. some manuscripts say "We were gentle among you" and others say "We were little children among you.")

After spelling differences, the next largest category of variants are those that involve synonyms or do not affect translation (e.g. "The Mary" is sometimes just "Mary"). Another common variant is when words in Greek are transposed (e.g. a three-word sentence can be expressed by hundreds of Greek constructions).

The third largest category (of variants) involves wording that is meaningful but not viable ("The Gospel of Christ" vs "The Gospel of God").

The final, and by far the smallest, category of textual variants involves those that are both meaningful and viable. **Less than 1% of all textual variants belong to this group...It may not be terribly significant, but if the reading impacts our understanding of the passage, then it is meaningful.

Conclusion:

1) The variants found in the manuscripts are hardly meaningful.

2). The variants do not change any doctrines in the Bible.

3). The reason why we can catch variants is because we have so many manuscripts in the first place.

4) Legendary material did not have enough time to form.

The Gospel of Mark

The Gospel according to Mark is the second book of the New Testament, written around 65A.D. Most scholars regard Mark as the earliest of the gospels and is the work of an unknown author. The Gospel of Mark tells of Jesus' ministry - from his baptism to his death and burial and the discovery of the empty tomb. However, there is no birth narrative, nor any post-resurrection appearances. It portrays Jesus as a hero, an exorcist, healer and miracle worker. Jesus keeps his identity as messiah secret, concealing it in parables so that even the disciples failed to understand. All this is in keeping with prophecy, which foretold the fate of the messiah as 'Suffering Servant'.

The Gospel of Luke

The only one of the four gospels that is known not to be written by eyewitness is Luke (written around 70A.D.), who is also believed to have written Acts (written approximately 64 A.D.). Luke specifically states that he has investigated Jesus' life himself and travelled around to interview eye witnesses. Mark is believed to have been written around 65A.D., within 30 to 35 years of Jesus' death, so there would have been living witnesses to his life. Matthew and Luke were written about 5 years later. Mark seems to be an eye witness account, whereas the other two draw on some of Mark's gospel, meaning that it was widely circulated within the early Church. Matthew and Luke also have a shared second source for their books unknown to Mark, plus each had their own independent sources unknown to each other.

2 Peter

When and to whom 2nd Peter was written is not as clear as we’d prefer, but there are a few things we can deduce:

-2nd Peter was written between 64-68 A.D. (closer to 68A.D. it appears, as his death appeared to be imminent.) Here’s why:

-Since this is the second letter by Peter then it has to be written after 1 Peter.

-1 Peter was written after 64 A.D. It is in 64 A.D. that Peter is in Rome (the reference to Babylon in 1 Peter seems to be a cryptic way of referring to Rome). Thus 2 Peter has to be written after 64 A.D.

-It also has to be written within the lifespan of Peter. Peter was crucified under the reign of Nero in 68 A.D. Thus the book has to be written before 68 A.D.

-The death of Peter appears in the book to be imminent, for instance Peter states he will soon be “deceased” (2 Peter 1:14), seems to put the writing of 2 Peter closer to 68 A.D. just before Peter is killed by Nero.

As to physical description of the recipients, the only indication we have is found in 2 Peter 3:1 “This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,” It is my contention that this refers to 1 Peter. Thus the audience in 1 Peter is the same as the audience in 2 Peter. 1 Peter gives the location of the audience in 1:1, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen.” (Thus Christians in the Northern Galatia area.)

The section we will focus on, however, is 2 Peter 3:10-18 (written 64-68 A.D.):

A New Heaven and Earth

“10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 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, 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. 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, 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.”

Daniel 11: The Most Detailed Prophecy in the Bible

(Treybig, 2015)

The prophecy of Daniel 11 (written 605-536 B.C.) includes amazing details about great empires, political developments and end-time powers that would affect the Jewish people. The introduction to the prophecy of Daniel 11 is given in the preceding chapter. This introduction is quite extensive-all of chapter 10. It begins: “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.” (Daniel 10:1 (written 605-536 B.C.)).

According to The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, the third year of Cyrus was “535/534, in all probability just a few years before Daniel’s death” (comment on Daniel 10:1). Through Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams (Daniel 2:1) and through Daniel’s vision of four beasts, (Daniel 7), God had already revealed that there would be four world-ruling empires followed by the Kingdom of God.

Now God was going to reveal to Daniel some amazing details about major world powers, beginning with the Medo-Persian Empire and continuing through the time of the end just prior to Christ’s second coming. The angel that came to help Daniel understand the vision told him that its focus was on “what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.” (Daniel 10:14(written 605-536 B.C.)).

What would happen to the people of God in both Daniel’s time and in the future was of great interest to him, as by then 42,360 Jews had returned to Jerusalem following a decree by Cyrus allowing them to go back to their homeland (Ezra 2:64 (written 538-520 B.C.)): “The whole assembly numbered 42,360.”

Because of the many intricate components of the prophecy in Daniel 11, some scholars have suggested that the book of Daniel was written several hundred years later, during the 160s B.C., after these events had already transpired. But foretelling the future is not difficult for God. As God stated, “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;” (Isaiah 46:9-10 (written 740-680 B.C.)).

Since other prophecies found in the book of Daniel, such as the 70-year prophecy of Jeremiah, and the 70-week prophecy, (indicating the year of the appearance of the Messiah), were fulfilled exactly as predicted, we can have confidence that God also provided the details found in this prophecy in Daniel long before they took place.

The initial aspects of the prophecy of Daniel 11 have taken place precisely as God predicted. A comparison of secular history with the biblical record will reveal the fascinating details. Other parts, including the identity of the end-time king of the North and the end-time king of the South are yet to be fulfilled. These unknown portions of the prophecy have been sealed “until the time of the end” (Daniel 12:4(written 605-536 B.C.)).

An interesting point regarding this prophecy is that it appears to have been delivered orally. Unlike the preceding dreams and visions in the book of Daniel, which contained images that needed to be interpreted, this vision simply gave Daniel the “words” regarding what would happen to the Jewish people from this time forward (Daniel 10:7, 9(written 605-536 B.C.)): “7Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves. 9 But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.”

The Medo-Persian Empire to be conquered by Greece

The prophecy of Daniel 11 begins with the prediction that “three more kings will arise in Persia” followed by a fourth who would “arouse the whole empire against the realm of Greece” (verse 2). Biblical resources, such as The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, provide the historical explanations for this prophecy. Regarding this verse, Expositor’s states, “The Persian king who invaded Greece was, of course, Xerxes, who reigned 485-464 B.C.”

Daniel 11:3-4 speaks of the appearance of “a mighty king,” whose kingdom would “be broken up and divided toward the four winds of Heaven.” Expositor’s explains, “Verse 3 introduces us to the next phase in world empires: the rise of Alexander the Great. Although this verse does not make it altogether clear that this “mighty king” would inaugurate a new empire in place of the Persian one, verse 4 leaves us in no doubt that he was the ruler predicted here…

Daniel 11:3-4(written 605-536 B.C.) “And a mighty king will arise, and he will rule with great authority and do as he pleases. 4 But as soon as he has arisen, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four points of the compass, though not to his own descendants, nor according to his authority which he wielded, for his sovereignty will be uprooted and given to others besides them.”

In seven or eight years he accomplished the most dazzling military conquest in human history. But he lived only four years more; and after one of his drunken bouts, he died of a fever in 323 in the imperial capital of Babylon. Verse 4 foretells the division of Alexander’s domains among four smaller and weaker empires.

Following Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among four of his generals. These four kingdoms and their rulers were Macedonia-Greece under Antipater and his son, Thrace-Asia Minor under Lysimachus, the rest of Asia except lower Syria and Palestine under Seleucus Nicator, and Egypt and Palestine under Ptolemy.

The remainder of Daniel 11:5-39 then documents the actions of the last two of these kingdoms-Egypt to the south of Jerusalem (the location of Daniel’s people, the Jews, Daniel 10:14) and Syria to the north of Jerusalem. In this section of Scripture, the rulers and their successors are referred to as the “king of the North” and the “king of the South.”

The king of the North versus the king of the South

Located geographically between ambitious kingdoms to the north and south, the Jewish people during postexilic times were often caught in the rivalries for power between Egypt and Syria. While space does not permit a detailed exposition of every verse in Daniel 11:5-39 (written 605-536 B.C.) and its historical fulfillment, here are a few highlights:

Verse 5: “Then the king of the South will grow strong, along with one of his princes who will gain ascendancy over him and obtain dominion; his domain will be a great dominion indeed.”

Expositor’s explains, “The king of the South (verse 5) was to be Ptolemy I (Soter), son of Lagus, whose ambitions extended far beyond the borders of Egypt (over which Alexander had placed him in charge) to Palestine and the rest of Asia.” The prince under Ptolemy I who would become stronger than Ptolemy I was “Seleucus Nicator of the Selucid Empire” (ibid.).

Verse 6: “After some years they will form an alliance, and the daughter of the king of the South will come to the king of the North to carry out a peaceful arrangement. But she will not retain her position of power, nor will he remain with his power, but she will be given up, along with those who brought her in and the one who sired her as well as he who supported her in those times.”

The “agreement” was a proposed peace treaty that called for Antiochus II to marry Berenice, the daughter of Ptolemy II. But “Antiochus already had a wife, a powerful and influential woman named Laodice. She did not take kindly to being divorced. …She therefore organized a successful conspiracy. …She managed to have both Berenice and her infant son whom she had borne to Antiochus assassinated.

Not long afterward the king himself was poisoned to death (247 B.C.) and the pro-Laodice party engineered a Coup d-etat that put her in power as queen regent during the minority of her son, Seleucus II (Callinicus). In this manner, then the prophecy was fulfilled concerning Berenice, that she would be ‘handed over,” [‘given up’ in the New King James Version] along with the nobles who supported her in Antioch” (ibid.).

Verse 7: “But one of the descendants of her line will arise in his place, and he will come against their army and enter the fortress of the king of the North, and he will deal with them and display great strength.”

“Ptolemy III (Euergetes) organized a great expeditionary force against Syria, in order to avenge his sister’s death. This war raged from 246 to 241. …Finally he returned to Egypt laden with spoil. …He succeeded on other fronts as well, for he reunited Cyrenaica (at the western end of Libya) with the Ptolemaic domains, after it had enjoyed twelve years of independence. He also recovered all his father’s conquests on the coasts of Asia Minor and temporarily gained control of some portions of Thrace” (ibid.).

Verse 8: “Also their gods with their metal images and their precious vessels of silver and gold he will take into captivity to Egypt, and he on his part will refrain from attacking the king of the North for some years.”

Ptolemy III recovered the idols of Egypt taken by Cambyses in 524 B.C.

Verse 9: “Then the latter will enter the realm of the king of the South, but will return to his own land.”

Although he did not enter Egypt itself, Seleucus II regained control of northern Syria and Phoenicia.

Verse 10-12: “His sons will mobilize and assemble a multitude of great forces; and one of them will keep on coming and overflow and pass through, that he may again wage war up to his very fortress. 11 The king of the South will be enraged and go forth and fight with the king of the North. Then the latter will raise a great multitude, but that multitude will be given into the hand of the former. 12 When the multitude is carried away, his heart will be lifted up, and he will cause tens of thousands to fall; yet he will not prevail.”

This passage “foretells an important new development in the struggle between the two great powers, with the advent of Antiochus the Great [Antiochus III] and his conquest of the Holy Land. …Antiochus III next launched an expedition against Phoenicia and Palestine (219-218 B.C.) that ended in a serious setback at the Battle of Raphia, where he was soundly beaten by the smaller army of Ptolemy IV. …But finally in 203, Antiochus saw his opportunity to strike at Egypt again, since Ptolemy IV had just died and had been succeeded by Ptolemy V (Epiphanes), who was a mere boy of four” (ibid.).

Verses 13-16: “For the king of the North will again raise a greater multitude than the former, and after an interval of some years he will press on with a great army and much equipment. 14 “Now in those times many will rise up against the king of the South; the violent ones among your people will also lift themselves up in order to fulfill the vision, but they will fall down. 15 Then the king of the North will come, cast up a siege ramp and capture a well-fortified city; and the forces of the South will not stand their ground, not even their choicest troops, for there will be no strength to make a stand. 16 But he who comes against him will do as he pleases, and no one will be able to withstand him; he will also stay for a time in the Beautiful Land, with destruction in his hand.”

These verses document the eventual wrestling of the Holy Land from Egyptian control by Antiochus the Great.

Versus 17-19: “He will set his face to come with the power of his whole kingdom, bringing with him a proposal of peace which he will put into effect; he will also give him the daughter of women to ruin it. But she will not take a stand for him or be on his side. 18 Then he will turn his face to the coastlands and capture many. But a commander will put a stop to his scorn against him; moreover, he will repay him for his scorn. 19 So he will turn his face toward the fortresses of his own land, but he will stumble and fall and be found no more.”

Hoping to gain advantage over Egypt, Antiochus the Great gave his daughter, Cleopatra, in marriage to Ptolemy V in 195 B.C. But Antiochus’ daughter sided with her husband and no advantage was gained. Antiochus then lost a battle against Roman forces.

After his defeat, “he had to surrender his entire elephant brigade, all his navy, and twenty selected hostages. Finally he was obliged to pay an indemnity of fifteen thousand or twenty thousand talents over a period of several years. Antiochus’s second son, who was named after him, was among the twenty hostages taken to Rome, where he spent the formative years of his life. He later became the dreaded persecutor of the Jews, Antiochus Epiphanes” (ibid.). Being unable to make his indemnity payments, Antiochus the great was killed while trying to pillage a temple in Elymais.

Verse 20: “Then in his place one will arise who will send an oppressor through the Jewel of his kingdom; yet within a few days he will be shattered, though not in anger nor in battle.”

The brief 12-year reign of Antiochus III’s eldest son, Seleucus IV, was marked by heavy taxes thoughout Palestine. Seleucus was soon poisoned to death by his minister, Heliodorus.

Verses 21-34: “In his place a despicable person will arise, on whom the honor of kingship has not been conferred, but he will come in a time of tranquility and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22 The overflowing forces will be flooded away before him and shattered, and also the prince of the covenant. 23 After an alliance is made with him he will practice deception, and he will go up and gain power with a small force of people. 24 In a time of tranquility he will enter the richest parts of the realm, and he will accomplish what his fathers never did, nor his ancestors; he will distribute plunder, booty and possessions among them, and he will devise his schemes against strongholds, but only for a time. 25 He will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South with a large army; so the king of the South will mobilize an extremely large and mighty army for war; but he will not stand, for schemes will be devised against him. 26 Those who eat his choice food will destroy him, and his army will overflow, but many will fall down slain. 27 As for both kings, their hearts will be intent on evil, and they will speak lies to each other at the same table; but it will not succeed, for the end is still to come at the appointed time. 28 Then he will return to his land with much plunder; but his heart will be set against the holy covenant, and he will take action and then return to his own land. 29 “At the appointed time he will return and come into the South, but this last time it will not turn out the way it did before. 30 For ships of Kittim will come against him; therefore he will be disheartened and will return and become enraged at the holy covenant and take action; so he will come back and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. 31 Forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress, and do away with the regular sacrifice. And they will set up the abomination of desolation. 32 By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. 33 Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days. 34 Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy.”

These verses document the tyrannical oppression of the Jewish people by Antiochus Epiphanes, who by force tried to make the Jewish people forgo their religion in favor of all things Greek. This was the time of the Maccabees, who resisted this Hellenistic influence. (A brief explanation of Antiochus’ actions against the Jewish people and how they fulfilled prophecy is in the final chapter.)

Dual Fulfillments:

Verses 35-39: “Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time. 36 “Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done. 37 He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all. 38 But instead he will honor a god of fortresses, a god whom his fathers did not know; he will honor him with gold, silver, costly stones and treasures. 39 He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price.”

The reference to “the time of the end” in verse 35 offers a challenge in interpreation. Some understand this as referring to the time just before Christ’s return and others see it as the end of the Maccabean struggles. Some of the actions can be attributed to Antiochus Epiphanes and some seem to be prophecies of the beast power that will exist at the end of this present age. These verses apparently have dual fulfillment, spanning from the time of the Maccabees until the return of Christ.

The preceding verses in Daniel 11 represent extremely detailed prophecies that have been fulfilled exactly as they were revealed to Daniel. It is important to note that the Roman Empire defeated Seleucid Syria in 65 B.C. and that it defeated Egype in 30 B.C. Thus the first identities of the king of the North and the king of the South came to an end.

The Time of the End:

Verses 40-45: “At the end time the king of the South will collide with him, and the king of the North will storm against him with chariots, with horsemen and with many ships; and he will enter countries, overflow them and pass through. 41 He will also enter the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall; but these will be rescued out of his hand: Edom, Moab and the foremost of the sons of Ammon. 42 Then he will stretch out his hand against other countries, and the land of Egypt will not esc ape. 43 But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels. 44 But rumors from the East and from the North will disturb him, and he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many. 45 He will pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the seas and the beautiful Holy Mountain; yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.”

We read of actions of a king of the North and a king of South “at the end time” (verse 40). The end-time identities of these nations are yet to be determined. The establishment of the modern nation of Israel in 1948 seems to be a key development that allows for the fulfillment of these end-time verses. From the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in A.D. 70 until 1948, there was no Jewish nation.

Now, with a Jewish nation once again existing in the Middle East, there is relevance to identifying major world governments as a king of the North and a king of the South in reference to Jewish people living in Jerusalem.

Significance for Us

When we consider the many prophetic details of Daniel 11 that were fulfilled as predicted, we can have confidence that the remaining prophecies of this chapter and others in the Bible that are yet to be fulfilled will likewise occur as God has ordained.

Through a dream, God revealed to ancient King Nebuchadnezzar and us today that eventually the kingdoms of this world will be replaced by the Kingdom of God. As Daniel explained to the king: “In the days of those kings the God of Heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.” (Daniel 2:44 (written 605-536 B.C.)).

Extensive Prophetic Accuracy

Only the Lord can predict the future.

Isaiah 41:22-23 (written 740-680 B.C.) “Let them bring forth and declare to us what is going to take place; as for the former events, declare what they were, that we may consider them and know their outcome. Or announce to us what is coming; 23 declare the things that are going to come afterward, that we may know that you are gods; indeed, do good or evil, that we may anxiously look about us and fear together.”

Isaiah 42:8-9 (written 740-680 B.C.) “I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to graven images. 9 “Behold, the former things have come to pass, now I declare new things; before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”

Concerning Israel:

Their future scattering predicted nearly 900 years in advance.

Deuteronomy 30:3-5 (written 1405 B.C.): “then the Lord your God will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you. 4 If your outcasts are at the ends of the earth, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you back. 5 The Lord your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers.”

Many Days without a King or Sacrifices

Hosea 3:4 (written 710 B.C.) “For the sons of Israel will remain for many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar and without ephod or household idols.”

Fulfilled 70 A.D. to the present: Re-gathering as a Nation in the Last Days

Ezekiel 37:21-22 and 27-28 “Say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone, and I will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; 22 and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king will be king for all of them; and they will no longer be two nations and no longer be divided into two kingdoms. 27 My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. 28 And the nations will know that I am the Lord who sanctifies Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forever.”’”

Partly fulfilled in 1948, Rebirth as a Nation

The return of Israel is unique in world history. Never before has an ancient people after 2,000 years of exile, on nonexistence, of being dispersed and intermingled among all the nations of the earth, returned to their ancient homeland and reestablished their nation with their ancient language and currency.

Forecasts of Prophecy

(Prophetic Truth, 2016)

William F. Albright, former director of the American School of Oriental Research in Jerusalem, now Professor of Semitic languages at Johns Hopkins University, has admitted his changed views on Biblical prophecy in a most heartwarming manner. In an address at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America a year ago, Dr. Albright said: “I suppose we have no other phenomenon in history which is quite so extraordinary as the unique event represented by the restoration of Israel in the sixth and fifth centuries B.C. At no other time in world history ... has a people been destroyed and then come back after a lapse of time and re -established itself. Most certainly there is no parallel for the double reestablishment, for the recurrence of Israel's restoration after 2,500 years of further history.

...And so Restoration came. It came with the great founders of Zionism ... It came with men who are dreamers and scholars and doers ... So these men have continued to dream; they have -- often without knowing it because some of them were not religious and did not believe in prophecy --carried on the old prophetic tradition of Israel, and they have incorporated it into a reality which has made nonsense of the predictions of every non -prophetic soul, including myself. I never dreamed that there would be an actual Jewish State of Israel. I am sure that I often asserted "its impossibility". Yet Israel exists and the vision has been fulfilled. 'What is going to happen next? Are the words of the Prophets merely archaic survivals of a naive age? Not at all. The words of the Prophets are just as true today as they were 25 centuries ago. God will keep His Covenant with His people if that people obey the Divine commands. God is fulfilling the predictions made through His servants, the Prophets ...’ These predictions -- be it remembered! -- relate to a return of Hebrew people to the Land, largely in unbelief, previous to God's final dealings with them in the ancient homeland in preparation for the glorious Messianic kingdom and the complete regathering which God himself shall accomplish.”

Prophecy in Zechariah

1/3 of the Jews will turn to Christ

Zechariah 13:8 (written 520-518 B.C.) “It will come about in all the land,” Declares the Lord, “That two parts in it will be cut off and perish; But the third will be left in it. 9 “And I will bring the third part through the fire, Refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ And they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”

Do We Have An Accurate Copy?

(Geisler & Turek, 2004)

Remember the child’s game of “telephone?” That’s where one child is given a verbal message to pass to the next child, who passes what he’s heard to the next child, and so on. By the time the message gets to the last child in the chain it barely resembles what the first kid was told. To the casual observer, it seems like that same type of distortion could infect documents that have been transmitted from generation to generation over 2,000 years. Fortunately, the New Testament was not transmitted that way. Since it was not told to one person who told it to another and so on, the problem from the telephone game does not apply. Numerous people independently witnessed New Testament events, many of them committed it to memory, and nine of those eyewitnesses/contemporaries put their observations in writing. At this point, we need to clear up a common misunderstanding about the New Testament. When we speak of the New Testament documents, we are not talking about one writing, but about 27 writings. The New Testament documents are 27 different documents that were written on 27 different scrolls by nine different writers over a 20 to 50-year period. These individual writings have since been collected into one book we now call the Bible. So the New Testament is not just one source, but a collection of sources.

There’s only one problem: so far, none of the original written documents of the New Testament have been discovered. We have only copies of the original writings, called manuscripts. Will this prevent us from knowing what the originals said? Not at all. In fact, all significant literature from the ancient world is reconstructed into its original form by comparing the manuscripts that survive. To reconstruct the original, it helps to have a large number of manuscripts that are written not long after the original. More manuscripts and earlier manuscripts usually provide more trustworthy testimony and enable a more accurate reconstruction.

How do the New Testament documents fare in this regard? Extremely well, and far better than anything else from the ancient world. In fact, the New Testament documents have more manuscripts, earlier manuscripts, and more abundantly supported manuscripts than the best ten pieces of classical literature combined. Here’s what we mean: More Manuscripts—At last count, there are nearly 5,700 handwritten Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. In addition, there are more than 9,000 manuscripts in other languages (e.g., Syriac, Coptic, Latin, Arabic). Some of these nearly 15,000 manuscripts are complete Bibles, others are books or pages, and a few are just fragments. As we saw in table of ancient texts, there is nothing from the ancient world that even comes close in terms of manuscript support. The next closest work is the Iliad by Homer, with 643 manuscripts. Most other ancient works survive on fewer than a dozen manuscripts,8 yet few historians question the historicity of the events those works describe. Earlier Manuscripts—not only does the New Testament enjoy abundant manuscript support, but it also has manuscripts that were written soon after the originals.

The earliest undisputed manuscript is a segment of John 18:31-33, 37-38 (written 58-65A.D.) known as the John Rylands fragment (because it’s housed in the John Rylands Library in Manchester, England). Scholars date it between A.D. 117–138, but some say it is even earlier. It was found in Egypt—across the Mediterranean from its probable place of composition in Asia Minor—demonstrating that John’s Gospel was copied and had spread quite some distance by the early second century. Even earlier than the John Rylands fragment are nine disputed fragments that date from A.D. 50 to 70, found with the Dead Sea Scrolls.9 Some scholars believe these fragments are parts of six New Testament books including Mark, Acts, Romans, 1 Timothy, 2 Peter, and James. While other scholars resist this conclusion (perhaps because its admission would undermine their liberal leanings that the New Testament was written later), they have not found any other non–New Testament texts that these fragments could be. The fragments were found in a cave that had previously been identified as containing material from 50 B.C. to A.D. 50. The scholar who first identified these early fragments as New Testament books was Jose O’Callahan, a noted Spanish paleographer. The New York Times recognized the implications of O’Callahan’s theory by admitting that if it is true “it would prove at least one of the Gospels—that of St. Mark—was written only a few years after the death of Jesus.” But even if they are not true New Testament fragments and the John Rylands fragment really is the earliest, the time gap between the original and the first surviving copy is still vastly shorter than anything else from the ancient world.

The Iliad has the next shortest gap at about 500 years; most other ancient works are 1,000 years or more from the original. The New Testament gap is about 25 years and maybe less. (This does not mean there were no other manuscripts between the original and the first copy; there most certainly were. It simply means that those manuscripts have decayed, have been destroyed, or are still undiscovered.)

How old are the oldest surviving manuscripts of complete New Testament books? Manuscripts that are complete New Testament books survive from about A.D. 200. How about the oldest manuscripts of the entire New Testament? Most of the New Testament, including all of the Gospels, survives from 250, and a manuscript of the entire New Testament (including a Greek Old Testament) called Codex Vaticanus survives from about 325. Several other complete manuscripts survive from that century. And those manuscripts have spelling and punctuation characteristics that suggest that they are in a family of manuscripts that can be traced back to A.D. 100–150. If these numerous and early manuscripts were all scholars had, they could reconstruct the original New Testament with great accuracy. But they also have abundant supporting evidence from the ancient world that makes New Testament reconstruction even more certain. Let’s look at that next.

More Abundantly Supported Manuscripts—Beginning in February of A.D. 303, the Roman emperor Diocletian ordered three edicts of persecution upon Christians because he believed that the existence of Christianity was breaking the covenant between Rome and her gods. The edicts called for the destruction of churches, manuscripts, and books and the killing of Christians.13 Hundreds if not thousands of manuscripts were destroyed across the Roman Empire during this persecution, which lasted until A.D. 311. But even if Diocletian had succeeded in wiping every biblical manuscript off the face of the earth, he could not have destroyed our ability to reconstruct the New Testament. Why? Because the early church fathers—men of the second and third centuries such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Tertullian, and others—quoted the New Testament so much (36,289 times, to be exact) that all but eleven verses of the New Testament can be reconstructed just from their quotations.

In other words, you could go down to your local public library, check out the works of the early church fathers, and read nearly the entire New Testament just from their quotations of it! So we not only have thousands of manuscripts but thousands of quotations from those manuscripts. This makes reconstruction of the original text virtually certain. But how certain? How are the originals reconstructed, and how accurate is this reconstructed New Testament? How Is the Original Reconstructed? These three facts—many, early, and supported manuscripts—help scholars reconstruct the original New Testament manuscripts rather easily. The process of comparing the many copies and quotations allows an extremely accurate reconstruction of the original even if errors were made during copying. How does this work? Consider the following example. Suppose we have four different manuscripts that have four different errors in the same verse, such as Philippians 4:13 (written 61-62A.D.) (“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”).

Here are the hypothetical copies:

1. I can do all t#ings through Christ who gives me strength.

2. I can do all th#ngs through Christ who gives me strength.

3. I can do all thi#gs through Christ who gives me strength.

4. I can do all thin#s through Christ who gives me strength.

Is there any mystery what the original said? None whatsoever. By the process of comparing and cross-checking, the original New Testament can be reconstructed with great accuracy. And the reconstruction of the New Testament is easier than this, because there are far fewer errors in the actual New Testament manuscripts than are represented by this example. Let’s assume for a minute that the New Testament really is the Word of God. Skeptics may ask, “Well, if the New Testament really is the Word of God, then why didn’t God preserve the original?” We can only speculate here, but one possibility is because his Word might be better protected through copies than through original documents. How so? Because if the original were in someone’s possession, that person could change it. But if there are copies spread all over the ancient world, there’s no way one scribe or priest could alter the Word of God. As we have seen, the process of reconstruction allows variants and changes from copies to be identified and corrected rather easily. So, ironically, not having the originals may preserve God’s Word better than having them.

How Accurate Is the Reconstruction?

In order to address the issue of accuracy, we need to clear up misunderstandings many critics have concerning “errors” in the biblical manuscripts. Some have estimated there are about 200,000 errors in the New Testament manuscripts. First of all, these are not “errors” but variant readings, the vast majority of which are strictly grammatical (i.e., punctuation and spelling). Second, these readings are spread throughout nearly 5,700 manuscripts, so that a variant spelling of one letter of one word in one verse in 2,000 manuscripts is counted as 2,000 “errors.” Textual scholars Westcott and Hort estimated that only one in sixty of these variants has significance. This would leave a text 98.33 percent pure. Philip Schaff calculated that, of the 150,000 variants known in his day, only 400 changed the meaning of the passage, only fifty were of real significance, and not even one affected “an article of faith or a precept of duty which is not abundantly sustained by other and undoubted passages, or by the whole tenor of Scripture teaching.” No other ancient book is so well authenticated. The great New Testament scholar and Princeton professor Bruce Metzger estimated that the Mahabharata of Hinduism is copied with only about 90 percent accuracy and Homer’s Iliad with about 95 percent. By comparison, he estimated the New Testament is about 99.5 percent accurate. Again, the 0.5 percent in question does not affect a single doctrine of the Christian faith. Ancient manuscript authority Fredric Kenyon summed up well the status of the New Testament when he wrote: It cannot be too strongly asserted that in substance the text of the Bible is certain: Especially is this the case with the New Testament. The number of manuscripts of the New Testament, of early translations from it, and of quotations from it in the oldest writers of the Church, is so large that it is practically certain that the true reading of every doubtful passage is preserved in some one or other of these ancient authorities. This can be said of no other ancient book in the world (Geisler & Turek, 2004). So we know we have the same New Testament that was written down nearly 2,000 years ago. But the next question is even more important: Do we have an accurate copy of the truth—or a lie? In other words, is the New Testament historically reliable?

Apologetics

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Links above ^^^

Chapter 1 Apologetics and The Reliability of the Manuscripts