[I] HISTORICAL ANALAYSIS OF THE BIBLE

LOOKING AT THE NEW TESTAMENT EVIDENCE:LOOKING AT THE NEW TESTAMENT EVIDENCE:

[A][A] The Canon - 5 The Canon - 5 Criteria:Criteria:1)1) Was it authoritative?Was it authoritative?

– Did it come from God?Did it come from God?

– Did it have the seal of apostolic authority?Did it have the seal of apostolic authority?

2)2) Was the author confirmed by God?Was the author confirmed by God?

– Miracles or prophecy?Miracles or prophecy?

3)3) Was it truthful?Was it truthful?

– Contradictory?Contradictory?

– Rule-of-thumb: “if in doubt, throw it out”Rule-of-thumb: “if in doubt, throw it out”

4)4) Was it dynamic?Was it dynamic?

– Did it change lives?Did it change lives?

5)5) Was it used?Was it used?

– Was it read and collected by early Christians? Was it read and collected by early Christians?

(II Peter 3:16)?(II Peter 3:16)?

[B] MANUSCRIPT EVIDENCE[B] MANUSCRIPT EVIDENCE

(1) Manuscripts:

(2) Dating

(3) Eyewitness accounts:

(4) Hostile Accounts:

(5) Versions or Translations:

(6) Lectionaries:

(7) Early Church Father’s Letters:

(1) Manuscripts:(1) Manuscripts:

New Testament New Testament extantextant manuscripts manuscripts

5,300 Greek

10,000 Latin Vulgate

9,300 other early versions

+ 24,000 manuscript copies, or portions

230 MSS compiled before the 6th century!!

Papyrus Scrolls: Papyrus Scrolls: Popular upto 4Popular upto 4thth CenturyCentury

Sinaiticus:Sinaiticus: New TestamentNew Testament 44thth Century Century

Parchment & Vellum (Popular after 4th c.)

ALEXENDRINUSALEXENDRINUS

-Old & New Testament-Old & New Testament

-5-5thth Century Century

(2) Dating(2) Dating

Biblical Manuscripts: (note these are individual manuscripts)Magdalene Ms (Matthew 26) 1st century 50-60 AD co-existant(?)John Rylands (John-in Egypt) 90 AD 130 AD 40 yearsBodmer Papyrus II (John) 90 AD 150-200 AD 60-110 yearsChester Beatty Papyri (N.T.) 1st century 200 AD 150 yearsDiatessaron by Tatian (Gospels) 1st century 200 AD 150 yearsCodex Vaticanus (Bible) 1st century 375-350 AD 275-300 yearsCodex Sinaiticus (Bible) 1st century 350 AD 300 yearsCodex Alexandrinus (Bible) 1st century 400 AD 350 years

Author Date Written Earliest Copy Time Span Copies (extent)Secular Manuscripts:Herodotus (History) 480 ‑ 425 BC 900 AD 1,300 years 8Thucydides (History) 460 - 400 BC 900 AD 1,300 years ?Aristotle (Philosopher) 384 ‑ 322 BC 1,100 AD 1,400 years 5Caesar (History) 100 ‑ 44 BC 900 AD 1,000 years 10Pliny (History) 61 ‑ 113 AD 850 AD 750 years 7Suetonius (Roman History) 70 - 140 AD 950 AD 800 years ?Tacitus (Roman History) 100 AD 1,100 AD 1,000 years 20

(3) Eyewitness accounts: Internal Corroboration

(3) Eyewitness accounts: Internal Corroboration

Luke 1:1-3(Disciples)

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

Acts 2:22(Jews)

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

Acts 26:24-26(Secular Auth.)

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

(4) Hostile Accounts:External Corroboration

(4) Hostile Accounts:External Corroboration

1) Thallus: a Greek historian

2) Tacitus: a Roman historian

3) Josephus: a Jewish historian

4) Suetonius: a Greek historian

5) Pliny the Younger: a Roman author and administrator

52 AD, (debating Phlegan) mentions crucifixion, day suddenly turned dark, and earth trembled

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

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

Expulsion from Rome of followers of Crestus,

by emperor Claudius, (Acts 18:2)

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

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

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

LatinLatin

SyriacSyriac

CopticCoptic

ArmenianArmenian

GothicGothic

GeorgianGeorgian

EthiopicEthiopic

Nubian

150 AD -> (over 10,000 examples)

150-250 AD -> (350 examples)

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

400 AD -> (2,587 examples)

4th century -> (6 examples)

5th century -> (4,101 examples)

6th century -> (2,000 examples)

6th century ->

(6) Lectionaries:(6) Lectionaries:

2,135 lectionaries2,135 lectionaries6th century6th century

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

Clement of AlexandriaClement of Alexandria 2,406 quotes

TertullianTertullian 7,258 quotes

Justin MartyrJustin Martyr 330 quotes

IrenaeusIrenaeus 1,819 quotes

OrigenOrigen 17,922 quotes

HippolytusHippolytus 1,378 quotes

EusebiusEusebius 5,176 quotes

36,289 quotes36,289 quotes

Dr. Jean Burgon: 86,489 quotesSir David Dalrymple: 36,289 quotesSir David Dalrymple: 36,289 quotes

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

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

PEOPLE:PEOPLE:

-50 Old Testament people-50 Old Testament people

-27 New Testament people-27 New Testament people

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

Old TestamentOld Testament authority:authority:

Looking at Architecture: From the British Looking at Architecture: From the British Museum…Museum… Flood Tablet Flood Tablet

Epic of CreationEpic of Creation

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

Harps from UrHarps from Ur

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

Armana tablets:Armana tablets:

Ebla tablets:Ebla tablets:

Mari tablets:Mari tablets:

Nuzi tablets:Nuzi tablets:

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

Case Laws, Customs, and Judicial Proceedings

Apiru or Habiru first found = Genesis 14:13

(Deuteronomy 22:22-30) Sodom and Gomorrah

Arriyuk, or Arioch found in Genesis 14

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

Neo Hittite FiguresNeo Hittite Figures

Assyrian Architecture:Assyrian Architecture:

Jehu ObeliskJehu Obelisk (841 BC)(841 BC)

((2 Kings 9 & 10 – Elisha & Ahab)

Tiglath Pileser IIITiglath Pileser III

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

& 1st Chronicles 5:26 – ‘PUL’)

Sargon IISargon II (left - (left - 722-701BC)

(2 kings 17:6, 24)

& & SennacharibSennacharib (right -704-681BC)

LachishLachish

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

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

single arrow at Jerusalem.

‘‘Tirhakah’ Tirhakah’ (or ‘Taharkah’)(or ‘Taharkah’)

((2 Kings 19:9, and Isaiah 37:9)

Sennacharib cont.Sennacharib cont.

‘‘Tirhakah’ Tirhakah’ statuestatue

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

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

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

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

Drum – (539 B.C.)Drum – (539 B.C.)

Prayer for Prayer for BalshazzerBalshazzer

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

NabonidusNabonidus Tablet Tablet

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

CyrusCyrus CylindarCylindar

ArtaxerxesArtaxerxes Silverware Silverware

ACCURACY OF

THE OLD TESTAMENTAND

THE NEW TESSTAMENT

Paul & Luke’s accuracy:Paul & Luke’s accuracy:

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

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

-19 inscriptions use it, 5 in Thessalonica

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

-Romans used Praetor earlier

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

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

What the Archaeologists sayWhat the Archaeologists say

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[III] FURTHER

EVIDENCES

FOR THE

BIBLE'S

AUTHORITY

[III] FURTHER

EVIDENCES

FOR THE

BIBLE'S

AUTHORITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[3] Its amazing Circulation:[3] Its amazing Circulation:-+2,400 translations in 260 languages, 1,167 ongoing transls.-700 million Scripture portions-over 14 million Bibles, nearly 13 million New Testaments-in over 100 countries, now 93% of pop. have it in their tongue!

[4] Its Appeal to all Classes everywhere:[4] Its Appeal to all Classes everywhere:

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

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

[5] Its Wisdom and high Moral Teaching:

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

Gives Gives PatternsPatterns copied by the world copied by the world (even non‑Christian): (even non‑Christian): – via via colonialismcolonialism (i.e. Hindu India, (i.e. Hindu India,

Muslim Senegal)Muslim Senegal)– via via adoptionadoption (Shinto Japan, laws based (Shinto Japan, laws based

on U.S. Constitution, modelled on on U.S. Constitution, modelled on Bible)Bible)

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

‘underground railway’= US, Sierra Leone = Africa vs. Sura 4:24‘underground railway’= US, Sierra Leone = Africa vs. Sura 4:24 ‑ ‑ Art.5: no cruel, degrading Art.5: no cruel, degrading punishmentpunishment:: Bible forbids it (Matt.5:39; Bible forbids it (Matt.5:39;

26:5226:52; ; Lk.6:27‑28Lk.6:27‑28; 1Cor.13); 1Cor.13) Qur’an allows it Qur’an allows it (amputations S.5:38, floggings S.24:2, stoning S.24:2 (footnote) (amputations S.5:38, floggings S.24:2, stoning S.24:2 (footnote)

= = HududHudud)) ‑ ‑ Arts.7,8,10: Arts.7,8,10: equalityequality:: Bible encourages it (Gal.3:28) while Qur’an Bible encourages it (Gal.3:28) while Qur’an

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

Qur’an = no Qur’an = no KufrKufr husband, must convert first to Islam; inequality Sura husband, must convert first to Islam; inequality Sura 4:3,11,34; 2:230,2824:3,11,34; 2:230,282

‑ ‑ Art.18: Freedom of Art.18: Freedom of thoughtthought and and religionreligion (to change): (to change): Bible allows Bible allows choice choice (Jn.3:16; Rom.10:9‑15)(Jn.3:16; Rom.10:9‑15)

‑ ‑ Qur’an=fight unbelievers (S.8:39=fight them; 9:5=slay pagans, Qur’an=fight unbelievers (S.8:39=fight them; 9:5=slay pagans, 29=fight; 29=fight; 47:4=smite, subdue, bind)47:4=smite, subdue, bind)

‑ ‑ Art.19: Freedom of Art.19: Freedom of opinionopinion & & expressionexpression:: Bible (no censorship, only Bible (no censorship, only must not must not change scripture Rev.22:18‑19)change scripture Rev.22:18‑19)

‑ ‑ Qur’an (no criticism of the Qur’an, Muhammad; i.e. Pakistan’s .= Qur’an (no criticism of the Qur’an, Muhammad; i.e. Pakistan’s .= Sect.295‑C Sect.295‑C Blasphemy law)Blasphemy law)

‑ ‑ Art.21: Art.21: EqualEqual accessaccess /will of people basis of authority /will of people basis of authority .= .=DemocracyDemocracy: : Bible Bible (separation of Church/state, Rom.13:1‑7)(separation of Church/state, Rom.13:1‑7)

‑ ‑ Qur’an=Caliph, Ulema, Shari’ah =authority, non‑Muslim may not Qur’an=Caliph, Ulema, Shari’ah =authority, non‑Muslim may not rule, or rule, or participate in high office, participate in high office, MawlaMawla

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

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

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

FewFew Muslim Muslim countriescountries useuse strict strict Shari’ah lawsShari’ah laws, , even when in absolute control; must revert even when in absolute control; must revert back to Biblical principles.back to Biblical principles.

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

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

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

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

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

ANSWERING THE ANSWERING THE CRITICSCRITICS

•What about the many What about the many numerical discrepancies numerical discrepancies in the Old Testament?in the Old Testament?•Was Jehoiachin 18 years old (2 Kings 24:8) or 8 Was Jehoiachin 18 years old (2 Kings 24:8) or 8 years old (2 Chronicles 36:9) when he became king years old (2 Chronicles 36:9) when he became king of Jerusalem? of Jerusalem? •Did David capture 1,700 of King Zobah’s horsemen Did David capture 1,700 of King Zobah’s horsemen (2 Samuel 8:4), or was it 7,000 (1 Chronicles 18:4)(2 Samuel 8:4), or was it 7,000 (1 Chronicles 18:4)•Did Solomon have 40,000 stalls for his horses (1 Did Solomon have 40,000 stalls for his horses (1 Kings 4:26), or 4,000 stalls (2 Chronicles 9:25)?Kings 4:26), or 4,000 stalls (2 Chronicles 9:25)?•Did Solomon build a facility containing 2,000 baths Did Solomon build a facility containing 2,000 baths (1 Kings 7:26), or over 3,000 baths (2 Chronicles (1 Kings 7:26), or over 3,000 baths (2 Chronicles 4:5)?4:5)?

•Answer: copyist errorsAnswer: copyist errors

THE QUR’AN GIVES AUTHORITY TO THE THE QUR’AN GIVES AUTHORITY TO THE BIBLEBIBLE

10:9410:94 MuslimsMuslims, if in , if in doubtdoubt askask those who read the book before those who read the book before thee.thee.

21:721:7 apostlesapostles were were inspiredinspired, so , so Ask themAsk them: they possess the : they possess the message.message.

29:4629:46 don’t disputedon’t dispute with with ChristiansChristians, , believebelieve in their in their scripturesscriptures

4:1364:136 admonishing the admonishing the MuslimsMuslims to to BelieveBelieve in preceding scriptures. in preceding scriptures.

5:46-475:46-47 ChristiansChristians must must believebelieve in their scriptures & in their scriptures & judgejudge by by them.them.

5:685:68 ChristiansChristians must must stand faststand fast by the Gospel. by the Gospel.

2:1362:136 no differenceno difference between Taurat, Injil & the Qur'an between Taurat, Injil & the Qur'an

Qur'an endorses the Qur'an endorses the TorahTorah and the Gospel and the Gospel. . Why is there is no warning?Why is there is no warning?

  

GOD DOES NOT CHANGE HIS WORDGOD DOES NOT CHANGE HIS WORD (found in both the Qur’an and the Bible(found in both the Qur’an and the Bible

Qur’an: Qur’an:

10:6410:64 = =“No change can there be in the words of Allah.”“No change can there be in the words of Allah.”

6:34:6:34: “There is none that can alter the words of Allah,”“There is none that can alter the words of Allah,” (see also Suras (see also Suras 3:2,78; 4:135; 18:26; 35:42; 3:2,78; 4:135; 18:26; 35:42; 50:28,2950:28,29))

BibleBible::

Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 5:17-18; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 5:17-18; 24:35; Revelation 22:18-20.24:35; Revelation 22:18-20.

-A recurring theme, so why would the Bible be different?-A recurring theme, so why would the Bible be different?

-The argument of corruption began with Ibn Hazam -The argument of corruption began with Ibn Hazam (1064), so a much later polemic.(1064), so a much later polemic.

The Qur’an gives warning of corruptionThe Qur’an gives warning of corruption

2:78-79 2:78-79 ““And there are among them (Jews) And there are among them (Jews) unlettered peopleunlettered people, who , who know not know not the Bookthe Book, but , but they trust upon false desires and they trust upon false desires and they but guessthey but guess. . Then woe to those who Then woe to those who write the Book with their write the Book with their own hands own hands and then say, ‘This is from Allah’…and then say, ‘This is from Allah’…Woe to them for what their hands have writtenWoe to them for what their hands have written””

2:1402:140 says (of the Jews), “says (of the Jews), “...who is more unjust ...who is more unjust than those who than those who conceal the testimonyconceal the testimony they have they have from Allah...?”from Allah...?”

These are not a challenge of corruption, These are not a challenge of corruption, but a warning against sectarian & but a warning against sectarian & apocryphal literature, and a ringing apocryphal literature, and a ringing endorsement to the Bible’s credibility!endorsement to the Bible’s credibility!

THE GOSPEL OF BARNABASTHE GOSPEL OF BARNABASProblems:Problems:

1)1) 11stst MS discovered in Papal library in MS discovered in Papal library in 1590 AD1590 AD, in , in ItalianItalian, written , written around 1400-1500 ADaround 1400-1500 AD

2)2) BarnabasBarnabas assumes he is one of the assumes he is one of the 12 apostles12 apostles instead of Thomas, instead of Thomas, favoured by Jesus (#'s 19,25,72, 83,88,100,101,109,218,219,favoured by Jesus (#'s 19,25,72, 83,88,100,101,109,218,219,221221))

3)3) Calls Jesus ‘Calls Jesus ‘Christo’Christo’, but , but deniesdenies he is the he is the MessiahMessiah, forgetting Christ , forgetting Christ means the Messiah (in Hebrew) (#s 42 and 96)means the Messiah (in Hebrew) (#s 42 and 96)

4)4) Jesus is born in Jesus is born in #3#3 outsideoutside Bethlehem, Bethlehem, #4 inside#4 inside, , #5 outside#5 outside, , #6 #6 inside, #7 outsideinside, #7 outside: 5 contradictions in 5 paragraphs: 5 contradictions in 5 paragraphs

5)5) In #42 & 97 Jesus wears In #42 & 97 Jesus wears shoesshoes, the kind invented for 15, the kind invented for 15thth c. Italian c. Italian cold climates, unknown in Palestine in the 1st century.cold climates, unknown in Palestine in the 1st century.

6)6) In #152, In #152, wine barrelswine barrels are mentioned, but were invented quite a bit are mentioned, but were invented quite a bit later (around the 10later (around the 10thth cent.), not in Palestine, but in Europe. cent.), not in Palestine, but in Europe.

7)7) In #82 refers to “In #82 refers to “Jubilee of 100 yearsJubilee of 100 years”, but Lev.25:8-34 = ”, but Lev.25:8-34 = 50 years50 years, , only in 1343 AD, only in 1343 AD, pope Boniface VIIIpope Boniface VIII made jubilee of 100 years. This was made jubilee of 100 years. This was later returned to the original time allotment of 50 years by Clement VI.later returned to the original time allotment of 50 years by Clement VI.

8)8) In #20-21, Jesus traverses the In #20-21, Jesus traverses the Sea of GalileeSea of Galilee & disembarks at & disembarks at NazarethNazareth, and then walks up to , and then walks up to CapernaumCapernaum. In reality, Nazareth is found in . In reality, Nazareth is found in the mountains, more than 25 kilometres from the Sea, and it is Capernaum the mountains, more than 25 kilometres from the Sea, and it is Capernaum which is next to the Sea.which is next to the Sea.

Not Versions, but different Not Versions, but different TranslationsTranslations::1.1. RSV was written in standard English and is the RSV was written in standard English and is the traditional favourite for many traditional denominations. traditional favourite for many traditional denominations.

2.2. NIV: A newer, modern and increasingly popular NIV: A newer, modern and increasingly popular English translation.English translation.

3.3. NASB: keeps to the exact meaning of the original NASB: keeps to the exact meaning of the original text, word-for-word from the Hebrew and Greek. text, word-for-word from the Hebrew and Greek.

4.4. J.B.J.B.Phillips written in story-book fashionPhillips written in story-book fashion

5.5. Good News for Modern Man uses only a 5,000 word Good News for Modern Man uses only a 5,000 word vocabulary, to help new English speakers.vocabulary, to help new English speakers.

Qur’anic Translations: Qur’anic Translations:

Yusuf Yusuf AliAli; Marmaduke ; Marmaduke PickthallPickthall; Arthur ; Arthur ArberryArberry; ; Muhammad al-Muhammad al-HilaliHilali & & KhanKhan; ; M.A.S. M.A.S. Abdel-HaleemAbdel-Haleem

WHY ARE THERE MULTIPLE VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE?

HOW CAN GOD’S WORD INCLUDE PORNOGRAPHY, HOW CAN GOD’S WORD INCLUDE PORNOGRAPHY, BAD LANGUAGE AND BAD PEOPLE?BAD LANGUAGE AND BAD PEOPLE?

-Judah’s incest with -Judah’s incest with TamarTamar (Genesis 38), or David's sin with (Genesis 38), or David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), yet it is also found in Sura 38:25-26Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), yet it is also found in Sura 38:25-26

-Bible teaches that -Bible teaches that all people are sinfulall people are sinful, and that their sins incur , and that their sins incur damning consequences, which therefore needs forgiveness. damning consequences, which therefore needs forgiveness.

-Bible doesn’t condone sin, nor praise for dirty actions, but proclaims -Bible doesn’t condone sin, nor praise for dirty actions, but proclaims God’s impending judgementGod’s impending judgement (II Sam. 11:26; 27-12:1-19).(II Sam. 11:26; 27-12:1-19).

-Bible, indeed, uses human language to communicate God's -Bible, indeed, uses human language to communicate God's revelation to humanity, making it revelation to humanity, making it more understandable & more understandable & relevantrelevant..

-By including the bad actions of ‘Men of God’ the Bible proves it was -By including the bad actions of ‘Men of God’ the Bible proves it was not sanitized, or corruptednot sanitized, or corrupted, as in Muhammad’s Sira., as in Muhammad’s Sira.

-Bible includes -Bible includes failed peoplefailed people, showing us that it is , showing us that it is GodGod who must be who must be given the creditgiven the credit for the great things they do!for the great things they do!

Tamar = Tamar = committed incestcommitted incest

RahabRahab = prostitute = prostitute

RuthRuth = gentile = gentile

BathshebaBathsheba = adulteress = adulteress

If God used them, then he can use ME!If God used them, then he can use ME!

THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE WERE CHOSEN WISELYTHE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE WERE CHOSEN WISELYTHE MANUSCRIPTS ARE AUTHORITATIVETHE MANUSCRIPTS ARE AUTHORITATIVETHE EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS ARE BELIEVABLETHE EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS ARE BELIEVABLETHE HOSTILE ACCOUNTS ARE SUPPORTIVETHE HOSTILE ACCOUNTS ARE SUPPORTIVETHE VERSIONS AND TRANSLATIONS ARE NUMEROUSTHE VERSIONS AND TRANSLATIONS ARE NUMEROUSTHE LECTIONARIES ARE CORROBORATIVETHE LECTIONARIES ARE CORROBORATIVETHE EARLY CHURCH FATHER’S QUOTES PROVE CREDIBLETHE EARLY CHURCH FATHER’S QUOTES PROVE CREDIBLETHE OLD TESTAMENT DOCUMENTS PROVE HISTORICALTHE OLD TESTAMENT DOCUMENTS PROVE HISTORICALTHE NEW TESTAMENT DOCUMENTS ARE UNSURPASSEDTHE NEW TESTAMENT DOCUMENTS ARE UNSURPASSEDTHE ARCHAEOLOGISTS ALL AGREETHE ARCHAEOLOGISTS ALL AGREETHE BIBLE HAS FULFILLED PROPHECIESTHE BIBLE HAS FULFILLED PROPHECIESTHE BIBLE HAS EXTRAORDINARY UNITY AND HARMONYTHE BIBLE HAS EXTRAORDINARY UNITY AND HARMONYTHE BIBLE HAS AMAZING CIRCULATIONTHE BIBLE HAS AMAZING CIRCULATIONTHE BIBLE APPEALS TO CLASSES EVERYWHERETHE BIBLE APPEALS TO CLASSES EVERYWHERETHE BIBLE HAS WISDOM AND HIGH MORAL TEACHINGTHE BIBLE HAS WISDOM AND HIGH MORAL TEACHINGTHE BIBLE ANSWERS THE CRITIQUESTHE BIBLE ANSWERS THE CRITIQUES

THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES!!!!THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES!!!!

Conclusion:Conclusion:

[II Timothy 3:16]

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

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

equipped for every good work.

[II Timothy 3:16]

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

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

equipped for every good work.