How to Study the Bible PDF Free Download
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HowtoStudytheBible
Why:
I. PerspectiveontheWord. ............... ........ 3
2. PersonoftheWord . .........................15
3. PurposeoftheWord. .........................25
4. PurityoftheWord. .......................... 35
5. PermanenceoftheWord ........... ............43
6. ProofsfortheWord ......................... .50
How:
7. PrerequisitesforStudyingtheWord. ................ 83
8. PrinciplesforInterpretingtheWord . ................ 90
9. PracticalStepsforStudyingtheWord. ...............119
Appendix
ImportantNewTestamentDates.......... .. . . ....... .131
ManuscriptEvidence............................ 133
TheDeadSeaScrolls:ContentofElevenCaves............ 140
TheKJVTranslationControversy.................... 141
DatesoftheNewTestamentDocuments...... ......... . . 147
BiblicalTimeline....................... ....... 148
NewTestamenttoOldTestamentEvents................ 159
TheErroroftheDocumentaryHypothesis ............... 160
PostmodernismandtheWord ... . ......... .........172
FurtherResources:OnlineDegreeOpportunities.......... . 179
1
INTRODUCTION
In beginning this study of the Bible, I have chosen two verses to use as overall texts.
Many could have been chosen – but I have chosen onefromtheOld and onefromthe
NewTestament,asbroadcanopiesforthisstudy.Joshua1:8fromtheOldTestament:
“DonotletthisBookoftheLawdepartfromyourmouth;meditateonitday
andnight,sothatyoumaybecarefultodoeverythingwritteninit.Thenyou
willbeprosperousandsuccessful”(Josh.1:8NIV).
Of the over 16,000 Greek and Hebrew words used in the Bible, the Hebrew word for
“success”isusedonlyonce–thatbeingintheabovequotedverse.Sohereistheone
place where God offers us a guarantee of success! But the conditions on our side are
plainlysetforth.
1. StudyingandstoringupGod'sWordinourminds: “DonotletthisBookofthe
Lawdepart('move'or'beremoved')fromyourmouth...”
2. Itshallbecomethefixedpointofourthoughtandmeditation:“...meditateonitday
andnight…”
3. Knowledge must lead to obedience: “...so that you may be careful to do
everythingwritteninit...”
After these conditions are met God says: “…Then you will be prosperous and
successful.” Inaworldthatisobsessedwithsuccessand“formulasforsuccess”–here
is“God’sguaranteedprogramofsuccess!” Mostofman'splansandprogramsofsuccess
do not work or are only temporarily successful at best. Here is God's programthat is
proven withtime–andisascertainandabsoluteasHeis! Tragically,mostpeopleare
either ignorant of it – or, are not willing to meet the conditions that God has laid down.
Thisstudyisdesignedtochallengepeopleto“findsuccessandprosperityGod’sway!”
TheNewTestamenttextisIITimothy2:15:
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be
ashamed,rightlydividingthewordoftruth”(KingJamesVersion).
“Do your best to present yourself toGod as oneapproved, aworkmanwho
does not need to be ashamed and who correctlyhandles theword of truth”
(NewInternationalVersion).
2
Not only will most people –evenmostChristians–not find prosperity andsuccess, but
most will stand unapproved and ashamed one day before God because of their lack of
diligent study, and corresponding sloppy and incorrect handling of God's Word! Every
great heresy in the history of the Christian church has been started by someone
mishandlingandincorrectlyinterpretingGod’sWord. Jesussaidthat“...scripturecannot
be broken”(John 10:35) – but Peter said that it could be twisted (II Peter 3:16)! That
realizationbringsustooneoftheratherdisturbingprinciplesofthisstudy:
PROBLEMATICPRINCIPLE: “Becauseoflazinessandignorance,theloversoftheBible
have done – and continue to do – more harm than the
hatersoftheBible!”
TheBibleis,therefore,themostquotedandmisquotedbookintheworld. Itismyprayer
thatthisbookwillnotproduceguilt,butrathermotivationandpracticalskillstohelpGod's
people get into, understand and apply His Word to their lives. Then and only then will
they be able to enter into the experience of what Jesus said: “and youwill knowthe
truth,andthetruthwillmakeyoufree”(John8:32).
J.L.Williams“TheBibleisthemostrealisticbookever
written. ItnotonlydescribesGodasHe
reallyis,butusaswereallyare.”
PaulLittle
3
PartOne
PERSPECTIVEONTHEWORD
In any study of the Bible, there are many terms and concepts with whichoneneedsto
becomefamiliar.Hereareafewofthebasicones.
1. Bible: The word “Bible” comes from the Greek word
“biblia”(plural)or“biblos”(singular),meaningbook. Biblos
comes from “byblos” –in ancient times papyrus was
used in making paper from which books were made.
The papyrus reed grew in Egypt and Syria, and large
shipmentsofpapyrusweresentthroughtheSyrianportof
Byblos. TheGreekwordforbooks–biblos–probablycomesfromthenameofthis
port.
The word is used in Daniel 9:2 for the Scriptures. By about the 5th century, the
GreekChurchFathersappliedtheterm“biblia”tothewholeofChristianScriptures.
ItlaterpassedtotheWesternChurchandthenintoallChristendom.
2. Throughout this study I will be using abbreviations for certain translations of the
Bible,andwillabbreviate“OldTestament”toO.T.and“NewTestament”toN.T.
KJV= KingJamesVersion
RSV= RevisedStandardVersion
NASB= NewAmericanStandardBible
NIV= NewInternationalVersion
3. OldandNewTestaments:TheBibleisdividedinto“Old”and“NewTestaments”.
These terms have been usedsincethecloseof the2
nd centurytodistinguishthe
JewishandChristianScriptures. “Testament”isusedintheKJVNewTestamentto
rendertheGreekword“diatheka”(Latin: “testamentum”)whichmeant“awill”.But
intheSeptuagint(seepage5,number6A)–itwasusedtotranslatetheHebrew
word “berith” meaning “a covenant”. Strictly speaking,“Old” and “New
Testament”means“Old”and“NewCovenant”.
4. The Old Testament was originally written on scrolls or rolls.
These were made by gluing sheets of papyrus (made from the
papyrus plant) together and then winding these long strips
around a stick. In order to make reading easier, the codex or
book form was created in the 2nd century. This method is like
ours today, making it possible to use both sides of the paper.
Christianity then, and its need of Scriptures, was the prime
reason for the creation of the codex or book method of
4
binding.You can quickly see the necessity of the codex form of writing and
bindingforChristianScriptureswhenyourealizethattheGospelofMatthewtooka
scrollabout30feetlong!
5. ChaptersandVerses:TheBibleismadeupof1189chaptersand773,746words.
TheOldTestamenthas929chaptersandtheNewTestamenthas260chapters.It
ishardforustothinkoftheBiblewithoutreferencetochapterandverse. Yetthe
originalScriptureshadnosuch divisions.Forexample,thefirstfivebooksof
theOldTestament(GenesistoDeuteronomy–thePentateuch)compriseonescroll
and are thus referred to as The Book of Moses. Until A.D. 1200 no copies of
Scripturehadthesedivisions. Thebeginningofthispracticeofdivisionistracedto
Cardinal Lugo, who was the first to divide the Old Testament into chapters to go
along with a concordance he prepared. Stephen Langton, Archbishop of
Canterbury,whodiedin1228,madethechapterdivisionsweusetoday. TheNew
Testament was similarly divided by Hugo de St. Cher about 1240. The further
divisionoftheOldTestamentchaptersintoversescameabout300yearslaterby
RabbiMordecaiNathaninordertoaidthestudyoftheHebrewBible. Thedivision
oftheNewTestamentintoitspresentversesisfoundforthefirsttimeinanedition
of the Greek New Testament published in 1551 by the Paris printer, Robert
Stephens. ThedivisionoftheOldTestamentwasadoptedbyRobertStephensin
his edition of the Vulgate Version in 1555 and transferred to the KJV in 1611.
Stephens supplied the verse divisions for the New Testament which were
transferredtothefirstEnglishversioninGenevain1560.
Problem: Thoughthisdivisionintochaptersandversesmayonthesurfaceappear
to be helpful – it has serious drawbacks! Sometimescarelessness characterizes
the chapter divisions. Many times thought patterns are broken – thus making it
difficult to grasp the writer’s message. A couple of the many examples are as
follows:
A. AfalsedivisionoccursinGenesis1and2betweenthesixworkingdaysand
theSeventhDayofRest;
B. Theformationofchapter9ofIsaiahfromtwoincongruouspropheciesmakes
thesesectionsdifficulttounderstand.Abetterdivisionshouldhavebeento
beginthenewchapteratverse8ofchapter9;
C. The two books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles were originally one book
eachwithnochapterandversedivisions. Nowtheseparationofthemtends
todestroythenaturalconnectionandflowbetweenthem.
A real danger exists in studying the Bibleby chapter divisions! Youtendtodeal
with each chapter as a separate entity rather than as a part of a greater whole.
(Note:ThereareseveralBiblesonthemarketnowthathavebeenprintedwithout
chapter and verse divisions, so they can be read and studied as a flowing
5
narrative. TheseareagoodinvestmentforanyseriousBiblestudent. Fornewor
young students of the Bible, The Message by Eugene Peterson is a good
beginningstudy.)
6. EarlyTranslationsoftheBible:
A. TheSeptuagint(LXX or 70): The first and most important of the ancient
translationsoftheHebrewO.T.intoGreek.Itprobablyoriginatedoutofa
needbyAlexandrianJews.TheynolongerspokeHebrewandneededthe
Scriptures in their mother tongue of Greek. It has the name LXX for 70
because the first five books (Genesis to Deuteronomy) supposedly were
translatedby72men–sixfromeachofthe12tribes. Therefore,theyare
called“theseventy.” ItwaspickedupbyChristiansastheirBible,andfor
thatreasonlargelydroppedbytheJewsabout100A.D.–andsoitbecame
primarily a Christian book. Theoldestcopiesof theLXXcame fromthree
greatGreekmanuscriptsoftheBiblefromthe4
th and5
th centuriesA.D.:
(1)CodexSinaiticus:(350A.D.) Thismanuscriptcontainsalmostallof
the N.T. (except Mark 16:920; John 7:538:11) and over half of the
O.T. It was discovered in a wastebasket in the Mount Sinai (thus
“Sinaiticus”)Monasteryin1844,andishousedintheBritishMuseum.
(2)CodexVaticanus: (325350A.D.) HousedintheVaticanLibrary,it
containsalmostalloftheBible–andisoneofthemostvaluableand
importantGreektranslations.
(3)CodexAlexandrinus: (400A.D.)Italsocontainsalmosttheentire
Bible. Many scholars believe that it was written in Egypt. It is
likewisehousedintheBritishMuseum.
B. TheBiblewasalsosoontranslatedintootherlanguages,fromtheoriginal
Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. These translated versions give us other
importanttoolsofcomparativeBiblicalstudy.
SyriacVersion
Coptic(Egyptian)Version
LatinVersion(Vulgate)
Armenian
SomeBasicFacts:
1. It should clearly be noted thatthe Bible does claim to be the “Word of God”.
Over2,000timesintheOldTestamentalonethephrase“ThussaystheLord...”
or its equivalent occurs. In the New Testament, the Old Testament is usually
referred to as “the Scriptures” (Matt. 21:42; 22:29; Lk. 24:32; Jn. 5:39; Acts
6
18:24). Other terms used are “Scripture” (Acts 8:32; Gal. 3:22), “the Holy
Scriptures”(Rom.1:2;IITim.3:150,and“sacredwritings”(IITim.3:15).
2. TheBiblewaswrittenoveranapproximate1600yearperiod–or60generations.
3. It was written by over 40 authors from every walk of life: kings, peasants,
philosophers,fishermen,poets,statesmen,scholars,etc.:
Moses......................................................PoliticalLeader
Peter........................................................Fisherman
Amos.......................................................Herdsman
Joshua.....................................................MilitaryGeneral
Nehemiah................................................Cupbearer
Daniel......................................................PrimeMinister
Luke.........................................................Doctor
Solomon...................................................King
Matthew...................................................TaxCollector
Paul..........................................................Rabbi
4. Itwaswrittenindifferentplaces:
Moses......................................................Wilderness
Jeremiah..................................................Dungeon
Daniel......................................................HillsideandPalace
Paul.........................................................InPrison
Luke.........................................................Traveling
John.........................................................Banishment
5. Itwaswrittenunderdifferentcircumstances:
David.......................................................TimesofWar
Solomon..................................................TimesofPeace
6. Itwaswrittenunderdifferentmoods:
Philippians...............................................Joy
Jeremiah..................................................Sorrow
7. Itwaswrittenonthreedifferentcontinents:
Asia
Africa
Europe
7
8. Itwaswritteninthreelanguages:
Hebrew: The language of the Israelites in Canaan before their Babylonian
captivity. Aftertheir“return”thisgavewaytoarelateddialectspoken
inthearea–Aramaic. ItshouldalsobenotedthattheHebrewtextof
the Bible consisted only of consonants since the Hebrew alphabet
has no written vowels. The vowel signs were invented and added
laterbytheJewishMasoreticscholarsinthe6thcenturyandlater;
Aramaic: (Ezra4:87:18;7:1226;Jer.10:11;Dan.2:47;28);
Greek: ExceptforafewwordsandsentencestheentireNewTestamentwas
writteninKoineGreek,thecommonlanguageoftheHellenisticworld
oftheday.
9. TheOldTestamentcanconvenientlybedividedinto:
A. TheLaw
B. TheProphets Composing39booksand929chapters
C. TheWritings
10. The Old Testament begins with God. The New Testament begins with Jesus
Christ. From Adam to Abraham we have the story of the human race – from
AbrahamtoChristwehavethehistoryofthechosenrace,orIsrael. FromChrist
on we have the history of the church or the New Israel. The Old Testament is
primarilytheaccountofanation–andtheNewTestamentistheaccountofaman
–Jesus!
11. Biblehistorytakesusbackintotheunknownofeternitypast–whilemuchofBible
prophecy takes us into the unknown of eternity future. Genesis,the first bookof
theBible,isabookofbeginnings–andRevelation,thelastbookoftheBible,isa
bookofendings!
12. And, the subject matter of all the books between Genesis and Revelation covers
practically every known controversial subject – but they do so with harmony,
continuityandlackofcontradictionwhenproperlyinterpretedandunderstood!
Conclusions
The conclusion to which any unbiased reader is driven is that theBible literally has no
peer. TwoscholarssummarizedtheBible’suniquenessthisway:
“Comprisedasitisof66books,writtenoveraperiodofsomefifteenhundredyearsby
nearlyfortyauthorsinseverallanguagescontaininghundredsoftopics,itismorethan
accidental that the Bible possesses an amazing unity of theme – Jesus Christ. One
8
problem, sin – and one solution, the Savior – unify its pages from Genesis to
Revelation.”1
As J.B. Phillips put it, “The New Testament given a fair hearing does not need me or
anyone else to defend it. It has the proper ringfor anyone whohas notlost his ear for
truth.”2
Rousseaujustlyremarked:“Itismoreinconceivablethatseveralmenshouldhaveunited
toforgetheGospelthanthatasinglepersonshouldhavefurnishedthesubjectofit. The
Gospelhasmarksoftruthsogreat,sostriking,soperfectlyinimitable,thattheinventorof
itwouldbemoreastonishingthanthehero.”3
C.S. Lewis said this of the Bible: “If anymessage from thecore ofrealityever wereto
reach us, we should expect to find in it just that unexpectedness, that willful, dramatic
intricacy which we find in the Christian faith. It has the Master touch – the rough, male
tasteofreality,notmadebyus,orindeed,forus,buthittingusintheface.”4
It is just that “ring of truth” or “sound ofreality”thatconvinced Tatian(c. 110172), who
becameaChristianapologist,tosay; “Ihappenedtomeet withcertainbarbaricwritings,
too old to be compared with the opinions of the Greeks, and too divine tobe compared
with their errors; and I was led to put faith in these by the unpretending cast of the
language, the inartificial character of the writers, the foreknowledge displayed of future
events,theexcellentqualityoftheprecepts,andthedeclarationofthegovernmentofthe
universeasbeingcenteredinoneBeing.”5
LewisS.Chafer,thefounderandformerpresidentofDallasTheologicalSeminary,putit
thisway:“TheBibleisnotsuchabookamanwouldwriteifhecould,orcouldwriteifhe
would.”
The apologist Josh McDowell saidthisoftheBibleincontrasttootherpopularwritings:
“TheBibledealsveryfranklywiththesinsofitscharacters. Readthebiographiestoday,
andseehowtheytrytocoverup,overlook,orignoretheshadysideofpeople. Takethe
greatliterarygeniuses;mostarepaintedassaints. TheBibledoesnotdoitthatway. It
simplytellsitlikeitis.”6
Finally,Iwillconcludethissectionwithaveryhumorous–buttrue–statementbyMartin
LutherconcerningtheBible: “Totrytocompareourwisdom,insightandunderstandings
toGod’srevelationinscriptureislikeadonkeysingingaduetwithanightingale.”
1 NormalL.GeislerandWilliamE.Nix,FromGodtoUs:HowWeGotOurBible. QuotedbyWally Kroeker’sin“HowWeGotTheBible,”
MoodyMonthly,April1975,p.27.
2 J.B.Phillips,TheRingofTruth,NewYork:TheMacmillanCo.,1967,p.20.
3 J.N.D.Anderson,Christianity:TheWitnessofHistory,London:TheTyndalePress,1969,p.35.
4 ClydeS.Kilby,ed. AMindAwake,AnAnthologyofC.S.Lewis,NewYork:Harcourt,Brace,andWorld,Inc.,1968,p.49.
5 WilliamBarclay,TheMakingoftheBible,“TatiansAddresstotheGreeks29”,NewYork:AbingdonPress,1965,p.41.
6 JoshMcDowell,MoreEvidencethatDemandsaVerdict,Vol.1,ArrowheadSprings,CA:CampusCrusadeforChrist,Inc.,1972,p.25.
9
ABRIEFOVERVIEWOFTHENEWTESTAMENT
1. The New Testament is composed of 27 short Greek writings (260 chapters)
commonlycalled“books”.
2. The first four are the Gospels or
“Good News”that God has revealed
Himself in Jesus Christ for the
purpose of redeeming mankind.
These are not biographies in the
popular sense of the word – but
narratives. Thefirstthree(Matthew,
Mark, Luke) are called Synoptic –
meaning“seetogether”.
ComparisonofSynopticGospels
Mark This is the earliest Gospel and is – according to the tradition ofPapias(c.
60130A.D.)–fromthepreachingandteachingofPeter,whosepersonality
isseenoneverypage! Markhasbeencalledthe“movingpicture”ofthelife
ofChrist. Itischaracterizedbyrapidityofmovementandaction. Wordslike
“immediately,”and“straightforth,”areconstantlynoticed.Itwaswritten
in Rome primarily for Romans.Therefore, there is very little O.T.
quotationorJewishovertones,asisfoundinMatthew. MarkpicturesChrist
as a Conqueror – which would have interested the Romans. Christ
conquers disease, demons and death! However, Christ is also seen as a
Servant–butthroughoutastheSonofGod.ThattitleisgivenHiminthe
veryfirstverseoftheGospel: “ThebeginningofthegospelaboutJesus
Christ, theSonofGod”(Mk.1:1). Neartheendthecenturionmakesthe
sameaffirmation:“SurelythismanwastheSonofGod”(Mk.15:39).
Thereare661versesinthisshortestGospel. Ofthem:
...606areinMatthew;
...380arefoundinLuke;
Conclusion: Since there are only 31 verses in Mark that are not found in
eitherMattheworLuke,thosewritersmusthavehadMark’saccountbefore
themastheywrotetheiraccounts.
Matthew Matthew was obviouslywritten by a Jew for Jews.It is thoroughly
interlaced with references and allusions to the O.T. It begins with a
genealogy(unlikeMark)thattracesChrist’sancestrybacktoAbrahamand
David. ThesetwomenrepresentthethemeofMatthew’sportraitofJesus:
DavidwasthegreatKingofIsrael–andJesusisDavid’sgreaterSonwhois
“Religionsareman’ssearchforGod;
theGospelisGod’ssearchforman.
Therearemanyreligions,butone
Gospel.”
E.StanleyJones
10
“KingoftheJews”. Abrahamisrememberedforthealmostsacrificeofhis
son,Isaac. JesuswastheSonofGodwhowassacrificedforoursins.
WhereasMarkhasonly31versesuniquetoitself–Matthewhas300verses
foundonlyinthisGospel. ManyofthesearequotationsfromtheO.T.
Luke Whereas Matthew begins his genealogy of Jesus with the two greatest
Jews, David and Abraham; Luke traces Christ’s ancestry back to Adam.
HereisthekeytointerpretingthisGospel. Itwaswrittenby“DoctorLuke”,a
Gentile, who was writing to present Christ as the universal Man. This
“Gospel to the Gentiles”presents the Christ who is the Universal Savior
forallmen!
Luke has 520 verses not found in the other Gospels. These are primarily
the sayings of Jesus. This has also been called the “Gospel for Women”
becauseinitweseeandlearnofthewomenwholovedandfollowedChrist
andministeredtoHim.
The importance of Luke for history is also significantbecause he alone, of
the Gospelwriters,placestheeventsherecordswithinthecontextoftheir
contemporaryworldhistory. Thisgivesusanabilitytoaccuratelydatemuch
NewTestamentactivity.
3. TheFourthGospel: Unlike Matthew and Luke, we find the key to the fourth
Gospelatthe“backdoor”orendoftheGospelinsteadofatthebeginningor“front
door”. There John clearly sets forth his purpose in writing: “...these are written
that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by
believingyoumayhavelifeinHisname”(John20:31). Ratherthanbeginwith
humangenealogieslikeMattheworLuke,JohnpresentsthepreexistenceofChrist
as the Word (logos) of God. Also, because of the fact that John mentions three
Passovers (2:26; 6:4; 11:55) – and perhaps a fourth (5:1) it is possible forus to
safelyassumethatChrist’spublicministrylastedpastthreeyears.
4. TheBookofActs,orActsoftheApostlesisthefifthbookoftheN.T. Itisreallya
continuationoftheThirdGospelwrittenbythephysicianLuke. Itgivesanaccount
of the growth of Christianity after the resurrection and ascension of Christ. Its
historical trustworthiness is beyond serious criticism. F. F. Bruce wrote: “The
confirmationofhistoricityisoverwhelming...Romanhistorianshavelongtakenitfor
granted.”7 Inadditiontowhatwelearninitofthegrowthoftheearlychurch,we
secondarilylearnagreatdealaboutthethenRomanworld. ALordChiefJusticeof
Englandsaidofit50yearsago:
7 F.F.Bruce,“AretheNewTestamentDocumentsStillReliable?” ChristianityToday,Oct.20,1978,p.30.
11
“...thebestshortgeneralpictureofthePaxRomanaandallthatitmeant–good
roadsandposting,goodpolice,freedomfrombrigandagesandpiracy,freedom
ofmovement,tolerationandjustice–istobefoundintheexperience,writtenin
Greek,ofaJewwhohappenedtobeaRomancitizen–thatis,intheActsofthe
Apostles.”8
5. Twentyone of the rest of the N.T. documents are letters – 13 of which bear the
nameofPaul:
...nineareaddressedtospecificchurches:
Romans
IandIICorinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
IandIIThessalonians
...fourareaddressedtofriendsorworkingcompanionsofPaul:
IandIITimothy
Titus
Philemon
6. Hebrews is anonymous – but often associated with Paul, and sometimes with
Apollos. ItwaswrittentoacommunityofJewishChristiansinItaly.
7. JamesandJudewerewrittenbybrothersofJesus.
8. IandIIPeterwerewrittenbythe“bigfisherman”whowasamemberoftheinner
circleofthreedisciples(Peter,JamesandJohn).
9. I, IIandIIIJohnbearnonamebutbecauseoftheircloseaffinitywiththeFourth
Gospel, they have been accepted since early days as Epistles of John, the
“BelovedDisciple”.
10. RevelationisanapocalypticwritingalsobyJohnwhowasbanishedontheIsleof
Patmos(Rev.1:9).
SeetheAppendixforChapterOne(page146150)forImportantNewTestamentRelated
Dates,andDatesoftheNewTestamentDocumentstocomparethegapbetweenhistoric
eventsandtheirbeingwrittendown.
8 F.F.Bruce,“AretheNewTestamentDocumentsStillReliable?” ChristianityToday,Oct.20,1978,p.32.
12
SummaryChart
EarthlyLife Conversionof PostApostolic
ofChrist Paul Age
4B.C.__________30A.D.32_______35A.D.62A.D.__________90A.D.
ApostolicAge
AllN.T.Documentswrittenduring
thisPeriodofTime.
Conclusions
From the preceding chart you can readily see thatthetimebetween the biblicalevents
themselves and their being written down is actually very short. F.F. Bruce said: “...the
time elapsing between the evangelistic events and the writing of most of the New
Testamentbookswas,fromthestandpointofhistoricalresearch,satisfactorilyshort.”9
Paul’s whole argument in I Corinthians 15 is based on the veracity of these many
eyewitnessesofthedeathandresurrectionofChrist. Thereherecountsthemanypeople
that Christ appeared to after His resurrection: “…that He was buried, that He was
raisedonthethirddayaccordingtotheScriptures,andthatHeappearedtoPeter,
and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundredof the
brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen
asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all He
appearedtomealso,astooneabnormally(untimely,NASB)born”(ICor.15:48).
DidyoucatchthethrustofPaul’sargument? Inessenceheissayingthis: “Ifyoudonot
believe me when I say that Christ was literally raised from the dead – go checkout the
manyothereyewitnesses!” Hethensaysthatthereareover500whoarestillalivewho
sawJesusafterHisresurrection. That’scertainlyalargeenoughnumbertosubstantiate
anyhistoricalevent! PaulwrotethosewordsinICorinthians15,about25yearsafterthe
event. That gap of 25 or so years between the actual historical events and their being
writtendownisnotaseriouslylongone.
9 F.F.Bruce,TheNewTestamentDocuments:AreTheyReliable? DownersGrove,IL:InterVarsityPress,1960,p.14.
13
AsF.F.Brucesaid: “Itiscomparable tothegapseparatingustodayfromtheeventsof
WorldWarII. Noone,writinganaccounttodayofthoseevents,couldhopetogetaway
with it if he misrepresented them in terms which could be refuted by many people’s
recollection of them: they would certainly say to him, ‘You are wasting your breath! I
rememberitasifitwereyesterday!’”10
The combination of thelarge number of living eyewitnesseswith theshort span in
timebetweentheactualeventsandtheirbeingwrittendown–isadoublecheckfor
accuracyandauthenticity! Youcanlieinawrittenaccountandperhapsgetbywithitif
therearenolongeranyeyewitnessesalivetocorrectyou. Butyoucouldnothopetopull
off a misrepresentation when there were still over500 eyewitnessesalive torefute your
error!
And then there is the occasion when Paul was making his defense before Festus, he
clearly reminded him that the things he was speaking about were historical and not
mythological. He reminds Festus of his own knowledge of these things – regardless of
whetherornothewouldacknowledgethem. PaulsaystoFestus:“Thekingisfamiliar
withthesethings,and Icanspeakfreelytohim.Iamconvincedthatnoneofthis
hasescapedhisnotice,becauseitwasnotdoneinacorner”(Acts26:26).
PaulremindsFestusthatChristianityandtheeventssurroundingitarehistorical! Nothing
wasdonebehindcloseddoorsorinsecrecy–butoutintheopenforalltoobserve. There
are many that do not believe – but few are there among unbelievers who have really
objectively studied the historical facts. In essence Paul said to Festus, “Disbelieve you
may – but ignore thehistoricalfacts youcannot! They are clearlythere for everyone to
examine!” NeverforgetthatChristianityishistorical! ThatiswhattheApostleJohnwas
remindinghisreaderswhenhewrote:
“Thatwhichwasfromthebeginning,whichwehaveheard,whichwehaveseenwith
oureyes,whichwehavelookedatandourhandshavetouched–thisweproclaim
concerningtheWordoflife.Thelifeappeared;wehaveseenitandtestifytoit,and
weproclaimtoyoutheeternallife,whichwaswiththeFatherandhasappearedto
us.Weproclaimtoyouwhatwehaveseenandheard,sothatyoualsomayhave
fellowshipwithus.Andourfellowship iswiththeFatherand withHisSon,Jesus
Christ”(IJohn1:13).
NoticethatneitherJohnnorPaulwaswritingprimarilyaboutsomeemotionalexperience
– but about historical, verifiable facts. Facts that can be observed, touched, and then
accuratelytestifiedto! OURFAITHISINTHOSEFACTS!
But you might want to challenge me with something like: “Can I trust them in what they
reported?” It is really a matter of authority. You see, everything you believe in, you
believeonthebasisofsomeone’sauthority. Weshouldnotbeafraidofthisfact.
10 F.F.Bruce,TheNewTestamentDocuments:AreTheyReliable? DownersGrove,IL:InterVarsityPress,1960,p.30.
14
AsC.S.Lewissaid: “Believingthingsonauthorityonlymeansbelievingthembecauseyou
havebeentoldthembysomeoneyouthinktrustworthy. Ninetyninepercentofthethings
youbelievearebelievedonauthority. IbelievethereissuchaplaceasNewYork. Ihave
not seen it myself. I could not prove by abstract reasoning that there must be such a
place. Ibelieveitbecausereliablepeoplehavetoldmeso. Theordinarymanbelievesin
theSolarSystem,atoms,evolution,andthecirculationofthebloodonauthority–because
the scientists say so. Every historical statement in the world is believed on authority.
None of us has seen the Norman Conquest or the defeat of the Armada. None of us
could prove them by pure logic as you prove a thing in mathematics. We believethem
simply because people who did see them have left writings that tells us about them: in
fact, on authority. A man who jibbed at authority in other things as some people do in
religionwouldhavetobecontenttoknownothingallhislife.”11
AsChristiansthenwecanrelyontheauthorityoftheNewTestamentwitnesses. History,
archaeology and personal experience have done nothing for 2,000 years but verify that
ourfaithissound! TheBiblicalrecordisabsolutelytrustworthy!
QuotationsforFurtherReflection
• Both the Old and the New Testaments proclaim the mercy of God, but the Old has
morethanfourtimesasmuchtosayaboutitastheNew.Weshouldbanishfromour
mindsforeverthecommonbuterroneousnotionthatjusticeandjudgmentcharacterize
theGod ofIsrael,whilemercyandgracebelongto theLord of theChurch.Actually
there is in principle no difference between the Old Testamentand the New.In
the New Testament Scriptures there is a fuller development of redemptive truth, but
one God speaks in both dispensations, and what He speaks agrees with what He
is…We who feel ourselves alienated from the fellowship of God can now raise our
discouraged heads and look up…As we approach theGarden, our home before the
Fall,theflamingswordiswithdrawn.Thekeepersofthetreeoflifestandasidewhen
theyseeasonofgraceapproaching.
12
11 ClydeS.Kilby,ed.,AMindAwake,AnAnthologyofC.S.Lewis,NewYork:Harcourt,Brace,andWorld,Inc.,1968,p.135.
12 A.W.Tozer,TheKnowledgeoftheHoly,NewYork,NY:HarperCollins,1961,pp.91,96.
15
PERSONOFTHEWORD
ItcanbeemphaticallystatedthatJesusChrististhefocalpointoftheentireBible!Heis
whatsometheologianshavecalled,the“ScarletThread"thatrunsthroughtheBiblefrom
GenesistoRevelation.AsC.S.Lewisoncesaid:
“Understanding the true meaning of Christ is not learning a 'Subject' but rather
‘steepingourselvesinaPersonality,acquiringanewoutlookandtemper,breathinga
newatmosphere,sufferingHim,inHisownway,torebuildinusthedefacedimageof
Himself.’”
13
As Lewis said, the Bible is not a completion of theological subjects we learn – but the
revelation of a Person to whom we submit our entire life! That's why if we only learn
“theology"andBiblefactsandnotbowatHisfeetandcallHimLordwehavemissedthe
real purpose of the Bible. The purpose of Scripture is to point you to the Person of
Scripture! JesusChrististheveryzenithofGod'sselfrevelation. Therefore,theBibleis
HisStory. AsHenriettaC.Mearsputit:
“TheOldTestamentisanaccountofanation...TheNewTestamentisanaccountofa
Man...ThenationwasfoundedandnurturedofGodinordertobringtheManintothe
world...TheOldTestamentsetsthestageforit. TheNewTestamentdescribesit.”14
TheBibleAsHisStory
WhenproperlyunderstoodJesusChrististhethemeofeachbookoftheBible. We
couldsummarizeeachbookasitrelatestoChristasfollows:
OldTestament
Genesis.............. JesusChrist,ourCreatorGod
Exodus.............. JesusChrist,ourPassoverLamb
Leviticus............. JesusChrist,ourSacrificeforsin
Numbers............. JesusChrist,our“LiftedupOne”
Deuteronomy......... JesusChrist,ourTrueProphet
Joshua.............. JesusChrist,CaptainofourSalvation
Judges.............. JesusChrist,ourDelivererJudge
Ruth................ JesusChrist,ourKinsmanRedeemer
I&IISamuel.......... JesusChrist,ourKing
I&IIKings........... JesusChrist,asKing
I&IIChronicles....... JesusChrist,asKing
Ezra&Nehemiah...... JesusChrist,ourRestorer
Esther............... JesusChrist,ourAdvocate
Job................. JesusChrist,ourRedeemer
13 ClydeS.Kilby,TheChristianWorldofC.S.Lewis,GrandRapids:Wm.B.EerdmansPublishingCo.,1964,p.152.
14 HenriettaMears,WhattheBibleisallAbout,Glendale,CA:GospelLightPublications,1966,p.12.
16
Psalms.............. JesusChrist,ourAllinAll
Proverbs............. JesusChristasourWisdom
Ecclesiastes.......... JesusChrist,theEndofallLiving
SongofSolomon...... JesusChrist,theLoverofoursouls
Isaiah............... JesusChristastheMessiah
Jeremiah............. JesusChrist,theRighteousBranch
Lamentations......... JesusChrist,theRighteousBranch
Ezekiel.............. JesusChrist,theSonofMan
Daniel............... JesusChrist,theSmitingStone
Hosea............... JesusChrist,HealeroftheBackslider
Joel................. JesusChrist,theRestorer
Amos............... JesusChrist,theHeavenlyHusbandman
Obadiah............. JesusChrist,ourSavior
Jonah............... JesusChrist,ResurrectionandLife
Micah............... JesusChrist,Witnessagainstrebelliousnations
Nahum.............. JesusChrist,Strongholdinthedayoftrouble
Habakkuk............ JesusChrist,Godofoursalvation
Zephaniah............ JesusChrist,ourJealousLord
Haggai............... JesusChrist,theDesireofallnations
Zechariah............ JesusChrist,theRighteousBranch
Malachi.............. JesusChrist,theSonofRighteousness
ChristisintheOldconcealed…andintheNewrevealed!
NewTestament
Matthew............. JesusChrist,thePromisedMessiah
Mark................ JesusChrist,theServantofGod
Luke................ JesusChrist,theSonofMan
John................ JesusChrist,theSonofGod
Acts................ JesusChrist,theLivingLord
Romans............. JesusChrist,ourRighteousness
ICorinthians.......... JesusChrist,ourLord
IICorinthians.......... JesusChrist,ourSufficiency
Galatians............ JesusChrist,ourLiberty
Ephesians ........... JesusChrist,ourAllinAll
Philippians........... JesusChrist,ourJoy
Colossians........... JesusChrist,ourLife
IThessalonians ....... JesusChrist,theComingOne
IIThessalonians ....... JesusChrist,ourReturningLord
ITimothy............. JesusChrist,ourTeacher
IITimothy............ JesusChrist,ourExample
Titus................ JesusChrist,ourPattern
Philemon............ JesusChrist,ourLordandMaster
Hebrews............. JesusChrist,ourIntercessorattheThrone
James............... JesusChrist,ourPattern
IPeter............... JesusChrist,PreciousCornerstoneofourFaith
17
IIPeter.............. JesusChrist,ourStrength
I,II,IIIJohn.......... JesusChrist,ourLife,Truth,theWay
Jude................ JesusChrist,ourKeeper
Revelation........... JesusChrist,ourTriumphantKing
TheBiblethenistheprismbywhichthelightofJesusisbrokenintoitsmanyradiantand
redemptivecolors:
JesusHimselfclearlytaughtthatHewasthekeytounderstandingtheScripturesbecause
theyallspeakofHim. Lookatthefollowingexamples:
• “Butblessedareyoureyesbecausetheysee,andyourearsbecausetheyhear.
ForItellyouthetruth,manyprophetsandrighteousmenlongedtoseewhatyou
seebutdidnotseeit,andtohearwhatyouhearbutdidnothearit”(Matt.13:16
17).
• “YoudiligentlystudytheScripturesbecauseyouthinkthatbythemyoupossess
eternallife.ThesearetheScripturesthattestifyaboutMe”(Jn.5:39).
• “AndbeginningwithMosesandalltheProphets,Heexplainedtothemwhatwas
said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself…He said to them, 'This is what I
told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written
aboutMeintheLawofMoses,theProphetsandthePsalms’”(Lk.24:27,44).
TheotherNewTestamentwritersclearlytestifiedtothesamething:
• “Allthe prophetstestifyabout HimthateveryonewhobelievesinHimreceives
forgivenessofsinsthroughHisName”(Acts10:43).
BIBLE
JESUSCHRIST
LIVINGWORD
WrittenWord
18
• “Brothers,childrenofAbraham,andyouGodfearingGentiles,itistousthatthis
message of salvation has been sent. The peopleof Jerusalemandtheirrulers
did notrecognize Jesus,yetincondemning Himtheyfulfilled thewords of the
prophetsthatarereadeverySabbath”(Acts13:2627).
• “Buttheirmindsweremadedull,fortothisdaythesameveilremainswhenthe
oldcovenantisread.Ithasnotbeenremoved,becauseonlyinChristisittaken
away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But
wheneveranyoneturnstotheLord,theveilistakenaway. NowtheLordisthe
Spirit,andwheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisfreedom”(IICor.3:1417).
So apart from an understanding of and relationship with Jesus Christ – you cannot
properlyinterprettheScriptures.LetmeshareseveralexamplesthatshowhowChristis
theKeytounderstandingtheScriptures.
“ThentheLordsent
venomoussnakesamong
them;theybitthepeople
andmanyIsraelitesdied”
(Num.21:6).
JesusChristasthe
serpentliftedupby
Moses.
“JustasMosesliftedup
thesnakeinthedesert,so
theSonofManmustbe
liftedup”(Jn.3:14).
“Theanimalsyouchoose
mustbeyearoldmales
withoutdefect…Takecare
ofthemuntilthe
fourteenthdayofthe
month,whenallthe
peopleofthecommunity
ofIsraelmustslaughter
themattwilight.Then
theyaretotakesomeof
thebloodandputinon
thesidesandtopsofthe
doorframesofthehouses
wheretheyeatthelambs”
(Ex.12:57).
“Getridoftheoldyeast
thatyoumaybeanew
batchwithoutyeast–as
youreallyare.ForChrist,
ourPassoverLamb,has
beensacrificed”
(ICor5:7).
JesusChristas
“PaschalLamb”
19
TheScripturesthen,withsolidarityandunity,pointtoChristandChristinturnpointstothe
Scriptures. FromtheaboveseveralexampleswecanseethatHislifeandteachingsare
inseparably connected to Scripture. Let'stakeafurthermomentthentolookatChrist's
useofScripture.HowHeapproachedandusedScriptureshouldbeour"Masterkey"of
understandinghowweshouldapproachandapplyit.
1. JesusclearlytaughtthedivineoriginandpermanenceoftheWord:
• “DonotthinkthatIhavecometoabolishtheLawortheProphets;Ihave
not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until
heavenandearthdisappear,notthesmallestletter,nottheleaststrokeof
a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is
accomplished”(Matt.5:1718).
• “Davidhimself,speakingbytheHolySpirit,declared:‘TheLordsaidtomy
Lord:‘SitatMyrighthanduntilIputYourenemiesunderYourfeet’’”(Mk.
12:36).
• “Itiseasierforheavenandearthtodisappearthanfortheleaststrokeofa
pentodropoutoftheLaw”(Lk.16:17).
• “If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came – and the
Scripturecannotbebroken…”(Jn.10:35).
2. Secondly, Jesus used the Scriptures as Hischief weapon in His temptation.
Both His offense and defense in each temptation were the Scriptures: “It is
written...” (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10). However, a note of warning needs to be sounded
here!Yousee,SatanalsousedScripture–orshouldIsay,abusedScripture! As
soon as Christ quoted a Scripture to Satan as His defense against the first
temptation, Satan picked up onthis andthen sought totwist Scripture tohis own
advantage.HedidnotfoolChrist–buthedoesfoolmanyofuswithhistactics.
TragicallySatanknowstheBiblebetterthanmostChristians! Hehaspromptedthe
JesusChristas
“SmittenRock”
“ThenMosesraised
hisarmandstruck
therocktwicewith
hisstaff.Water
gushedout,andthe
communityandtheir
livestockdrank”
(Num.20:11).
“Theyallatethesame
spiritualfoodanddrank
thesamespiritualdrink;
fortheydrankfromthe
spiritualrockthat
accompaniedthem,and
thatrockwasChrist”
(1Cor.10:34).
20
origin of every ancient heresy and contemporary cult by the use of twisted
Scripture! Ifyouaretobesuccessfulagainsttheenemy,youmustknowanduse
your weapons better than he does! And, armed with a correct understanding of
God'sWord,you–likeChrist–cancutthegroundfrom beneathyouradversary!
3. Thirdly, we see that Jesus constantly used Scriptures in Histeaching ministry.
Let'slookatjustacoupleofexamples.
A. Divorce
Christsaid:“Haven’tyouread…thatatthebeginningtheCreator‘made
themmaleandfemale,’ and said, ‘Forthisreasonamanwillleavehis
father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become
oneflesh’?”(Matt.19:46).
B. Traditionsofman
“The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come
fromJerusalemgatheredaroundJesusandsawsomeofHisdisciples
eating food with hands that were “unclean,” that is, unwashed. (The
Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a
ceremonialwashing,holdingtothetraditionoftheelders.Whenthey
comefromthemarketplacetheydonoteatunlesstheywash.Andthey
observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers
and kettles.) So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus,
‘Why don’t Your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders
instead of eating their food with ‘unclean’hands?’Hereplied,‘Isaiah
wasrightwhenheprophesiedaboutyouhypocrites;asitiswritten:
‘ThesepeoplehonorMewiththeirlips,
buttheirheartsarefarfromMe.
TheyworshipMeinvain;
theirteachingsarebutrulestaughtbymen.’
You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the
traditionsofmen.’AndHesaidtothem:‘Youhaveafinewayofsetting
aside the commands of God in order to observe your owntraditions!
ForMosessaid,‘Honoryourfatherandyourmother,’and,‘Anyonewho
curseshisfatherormothermustbeputtodeath.’Butyousaythatifa
mansaystohisfatherormother:‘Whateverhelpyoumightotherwise
havereceivedfrommeisCorban’(thatis,agiftdevotedtoGod),then
you no longer let him do anything forhis fatherormother.Thusyou
nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down.
Andyoudomanythingslikethat’”(Mark7:113).
21
C. Resurrectionfromthedead
The Sadducees, “who say there is no resurrection” questioned Jesus.
Hesaid:“AreyounotinerrorbecauseyoudonotknowtheScriptures
orthepowerofGod?”(Mk.12:24).
D. Violence
Concerning the use of violence Christ said: “Put your sword back in its
place…forallwhodrawtheswordwilldiebythesword.DoyouthinkI
cannotcallonMyFather,andHewillatonceputatMydisposalmore
thantwelvelegionsofangels? ButhowthenwouldtheScripturesbe
fulfilledthatsayitmusthappeninthisway?"(Matt.26:5254)
Thislistcouldbemultipliedmanytimes –youcanseethattheteachingofChrist
wasfilledwithScripture,anditwasHisconstantlyusedtouchstoneforauthority.It
isalsoveryinstructivetonotethatfromthe39booksoftheOldTestament,Jesus
usedextractsfrom24.HealsoquotedfromIsaiah40times;Psalms36times;and
Daniel 22 times. So since Scripture was so vital to the teachingof Christ, canit
play anyless important role in theteaching andpreaching ministryof theChurch
today?!Ithinknot!
4. Fourthly, one of Christ's most pointed and directed attacks was against the
“traditionsofman”orthe“traditionsoftheelders”.Itwasthisasmuchasany
onethingthatkeptHiminconflictwiththeJewishauthorities–andultimatelyledto
His crucifixion. But just what were the "traditions of Man?" A tradition develops
whenmaneitheraddstoGod'sWord–ortakesthelibertyofinterpretingthemind
andwillofGodtoaparticularsituation.
Let's takeafewmomentstocontrast thedifferencebetweenman'straditionsand
God's laws. I think that you will see that the difference and distinction is very
crucial.Iwilllistseveralprinciplesandtheversestheyarederivedfrom.
TraditionsofManvs.TheWordofGod
A. ManconstantlyexchangeshispreceptsforGod'sprinciples. Hesubstitutes
his"traditions"forGod'slaws:
“ThesepeoplehonorMewiththeirlips,buttheirheartsarefarfromMe.
TheyworshipMeinvain;theirteachingsarebutrulestaughtbymen”
(Matt.15:89;c.f.Mk.7:7).
22
B. ThisisreallymanattemptingtointerpretthemindandwillofGod–andthus
thesetraditionsbecomeareligionofman’screationratherthanareligionof
God'srevelation. Thetraditionsofmanalwaysstandagainsttherevelation
ofGodinsomeway:
“And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your
tradition?...you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition”
(Matt.15:3,6:c.f.Mk.7:8,13).
C. Man's traditions always become harder to bear than God's laws. They
ultimately become "laws of bondage" rather than "principles of liberty" as
God'slawsare:
“TheteachersofthelawandthePhariseessitinMoses’seat…theydo
not practice what theypreach.Theytie up heavyloads andput them
onmen’sshoulders…”(Matt.23:24;c.f.Lk.11:54).
Note:ManyoftheburdensomeSabbathdayobservancesofChrist'sdayare
other good examples of traditions that ultimately destroy man rather than
edifyhim. JesusandHisdiscipleswereconstantlybreakingthesecontrived
rules(See:Matt.12:114;Mk.2:2328,etc).
D. St. Paul likewise warned: “See to it that no one takes you captive
through…human tradition…” (Col. 2:8). He said that before his
conversiontoChrist“IwasadvancinginJudaismbeyondmanyJewsof
myownageandwasextremelyzealousforthetraditionsofmyfathers”
(Gal.1:14). So,whereasthe“traditionsofman”willvictimizeyouandbring
you into bondage;God’s laws result in fulfillment and freedom.Jesus
said:
“CometoMe,allyouwhoarewearyandburdened,andIwillgiveyou
rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and
humble in heart,and youwillfind rest for yoursouls. ForMyyoke is
easyandMyburdenislight”(Matt.11:2930).
ThebestsummarythenofthefruitoflivingbyJesus'principlesoffreedom
areHisownwords: “...youwillknowthetruth,andthetruthwillsetyou
free...iftheSonsetsyoufree,youwillbefreeindeed”(Jn.8:3236).
Atthispointitmightbehelpfultolistsomeofthe“traditionsoftheelders”
thatwehavesurroundedChristianitywithtoday.Wehaveagreattendency
tolookbackonthescribesandPhariseeswithscornfortheirtraditionswhile
ignoring our own! We need to honestly face the fact that we have
established and encased the Christian faith today with almost as many
traditionsastheJudaismofChrist'sday.Let'slookatjustafew:
23
(1) Thefactthatweworshipatll:00a.m.onSundaymorning;
(2) Our various liturgical traditions and forms that we employ in our
services;
(3) TheinstitutionoftheSundayschool;
(4) The acceptable and unacceptable types of clothes for “worship
service”;
(5) The various committees that we have established to govern the
church;
(6) Our denominational structure and programs – and even
denominationsthemselves;
(7) The role of church buildings as
essentialtothegrowthoftheChurch;
(8) The establishment of a “religious
professional” or “ecclesiastical caste
system” that divides the clergy and
laitywithunscripturaldivisions;etc.–thelistcouldgoonandon!
SUMMARY
JesusChrististhePersonoftheBible!HistoryisHisstoryandtheBiblerecordsthat
story. HeistheIncarnateWordandtheBibleistheInscripturatedWord.Botharedivine
inoriginandnature.Therefore, sinceChristclearlyendorsedtheScripturesasinerrant
and authoritative – andsincethe Bible clearly setsHimforth asGod'sincarnate Son of
God – HIS AUTHORITY AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE STAND OR FALL
TOGETHER!
LetmeclosewiththefollowingveryimportantquotationconcerningJesusChrist:
“This Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms conquered more millions than
Alexander, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon. Withoutscience and learning,Heshed
more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and scholars combined;
without the eloquence of schools, He spoke such words of life as were never spoken
beforeorsince,andproducedeffectswhichtiebeyondthereachoforatororpoet;without
writingasingleline,Hesetmorepensinmotion,andfurnishedthemesformoreorations
discussions, learned volumes, works of art, and songs of praisethan thewhole army of
greatmenofancientandmoderntimes.”15
15 PhilipSchaff,“ThePersonofChrist”,AmericanTractSociety,1913.
“Christintheheartand
theBibleinthehandare
adequateguidesforthe
ordinaryChristian.”
CarlH.Lundquist
24
QuotationsforFurtherReflection
• Jesus was utterly delightful. He enjoyed people…Children loved Him. Adults were
affectedsomuchbyHimthatsomejustwantedtotouchHisclothes.Why?Theysaw
thatJesuslovedthem.Hislovewasextravagant,almostreckless–nevercautiousor
timid.AndHetalkedofHisFather’sendlesslove…InJesus’casewehavethestoryof
the holiest Man who ever lived,and yetit wastheprostitutes andlepers and thieves
whoadoredHim,andthereligiousfolkwhohatedHisguts.
16
• …most important, among all the people described in the Bible, the leadingcharacter
throughout is the one, true, living God made known through Jesus Christ. Consider
first the Old Testament: The Law provides the “foundation for Christ,” the historical
books show “the preparation” for Christ, the poetical works aspire to Christ, and the
prophecies display an “expectation” of Christ. In the New Testament, the Gospels
recordthehistoricalmanifestation of Christ,theActsrelatethepropagationofChrist,
the Epistles give the interpretation of Him, and in Revelation is found the
consummationofallthingsinChrist.Fromcovertocover,theBibleisChristocentric.
17
• WhoyoudecideJesusChristismustnotbeanidleintellectualexercise.Youcannot
putHimontheshelfasagreatmoralteacher.Thatisnotavalidoption.Heiseithera
liar,alunatic,ortheLord.Youmustmakeachoice…Theevidenceisclearlyinfavor
of Jesus as Lord. However, some people reject the clear evidence because of the
moral implications involved. There needs to be a moral honesty in the above
considerationofJesusaseitherliar,lunatic,orLordandGod.
18
16 Rebecca Manley Pippert, Out of the Salt Shaker and into the World, Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity
Press,1999,pp.3233,36.
17 JoshMcDowell,TheNewEvidencethatDemandsaVerdict,Nashville:ThomasNelsonPublishers,1999,
p.6.
18 Ibid.,p.163.
25
PURPOSEOFTHEWORD
“We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the
wisdomofthisageoroftherulersofthisage,whoarecomingtonothing.No,we
speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God
destinedforourglorybeforetimebegan.Noneoftherulersofthisageunderstood
it,foriftheyhad,theywouldnothavecrucifiedtheLordofglory.However,asitis
written:‘Noeyehasseen,noearhasheard,nomindhasconceivedwhatGodhas
preparedforthosewholoveHim’butGodhasrevealedittousbyHisSpirit.The
Spiritsearchesallthings,eventhedeepthingsofGod”(ICor.2:610).
“…men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the
secretthingsofGod”(ICor.4:1).
What the Apostle Paul is saying here is that what the world does not know and cannot
knowaboutGodbecauseofthelimitationsofthefallenhumanfinitecondition–Godhas
takentheinitiativeinmakingknownthroughrevelation. Astudyofrevelationiscrucialto
anystudyoftheWord.
PurposeofRevelation
Let'sbeginwithadefinition.Mostsimplyput,thepurposeofrevelationisto“getthemind
ofGodintotheactionsofman.” Or,“tocommunicateGod'sBeing,WordandWilltofallen
men.” Thisis“revelation.”
Sinceallactionspringsfromthinking;and,sincemaninhisfallenconditionisincapable
ofrightspiritualthinkinghedesperatelyneedstoreceiveanewnatureandanewmind
wherebyheonceagaincanthinkGod'sthoughtsafterHimandtherebygetGod’sactions
intohiseverydayexperience.
19
This Divine way of thinking and acting is what the Bible variously calls “godliness”,
“sanctification”, “walking by the Spirit”, “righteousness”, etc. (see Jn. 17:17; Gal.
5:16,Rom.8:110,etc.)
Lookatthefollowingillustrationtoseehownaturalmanisnotabletoapprehendthemind
ofGod– whereasregenerate manisabletoreceiverevelation,and moveinobedience
towardsgodliness.
19 SeeDr.Williams’“RightThinking:RenewingYourMind”forafurtherdiscussionoftheproblems,processandproductofrightthinking.
ContactNDIatwww.newdirections.org
26
ReasonandRevelation
As you can infer from the illustration, since man’s mind is darkened (Rom. 1:21; Eph.
4:1718; Col. 1:21) he is incapable of thinking God’s thoughts. He therefore cannot
achieveorattainatrueknowledgeofGodthroughphilosophy,reasonorresearch–but
onlybyrevelation.Sowherehumanreasonleavesoff,Divinerevelationmuststepin.
GOD GOD
“MindofGod” “MindofGod”
“DarkenedMind” “MindofChrist”
NATURALMAN
DISOBEDIENT
“Sinful”
OBEDIENCE
“Godliness”
REGENERATEMAN
Actions Actions
GOD
REVELATION
MAN
REASON
Job11:7
“Canyoufindoutthe
deepthingsofGod?”
(RSV)
“Canamanby
searchingfindGod?”
(KJV)
27
NatureofRevelation
Thereareatleast6thingsyouneedtounderstandaboutthenatureofrevelation.
1.Thenatureofrevelationisthe“historyofsalvation.”
German thinkers have long been very influential in the field of theology. A word
thattheyhaveusedtoexpresstheNatureofBiblicalRevelationisHeilgeschichte.
Itsimplymeans:“storyofsalvation." ThatmeansthattheBibleisnotprimarilya
scientificbook,historybook,philosophybook,geographybook–butratherabook
aboutsalvation!Itisahistoryofthesalvationstory.Thisstoryofsalvationwas
conceived in eternity past...achieved at a historical point in time...worked out in
humanhistory...andwillbeconsummatedineternityfuture!
2.Thisrevelationisinspired–“Godbreathed”
One of the great verses of scripture we must look at in this regard is II Timothy
3:16:“AllscriptureisinspiredbyGodandprofitableforteaching,forreproof,
forcorrectionfortraininginrighteousness”(NASB).
Let'sbreakthisversedowntotryandgetthefullimpactofwhatPaulissaying.
A. Firsthedealswiththeoriginofscripture.Hesays: “AllScriptureisGod
inspired...”
(1) First, I want you to note that the Greek word Paul uses here for
inspiredisawordusedonlyonceintheBible.Itwasawordcoined
by Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to describe the
completelyuniqueeventofGodrevealingHimselftoman.Itisthe
word “theopneustos”meaning “God breathed” or “Godspirited”. So
allScripture,saystheApostlePaulis“breathedoutbyGod”.
(2) The logical question is “What was Paul meaning by the phrase ‘all
scripture?’ Whatdoesthat‘all’include?”
First,the“sacredwritings”–whichwastheOldTestament;
Secondly, “his own words.” Paul believed that his writings were
inspired. He clearly said on a number of occasions that his words
were God's – and he was therefore speaking in the name and
authorityofChrist:
• “Forwearenotpeddlersof God’s wordlikesomany;butin
Christwespeakaspersonsofsincerity,aspersonssentfrom
GodandstandinginHispresence”(IICor.2:17NASB).
28
• “…since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking
through me…This is why I write these things when I am
absent…inmyuseof authority– theauthoritytheLordgave
me…”(IICor.13:3,10).
• “…itwasbecauseofanillnessthatIfirstpreachedthegospel
toyou.Eventhoughmyillnesswasatrialtoyou,youdidnot
treatmewithcontemptorscorn.Instead,youwelcomedme
asifIwereanangelofGod,asifIwereChristJesusHimself”
(Gal.4:1314;c.f.IThess.2:13;IIThess.3:6,12;ICor.2:1213;I
Cor.14:37).
Thirdly, it is important to note that Paul's writings were read in
ChristianmeetingsbyhisinstructionsalongwiththeOldTestament:
• “IchargeyoubeforetheLordtohavethisletterreadtoallthe
brothers”(IThess.5:27).
• “Afterthisletterhasbeenreadtoyou,seethatitisalsoread
inthechurchoftheLaodiceansandthatyouinturnreadthe
letterfromLaodicea”(Col.4:16).
Fourthly,Paulalsotookthelibertyto putOldTestamentquotations
togetherwiththewordsofChrist:
• “For the Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle the ox while it is
treadingoutthegrain,’(Deut.25:4)and,‘Theworkerdeserves
hiswages’(Lk.10:7)”(ITim.5:18).
Fifthly,itisalsoimportanttorealizethatPeterviewedPaul'swritings
asscripture:
• “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience meanssalvation, just
asourdearbrotherPaulalsowroteyouwiththewisdomthat
God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters,
speaking in themof these matters. Hisletters containsome
things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and
unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to
theirowndestruction”(IIPet.3:1516).
So we can see from the above what Paul meant when he usedthe
phrase “all Scripture”. That “all” clearly included what we today
understandastheOldandNewTestaments.
29
B. PaultellsusthepurposeofScripture.BecausetheyareallGodbreathed,
hesaysthattheyhaveathreefoldpurpose:
(1) “InstructyouinsalvationthroughfaithwhichisinChristJesus”
(IITim.3:15b);
(2) “…Profitable (because it is “God Breathed”)forteaching,reproof,
correction,traininginrighteousness”(3:16);
(3) Bring you to maturity: “...that the man of God may be adequate,
equippedforeverygoodwork”(3:17NASB).
AllScripture
Instruction Profitable Maturity
Thus far concerning the nature of revelation, we have seen that it is first of all
heilgeschichteora“storyofsalvation.” However,thisisnotastoryofsalvationconcocted
bymansosecondly,wehaveseenthatthisisaninspiredrevelation.AsPaulsaid:“All
scriptureisinspiredbyGod...”
3. The third thing I want you to note about the nature of revelation is that it is
consistent.Itonlystandstoreasonthatthenatureofrevelationisconsistentwith
the nature of the Revealer! Let's take a moment then to look at some of the
attributesofGod:
(1)Holy(Rom.1:2)
(2)Unchanging(Ja.1:17;Heb.13:8)(Immutable)
(3)Eternal(Deut.33:27)“TheeternalGodisyourrefuge...”
(4)Consistent(IITim.2:13)“Ifwearefaithless,Hewillremainfaithful...”
(5)Grace(IPet.5:10)“TheGodofallGrace...”
(6)Love(IJn.4:8)“GodisLove”
(7)Judgment(Heb.10:3031;12:29),etc.
SotheseattributesofGodarealsoattributesofHisWord.
“forsalvation
throughfaithin
ChristJesus”
“teaching,reproof,
correction,trainingin
righteousness”
“thatthemanofGod
maybecomplete,
equippedforevery
goodwork.”
30
4. Fourthly, concerning the nature of revelation you need to realize that it is
incomplete. That simply means that the Bible contains “true truth” but not
exhaustive truth – i.e., its communication to us is true communication but not
exhaustivecommunication.Wedonothaveexhaustiveknowledgeatanypoint–
becausemaninhisfallenandfinitestateisincapableofhandlingexhaustivetruth.
There are many areas about which God has not given us exhaustive knowledge.
Forexample:
...creation
...originofevil
...problemofpain
...angels
…eschatology–or“endtimes”
...Trinity,etc.
As Moses said: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God...” (Deut.
29:29). Therefore,asPaulsaid: “...weknowinpart”(ICor.13:9). Theapostle
Johnexplaineditthisway: “Jesusdidmanyotherthingsaswell.Ifeveryone
of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole worldwould not
haveroomforthebooksthatwouldbewritten”(Jn.21:25).
So the Bible does not tell us everything we want to know – but it does tell us
everythingweneedtoknow! MarkTwainsaid“Mostpeoplearebotheredbythose
passagesofScripturewhichtheycannotunderstand,butasforme,Ihavealways
noticed that the passages in Scripture that trouble me most are those I do
understand.”
5. Fifthly,revelationisbothunifiedandprogressive.AsIsaiahsaid: “Sothen,the
wordoftheLordtothemwillbecome:Doanddo,doanddo,ruleonrule,rule
onrule;alittlehere,alittlethere…”(Isa.28:13NIV).
Even though God's revelation to man has been progressive – it has never been
contradictory. Theprogressioninrevelationhasnotbeenfromerrortotruth–but
fromtruthtomoretruth:
Revelation≠Error Truth
But
Revelation=TruthTRUTH
WecanseealogicalprogressiverevelationfromtheOldTestamenttotheNew
Testament…from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant...from the Old Israel to
theNewIsrael,etc…
31
ThisprincipleteachesusthatGodgiveslightintheOldTestamentthatHereleases
in the New. We might further express it this way: The Old Testament gave man
what he needed to know from the Fall to the First Advent; the Old and the New
together tell man what he needs to know from the First Advent to the Second
Advent. WecanseethisunitythroughastudyoftheScriptures:theEpistlesdrive
usbacktotheGospels–whichinturndriveusbacktotheOldTestament.
OldTestament Gospels Epistles
There is then a progressive unity of Revelation in Scripture – the Bible is
organicallyOne!
PROGRESSIVEREVELATION
“InScriptureGod'srevelationisverbalized,
andinnatureitisvisualized.”
N W
A R
T I
U T
R T
A E
L N
MOSES
LAW
PROPHETS
ILLUMINATION
OFTHE
HOLYSPIRIT
O
R
T
H
O
D
O
X
Y
GODGAVEHIS
SON
“TheWordbecame
flesh”
Principle
TheOldisrevealedintheNewandtheNewconcealedintheOld
32
6. The final thing that I want you to understand is therelationship between
revelationandillumination.AsChristians,wedonotbelievethatGodcontinues
togivenewrevelation. AfterHehasperfectlyrevealedHimselfinHisSon–and
inspiredawrittenrecordofthatrevelationintheBible–allrevelationhasceased!
Astheoldhymn“HowFirmaFoundation”says“...WhatmorecanHesaythanto
youHehassaid...”
WhenGodhascompletelyrevealedHimselftous–whatmorecanHereveal?Now,Iam
quite confident that there is more to knowof God than Hehas presentlyrevealedto us
through Christ and Scripture – but within the limitations of this life we are incapable of
receivingit! Obviously,thefinitecannotcompletelycomprehendtheInfinite!Butallthat
wearecapableofunderstandingofGod–andevenmore(theTrinity)–Hehasrevealed
to us. When we are in our glorified state after this life, Iamsure there will bemore to
learn–butuntilthenwehavebothallweneedandallwecancomprehend! Therefore
God gives no further revelation!HecompletedHisselfrevelationinHis Son,Jesus
Christ!AsPaulsaid: “ForinChristallthefullnessoftheDeitylivesinbodilyform”
(Col.2:9).
It is important to understand that every ancient heresy and contemporary cult deviates
from orthodoxy at this point. All of them come along offering what they believe to be
“furtherrevelationsfromGod.” Sowhenyouhearthat–bealert!
However, even though God does not give further revelation – His Holy Spirit working
through His Word does continue to givefurther illumination. “For with You is the
fountainoflife;inYourlightweseelight”(Ps.36:9).
Soaswewalkinthelightwehavereceivedwereceivefurtherlight.Itisabasicscriptural
principle: “Iight begets light.” If I am obedient to the illumination I have received I will
receive more. IoftenfindthatmuchofmyilluminationofGod'srevelationisduringthe
night. Often, when my conscious mind is turned off in sleep, my subconscious mind –
guided by the Holy Spirit – receives important illumination concerning some portion of
God'sWord.ThatiswhyitisimportanttoreadandmeditateonGod'sWordbefore
bedtime.ReadthePsalmsandseehowDavidpracticedthis(Ps.63:6;77:11,etc).
SowemustreceiveGod'silluminationthroughHisHolySpiritofHisrevelationifweareto
properlyunderstandit.Letmesharejustacoupleofversesthatdemonstratethisfact.
• “TheSpiritsearchesallthings,eventhedeepthingsofGod…nooneknowsthe
thoughtsofGodexcepttheSpiritofGod.Wehavenotreceivedthespiritofthe
world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has
freelygivenus…ThemanwithouttheSpiritdoesnotacceptthethingsthatcome
Thereisfreshillumination–butnotnewrevelation.
33
fromtheSpiritofGod,fortheyarefoolishnesstohim,andhecannotunderstand
them,becausetheyarespirituallydiscerned”(ICor.1:1014).
• “ThenHe(Jesus)openedtheirmindssotheycouldunderstandtheScriptures...”
(Lk24:45;c.f.Acts16:14).
IntheaboveverseswecanseetheimportantroleoftheHolySpiritilluminatingthehearts
andmindsofindividualssotheycouldunderstandtheScripturesandspiritualreality.We
mightputitintoaformulalikethis:
Inspiration Revelation Illumination Consummation
20
SUMMARY
Let'stakeamomenttoreviewthisimportantchapter.Wehaveseenthatthepurposeof
God'sWordistomakeknownHiswill;or“togetthemindofGodintotheactionsofman.”
We also saw that man in his fallen and finite condition is incapable of receiving this
revelationfromGod.Thedarkenedmindofman(Eph.4:18)isincapableofreceivingthe
lightofGod(ICor.2:14).Thereforewemustreceivethe“mindofChrist”(ICor.2:16).
What the darkened, fallen, finite reason cannot achieve through its best efforts – God
makesknowntothebelieverthroughrevelation.
Wealsosawthattherewereatleast6importantthingstounderstandaboutthenatureof
revelation.Wecouldsummarizethosethingswiththefollowingsentences:
1. ThenatureofrevelationisHeilgeschichteor“historyofsalvation.”
2. Itisalsouniqueininspiration,or“breathedoutbyGod.”
3. There is a consistency between the nature of the revelation and the
Revealer.
4. Our revelation is incomplete, i.e. we have “true truth” but not “exhaustive
truth."
5. Itisunifiedandprogressive;“theOldisrevealedintheNewandtheNewis
concealedintheOld.”
6. RevelationhasceasedbecauseitiscompleteinChristandtheScriptures–
butilluminationofthatrevelationcontinues.
20 Whenwespeakofconsummation,wemeanthatitmustbefulfilledbothinourlivesandinhistory. TheBiblebegins
witharevelationofCreation–andendswithaconsummationinrecreation!
34
QuotationsforFurtherReflection
• GoddoesnotintendHisWordtobeusedasanencyclopediaoranencyclical–butas
asystemoftruththatwearetosteepourselvesinitstoneortemperandsolearnits
overallmessage.(C.S.Lewis)
• IprayedforFaith,and thought that somedayFaithwould comedownandstrikeme
likelightning.ButFaithdidnotseemtocome. OnedayIreadinthetenthchapterof
Romans,‘Nowfaithcomethbyhearing,andhearingbytheWordofGod.’ Ihad
closed my Bible, and prayed for Faith. I nowopenedmyBible, andbegan to study,
andFaithhasbeengrowingeversince. (D.L.Moody)
• “Send forth Your light and Your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to
Yourholymountain,totheplacewhereYoudwell.ThenwillIgotothealtarof
God,toGodmyjoyandmydelight”(Ps.43:34).
35
PURITYOFTHEWORD:INERRANCYOFSCRIPTURE
In this section, I want to briefly discuss the matter of inerrancy. Put most simply, the
doctrine of inerrancy says that“the Bible is free from errors.”As the theologian,
CharlesHodgeputitinhiswellknownclassic,SystematicTheology: “TheBibleisallfrom
God; it is the Word of God in toto, and there is no admixture of human error in its
production.” However,formanypeopletheinerrancyofscriptureseemsquiteimpossible
to hold to because of the matter of human fallenness and fallibility. Therefore, many
people consider it a human book rather than a divine book. Dr. Donald G. Barnhouse
dealswiththisobjectionasfollows:
“It is objected by some that the marks of human personality upon the writingsofthe
varioushumanauthorsindicatethattheBibleisahumanbook.Wewouldanswerthis
with an analogy. The angel who announced to Mary that she would become the
motheroftheMessiah,heardtheVirginask,‘HowshallthisbeseeingthatIknownota
man?’ Theanswercame:‘TheHolySpiritshallcomeuponthee,andthepowerofthe
Highestshallovershadowthee;thereforethatthingwhichshallbebornoftheeshallbe
calledtheSonofGod'(Luke1:35). Sothebabywasborn.HewasthesecondPerson
oftheTrinity,theSonofGod...JustastheHolySpiritcameuponthewombofMary,so
HecameuponthebrainofaMoses,aDavid,anIsaiah,aPaul,aJohn,andtherestof
the writers of the divine library. The power of the Highest overshadowed them,
therefore that holy thing which was born of their minds is called the Holy Bible, the
WordofGod. The writingsofLukewill,ofcourse,havethevocabularyofLuke,and
theworksofPaulwillbearthestampofPaul’smind.However,thisisonlyinthesame
mannerthattheLordJesusChristmighthavehadeyeslikeHismother’s,orhairthat
wasthesamecolorandtextureashers.Hedidnotinherithersins,becausetheHoly
Spirithadcomeuponher.Ifweaskhowthiscouldbe,theansweristhatGodsaysso.
AndthewritingsofthemenoftheBookdidnotinherittheerrorsoftheircarnalmind,
because the writers were conceived by the Holy Spirit and born out of their
personalitieswithoutpartakingoftheirfallennature. Ifweaskhowthiscouldbeagain
theansweristhatGodsaysso.”21
Barnhouse is not setting forth some kind of “dictation theory” of inspiration whereby the
Biblicalwriterswerereducedtonothingmorethanrobots.Intheprocessofusingthem,
God did not destroy their humanity but fully used it.These men were “carried
alongbytheHolySpirit”(IIPet.1:21).
Inerrancyistheheatedtheologicalbattlefrontoftheday.MartinLuthersaid: “IfIprofess
with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except
preciselythatlittlepointwhichtheworldandthedevilareatthatmomentattacking,Iam
notconfessingChrist,howeverboldlyImaybeprofessingChrist.Wherethebattlerages,
theretheloyaltyofthesoldierisproved,andtobe,steadyonallthebattlefrontbesidesis
mereflightanddisgraceifheflinchesatthatpoint.”22
21 DonaldGreyBarnhouse,TheInvisibleWar,GrandRapids:ZondervanPublishingHouse,1965,pp.4445.
22 FrancisSchaeffer,“SchaefferonScripture”,ChristianityToday,August29,1975,p.29.
36
That issue where the battle is raging today is the matter of inerrancy. This subject is
beingdebatednotonlyamongthosewhoholdamoreliberalviewofScripture–butalso
among conservatives. Dr. Harold Lindsell wrote a book entitled Battle For The Bible.
Thatbookseemedtodrawupthebattlelinesanddividethecampintoseveraltheological
groups. Some think that the division is good because it is “flushing out” the onesthey
consider to be theological turncoats in the conservative ranks. Others feel it is very
tragicthattheevangelicalpartoftheBodyofChristisbeingfurtherdividedatatimewhen
theircollectiveimpactwasbeingfeltasneverbefore.
AconferencewasheldinChicagotodiscuss,clarify,anddefendthedoctrineofinerrancy.
Itwascalled“TheInternationalCouncilonBiblicalInerrancy”orICBI.Itwasheadedby
suchtheologiansasJ.I.Packer,JamesM.Boice,EdmundP.Clowney,R.C.Sprouland
others.Thistransdenominationgroupaffirmedtheirbeliefininerrancy,bysaying:
“We affirm that the whole of Scripture and all its parts, down to thevery wordof the
original, were given by divine inspiration...Being wholly and verbally Godgiven,
Scriptureiswithouterrororfaultinallitsteaching,nolessinwhatitstatesaboutGod’s
actsincreationandtheeventsofworldhistory,andaboutitsownliteraryoriginsunder
God,thaninitswitnesstoGod’ssavinggraceinindividuallives.”23
These theologians further clarified their belief in inerrancy by the following summary
statements:
1. God, who is Himself Truth and speaks truth only, has inspired Holy Scripture in
order thereby to reveal Himself to lost mankind through Jesus Christ as Creator
andLord,RedeemerandJudge,HolyScriptureisGod’switnesstoHimself.
24
2. HolyScripturebeingGod’sownWord,writtenbymenpreparedandsuperintended
byHisSpirit,isofinfallibledivineauthorityinallmattersuponwhichittouches:itis
to be believed as God’s instruction, in all that it requires; obeyed, as God’s
command, in all that it requires; embraced, as God’s pledge, in all that it
promises.
25
3. TheHolySpirit,itsdivineAuthor,bothauthenticatesittousbyHisinwardwitness
andopensourmindstounderstanditsmeaning.
26
4. TheauthorityofScriptureisinescapablyimpairedifthistotaldivineinerrancyisin
anywaylimitedordisregarded, ormaderelativetoaviewoftruthcontrarytothe
Bible’s own; and such lapses bring serious loss to both the Individual and the
Church.
27
23 KayOliver,“Summit’78TakesStandonInerrancy”,MoodyMonthly,Dec.1978,p.12.
24 Ibid.,p.12.
25 ConnieOliver,“PinnockSpeaksonBiblicalInerrancy”,Perspective,May/June1976,p.8.
26 NormalL.Geisler,“TheNatureofScripture”,ChristianityToday,Feb.24,1978,p.34.
27 “InerrancyMatters”,ChristianityToday,Oct.1978,p.10.
37
I personally think that is a very good summary of the doctrine of inerrancy and its
importance for the church. However, not all conservative, evangelical Christians would
agree.WenowhavethoseontheonesidewhowouldsaythattheBibleiscompletely
error free – even in details. On the other hand we have those evangelical scholars
representedbysomeonelikeDr.ClarkPinnock,whowouldsay,“TheBiblecontainserrors
but teaches none.” That there are some problems in Scripture no one can honestly
escape. As Pinnock would say, “Belief in inerrancy of detail is possible only for
those...who do not take the difficulties of the Bible seriously.” As a Christianity Today
editor said: “There exists difficult problems of apparent discrepancies. There is no
advantagetopretendingthatdifficultiesdonotexistorareofnoconsequence.Theymust
berecognized,admitted,andhonestlystudied.”28 Somewouldsaythatthesedifficulties
concerning conflicting details are not crucial because “Historical, chronological and
geographical data are never in themselves the object of the witness of the Holy Spirit.”
ScholarswhoholdtothatviewpointwouldaffirmScripturalinerrancyconcerningdoctrine
but not detail. In other words, the Bible is inerrant concerning matters essential to the
faith – but possibly errant in some details andfactualmatter. However, eventhen they
wouldsaythatitwasstillinerrantinintentifnotsoinactuality.
Thereareyetotherswhoareseekingtoavoidconflictanddivisionbyredefiningtheword
“inerrant” to make it more inclusive. However, for many that is an unacceptable
alternative.OnesuchtheologianwhocannotacceptthistypeofsolutionisJohnWarwick
Montgomery,whowrote:
“WheneverwereachthepointofaffirmingontheonehandthattheBibleisinfallibleor
inerrant and admitting on the other hand to inerrant contradictions or factual
inaccuracies within it, we not only make a farce of language, promoting ambiguity,
confusion, and perhaps even deception in the church; more reprehensible thaneven
these things, we in fact deny the plenary inspiration and authority of Scripture,
regardlessofthetheologicalformulaewemayinsistonretaining.”29
AllevangelicalChristiansdoagree,though,onthefactthatinerrancyholdsonlyforthe
original autographs. However, we now have enough manuscripts to support our belief
thatthe current translations of the Bible we have todayareclose to 98%inerrant.
Dr.WalterMartinsaid:
“TheinspirationoftheBible...onlyreferstotheautographsoftheOldTestamentand
the New Testament. Through the centuries since then, He (God) haspreserved His
message in the thousands of copies of those very manuscripts with less than four
percenterror.Theerrorsaretheresultofpoorcopiesorcopyists–nottheresultofan
errantoriginal.Throughthescienceoftextualcriticism,weareableeasilytodetermine
the original contents in almost all of the questioned sections. Those questioned
28 “Inerrancy Matters”,ChristianityToday,Oct.1978,p.10.
29 JohnStuartMill,“ThreeEssaysonReligion”,quotedbyJ.N.D.AndersoninChristianity:TheWitnessofHistory,London:TheTyndale
Press,1969,p.38.
38
portions that remain involve mainly punctuation and spelling problems and in no way
affectanyarticleofChristianfaith.”30
Thebigquestionis“WhywouldGodmakeanerrorfreeoriginalandyetpermiterrorsin
thecopies?” TheonlylogicalanswertothatisthatGodchosetousemanastherecipient
and transmitter of His revelation – and man is now a fallen creature. By a disobedient
exercise of his free will, man rebelled against God and as a result, sin and corruption
entered both the universe and man's own life. “This corruption tainted all of the
descendantsofAdam,someofwhomlatercopiedandrecopiedtheDivinerecord.Except
for the initial use of the initial writers of theWord, the imperfections ofa fallenhumanity
wereallowedtotouchtheperfectrecord.”31
I personally must keep referring to Christ's view of Scripture. His viewmustdetermine
mine.IstillfeelthatitisratherabsurdtocallHim“Lord”andthenholdaviewofScripture
lowerthanHis!ThattomeiscallingintoquestionHisLordship,authorityandknowledge
concerning Scripture. For many involved in this inerrancy debate, Christ's view of
Scriptureistheirfinalappealandhighestargument.AgainIquoteJohnMontgomery:
“The doctrine of Biblical inerrancy derives from the attitude of Scripture toward itself,
andinparticulartheattitudeofChristtowardScripture.Whatwemustrecognizeisthat
ScriptureanditsChristdonotgiveusanopenconceptofinspirationthatwecanfillin
as the extrabiblical methodologies of our time appear to dictate, To the contrary, the
totaltrustthatJesusandtheapostlesdisplayedtowardScriptureentailsapreciseand
controlledhermeneutic.Theysubordinatedtheopinionsandtraditionsoftheirdayto
Scripture; so must we. They did not regard Scripture as erroneous or self
contradictory;neithercanwe.Theytookitsmiraclesandpropheciesasliteralfact;so
mustwe.TheyregardedScripturenotastheproductofeditorsandredactorsbutas
stemming from Moses, David, and other immediately inspired writers wemust follow
their lead. They believed that the events recorded in the Bible happened as real
history;wecandonoless.”32
Montgomerythenconcludeshisargumentoninerrancywiththefollowinganalogy:
“ImustnottolerateforamomenttheargumentthatbecausetheTrinityisnowhereset
forthbynameintheBible,evangelicalismmustn'tbedividedoverthedoctrine.Biblical
inerrancy,thoughtheexpressiondoesnotappearinScripture,isneverthelessChrist’s
view;andHemustbemyLordinthisasinallotherareas.IfHeisnotLordofall,Heis
notLordatall.”33
WhenwehappenuponwhatwebelieveisanerrororcontradictioninGod'sWord,wedo
welltoheedthetimelyadviceofAugustine:
30 WalterMartin,TheChristianResearchInstituteNewsletter,ThirdQuarter,1977,p.2.
31 Ibid.,p.2.
32 JohnWarwickMontgomery,“HistoryandChristianity”,His,Jan.1965,pp.3842.
33 Ibid.,p.42.
39
“IfyouchanceuponanythinginScripturethatdoesnotseemtobetrue,youmustnot
conclude that the sacred writer made a mistake; rather your attitude should be: the
manuscriptisfaulty,ortheversionisnotaccurate,oryouyourselfdonotunderstand
thematter.”34
YouandIneedtobeassuredthen,thatwewillnevercomeupwithaquestionorproblem
in Scripture that has not been raised a thousand times before – and reasonably
answered!
35 Ifyoustillthinkyouhavefoundone,thenwisdomandhistorywouldstrongly
suggestthatyouplaceyourdoubt,skepticismandagnosticisminyourquestion–andnot
intheBible!Asyouwillseeinthisbook,overandoveragainscholarsthoughttheBible
contained historical inaccuracies, factual contradictions and inconsistencies – buttime,
further study and later archaeological discoveries have consistently confirmed
Scripture.Therefore, we do well to leavesomequestions openendedand allowmore
time for further research and study before jettisoning the Scriptures! The creedal
statement of one seminary I think expresses this attitude very well. Concerning the
harmonizingofapparentcontradictions,itsays:
“Harmonization of apparent scriptural difficulties should bepursued withinreasonable
limits, and when harmonization would pass beyond such boundaries the interpreter
must leave the problem open rather than by assuming error, impugn the absolute
trustfulnessofGod,whoinspiresallHolyScriptureforoursalvationandlearning.”36
Now, this kind of attitude toward the Bible is not Biblioatry. We do not so inseparably
associateGodwithHisWordthatweendupeitherworshippingHisWordabove,oralong
with,Him!No,asBillyGrahamrightlyputit:
“I am not advocating Bibliolatry. I am not suggesting that we should worship the
Bible…anymorethanasoldierworshipshisswordorasurgeonworshipshisscalpel.I
am, however, fervently urging a return to Biblecentered preaching, a gospel
presentation that says without apology and without ambiguity, ‘Thus saith the
Lord.’”
37
No minister, evangelist, or Christian will ever stand up and clearly say“Thussaiththe
Lord” if inside he deeply questions the accuracy and trustworthiness of God's Word.
That is one of the problems with so much preaching andteachingin thechurch today!
Many ministers had their belief in the Bible subtly eroded during their seminary days –
and their preaching has had little or no power or authority since then! Itis still abasic
principaloflifethat“anambiguousheartsendsoutanambivalentflow!” Thereisnoway
thatIcanpreachandteachauthoritativelyifIhavenoauthority!Ipersonallystandwith
34 “LettersofSt.AugustineLXXXII,”No.3,quotedbyHaroldLindsell,“TheInfallibleWord”,ChristianityToday,Sept.15,1972,p.16.
35 Note:Therearemanygoodbooksonthemarketthatdealwiththesequestions,difficultiesandreputedcontradictions. Iwouldhighly
suggestbooksbyW.F.ArndtandF. W. Gingrich CompilersofoneofthemostprevalentGreekEnglishlexiconusedtoday.Arndthas
writtenabookonBibleDifficultiesthatyouwillfindveryhelpful.
36 “MelodylandSchoolofTheology’sDoctrinalStatement”quotedbyJohnWarwickMontgomeryin“WhitherBiblicalInerrancy?”Christianity
Today,July29,1977,p.42.
37 BillyGraham,“BiblicalAuthorityinEvangelism”,ChristianityToday,Oct.22,1976,p.15.
40
those who affirm the inerrancy of Scripture! I do recognize the legitimate problems
involved – but I think the better part of wisdom is to leave some things open ended for
further research and study. Man’s basic tendency is to jump too quickly to the wrong
conclusions!Forme,theproblemswithadmittingerrorsintheBibleareseveral:
1. OnceyoubegintoadmiterrorsandcontradictionsoftheBible,thereisnological
stoppingpoint.Itisthecaseoftheproverbialcamel’snoseinyourtent–youhave
thewholecamel,andnotent!
2. Secondly,thereisnowayIcanreachthoseconclusionsunlessImakemyselfan
authorityovertheauthorityoftheScriptures.Asonepersonputit:“Totheextent
thatyouweakeninerrancy;tothatextentyouweakeninspiration;totheextentthat
youweakeninspiration,youhaveagarbledrevelation;totheextentthatyouhavea
garbled revelation you have a weakened authority; and when you weaken the
authorityoftheBibleyoulaunchuponashiftingseaofuncertainty.”38
3. Finally,intheprocessofacceptingtheerrancyofScripture,wemustalsolowerour
view of the character of God. Why? Because if God was involved in the
compositionoftheBible–thenanymistakesmustbechargeabletoGodHimself.
SUMMARY
ThedoctrineoftheinerrancyofScriptureisnotofsecondaryimportance!Itseemstome
thatwecannotcontinuetheReformationmaximofSolaScripturawithoutinerrancy.Itis
essential for the authority of preaching and teaching – and therefore crucial both for
evangelism of the church and the edification of the church! As one writer concluded:
“There is little doubt that any marked departure fromthe historic view of the Church on
thismatterleadstofurtherheresiesandfinallytoapostasy.”
SolaScriptura! OurfaithisbasedontheBiblealone.
QuotationsforFurtherReflection
• In the Book of Acts, we find the early Christians presenting reasoned answers to a
varietyofchargesmadeagainstChristianity. TotheJewsthechurchpointedoutthat
ChristwasthefulfillmentofOld Testament prophecy(Acts3:1726). TotheGentiles
thechurcharguedthatGodwascallingthemtoturnfromsuperstitiousreligionstothe
true Godrevealed inJesusChrist(19:122). Inalltheirapologetics,theearlychurch
emphasized the undeniable event of the resurrection of Christ (4:10; 17:31). And,
unlikesomeChristianstoday, theearlychurch was notplaguedbythedisease"non
38 EarlRadmacher,“InspirationofScriptures”tapeseries,ConservativeBaptistTheologicalSeminary,Denver,Colorado.
“ThewordsoftheLordarepurewords;assilvertriedina
furnaceontheearth,refinedseventimes"(Ps.12:6).
41
rockaboatus";indeed,theearlyChristiansdefendedthefaithwheneverandwherever
theopportunityarose. Wemustcommittodoingthesame.
Far from being some abstract discipline or quaint pastime for a select few (such as
theologians and ministers), apologetics is in reality an immensely practical tool for
every single member of the body of Christ. And the need for apologetics today is
critical. BelieversmustrealizethatwearelivinginapostChristianera,withahostof
religions,cults,andocculticsystemsvyingcontinuouslyforpeople'scommitmentsand,
indeed,fortheirverylives. Wemustfacethesechallengesheadon.
Using apologetics, equipped Christians can show that the Christian world view is
consistent, coherent, and corresponds to reality over and above all other competing
world views. Apologetics also shows that Christianity is both spiritually and
intellectually fulfilling, and thatChristianity is nothingless thanthe truth (John 17:17).
(ThatChristianityhasanintellectualorrationalelementisclearinJesus'wordsabout
loving God not only with all our heart, soul, and strength, but also with all our mind;
Mark 12:29.)…the number of people hungry for sound answers is anything but
diminishing…Isapologeticsstillrelevanttoday? Inmythinking,apologeticshasnever
beenmorerelevantthanitistoday…MayGodcontinuetosustainallthosecommitted
tostandingfortruth.
39
• ThecharacterofGodHimselfprovestheinerrancyofScripture:
1. Sovereign: A sovereign God is able to preserve the process of inspiration from
error.
2. Righteousness: ArighteousGodisunabletoinspireerror.
3. Just: AjustGodcouldnotbeuntruthfulinassertingHiswordisinerrant.Hewould
beunjustifHeborewitnesstoerrantScriptureasholyandtrue.
4. Love: AlovingGodwouldadequatelyprovideforthespiritualhealthandsafetyof
HispeoplebyinspiringaninerrantWord.
5. Eternal: An eternal God has had forever to determine the canon and means of
inspiration(e.g.,verbal,plenary)forHisWord.
6. Omniscient: AnomniscientGodknowseverycontingencythatmightarisetoinhibit
inerrancy.
7. Omnipotent: AnomnipotentGodcaneffectivelyrespondtoeverycontingencyand
alsopreservethetransmissionofHisWord.
39 HankHanegraaf“Apologetics–StillRelevantToday?”Crosswalk.com[August13,2003]
42
8. Omnipresent: An omnipresent God can initially reveal and inspire His Word and
laterilluminateit.
9. Immutable: AnimmutableGodcouldneverchangeHisWord.
10. Veracity: AtruthfulGodwouldnotliewhenHetestifiesabouttheinerrancyofHis
Word.
11. Merciful: AmercifulGodwouldnotbeunmercifulinspiringbothtruthanderrorand
thenhavingHispeoplevainlyattempttofindthepartsthataretrue.Hewouldnot
leaveHispeopletosuchsubjectivismanduncertainty.
12. Personal: A personal God can inspire, verbally, with words, to insure effective
communication.
40
• Since God is the Author, the Bible is authoritative. It is absolute in its authority for
human thought and behavior. “As the Scripture has said” is a recurring theme
throughout the New Testament…New Testament writers, following the example of
JesusChrist,builttheirtheologyontheOldTestament.ForChristandtheapostles,to
quote the Bible was to settle an issue…Because its source is God, the Bible is
trustworthy in all its parts so that all parts form a harmonious unity…New Testament
authorsquotedfromeverysectionoftheOldTestament,andfromalmosteverybook
oftheOldTestament.
41
40 JohnAnkerbergandJohnWeldon,TheFactsontheKingJamesOnlyDebate,Eugene,OR:Harvest
HousePublishers,1996.Pp.3939.
41 J.RobertsonMcQuilkin,UnderstandingandApplyingtheBible,Chicago:MoodyPress,1983,pp.1920.
43
PERMANENCEOFTHEWORD
PERSECUTIONOFTHEWORD
The Bible is unquestionably the most persecuted book of
history!Ithasnorivaleitherhistoricallyorcontemporarilywhen
it comes to either the amount or variety of persecution. Ithas
beenpersecutedpolitically,socially,academically,literally,and
religiously. Ithasbeenattackedfromeveryconceivableangle
by emperors, kings, governors, scientists and theologians!
Because of the nature of its message man either loves it or
hates it. Therefore, it has been banned, burned, and banished over and over again in
history!BernardRammputitthisway:
“A thousand times over, the death knell of the Bible has been sounded, the funeral
processionformed,theinscriptioncutonthetombstone,andthecommittalread. But
somehowthecorpseneverstaysput!”42
Let'stakeamomenttolookbackatsomeoftheearlierattemptstodestroytheBible.
• When God's Word came to King Jehoiakim of Judah, he
would not repent but “stiffened his neck” (Jer. 17:23).
God dictated His words to Jeremiah who in turn dictated
them to hisscribe, Baruch. Whenthekinghearditread,
he was so angered that he took his penknifeandcut the
scrolloffsectionbysectionasitwasreadtohimandthen
threwitintothefire(Jer.36:2224). However,Godalways
protects His Word. So again He dictated it to Jeremiah
who had Baruch write it down again on another scroll
(36:2732)!
• In A.D. 303 the Roman Emperor, Diocletian (245313) issued an edict to destroy
Christiansandtheirsacredbook.Christianswerekilled,churchesrazedtotheground
and Bibles burned. He felt he had succeeded in this area and even erected a
monument:“Extinctonomenechristianorum”(thenameofChristiansisextinguished).
Hewasageniusasanorganizerandmanyofhisadministrativemeasureslastedfor
centuriesinRome–butnotthisone! Hissuccessor,Constantine,publiclyconverted
to Christianity in 312 A.D., and decreed full legal toleration for Christianity (Edict of
Milan)whichhistoricallytestifiestothefollyofDiocletian'sattempt!
• KingHenryVconsideredBiblereadingacrimeandpassedalawtopunishoffenders–
butlikeDiocletian,hecouldnotsucceed.
42 JoshMcDowell,EvidencethatDemandsaVerdict,Vol.1,ArrowheadSprings,CA:CampusCrusadeforChrist,Inc.,1972,p.23.
In2000,JiangZeminof
Chinawasreportedas
saying,“Theenemyof
thepeopleisnotthose
whoholdgunsintheir
hands,butthosewho
holdtheBibleintheir
hands.”
44
• ThomasPayneinhisfamousAgeofReasonscoffedattheBible–butnowtheBible's
truthsscoffatthefollyofhisreasoning!
• TheFrench skepticphilosopher,Voltaire,saidarrogantly:“Anothercenturyandthere
willnotbeaBibleonearth.” HeisdeadbutGod'sWordlivesandprospers–farmore
thanhisworks! Infact,only50yearsafterhisdeath,theGenevaBibleSocietyused
hispressandhousetoproducestacksofBibles!
AsDr.A.Z.Conradsaid:
“Empiresriseandfallandareforgotten–thereitstands;
Dynastysucceedsdynasty–thereitstands;
Kingsarecrownedanduncrowned–thereitstands...
Itoutlives,outfits,outloves,outreaches,outranks,outruns,allotherbooks.
Trustit,loveit,obeyit,andEternallifeisyours.”43
The Bible's permanence in the face of such long, unrelenting opposition is something
whicheveryhonestBibleopponentmusthonestlyface.AsDr.J.B.Phillipssaid:
“Critics of Christianity have somehow got to explain this if they are to have a leg to
stand on. Let them read these Letters for themselves and attempt to explain these
transformationsofcharacter. Noonehadanythingtogaininthosedaysfrombeinga
Christian;indeedtherewasastrongchancethattheChristianwouldlosesecurityand
propertyandevenlifeitself.Yet,reflectedinthepagesoftheseLetters,bothmenand
womenareexhibitingsuperbcourageandaregrowingasnaturallyasfruituponatree,
thosequalitiesofthespiritofwhichtheworldissolamentablyshort. Tomymindwe
are forced to the conclusion that something is at work here far above and beyond
normal human experience, which can only be explained if we accept what the N.T.
itselfclaims,thatis,thatordinarymenandwomenhadbecome,throughthepowerof
Christ,sonsanddaughtersofGod.”44
Historical Criticism of the Bible
45was written by Eta Linnemann – but it is not about
criticism of the Bible throughout history! Historical criticism is a method of studying or
interpreting the Bible. This book is about the theology of university, Bible college and
seminaryprofessorswhohave–inthenameof“scholarship”–builtaphilosophicalhouse
of cards upon a foundation that the Bible is not the Word of God. With smoke and
mirrors,andunprovenpremises,theyhavedecidedsomeoftheBibleismorereliable…
provable…divinethanotherparts.Worse,theseteacherspassalong theseheresiesto
students, who become pastors and writers. How could Ms. Linnemann speak so ably
against these academic arguments and modernday Pharisees? She was once one of
43 JoshMcDowell,EvidencethatDemandsaVerdict,Vol.1,ArrowheadSprings,CA:CampusCrusadeforChrist,Inc.,1972.
44 J.B.Phillips,NewTestamentChristianity,NewYork:TheMacmillanCo.,1957,pp.1112.
45 EtaLinnemann,HistoricalCriticismoftheBible:MethodologyorIdeology?,GrandRapids,Michigan:BakerBookHouse,1990.
“TheBibleisananvilthathaswornoutmanyhammers!”
45
those professors! She proudly wrote and taught those heresies in her classroom at a
Germanuniversity–untiltheveilwaslifted,andshewascalledtorepentance.
What did she do? She threwthebooks andpapersshehad writtenintothe trash,and
asks others to throwher previous writings into the trash as well! She writes: “I am so
gratefulthatJesus’bloodhaswashedawaymyerrors!” Herearesomequotesfromher
book – and if you have an opportunity to read the book in its entirety, it is a fantastic
resource!
• Inthefaceofattackfromtheworld,weChristianshaveadoptedadefensiveposturein
theareaofChristianbelief…Itwouldbemoreappropriatetothesituation,however,to
take up a position of criticism based on God’s Word with respect to the world we
confront.Sincetheriseofhumanismwehavebecomeaccustomedtohavingourfaith
criticizedfromeveryquarterofacademiclearning…thebestdefenseisagoodoffense
(p.55).
• The Bible is a very old book, and today what is old no longer commands
respect…Today, that which is old is generally considered to be outmoded. What
countsiswhatismodern:thelatesttechnologicalconveniences,thenewestscientific
findings, the latest news, the new fashions, and other trappings of modern living (p.
72).
• Lines are drawn through parts of God’s Word. Some of what it says is no longer
believed, and its power is accordingly no longer experienced as it was before…the
authorityofGod’sWordistherebycalledinquestion.Itlosesitsbindingcharacter,as
becomesswiftlyevidentwithrespecttothosepassageswhichmakeusuncomfortable.
Let us make no mistake; even a mouse hole can endanger a dike. That becomes
clearwhenastormbringshighwater(p.88).
• Overwhelmed by the “expertise” of theologians, the student or the person being
confirmed or the church member loses all confidence of being able to personally
understandGod’sWord.Anotherloss,typically,isthejoytheChristianoncehadinthe
Bible(p.95).
PERSEVERANCEOFTHEWORD
“The grasswithersandthe flowersfall, buttheword of ourGod stands
46 forever”
(Isa.40:8:IPet.1:2425).
ForanyChristian,whatJesussaidabouttheBiblemustbeconclusive. Anumberoftimes
JesusclearlytaughtthattheScripturesweredivineandthereforeeternal:
46 TheHebrewwordisyagummeaning“risestostand.” Itdescribessomethingthatisbeatenandbattered,yetrisestostand.
46
• “Itellyouthetruth,untilheavenandearthdisappear,notthesmallestletter,not
theleaststrokeofapen(“jotortittle”KJV
47
),willbyanymeansdisappearfromthe
Lawuntileverythingisaccomplished”(Matt.5:18);or“Itiseasierforheavenand
earthtodisappearthanfortheleaststrokeofapentodropoutoftheLaw”(Lk.
16:17).
• “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matt.
24:35;Mk.13:31;Lk.21:33).
• “…theScripturecannotbebroken”(Jn.10:35).
It is interesting to note that the very books of the Old Testament that are contested by
liberalscholarshipandhighercriticismaretheonesmostquotedbyChristHimself:
„ BooksofMoses
„ Isaiah
„ Jonah
„ Daniel
For the Christian,Christ's quotation of them substantiates their authority and
trustworthinessforever!Therefore,asFrancisSchaefferhassaid: “Itissheerfollyand
presumptive arrogance for any professing Christian to have a view of Scripture that is
eitherlowerorcontradictorytothatofChrist.”
Conclusions
The authority of Christ and theauthority ofthe Bible standor falltogether. You cannot
have a high view of one and a lowview of the other! It is not without significance that
those scholars who hold a lower view of the written word usually likewise hold a lower
view of the Incarnate Word. So it seems to be both academically and emotionally true
that one cannot have a low view of Scripture and a high view of Christ!Both Jesus
Christ and the Bible testify to eachother and areinseparablyconnected inorigin,
nature,andthereforeinauthority.
Let’slookatthefollowingsimilaritiesofJesusChrist,theIncarnateWord–andtheBible,
theInscripturedWord.
47“Jot”isthesmallestletterintheHebrewalphabetandalmostidenticalwithourapostrophesign. “Tittle”is
asmallhornshapedmarkusedtodifferentiatesimilarlettersinHebrew.
47
Comparison
INCARNATEWORD INSCRIPTUREDWORD
(JesusChrist) (Bible)
Therefore,ifyouinscripturatedtheLivingWord(Jesus)youwouldhavetheWrittenWord
(Bible); and if you Incarnated theWrittenWord(Bible) you would havethe LivingWord
(Jesus).
Bible
So since Jesus is the eternal Word of God and will last forever; and since His written
Wordislikewiseeternal–everyonewhoplacesfullfaithinoneisledtofaithinanother
andthatpersonalsobecomeseternal:
1. Jesus Christ was conceived by the
HolySpirit(Mtt.1:20;Lk.1:35)
2. Jesus Christ came through the human
instrumentality of Mary with either
destroyingherfullhumanityontheone
hand – or infecting Christ with her
sinful nature on the other – thus the
virgin birth (Isa. 7:14; Lk 1:27; Matt.
1:23). “Therefore the child to be
bornwillbecalledholy…”(Lk.1:35)
2. SoJesus,theIncarnateWord,isthe
perfectGodMan–fullyGodandfully
man.NevereverlessthanGod–
neverevermorethanman.
1. The Bible was conceived
(“inspired”) by the same Holy Spirit
(IIPet.1:21)
2. The Bible likewise came through
human instrumentality without either
destroying the full humanity of the
writers or infecting their writing with
theirownsinorimperfections:“…the
GospelofGod,whichHepromised
beforehand through His prophets
in the holy scriptures, the gospel
concerningHisSon…”(Rom.1:2).
3. TheBible,theInscripturatedWord,is
likewise the perfect DivineHuman
Book – fully divine and yet fully
human. It is the “Word of God”
throughthe“wordsofman.”
JESUS
JESUS
48
• “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,
throughthelivingandenduringwordofGod”(IPet.1:23);
• “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God
livesforever”(IJn.2:17);
• “Butthesearewrittenthat youmaybelievethatJesusis theChrist,theSonof
God,andthatbybelievingyoumayhavelifeinHisName”(Jn.20:31).
QuotationsforFurtherReflection
• IfIdisbelieve,orbelieveonlypartofwhatGod’sWordsaysaboutJesus,thenHewill
becorrespondinglylesstomepersonally.IwillexperienceJesusonlytothelevelmy
faithallows,andby myattitudeIwilllackinHis blessingsandHisfellowship.Letus
not be dissuaded from the position that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, the
Savior, even if we are accused of using an obsolete and unsatisfactory philosophy
becausewe,intheviewofsome,acceptmerewordsasfacts(p.100).
48
• ItispernicioustohandleScripture,assomedo,withtheassumptionthatwhatisplainly
says should be laid aside in favor of some novel theory giving a new and different
sensetothewords.WhenIapproachGod’sWordwiththisattitude,Iamalreadyoff
course…I have placed my trust in my intellect…The appropriate attitude would be:
“Father, I thank You for Your Word. It is true from start to finish. Still, I have
problems…Please, set me straight, and show me through the Holy Spirit from Your
Wordhowthingsare.” (p.128)
• God’s Word itself clearly declares God’s Holy Spirit to be the originator of the
Scriptures. The inspirationof theScripture isasserted byScripture itself…Nothing is
excluded; there is not one word in all of Scripture to which inspiration does not
apply…God’sWordisenough;itiscompletelyandentirelysufficientforeveryperson,
foreveryage,foreverysituation…WecanneverexhaustGod’sWord. (p.155)
48 EtaLinnemann,HistoricalCriticismoftheBible:MethodologyorIdeology?,GrandRapids,Michigan:BakerBookHouse,1990.
“RevelationofGodleadstoworship,thewarningofGodtorepentance,
thepromisesofGodtofaith,thecommandsofGodtoobedience
andthetruthofGodtowitness.Itisnoexaggerationtosaythatwithout
ScriptureaChristianlifeisimpossible.”
JohnStott
49
• AsweapproachtheBiblewiththethoughtofdiscoveringallthetruthGodintendsfor
us to understand, we should determine our expectations and attitudes…theological
studymustnotbeabarrenacademicsearchforultimatetruth.Godisnotnearlyso
interested in what I know as He is in what Iam and how Ibehave.As Andrew
Murray once put it,“Scripture was not given to increase our knowledge but to
change our conduct.”…All of our rigorous Bible study must be or the purpose of
making the application to life, transferring the truth into daybyday living…we are
responsibleinaspecialwaytoliveoutwhatweknow(Luke12:4748).Thequestfor
theologicaltruth,then,shouldneverbeanendinitself,butameansforknowingand
obeyingGodmoreperfectly.
49
49 J.RobertsonMcQuilkin,UnderstandingandApplyingtheBible,Chicago:MoodyPress,1983,pp.185187.
50
PROOFSFORTHEWORD
ThissectionwillhavetodowithChristianapologetics.Unfortunatelythatisawordthatis
greatly misunderstood today in regard to the faith. The word apologetic has come to
meansomethinglike“makeexcusesfor”. However,that’snotthecorrectdefinitionofthe
word.ItactuallycomesfromtheGreekwordapologiawhichmeans,“defense”.
NowIhopethatthissectiondoesnotgettootechnicaloracademicforyou.Ifyouarenot
interestedinthesubjectofapologetics(everyChristianshouldbethough!),thenskipthis
section and continue reading and studying at the next section. I include this section
because I am sick and tired of seeing our young people getting “shot down” in the
classroombyhighlybiased,dishonestoruninformedprofessors!Toomanyofyouryoung
people have had their faith in the Bible either subtly undermined or ripped from them
altogether. In the oftenhostile environment of the college classroom a defense of the
faithcanandneedstobemade. Totheyoungpersonwhoisstrugglingforvalidanswers
andproofsforhisfaithinsteadofemptyplatitudes,thissectionisdedicated. Ihavedrawn
heavily from the research and writing of Josh McDowell and his team. I heartily
recommendhisbooks!TheyareamustforeveryseriousBiblestudent’slibrary!
ThewordapologiaisagoodBiblicaltermwhichisusedeighttimesintheNewTestament
(Acts22:1;ICor.9:3;IITim.4:16;Phil.1:7;1:16;IICor.7:11andIPet.3:15). Iwouldlike
to quote Peter’s use of the word as a text for this section: “…Always be prepared to
giveananswer
50 toeveryonewhoasksyoutogivethereasonforthehopethatyou
have”(IPet.3:15).
Iincludedthissectiontohelpyoutobeabletodefendyourfaith,especiallyintheBible.
Nowthere are many levels of apologetics. One needs to spendmanymonthsstudying
the subject to begin to get a grasp of its scope. I will at best only be giving some
preliminarybasicsonBiblicalapologetics. Butasbriefasitwillbeinregardtotheexisting
bodyofinformationonthesubject,Istillhopeandpraythatitwilldotwothingsforyou.
First,shore up your own faith with accurate knowledge;and secondly,give you
somebasictoolstodoasPetersaid:“…giveananswertoeveryonewhoasksyouto
givethereasonforthehopethatyouhave.”
WhenwecometothesubjectofBiblicalapologetics,weneedtorealizethatwereallydo
nothavetodefendtheBibleperse.Yousee,theBibleisitsowngreatestdefense! Most
people who attack it have never really objectively studied it. If they wouldjust takethe
timetodosomestudy,moreofthemwouldbecomebelievers!J.B.Phillipssaidthiskind
of intended neglect and oversight simply means, “...that the most important event in
humanhistoryispolitelyand quietlybypassed. For itisnotasthoughtheevidencehad
beenexaminedandfoundunconvincing:ithadsimplyneverbeenexamined.”51 Someone
elseputitthisway:“TheBibleislikealioninacage.Itdoesn’tneedtobedefendedor
protected–justturnedloose!” Sowhenwereally“turnitloose”inourliveswefindthatit
50Ajpologiva,transliteratedApologia,meaningverbaldefense,speechindefense,orareasonedstatementorargument
51 “ANewThirdWorld”,Time,Oct.18,1976,p.16.
51
totally verifies itself! However, it is still helpful to understand some basic Biblical
apologeticsinordertoalleviateourownuncertaintiesandtobeabletoanswerthe
honestdoubter.
Often when we Christians begin to present our case for our belief in the Bible we are
quicklyaccusedof“circularreasoning”. Thiscriticismgoessomethinglikethis:“Yousay
the Bible is inspired because Jesus said so – and then you say that Jesus is divine
because the Bible says so. You are reasoning in a circle!” Their illustration of the
Christianargumentcouldbeillustratedlikethis:
CircularReasoning
NowI’llreadilyadmitthatsomeChristiansdoengageincircularreasoning.However,itis
notbecausethatistheonlywaytopresentanddefendourcase–but,ratherbecauseof
alackofstudyandpreparationontheirpart.AtruedefenseoftheBibleisnotcircularbut
ratherlinear.Thelineardefenseisillustratedasfollows:
LinearReasoning
HistoricalDocuments FaithInChrist DoctrineofScripture
(1stCenturyeyewitness (FaithintheFacts) (Derivedfromtrusted
accounts) authority.)
FACT FAITH FORMULATION
Doyouseethedifference?Thetwomethodsofargumentareworldsapart!Inthefirst
one,theBibleisusedtoprovetheBible.Inthesecond,weapproachtheBiblewithno
basicpresuppositionsandstudyitwiththeobjectivitywewouldhaveforanyothersecular
historicaldocuments.Aswestudythosedocumentsandrealizethatallwerewrittenby
people who actually witnessed theevents theywrote about ortotallyverified by people
who did,thentheaccuracyandhistoricityof theseaccountsdriveustotheconclusions
thatthisOnetheyarewritingabout–JesusChrist–wasandiswhoHeclaimedtobe.
At that point we are confronted with a moral choice: believe or disbelieve...accept the
evidence or reject it! The intelligent moral decision is to makeacommitment offaith in
Christ!Then,believinginHim,webegintoformulateourdoctrineofScripturefromHim
52
because,itisfollyorpresumptivearroganceforabelievertoholdaviewofScripturelower
thanthatofhisLord! Yousee,theargumentdoesnotrunblindfaith–blindfaith–blind
faith! Butrather,fact–faith–formulation!
Iapproachthefactsfirst…
studythemwithhistoricandmoralobjectivity…
thendrawmyconclusions…
andmakemymoralchoice!
When people continue in their disbelief in the face of the overwhelming evidence it is
alwaysonmoralandnot intellectual grounds! Thenitisaclearcaseof“Idon’twantto
believebecauseIdon’twanttochangemyprejudicesandlifestyle”–ratherthan“Ican’t
believebecauseofinsufficientevidence.” AsC.S.Lewisshrewdlyobserved:“Manisnot
only a sinner who needs forgiveness – he is a rebel that needs to lay down his arms!”
NowhereisthismoralrebellionagainstGodmoreclearlydemonstratedthaninthecaseof
continueddisbeliefinspiteoftheoverwhelmingevidenceforthetruthoftheclaimsofthe
BibleandJesusChrist!
Now, since the New Testament documents are our chief source of information about
Jesus,wemustbeconvincedthattheyareaccuratebeforewewillacceptthemandHim.
Yousee,theBible saysthatwearetopatternourlivesafterChrist’s(IPet.2:21;II
Cor.3:18;IJn.2:6;Heb.12:2;Gal.3:19;etc.).Thebigquestionthenis:“Whatkindoflife
did He live?” Scripture is the only place where we find the character of Christ clearly
revealed. It is of eternal significance whether or not the character revealed there is
accurateandreliable! HowcanIconfidentlypatternmylifeafterHisunlessIamsurethat
IhaveanaccurateaccountofhowHelived?
Can you see the importanceofthisstudy? IwillnotbelieveinChristifIam persuaded
that the Biblical accounts of His life, death, resurrection and ascension are historically
inaccurate! And,IwillnotpatternmylifeafterHisifIamlikewiseuncertainastowhatHis
character really was.The trustworthiness of Scripture is of utmost importance for
faith!Regardlessofhowtheymighttrytorationalizeorjustifytheircontinuedunbelief–
theskepticmustfacethefacts! The“questforthehistoricalJesus” –assometheologians
haveputit–doesnotbecomeshroudedorlostin“tradition”. AsJohnStuartMillsaid:
“ItisofnousetosaythatChrist,asexhibitedintheGospels,isnothistorical,andthat
weknownothowmuchofwhatisadmirablehasbeensupercededbythetraditionof
His followers. Who among His disciples or among their proselytes was capable of
inventing the sayings of Jesus or of imagining the life and character revealed in the
Gospel? Certainly not the fishermen of Galilee; as certainly not St. Paul, whose
character idiosyncrasies were of a totally different sort; still less the early Christian
writers,inwhomnothingismoreevidentthanthatthegoodwhichwasinthemwasall
derived,astheyalwaysprofessedthatitwasderived,fromthehighersource.”52
52 JohnStuartMill,”ThreeEssaysonReligion.”QuotedinJ.N.D.Anderson,Christianity:TheWitnessofHistory,London:TheTyndale
Press,1969,p.34.
53
Therefore, brethren, when it comes to the matter of trustworthiness and historical
verification–IwantyoutorealizethattheBibleisthemostthoroughlysubstantiated
bookofhistory!AnybasicstudyofBiblicalapologeticswillquicklyverifythisfact.Let
me share just one quotation from A.T. Robertson. He is the author of the most
comprehensive grammar of New Testament Greek, and an internationally recognized
scholarinthearea:
“There are some 8,000 manuscripts of the Latin Vulgate and at least 1,000
manuscriptsfor theother earlyversions.Addover4,000Greekmanuscriptsandwe
have 13,000 manuscript copies of portions of the New Testament. Besides all this,
much of the New Testament can be reproduced from the quotations of the early
Christianwriters.”53
The Christian apologist, John Montgomery, similarly says: “To be skeptical of the
resultanttextoftheNewTestamentbooks isto allowallofclassicalantiquitytoslipinto
obscurity,fornodocumentsoftheancientperiodareaswellattestedbibliographicallyas
theNewTestament.”54
Let’slookfurtheratthematteroftheNewTestamentdocuments.
ESTABLISHINGTHECANON
The number of manuscripts of the New Testament
arefarmorenumerousthananyotherdocumentof
history. Perhaps that raises in your mind the very
logicalquestions: “What was thereasonfor sucha
large number of Scripture copies?” and, “How did
theearlychurchdecidewhatwastrulyScriptureand
whatwasn’t?” Let’sbeginwithadefinition.
The wordcanoncomes from the root word “reed”.
The “reed” was used as a measuring rod and
eventually came to mean “standard”. In reference to the Bible it means theofficially
acceptedlistofbooks.
ThingsthatPromptedtheFormationofanOfficialCanon
Church historians generally agree that there were several factors that caused the early
churchtoestablishaformal“official”listofcanonicalbooks.
53 JohnWarwickMontgomery,HistoryandChristianity,DownersGrove,IL:InterVarsityPress,1971,p.16.
54 JohnWarwickMontgomery,“HistoryandChristianity,”His,Jan.1965,p.15.
54
1.Apostolicmartyrdom:Becauseofthedeathsof
theoriginal12ApostlesandPaul(itisestimated
that Paul and Peter were martyred c. 6770
A.D.),thechurchrealizedanimmediateneedto
guard andpassontheirdoctrine.Sincethey
weretheworkingcompanionsofChristHimself–
whom He had chosen to continue His work –
theirwritingsmustbepreserved.
2.Heresy: There was an increasing amount of
religiouswritingfloatingaround–muchofwhich
was professing to be apostolic and therefore
authoritative. Theseapocryphal writingsas
theyarecalled,wererejectedbythechurchasa
whole.
Closely related to this was theMarcionian
heresy. Marcionmadeadistinctionbetweenthe
inferior Creator God of the Old Testament and the God and Father who was
revealed in Christ. Hetherefore believed thechurch shouldthrowoutall Biblical
referencestothisOldTestamentGod–andhepersonallysetthepace! Hethrew
out all of the Old Testament and much of the New that to him referred to this
“Semitic God”. The result was that in the processhe tossed out about
everythingbutLukeand10ofPaul’sletters.Thosetypesofhereticalopinions
andwritingsmadeitnecessarytoseparatethetruefromthefalse–theorthodox
fromthespurious.
3.MissionaryExpansion:Thechurchwasalsorapidlygrowing,andexpandinginto
other countries with different languages that needed the Scriptures in their own
tongue. The Word began to be translated into other languages as the church
expanded.Thesetranslationshavealsobecomeagreatresourceandtreasurefor
Biblicalcriticismandtexturalanalysisandcomparison.Someofthesemajorearly
translationswere:
A. TheSyriacVersion(150250A.D.)whichwasfortheSyrians.Itusedthe
Aramaicalphabet.
B. TheLatin Versions(300400 A.D.) which was obviously written in Latin –
theVulgate(meaning“common”or“popular”)bySt.Jeromebeingthemost
famous.
C. TheCopticVersions(300400A.D.)wereinthelanguageoftheEgyptians.
D. TheArmenianVersion(c.400A.D.)wasfortheArmenianspeakingpeople.
“Itisimportanttonotethat
thechurchdidnotcreatethe
canon…abookisnotthe
WordofGodbecauseitis
acceptedbythepeopleof
God.Rather,itwas
acceptedbythepeopleof
GodbecauseitistheWord
ofGod.Thatis,Godgives
thebookitsdivineauthority,
notthepeopleofGod.They
merelyrecognizethedivine
authoritywhichGodgives
toit”(JoshMcDowell,TheNew
EvidencethatDemandsaVerdict,p.
21).
55
Today we have more than 9,000 copies of these early translations! They
eloquently and prolifically testify that from the very beginningChristianity was a
missionaryfaith!TheearlyChristianswereindeedgoingoutintoalloftheirthen
known world in obedience to the Great Commission of Christ! We find no other
ancientliteraturethatwassowidelytranslatedintootherlanguages. Thisprocess
isstillgoingontodaybecausetheBibleisstillthemostwidelytranslatedbookof
history! Allorpartofithasbeentranslatedintoover2,500languagestoday.
55
4.Political persecution: The emperor Diocletian bitterly persecuted Christians (c.
302305 A.D.) One of his edicts called for the burning of all Scriptures. So
Christiansliterallyhadtodecidewhichbookstheywoulddiefor!Thatmakes
youchooseverycarefully!Youdon’tdieforsomethingyou’reunsureof!
HowDidTheyDecide?
Thereweremanyfactorsthatprecipitatedtheneedforanofficialcanon.But,howdidthe
earlychurchFatherschoose? Whatwastheircriteriafordeterminingwhichbookswereto
be included in the canon and which ones were to be rejected? Geisler andNixlistthe
followingcriteriathatwritinghadtomeet
56
:
1. Isitauthoritative– i.e.,doesitclaimtobetheWordofGod?
2. IsitApostolic– i.e.,wasiteitherwrittenorapprovedbytheApostles?
3. Isitprophetic– i.e.,wasitwrittenbyaservantofGod?
4. Isitauthentic– i.e.,doesittellthetruthaboutGod,man,sin,etc.?
5. Isitdynamic– i.e.,doesitpossessthelifetransformingpowerofGod?
6. Wasitreceived– i.e.,didthepeopleofGodforwhomitwaswrittenreceiveitas
such?
WitnessofthePostApostolicFathers
In the writings of these postApostolic church fathers we find many references to the
variousbooksthatwereaccepted:
1. Asearlyas95A.D.wehavereferencesbyClement,bishopofRome,referringto
BookslikeMatthew,Luke,Romans,1CorinthiansandHebrews.
55 http://www.gospelcom.net/ibs/aboutibs/translation.php[Nov.2,2003]
56 AdaptedfromAGeneralIntroductiontotheBible,NormanL.GeislerandWilliamE.Nix,MoodyPress,1968,p.141.
56
2. Irenaeus (A.D. 180), who became Bishop of Lyons in Gual witnessed to the
canonicalrecognitionof:
Matthew IandIICorinthians IandIITimothy
Mark Galatians Titus
Luke Ephesians IPeter
John Philippians IJohn
Acts Colossians Revelation
Romans IandIIThessalonians (c.70155/160A.D.)
ThisisespeciallysignificantwhenwerealizethatIrenaeuswasbroughtupatthe
feetofPolycarp(A.D.115)whowasadiscipleofJohn.
John Polycarp Irenaeus
3. By the end of the 2nd Century, the 27 books of the N.T. were basically agreed
uponbythechurch:
A. C. 200 A.D. Tertullian, bishop of Carthage, an important defender or
apologist of the faith, used the expression “New Testament” – thereby
formallyrecognizingitwithequalauthoritywiththeOldTestament.
B. AthanasiusofAlexandria,publishedalistof divinebooksinc.367A.D.It
contained the Old Testament and the exact 27 books we have in the New
Testament. Historianssayitisthefirstlistthatmatchesperfectlythelistwe
havetoday.
C. Jerome agreed and used the same 27 books whenhetranslated the Latin
Vulgateabut385A.D.
AtthispointyoumightwanttoturntotheAppendixonManuscriptEvidenceandseethe
chart of “Quotations of the New Testament by Early Church Fathers”. By their vast
number of quotations you can easily see that the church had a widely accepted list of
canonicalbooks.
ChurchCouncils
ThereweretwochurchcouncilsinNorthAfrica–Hippoin393andCarthagein397A.D.–
thatofficiallyrenderedthe27booksoftheNewTestamentastheonlyonesthatcouldbe
readinthechurches.
Principle
Abook’sacceptanceintothecanondidnotelevateitto“Scripture”.
ItsinclusionwasrecognitionbythechurchfathersthatitwasalreadyScripture!
57
As one writer put it:“The Bible is not an authorized collection of books, but a
collectionofauthorizedbooks.”
Ithinkthefollowingquotationisanexcellentsummaryofboththeprocessandresultof
thechurch’schoiceofthecanon:
“The churches were providentially kept from accepting any illegitimate books...they
examinedfreelyandunhurriedlythebooks presented to them.Attimescertainones
hesitated for a while before coming to complete agreement. But never did the
believers as a whole make a definite choice which they later had to repent of...the
church definitively and firmly accepted as divine some books unfavorable to its own
inclinations,andeverywhereitrejectedasmerelyhumanotherswhichwouldfavorits
inclinationsthemost.Thereisonlyoneexplanationforthisfact:GodHimselfwatched
overthecanon.”
TheApocryphalWritings
Thesebooksorwritingsthatwerenotincludedintheofficialchurchcanonarereferredto
asapocryphal writings.ThewordapocryphacomesfromtheGreekworkapokruphos
meaninghiddenorconcealed.St.Jeromeinthe4thcenturywasthefirsttousetheterm
in reference to these noncanonical writings. Their number truly abounds! There are
manybooksonthemarketyoucanbuyforamoredetaileddiscussionofthemifyouare
interested. However, unless you are particularly interested in church heresy, it is not
really worth your time! Apart from bits of historical and cultural information – often
incorrectatthat–thereisreallyverylittlefortheChristian.
ForthesakeofdivisionwecandividetheapocryphalwritingintoOldTestamentrelated
onesandNewTestamentrelatedones.
OldTestamentApocryphalWritings:
IEsdras BelandtheDragon
IIEsdras TheSongoftheThreeHebrewChildren
Tobit ThePrayerofManasseh
Judith IMaccabees
AdditionstoEsther IIMaccabees
TheWisdomofSolomon Baruch
Ecclesiasticus
TheBiblicalscholarsGeislerandNixgiveanumberofreasonswhytheywererejected:57
57 AdaptedfromAGeneralIntroductiontotheBible,NormanL.GeislerandWilliamE.Nix.MoodyPress,1968,p.173.
Principle
IfGodcaredenoughtogiveusHisWord–
Helikewisecaredenoughtoguarditfromlossorcorruption!
58
1. Philo, the Jewish philosopher (20 B.C. 40 A.D.) quoted the Old Testament
pontificallybutneverrecognizedtheApocryphaasinspired.
2. TheJewishhistorian,Josephus(30100A.D.)explicitlyexcludestheApocryphain
hislistingofscripture.
3.Jesus and the New Testament writers never once quoted an apocryphal
writing– even though there are hundreds of other O.T. quotations in their
teachingsandwritings.FortheChristian,thisfactaloneisconclusive.
4. TheJewishscholarsofJamnia(A.D.90)didnotrecognizetheApocrypha.
5. NocanonorcounciloftheChristianchurch forthefirstfourcenturiesrecognized
theApocryphaasinspired.
6. Many of the great church Fathers spoke out against the Apocrypha. Irenaeus
refersto“anunspeakablenumberofapocryphalandspuriouswritings,whichthey
themselves (i.e. the heretics) had forged, to bewilder the minds of the foolish.”
Origensaid:“TheChurchpossessesfourGospels,heresyagreatmany.”58
7. Many Roman Catholic scholars through the Reformation period rejected the
Apocrypha.
8. MartinLutherandtheotherReformersrejectedtheauthorityandcanonicityofthe
Apocrypha.
It was not until 1546 at the Counter Reformation Council of Trent that the Apocryphal
booksreceivedfullcanonicalstatusbytheRomanCatholicChurch.
NewTestamentApocryphalWritings:
EpistleofBarnabas TheGospelofThomas
EpistletotheCorinthians TheProtevangeliumofJames
EpistleofClement TheAssumptionofMary
ShepherdofHermas TheGospelofPhilip
DidacheorTeachingoftheTwelve TheGospelofTruth
ApocalypseofPeter TheGospeloftheNazarenes
TheActsofPaulandThecla EpistleofPolycarptothePhilippians
EpistletotheLaodiceans TheSevenEpistlesofIgnatius
TheGospelAccordingtotheHebrews (andmanymore)
Theabovelistsofbookswererejectedbythechurchforthefollowingreasons:
58 EdwinYamauchi,“TheWordfromNagHammadi,”ChristianityToday,Jan.13,1978,p.19.
59
1. “Theyaboundinhistoricalandgeographicalinaccuraciesandanachronisms.”
2. “They teach doctrines which are false and foster practices which are at variance
withinspiredScripture.”
3. “Theyresorttoliterarytypesanddisplayanartificialityofsubjectmatterandstyling
outofkeepingwithinspiredScripture.”
4. “They lack the distinctive elements which give genuine Scripture its divine
character,suchaspropheticpowerandpoeticandreligiousfeeling.”59
TheapocryphalbookTheGospelofThomaswasaratherrecentdiscoveryoftheGnostic
libraryatNagHammadi,Egypt.Therearealtogether50+oftheseapocryphalgospels–
many of which are known simply by title only, or by a few scattered quotations and
allusions by the early church Fathers. Edwin M. Yamauchi refers to them as ”...non
canonicalwritingsofamotleyvarietyaboutthepurporteddeedsandrevelationsofJesus
Christ.”60 Aspreviouslystated,theearlychurchFathersgenerallyrejectedthesewritings.
Eusebiusdescribessuchapocryphalgospelsasfollows:
“Again, nothing could be farther from apostolic usage than the type of phraseology
employed,whiletheideasand implicationsoftheircontentsaresoirreconcilablewith
trueorthodoxythattheystandrevealedastheforgeriesofheretics.”61
These apocryphal gospels arose because the straightforward accounts of the birth and
childhood of Jesus, recorded in the Gospels of Matthewand Luke, donottotally satisfy
the fallen human curiosity of many people. They began to add their fanciful
embellishments–fillinthose“hiddenyearsofChrist”withtheirownideasofwhatHewas
doing!
Examples from the Infancy Gospel of Thomas will suffice to demonstrate the difference
between the fancifulness of man’s imagination and the truth of God’s revelation.
Accordingtothatwriting,whenJesuswasfiveyearsold,Hemade12sparrowsfromclay
and “zapped them” with life and they all flew away! On another occasion, Jesus
purportedlycursedachildwhohad botheredHimwiththewords:“Youinsolent,godless
dunderhead...See,nowyoualsoshallwitherlikeatree.”62 Anotherladwhoaccidentally
bumped into Jesus was smitten dead. Others who accused Him were blinded. An
assistantinHisfather’scarpentershop,Jesuswasabletostretchbeamsofwoodtothe
propersize!ThereisagreatgulfbetweenthesefantasiesandthestarkrealismofGod’s
Word!HowdifferentisJesusChristfromtheseprojections!
59 MerrillF.Unger,Unger’sBibleDictionary,Chicago:MoodyPress,1971,p.70.
60 EdwinYamauchi,“TheWordfromNagHammadi,”ChristianityToday,Jan.13,1978,p.19.
61 Ibid.
62 Ibid.
60
The conclusions are rather obvious: “The apocryphal gospels, even the earliest and
soberest among them, can hardly becomparedwith thecanonicalgospels. The former
areall patentlysecondaryandlegendaryorobviouslyslanted.”63 Afteronehasspenta
little time reading them, he comes back to God’s Word with renewed conviction and
enthusiasm!
Morton Enslin said: “Their total effect is to send us backto the canonicalgospels with
freshapprovaloftheirchasterestraintinfailingtofillintheintriguinghiddenyears.”64 A.
RobertsandJ.Donaldson,scholarsontheearlychurchfathers,said: “...thepredominant
impression which they leave on our minds is a profound sense of the immeasurable
superiority,theunapproachablesimplicityandmajesty,oftheCanonicalWritings.”65
Joachim Jeremias, one of the most outstanding scholars on the Apocrypha, wrote
UnknownSayingsofJesus.Initheconcluded: “...theextracanonicalliterature,takenas
awhole, manifestsa surprisingpoverty. The bulkofitislegendary,andbearstheclear
mark of forgery. Only here and there, amid a mass of worthless rubbish, do we come
acrossapricelessjewel.”66
AlloftheseapocryphalwritingsmakeusprofoundlythankfulfortheBibleaswehaveit!
The contrastbetweenthem andtruescripturesistoogreattobeoverlookedbyanyeye
trainedtoperceivetruth. Yamauchiconcludes: “ThestudyoftheAgrapha,particularlyin
the apocryphal gospels, reveals the relative poverty and inferiority of the mass of the
extracanonical literature, and by contrast highlights the preciousvalueof thesayingsof
JesuspreservedintheNewTestament.”67
PROPHECY
“And we have the word of the prophets made more certain,
andyouwilldowelltopayattentiontoit,astoalightshining
in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star
risesinyourhearts.Aboveall,youmustunderstandthatno
prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own
interpretation.Forprophecyneverhaditsorigininthewillof
man,butmenspokefromGodastheywerecarriedalongby
theHolySpirit”(IIPet.1:1921).
PROPHETICEVIDENCE
“Thereexistedlongbeforethistimecertainmenmoreancientthanallthosewhoare
esteemedphilosophers,bothrighteousandbelovedbyGod,whospokebythedivine
Spirit, and foretold events which would take place, and which are now taking place.
63 EdwinYamauchi,“TheWordfromNagHammadi,”ChristianityToday,Jan.13,1978,p.22.
64 Ibid.
65 Ibid.
66 Ibid.
67 Ibid.
61
They are called prophets. These alone both saw and announced the truth to men,
neither reverencing nor fearing any man, not influenced by a desire for glory, but
speaking those things alone which they saw and heard, being filled with the Holy
Spirit.”68
Whenwecometothesubjectofprophecy,wecometooneofthemostexcitingandyet
most greatly misunderstood and abused areas of Biblical studies. But just what is
prophecy?Let'sbeginwithadefinition.
In the Bible, prophecy is understood in two ways. In the Old Testament, prophecy
primarily has to do with“foretelling future events.”This is what we might call
predictive prophecy. In the New Testament, prophecy is primarily not foretelling but
forthtelling. Itmeansto“standupandtellforthGod’sword”–sothisiswhatwecould
callpreachingtoday. Nowthere was some foretelling in the New Testament – butthe
overwhelming majority was forthtelling. (For amore detailed discussion ofthis seethe
section on “Gifts of the Spirit” in my book Ministry of the Holy Spirit). Inourdiscussion
here,wewillbedealingwithpredictiveprophecyofthe“foretellingoffutureevents”long
beforetheyoccurred.IfitcanbedemonstratedthatprophetsandmenofGodintheOld
Testament period prophesied things hundreds of yearsbeforehand thatwereaccurately
fulfilled–thenthatisyetanothercogentargumentinsupportofthebeliefthattheBibleis
morethanahumanbook!
Now,predictive prophecy can only be validated by their fulfillment. We have a
rathereasymeansforcheckingthemout!Asyouwellknow,theworldtodayisfilledwith
peoplewhoclaimtohavethepowerstoforetellfutureevents.Someprofesstobeableto
doitbytheaidofastrology,othersbytarotcards,yetothersbytealeaves!Everyyear
aroundDecemberorJanuarythenewsstandsarefilledwithmagazinesandnewspapers
inwhichastrologersaregivingtheirpredictionsforthecomingyear.Ifoneweretotake
thetimetoread these(don’twasteyourtime)andlisttheseprophecies andthencheck
them out during the coming year against current events – you would find great
discrepancies!Theirrateofaccuracyofpredictionisindeedverysmall–andevenmany
oftheonesthatdocometruehavehumanexplanations.That’swhereBiblicalprophecy
parts company with these false human “prophets”. False prophets have been with us
since the earliest days of history. For the people of God then there was a very real
problemofknowingthetruefromthefalse.Godofcourseanticipatedthatproblemand
setforthatestthatwoulddividethepseudofromthetrueprophet.
HereisHisstandardofjudgmentforaprophet: “…aprophetwhopresumestospeak
inMyNameanythingIhavenotcommandedhimtosay,oraprophetwhospeaksin
thenameofothergods,mustbeputtodeath.Youmaysaytoyourselves,‘Howcan
we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?’ If what a prophet
proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a
68 “JustinMartyr,DialoguewithTrypho7.”QuotedinWilliamBarclay,TheMakingoftheBible,NewYork:AbingdonPress,1965,p.41.
62
messagetheLordhasnotspoken.Thatprophethasspokenpresumptuously.Do
notbeafraidofhim”(Deut.18:2022).
Sothere'sthetest–l00%accuracyoffulfillment!Nootherreligionintheworldhassuch
awealthoffulfilledprophecyasChristianity!Nootherworldreligiousleader'scoming
was foretold hundred of years in advance by such minute detail as was Christ's!
The Old Testament was written over an approximate 1,500 year period and contains
severalhundredpropheciesandreferencestothecomingofChristtheMessiah.These
propheciescanbeconvenientlydividedintotwotypes:PropheciesofaKinglyMessiah
andpropheciesofaSufferingMessiah.
Jesus Christ fulfilled both! The accurate fulfillment of those hundreds of prophecies is
explicableonlyintermsofthefactthatJesuswasindeedtheMessiahofGod–andthe
BibleindeedHisrevelationofthosepropheciesandtheirfulfillment!
Obviously, we do not have the time or space in one chapter to list and expound all of
thesepropheciesandtheirfulfillment.However,Iwilllistsomeofthemajoronesforyou.
IhopethatyouwilltaketimetolookupandstudythemindetailinyourBible.
PropheciesConcerningtheBirthofChrist
Prophecies Fulfillment
1BornoftheSeedofWomanGen.3:15
Gal.4:4
Matt.1:20
2BornofaVirginIsaiah7:14
Matt.1:18,2425
Luke1:2635
3ThatHewouldbetheSonofGod
Ps.2:7
IChron.17:1114
IISam.7:1216
Matt.3:17;16:16
Mark9:7
Luke9:35;22:70
John1:34,49
Acts13:3033
4HewouldbeoftheseedofAbraham(aJew)Gen.22:18;12:23
Matt.1:1
Gal.3:16
5
HewouldbeasonofIsaac(Jewish)andnot
Ishmael(Arabic)Gen.21:12
Matt.1:2
Luke3:23,34
6HewouldbeasonofJacobandnotEsau
Gen.35:1012
Num.24:17
Matt.1:2
Luke1:33;3:23,34
7HewouldbeoutofthetribeofJudahGen.49:10
Micah5:2
Matt.1:2
Luke3:23
Heb.7:14
8HewouldbeofthefamilylineofJesseIsa.11:1,10
Matt.1:6
Luke3:23
9HewouldbeoftheHouseofDavidandheir
tohisthrone
IISam.7:1216
Jer.23:5
Matt.1:1;9:27;15:22
Mark9:10
Luke3:23;18:3839
Acts13:2223
Rev.22:16
63
10
TheapproximatetimeofHisbirthwas
foretoldDan.9:25 Luke2:12
11HewouldbebornatBethlehemMicah5:2
Matt.2:1,48
Luke2:47
John7:42
12HewouldbepresentedwithgiftsatHisbirth
Ps.72:10
Isa.60:6 Matt.2:1,11
13TherewouldbeamassacreofinfantsJer.31:15 Matt.2:16
14HisparentswouldfleetoEgyptwithHimHosea11:1 Matt.2:14
PropheciesConcerningHisNatureasDeity
Prophecies Fulfillment
1HewaspreexistentbeforeHisIncarnation
Ps.102:5
Prov.8:2223
Isa.9:67;41:4;
44:6;58:12
Micah5:2
John1:12;8:58;
17:5,24
Col.1:17
Rev.1:17;2:8;22:13
2SomeofHischaracteristicswereforetold
Ps.45:7
Isa.11:24 Luke2:52
3Heshallbecalled“Lord”
Ps.110:1
Jer.23:6 Luke2:11;20:4144
4
Heshallbecalled“Immanuel”or“Godwith
us”Isa.7:14
Matt.1:23
Luke7:16
5HeshallbeaProphetDeut.18:18
Matt.21:11
Luke7:16
John4:19;6:14;7:40
6HewouldbealsoaPriest,likeMelchizedekPs.110:4 Heb.3:1;5:56
7HewouldbeaJudgeIsa.33:22
John5:30
IITim.4:1
8HewouldbeaKing
Ps.2:6
Jer.23:5
Zech.9:9
Matt.21:5;27:37
John18:3338
9HewouldbespeciallyanointedoftheHoly
Spirit
Ps.45:7
Isa.42:1;61:12
Matt.3:1617;
12:1721
Mark1:1011
Luke4:1521,43
John1:32
10HewouldhaveaspecialzealforGodPs.69:9 John2:1517
64
PropheciesConcerningHisMinistry
Prophecies Fulfillment
1HewouldbeprecededbyamessengerIsa.40:3
Mal.3:1
Matt.3:12
Luke1:17
John1:23
2HisministrywouldbegininGalileeIsa.9:1 Matt.4:1213,17
3Hisministrywouldbecharacterizedby
miracles
Isa.35:56;32:34
Matt.9:35;11:46
Mark7:3335
John5:59;9:611;
11:4347
4HewouldteachwithparablesPs.78:2 Matt.13:34
5HewastoentertheJewishTempleMal.3:1 Matt.21:12
6
HewastotriumphantlyenterJerusalemon
adonkeyZech.9:9
Luke19:3537;
21:611
7Hewouldbea“stumblingstone”tothe
Jews
Ps.118:22
Isa.8:14;28:16
Rom.9:3233
ICor.1:23
IPet.2:6
8Hewouldbea“light”totheGentilesIsa.60:3;49:6
Acts13:4748;26:23;
28:28
9HewouldberejectedbyHisownpeople
Ps.69:8;118:22
Isa.53:3
Matt.21:4243
John7:5,48
10Hewouldbehatedwithoutacause
Ps.69:4
Isa.49:7 John15:25
11HewouldbebetrayedbyafriendPs.41:9;55:1214
Matt.10:4;26:4950
John13:21
12Hewouldbesoldfor30piecesofsilverZech.11:12 Matt.26:15;27:3
13ThemoneywouldbethrowninGod’sHouseZech.11:13 Matt.27:5
14
Themoneywouldbeusedtobuythe
Potter’sFieldZech.11:13 Matt.27:7
15HewouldbeforsakenbyHisdisciplesZech.13:7
Matt.26:31
Mark14:50
16HewouldbeaccusedbyfalsewitnessesPs.35:11 Matt.26:5961
17HewouldremainsilentbeforeHisaccusersIsa.53:7 Matt.27:1219
18Hewouldbewoundedandbruised
Isa.53:5
Zech.13:6 Matt.27:26
19Hewouldbesmittenandspitupon
Isa.50:6
Micah5:1
Matt.26:67
Luke22:63
20HewouldbemockedPs.22:78 Matt.27:31
65
21Hewouldfallbeneaththeweightofthe
cross
Ps.109:2425
Matt.27:3132
Luke23:26
John19:17
22Hishandsandfeetwouldbepierced
Ps.22:16
Zech.12:10
Luke23:33
John20:25
23HewouldbecrucifiedwiththievesIsa.53:12
Matt.27:38
Mark15:2728
24
HewouldmakeintercessionforHis
persecutorsIsa.53:12 Luke23:34
25HisfriendswouldstandafaroffPs.38:11
Matt.27:5556
Mark15:40
Luke23:49
26ThepeoplewouldshaketheirheadsatHimPs.22:7;109:25 Matt.27:39
27HewouldbestaredatwhileonthecrossPs.22:17 Luke23:35
28HisgarmentswouldbegambledforPs.22:18 John19:2324
29HewouldsufferthirstPs.22:15;69:21 John19:28
30GallandvinegarwouldbeofferedHimPs.69:21
Matt.27:34
John19:2829
31HewouldcryoutaforsakencryPs.22:1 Matt.27:46
32HecommittedHimselftoGodPs.31:5 Luke23:46
33NotoneofHisboneswouldbebrokenPs.34:20 John19:33
34HisheartwouldbebrokenPs.22:14 John19:34
35HissidewouldbepiercedZech.12:10 John19:34
36DarknesswouldcoverthelandAmos8:9 Matt.27:45
37Hewouldbeburiedinarichman’stombIsa.53:9 Matt.27:5760
38Hewouldberesurrectedfromthedead
Ps.16:10;30:3;
41:10;118:17
Hosea6:2
Matt.28:6
Mark16:6
Luke24:46
Acts2:31;13:33
39HewouldascendintoheavenPs.68:18 Acts1:9
40HewouldbeseatedattherighthandofGodPs.110:1
Mark16:19
Acts2:3435
Heb.1:3
66
I hope you noticedhow very specific and detailed those prophecies and their
fulfillmentwere!HewouldbeaJew,fromaspecifictribeofIsrael;aspecificfamilyand
house;Hewouldbeborninonespecifictownofallofthetownsintheworld;Hewould
beginHisministryinanotherspecifictown;Hewouldhaveacertainkindofministry;diea
specifickindofdeathaccompaniedbymanyspecificdetailedcircumstances!
It is sometimes said that Jesus deliberately set out to fulfill these Old Testament
prophecies and thereby try to prove His messiahship. That might sound like a good
argument on the surface but it willnot hold up under close examination. Why? Simply
becausemany of the prophecies that were fulfilled by Christ were completely
beyondhumancontactormanipulation.Forexample,therewouldhavebeennoway
thatJesuscouldhavemanipulated:
1. TheplaceofHisbirth(Micah5:2);
2. ThetimeofHisbirth(Dan.9:25;Gen.49:10);
3. ThemannerofHisbirth(Isa.7:14);
4. Hisbetrayal(Ps.41:9);
5. ThemannerofHisdeath(Ps.22:16);
6. People'sreactionsofmocking,spitting,staring,etc.(Isa.50:6;Ps.22:7S'l
7. Hisbeingpiercedbyasword(Zech.12:10);
8. ThecircumstancesofHisburial(Isa.53:9).
WhenyoustoptorecallthattheOldTestamentwascompletedbynolaterthan450B.C.
–agapof450yearsbetweenthecompletionoftheOldTestamentandtheeventsofthe
New – then you realize thatthere was a minimum of 450 years between the
prophecies and their fulfillment in Christ!Once again, there is no other reasonable
explanationotherthanthattheBibleisindeedGod'sWord!
WhatAboutCoincidence?
TherearealwaysthosewhowouldsaythatitwasjustcoincidencethatJesusfulfilledall
ofthoseprophecies.Well,ittakesfarmorefaithtobelievethatthanitdoestobelievein
fulfilled prophecy! True, a few of the prophecies could have been fulfilled by Christ
coincidentally–butnotallofthem!Infact,ifyoucanproducejustoneotherpersonoutof
history or contemporary society other than Jesus who has fulfilled only half of the
predictivepropheciesconcerningtheMessiah,thenyoucouldhavemadeaquick$1,000!
The ChristianVictoryPublishingCompanyofDenverhadthispropositionstandingfora
numberofyears–withnochallengers.
Dr.PeterStoner,inhisbook,ScienceSpeaks(MoodyPress,1963),conclusivelyshows
bythemathematicalprinciplesof probabilitythatcoincidenceisruledoutasameansof
explaining the fulfilled prophecies. Stoner says that by using the modern science of
probabilityinreferencetojusteightprophecies,“…wefindthatthechancethatanyman
mighthaveliveddowntothepresenttimeandfulfilledalleightpropheciesis1in10
17
.” To
breakthatdownalittle,thatwouldbe1in100,000,000,000,000,000.Inordertohelpus
17
67
begintograbaholdofanumberthatlarge,Dr.Stonergivesthefollowingillustration.He
saysthatsupposethat,
“…wetake10silverdollarsandlaythemonthefaceofTexas. Theywouldcoverallof
thestatetwofeetdeep. Nowmarkoneofthesesilverdollarsandstirthewholemass
thoroughly,alloverthestate. Blindfoldamanandtellhimthathecantravelasfaras
hewishes,buthemustpickuponesilverdollarandsaythatthisistherightone.What
chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the
prophetswouldhavehadofgettingtheseeightpropheciesandhavingthemallcome
true inanyoneman,fromtheirdaytothepresenttime,providingtheywrotethemin
theirownwisdom.
Now these prophecies were either given by inspiration of God or the prophets just
wrotethemastheythoughttheyshouldbe.Insuchacasetheprophetshadjustone
chance in10
17 ofhavingthemcometrueinanyman,buttheyallcometrueinChrist
...This means that the fulfillment of these eight prophecies alone proves that God
inspiredthewritingofthosepropheciestoadefinitenesswhichlacksonlyonechance
in10
17 ofbeingabsolute.”69
Dr.Stonerthenupshispropheciesandtheircorrespondingprobablefulfillmentfrom8to
48.Hesays,“wefindthechancethatanyonemanfulfilledall48propheciestobe1in
10
157
.” He then gives another illustration that really blows your mind with its
incomprehensibility:
“Thisisreallyalargenumberanditrepresentsanextremelysmallchance.Letustry
to visualize it. The silver dollar,whichwe have been using isentirelytoo large. We
mustselectasmallerobject.Theelectronisaboutassmallanobjectasweknowof.
It is so small that it will take 2.5 times 10
15 of them laid side by side to make a line,
singlefile,oneinchlong.Ifweweregoingtocounttheelectronsinthislineoneinch
long,andcounted250eachminute,andifwecounteddayandnight,itwouldtakeus
19,000,000yearstocountjusttheoneinchlineofelectrons.lfwehadacubicinchof
theseelectronsandwetriedtocountthemitwouldtakeus,countingsteadily250each
minute,19,000,000times19,000,000times19,000,000years6.9times10
21 years.
Withthisintroduction,letusgobacktoourchanceof1in10
157
.Letussupposethat
wearetakingthisnumberofnumberofelectronsmakingone,andthoroughlystirringit
intothewholemass, thenblindfoldingamanandlettinghimtryto findthe rightone.
Whatchancehas heoffindingtherightone? Whatkindofapilewillthisnumberof
electronsmake?Theymakeaninconceivablylargevolume.”70
Thatwouldbethechanceofonemanfulfilling48prophecies!Nowareyoustillinterested
ingoingforthat$1,000prizemoney?Ihopenot–becauseChristhasalreadyexclusively
qualified!
69 PeterW.Stoner,ScienceSpeaks,Chicago:MoodyPress,1963,pp.100107.
70 Ibid.,pp.109110.
68
Conclusions
Let'ssummarizewhatallofthesefulfilledpropheciesstronglysuggest:
1. ThatthereisindeedanactiveGodintheUniversewhoisworkingoutHisplanin
history;
2. That this God was guiding the production of the Old and New Testament and
revealingHimselfinit;
3. ItevidencestheinspirationoftheBible;
4. ItauthenticatedthedeityofJesusChrist.
Sowhenyouputthecumulativewitnessofthe13,000manuscriptsoftheNewTestament,
theastoundingevidenceofarchaeology,andtheaccuracyofpredictiveprophecyfulfilled
byJesusChrist–youaredriventotheunavoidableconclusionsthattheBibleisindeed
God’sinspiredword!AsGeneGetzsaid:
“HowdoweknowtheScriptureswerereallyinspiredbyGodandareaccurateintheir
facts? Actually the Bible itself bears witness in many ways to its accuracy and
reliability.Thewayitisauthored,itsfulfilledprophecies,itsverificationthroughrecent
archaeological discoveries, its supernatural relevance – all these things point to
supernatural guidance in its composition and preservation. When a person really
becomesawareofitsorigin,itscontent,anditsuniqueness,itactuallytakesmorefaith
tobelievethisBookispurelyhumaninitsoriginthantobelieveitisdivinelyinspired.In
fact,manypeoplewhocriticizetheBibleanddonotbelieveitisaccuratehavehadvery
littleexposuretoitsactualhistoryandcontent.Manytimestheirstatementsarebased
upon very superficial judgments. Anyone who has studied theBiblecarefullycannot
butrecognizeitssupernaturaldimensions,evenanonChristian.”
BIBLE
GOD’S
WORD
“IamwatchingoverMy
wordtoperformit”
(Jer.1:12).
69
ARCHAELOGICALEVIDENCE
When we study Biblical archaeology, we enter the
realm of one of the youngest – but most exciting –
sciences of Biblical studies. The stones of the Holy
Landliterallycryoutindefenseofthetrustworthinessof
theBible! However,notnearlyalloftheevidenceisin
yet because fewer than 5% oftheknownBiblicalsites
have been excavated to date, and many of these only
partially. Theevidenceisyetfragmentary,althoughstill
very exciting and convincing! That very fact makes it
difficultto writeaboutthesubject.Therearesomany
newdiscoveriesinthefieldofarchaeologythatbeforea
bookonthesubjectisfinallyprintedithasalreadybeen
superseded and outdated by new discoveries! But as
fragmentary as the evidence is, many scientists have
now had their view of the Bible either completely
changedorradicallyalteredbywhatthearchaeological
evidencetodatehasrevealed.WilliamF.Albrightisa
goodcaseinpoint.Heisthelaterenownedprofessor
emeritus of Johns Hopkins University and called the
“Dean of American Biblical Archaeologists.” He said
the following about his pilgrimage of belief in the
trustworthinessoftheBiblicalrecords:
“During these 15 years (between World Wars) my initially rather skeptical attitude
toward the accuracy of Israelite historical tradition had suffered repeated jolts as
discovery after discovery confirmed the historicity of details which might reasonably
havebeenconsideredlegendary.”71 Hisconclusionwasthis: “Therecanbenodoubt
thatarchaeologyhasconfirmedthesubstantialhistoricityofOldTestamenttradition.”72
NelsonGlueck(pronounced“Glek”),formerpresidentoftheJewishTheologicalSeminary
in the HebrewUnion College in Cincinnati –and considered oneofthe world’s greatest
Biblical archaeologists – similarly says: “In allofmy archaeologicalinvestigation Ihave
neverfoundoneartifactofantiquitythatcontradictsanystatementoftheWordofGod.”73
Dr.DonaldJ.Wiseman,distinguishedprofessorofAssyriologyattheUniversityofLondon
and author of numerous books and articles on Biblical archaeology, says: “I would still
maintainthatthehistoricalfactsoftheBiblerightlyunderstoodfindagreementinthefacts
culledfromarchaeologyequallyrightlyunderstood.Thatis,themajorityoferrorscanbe
ascribedtoerrorsofinterpretationbymodernscholarsandnottosubstantiated‘errors’of
fact presented by the Biblical historians. This view is further strengthened when it is
71 WilliamF.Albright,History,Archaeology,andChristianHumanism,NewYork:McGrawHillBookCo.,1964.
72 WilliamF.Albright,ArchaeologyandtheRegionofIsrael,Baltimore:JohnsHopkinsPress,1942,p.49.
73 JoshMcDowell,EvidencethatDemandsaVerdict,Vol.1,ArrowheadSprings,CA:CampusCrusadeforChrist,Inc.,1972,p.24.
Excavationsatthesouthwestcorner
oftheTempleMount(inforeground)
andtheWailingWall
70
remembered how many theories and interpretations of Scripture have been checked or
correctedbyarchaeologicaldiscoveries.”74
Dr. Wiseman read, writes and speaks 14 dialects and languages of the Near East!He
and his colleagues have discovered over 250,000 documents and artifacts from Old
Testamenttimes.Heconcludesthefollowingaboutthem: “...in30yearsofbothworking
in the field and study of finds I have never yet found that archaeology when rightly
interpreted, has clashed withthe clearstatementof Scripture...the discoveries haveonly
confirmedthattheBibleisGod’sWordtomaninreal,historicalsituations.”75
MillerBurrowsofYalesays: “Onthewhole...archaeologicalwork
has unquestionably strengthened confidence in the reliability of
thescripturalrecord.Morethanonearchaeologisthasfoundhis
respectfortheBibleincreasedbytheexperienceofexcavationin
Palestine.”76
The collective evidence of Biblical archaeology to date only
increasesourfaithintheBible.SirFredericKenyon,directorand
principallibrarianoftheBritishMuseum,said: “Thetrendofallof
thisincreasedknowledgehasbeentoconfirmtheauthorityofthe
booksoftheOldTestamentwhileitilluminatestheirinterpretation.
Destructivecriticismisthrownonthedefensive;andtheplainman
may read his Bible confident that, for anything that modern
researchhastosay,theWordofGodshallstandforever.”77
When I was in the Holy Land I had the opportunity to personally see many of these
archaeologicalsitesandtheartifactsfromthem.Oneinterestingonewasastonefound
atanamphitheaterbytheseaofCaesarea.Therearchaeologistsunearthedastonewith
Pontius Pilate’s name on it. He had built the theater and dedicated it to his Emperor,
Tiberius.ThatstoneprovidesuswiththeonlyexistingextraBiblicalreferencetoPontius
Pilate.Isawthatstoneandmywifetookmypicturestandingbyit. Sothestonesarestill
cryingoutinsupportoftheBible!
Nodoubtthemostfamousandsignificantarchaeologicalfindtodatewasmade–notbya
professional archaeologist – but by a Bedouin shepherd boy looking for a stray sheep.
Whenheaccidentallythrewastoneintoacaveandhearditbreaksomething,heclimbed
up to the rock cliffs tosee whathehad broken. Whatresulted was the find tothe now
famous“DeadSeaScrolls”oftheQumrancommunity. Thatcolossalfindhasdonemuch
forbothOldandNewTestamentBiblicalStudies.Letmeshareafewsignificantthings
fromthatdiscovery.
74 DonaldJ.Wiseman,“ArchaeologyandScripture,”TheWestminsterTheologicalJournal,May,1971.
75 DavidVirtue,“ArchaeologistFindsBibleBestHistoricalSource,”NorthCarolinaChristianAdvocate,Oct.22,1978,p.3.
76 MillarBurrows,WhatMeanTheseStones? QuotedbyPaulLittle,KnowWhyYouBelieve,Chicago:InterVarsityPress,1968,p.49.
77 FredericKenyon,JournalofTransactionsoftheVictoriaInstitute. QuotedbyPaulLittle,KnowWhyYouBelieve,Chicago:InterVarsity
Press,1968,pp.5758.
Theinscriptionreads
"PontiusPilate,Prefectof
Judea".
71
THEDEADSEASCROLLS
In 19471948 one of the greatest archaeological
discoveriesrelevanttotheBiblewasmade.Itoccurred
insomecavesaroundaplateaulocated7½milessouth
ofthecityofJericho.Theareaisexceedinglydesolate
andforeboding.Highupontherockycliffsofthisarea
thereareanumberofcaves.Belowthecavesthereis
aratherlargeplateaubelievedtohaveoriginatedinthe
8thto7thcenturiesB.C.Thesitehadbeenoccupiedin
thetimeofthekingsofJudah.KingUzziah,who“built
towers in the desert and dug many cisterns” (II
Chron.26:10),appearstohavebuiltafortifiedpostanddugacircularcisternthere.The
place is commonly identified today with the “City of Salt” mentioned in Joshua 15:62.
However,themostimportantoccupationofthisareawasbetween130B.C.andA.D.70.
78
It appears that during that time, the area became an important Jewish religious center
(about135B.C.)butwasabandonedtemporarilyafteragreatearthquakein31B.C.The
Jews again occupied it until A.D. 68 when the Romans took it in conjunction with their
seizure of Jerusalem– which consummated in A.D. 70 with the destruction of both the
temple andthecityofJersulem.JewsagainuseditduringtheJewishrevoltunderBar
Kochba(SimeonBenkosebah)fromabout132135A.D.
79
Qumran was the center of a Jewish religious community for the best part of 200 years.
Some 200400 people are thought to have lived there at one time – presumably in a
celibate lifestyle. Most scholars now believe that they were a group known as the
Essenes, a very strict religious group of separatists. They had opposed the influence
uponthemtobeassimilatedintothepagancultureoftheirday,sotheywithdrewtothe
wilderness.InthiswaytheybelievedtheywouldbeapeoplepreparedfortheLord,ready
tobeHischosenandfittedinstrumentswhenthetimecameforHimtoactdecisivelyin
the world. They drew their Biblical authority for this from Isaiah 40:3: “In the desert
prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our
God.”
The date of the community and subsequently the date of the scrolls can be rather
accuratelyestablishedbyfivepointsofreference:
1. Carbon14testsonthelinenwrappingsofthescrolls(c.327B.C.A.D.73);
2. Alargeamountofcoinsfoundinthecommunity(c.135B.C.A.D.68);
3. Potterychronologyforthejarsinwhichthescrollswerefound;
78 F.F.Bruce,NewLightfromtheDeadSeaScrolls,HolmanStudyBible,Philadelphia:A.J.HolmanCo.,pp.12651266).
79BibleandSpade,Winter,1978,Vol.7,No.1,pp.56.
72
4. Comparativepaleography(scienceofancienthandwritinganalysis);
5. LinguisticanalysisofAramaicdocumentsfoundinthecaves.
80
ContentoftheCaves
The various caves yielded remains of over 500 books – no
doubt belonging to the library of the Qumran community.
Manyofthesebooksareonlysmallfragmentsandthemerest
scraps. Some had literally been used by the local rat
population for nests! Their preservation was largely due to
thehot,dryclimateofthatparticularDeadSearegion.
CaveOnewasanarchaeologicalbonanza!Ityieldedliterally
thousandsofmanuscriptfragmentsaswellasfragmentsofthe
jarsandcloththathadwrappedandhousedthescrolls.The
manuscripts from Cave One differ from those found in the
othercaves,inthattheyhadbeenplacedinearthenwarejars
beforebeingdepositedinthecaves.TheresidentsofQumran
hadnodoubthiddentheirScripturaltreasuresinthecavesfor
protectionduringaperiodofoppositionandsiege–withthehopesoflaterreturningand
claiming them. That opportunity never came for them and so for centuries the scrolls
remained hidden and unknown to the modern world. But in the providence of God, a
casualtossofastoneintocavebyaBedouinladbrokeajar,andsoonsentshockwaves
throughouttheworldofBiblicalarchaeology!
Between 1948 and 1956, archaeologists and Bedouins located some 270 caves
altogetherintheregion.Ofthese,40yieldedpotteryandotherobjects. However,onlyin
11 caves were manuscripts found like those of Cave One. Altogether there have been
found over 100 copies of Old Testament books in Hebrew andAramaic. In addition to
piecesofHebrewscripture,thecavesalsoyieldedfragmentsoftheGreektranslationof
the Old Testament commonly called the Septuagint. William F. Albright acclaimed this
find: “The greatest manuscript discovery of modern times”, and dated the great Isaiah
scroll(nowreferredtoasIQIsaaround100B.C.)Aboutitsauthenticityhesaid,“Whatan
absolutely incredible find! And there can happily not be the slightest doubt in the world
aboutthegenuinenessofthemanuscript.” Takeamomentnowtoseetheoutlineofthe
contentsofCavesOnethroughEleven(AppendixIII,p.143.)
SignificanceforBiblicalStudies
1. It is nolonger possible todate portionsofentire Old Testamentbooks aslateas
somescholarsusedtodatethem.YoucannotnowdateanyBiblicalbooklater
thantheearlysecondcenturyB.C.
80 (BibleandSpade,Winter,1978,Vol.7,No.1,pp.56).
73
2. The Dead Sea Scrolls do not support the
existence of a “deutero” or “trito”Isaiah– at
leastnotduringthesecondcenturyB.C.The
completeIsaiahscrollandthelongfragmentof
itfromCaveOnebothtreatthebookasaunit
andnotasseveralsections.
3. They give new information on the history of the Hebrew language, trends in
spelling,formationofword,andpronunciation. TheyalsoprovethatHebrewwas
not a completely dead language during New Testamenttimesbecausemany
kindsofliteraturewerebeingwritteninHebrew:religious,commercial,contractural
and military. We gain clearer meanings of some Hebrew words that were not
previouslyclearinOldTestamentusage.SincetheRevisedStandardVersionof
theBiblewasundertranslationwhenthesediscoveriesweremade,someofthem
wereincludedinthattranslation.
4. But the biggest issue solved by the Dead Sea Scrolls was the mater oftextual
corruption.When it comes to Old Testament studies, we do not have the
abundanceofmanuscriptslikewedooftheNewTestament.UntiltheDeadSea
Scrolldiscovery,thepreviousoldestexistentHebrewmanuscriptwastheMasoretic
textdatingtoabout900A.D.ThegreatIsaiahscrollfromQumrandatesfrom150
100B.C.–sowiththediscoveryofthatonescrollBiblicalarchaeologymade
ajumpof1,000years!
Nowwehavearealtangiblewaytochecktoseehowmuchtextualcorruptionhas
occurredbyallthehandcopyingbythescribesforthosehundredsofyears!The
result? Whenyoulaythe900A.D.scrollsidebysidewiththe150B.C.scroll,there
ispracticallynodifference!Thereisabsolutelynodoctrinaldifferenceandlittle
verbal variance!As Howard F. Vos, professor of history and archaeology at
Kings’College,putit:
“Probably it is reasonably correct to say that there is at least 95 percent
agreementbetweenthevariousbiblicaltextsfoundneartheDeadSeaandthe
Old Testament we have had all along. Most of the variations are minor, and
noneofthedoctrineshavebeenputinjeopardy.”81
5. As Professor Vos says, there is someminor textual variance. Let me share
another quotation that will demonstrate the nature of those textual variances: “A
comparisonofIsaiah53 (oftheMasoreticTextand theDead SeaScrollofIsaiah
53)showsthatonly17lettersdifferfromtheMasoretictext.Tenofthesearemere
differences in spelling, like our ‘honor’ or ‘honour’, and produce no change in the
meaningatall.Fourmoreareveryminordifferences,suchasthepresenceofthe
conjunction,whichisoftenamatterofstyle.TheotherthreelettersaretheHebrew
81 “ArchaeologyandtheTextoftheOldTestament”,BibleandSpade,Winter,1978,Vol.7,No.1,p.14.
“WhytalkoftwoIsaiahswhen
mostpeopledon’tknowofone”
(D.L.Moody)
74
wordfor‘light’whichisaddedafter‘theyshallsee’inverse11.Outof166words
inthischapter,onlythisonewordisreallyinquestion,anditdoesnotatall
changethesenseofthepassage.Thisistypicalofthewholemanuscript.”
82
Roland DeVaux underscored the same thing: “And so new material has been
provided for textual criticism, but we must at once add that the differences only
have a bearing on minor points: if certain restorations can now be proposed with
more confidence,and someobscurepassagesbecomeclear,thecontentofthe
Bibleisnotchanged.”83
Concerning the almost unbelievable accuracy of the copywork bythescribesfor
hundredsofyears,F.F.Brucesaid: “Afewscribalerrors,indeed,foundtheirway
into the text in the course of the thousand years separating the Qumran
manuscriptsfromtheMasoreticmanuscripts;theimpressivefeaturewasthatthese
weresofewandrelativelyunimportant.”84
TheBible scholar,R.LairdHarrisconcludes: “Wecannowbesurethatcopyists
workedwithgreatcareandaccuracyontheOldTestament,evenbackto225B.C.
Atthattimethereweretwoorthreetypesoftextavailableforcopying.Thesetypes
differed among themselves so little, however, that we can infer that still earlier
copyistshadalsofaithfullyandcarefullytransmittedtheOldTestamenttext.Indeed
itwouldberashskepticismthatwouldnowdenythatwehaveourOldTestamentin
a form very close to thatused byEzra when hetaught the lawto those who had
returnedfromtheBabyloniancaptivity.”85
GleasonArchersummarizestheDeadSeaScrolldiscoveriesasfollows: “Nothing
in the new discoveries from the Qumran caves endangers the essential reliability
andauthorityofourstandardHebrewBibletext.”86
Thebigquestionthatarisesinone’smindashecomparesthesetwotexts–separatedby
1,000years,andyetessentiallythesame–is“How? Pleaseexplainhowpeoplewithout
theaidofamodernprintingpress couldhandcopyportionsofscriptureforhundredsof
years with as few textual variations as the Dead Sea Scrolls have fromthe much later
Masoretictext.” Theanswerliesintheworkofthescribes.
ThankGodfortheScribes!
82 R.LairdHarris,“HowReliableistheOldTestamentText?” CanITrustMyBible. QuotedbyPaulLittle,KnowWhyYouBelieve,Chicago:
InterVarsityPress,1968,p.41.
83 RolandDeVaux,“TheBibleandtheAncientNearEast.”QuotedbyHowardVos,“ArchaeologyandtheTextoftheOldTestament,”Bible
andSpade,Winter1978,p.14.
84 F.F.Bruce,TheBooksandtheParchments,Westwood:FlemingH.RevellCo.,1963,p.1269.
85 R.LairdHarris,“HowReliableistheOldTestamentText?” CanITrustMyBible. QuotedbyPaulLittle,KnowWhyYouBelieve,Chicago:
InterVarsityPress,1968,p.42.
86 GleasonArcher,ASurveyoftheOldTestament,Chicago:MoodyPress,1964,p.25.
75
“TherewasalreadygoodreasontobelievethattheJewishscribesofthefirstthousand
yearsA.D.carriedouttheirworkofcopyingandrecopyingtheHebrewScriptureswith
theutmostfidelity.Thenewdiscoveriesboreimpressivetestimonytothisfidelity.”87
The Bible is unlike any other book of antiquity in its transmission.Nootherbookhad
suchadedicatedgroupofscribes–generationaftergenerationwhoexistedsolely
tocopytheScriptures!Todaywithallthemodernconveniences–computers,scanners,
copiers, printing presses, etc. – we just cannot fully appreciate the dedication of these
men!Whatanexhaustingproceduretheywentthroughdayafterday,weekafterweek,
monthaftermonth,yearafteryear–justtoensuretheaccuratetransmissionofScriptures.
HowwouldyouliketohavethejobofhandcopyingtheentireOldTestament?
Theirprocedurewasasfollows:theywouldcopyalinefromScripture,letterafterletter
afterletteruntiltheyhadfinishedit.Theywouldthengobackandcountthelettersinthe
lineand putthe numberat theendofit.Theybegantocopythenextlinefollowingthe
same procedure. When they had finished a page or column using this procedure, they
wouldthengobackandcountthelettersalloveragain–andifthetwosetsoffiguresdid
notperfectlymatchup– thatpagewouldbedestroyed! Itwasjustthatkindoffanatical
dedication to the accuracy ofthe Scripturesbythe scribes that made it possible fortwo
textsathousandyearsaparttobeessentiallythesamealmostdowntotheletter!Wewill
neverknowtheirnames–butweeternallyowethemadebtofthanksgiving!
Conclusion
TheDeadSeaScrollsdemonstratetheaccuracyandtrustworthinessoftheBible.Every
onewhostruggleswithhonestdoubtsshouldtakeheart!Rememberthattheevidenceis
on the side of faith and not on the side of doubt – and archaeology constantly
demonstrates it! F.F. Bruce said that the witness of the Dead Sea Scrolls is that “The
generalBiblereader...couldgoonusingthefamiliartextwithincreasedconfidenceinits
essentialaccuracy.”88
There has not been an argument brought up against the Bible that does not have an
answer.Ifyouthinkthatyouhavefoundone,youwoulddowelltoplaceyourconfidence
in the trustworthiness of the Scriptures – which have proven themselves accurate time
and time again in the face of doubt, opposition and skepticism. Archaeology is
increasingly demonstrating that we would do better to place our faith more and more in
theBible–andlessandlessinourlimitedknowledge,thelatesttheologicalopinions,or
“scholarlyresearch”! Many are the hammers of doubt and skepticism thathave beaten
upontheanvilofGod’sWord–butthehammersallliebrokenonthegroundandtheanvil
standsfirm!
AnarticleinTimemagazinespeaksrathercogentlytothisissue: “In100licensedsitesin
Israel, archaeological digging continues to turn up new evidence that the Bible is often
87 F.F.Bruce,TheBooksandtheParchments,Westwood:FlemingH.RevellCo.,1963,p.1269.
88 Ibid.
76
surprisinglyaccurateinhistoricalparticulars,moresothanearliergenerationsofscholars
eversuspected...After more thantwo centuriesoffacingtheheaviestscientificgunsthat
couldbebroughttobear,theBiblehassurvived–andisperhapsthebetterforthesiege.
Evenonthecritics’ownterms–historicalfact–theScripturesseemmoreacceptablenow
than they did when the regionalists began the attack...The miraculous can be
demythologized,themarvelexplained,butthepersistentmessageoftheBiblewillnotgo
away. Both in the Jewish and Christian Bibles it is irreducible; some time, somewhere,
God intervened in history to help man...ordinary human history was interrupted and has
neversincebeenthesame.”89
Human history has indeed been redemptively interrupted by God Himself! The Bible
recordsit–andarchaeologyistestifyingtoit! InthewordsofSirFrederickKenyon: “The
Christian can take the whole Bible in hishand andsay withoutfear or hesitationthat he
holdsinitthetrueWordofGod,handeddownwithoutextensiblelossfromgenerationto
generationthroughoutthecenturies.”
Let’sturnfromtheDeadSeaScrollstoperhapsthemostarchaeologicallyearthshaking
discovery–thecivilizationofEbla.
THECIVILIZATIONOFEBLA
After10yearsofwork,twoItalianscientists,PaoloMatthiaeandGiovanniPettinato,from
the University of Rome have made one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of
moderntimes.ManyarchaeologistsandscientistsplaceitontheleveloftheDeadSea
Scrollfindof1947. ThediscoveriestherewerenotofbiblicaltextslikeatQumran–butof
a hitherto practically unknown civilization which casts some very important light on the
prepatriarchalbackgroundoftheOldTestament.
AWordAboutAncientHistory
SincethediscoveriesatEblahavetodowithancienthistoryandearlylanguage,let’slook
at the historical context in which to place Ebla. The first civilized inhabitants ofancient
Babylonia (modern Iraq) were the Sumerians – perhaps as early as 5,000 B.C. They
founded the first cities, and they also developed an elaborate pictographic system of
writing with some two thousand signs. These signs are preserved for us on cuneiform
(claytablets)documents,andareconsideredtobetheforerunnerofthealphabet.Signs
andsoundswereputtogether,andwritingasweknowitwasborn.TheSumeriansand
theirscript–Sumerian–dominatedtheareaformorethanathousandyears.Finallythey
succumbedtothegreatSargon–awesternSemite–whobuilthisAkkadianempireupon
theconqueredSumerianone.HeandhissuccessorsretainedtheSumerianwriting.In
theEblatabletsstudiedthusfar,muchofthelanguageisSumerian.Theremainderhas
nowbeendubbedEblaite.
89Time,Dec.30,1974,p.34.
77
ANCIENTEBLA
There is a 50 foot high mound covering140 acres (40miles
fromthemoderncityofAleppo,inNorthernSyria).Itisnow
referred to as “Tell Mardikh”. In 1968, the two Italian
scientists discovered an inscribed statue there which
confirmed the Tell as the location of ancient Ebla. Our only
previous knowledge of the existence of Ebla was found in
ancient Sumerian and Akkadian texts, and on the world's
oldestknownmap,datingfromc.23602180B.C.(knownas
theoldAkkadianperiod),thenameonthemapclearlyreads:
“Settlement of the fortress of Ebla”. However, no scientist,
historian or archaeologist ever could have guessed at the
importance of Ebla before its discovery. Their excavations
reveal the existence of a very powerful civilization which
literally reached from the Red Sea to Turkey and east to
Mesopotamia. Previous to this discovery, scholars
considered Mesopotamia – first dominated by the Sumerians and then the Akkadians –
andEgypttobethemajorcivilizationsinthearea.Theareaof Eblawasthoughttobe
onlyabufferbetweenthemandaculturalwastelandofinsignificantvillagesinhabitedonly
bynomads.
Dr.IgnaceJ.GelboftheUniversityofChicagoOrientalInstitutesaid: “Thisfindstruckthe
scholarly world like a thunderbolt…These discoveries reveal a new culture, a new
language,anewhistory.Eblawasa mightykingdomonanequalfootingwiththemost
powerfulstatesofthetime.”
90
Indeed,sopowerfuldidEbla'skingsbecomethattheyapparentlycontendedwithSargon
ofAkkad,founderoftheworld'sfirstempire,fordominationoftheEuphratesRiver.The
struggleapparentlyendedwhenSargondefeatedtheEblaitessometimebefore2300B.C.
Sargon'svictoryinscriptionread: “HeworshipedthegodDagan,whogavehimfromthat
timeonwardstheupperCountry,Mari,Yarmuti,andEbla,asfarastheForestofCedars
andtheMountainofSilver.”91
However,thisconquestwasprobablymoreofaneconomicexactionratherthananactual
conquest. For less than a century later, Sargon's grandson, NaramSin captured Ebla
and burned it – probably about2250 B.C.WhenhedefeatedEbla, NaramSinlikewise
erected a monument to himself which read: “NaramSin, the strong, the conqueror
of…Ebla,neverbeforesubduedinhistory.”92
But Ebla again rose from this defeat–finallyto bedefeated about 2,000 B.C., neverto
riseagain.Fromthattimeuntilthe1960's,Eblawaslostinantiquityandobscurity.This
90 HowardLaFay,“Ebla:SplendorofanUnknownEmpire,”NationalGeographic,Dec.1978.
91 Ibid.
92 Ibid.
BLACKSEA
TURKEY
EBLA
78
archaeological discovery, however, eloquently proves that the area of Ebla was not a
“cultural backwater” as was previously believed – but an advanced culture with a
sophisticatedsystemofkeepingrecords,thusallofthetablets.Itwasakingdomsecond
to none in importance of its day in the Near East. At its zenith of power, Ebla had a
population of a quarter of a million. The bureaucracy of the city was much like our
bureaucracytoday!Itconsistedof4,700officials,runby103leaderswhohad210aides
–soundsjustliketheU.S.governmentdoesn'tit?
This discovery also shows that Ebla was a polytheistic religious people, much like the
othernationsofthatday–withanarmyofscribeswhoweretheofficialrecordkeepers.
HistoricalSignificanceofEbla
The Ebla discovery clearly represents the largest 3rd millennium find of ancient clay
tablets ever. They come from that ancient city's Royal Archives – reputedly nowthe
oldestgovernmentalarchiveseverdiscovered.Theyincludetheoldestbilingualtexts
ever found. These texts contain thousands of Sumerian words with their equivalent in
Eblaite.Therearealsoscoresofeconomictextsthatrevealaflourishingeconomy;legal
documents–hencetheearliestlawcode(oneofthesestatedthedeathpenaltyforraping
a virgin); mythological texts, treaties, and many others. Some of these tablets were
“supertablets” overafootsquarewhichcontainedupto6,000linesofinscription!
Asaresultofthediscoveryofthestatuein1968confirmingthelocationofancientEbla,a
renewedeffortwentintothedig.Asaresult,in1974thefirst42claytabletswerefound.
Thenby1976over17,000!Dr.Pittinatosaid: “Alltheothertextsofthisperiodrecovered
todatedonottotalafourthofthesefromEbla.”93
Alloftheevidenceisnotnearlyinyet.Becauseofthelargevolumeoftabletsfound,it
will take many yearsto fullyassess all ofthe evidence.Also, the scientistsare slowto
releaseitbecauseofpossiblepoliticalconflictswiththeSyriangovernmentwhojustmight
stopthedig.Sopredictably,theemphasisisontheculturalandhistoricalratherthanthe
Biblicalaspectsofthediscovery.Archaeologicaldiscoveriesthathaveastrongemphasis
onJewishhistoryarenotpopularinArablands!
But even the historicaland cultural implicationsare literally earthshaking:“Eblareveals
an ancient empire that alters forever our perception of ancient history...these
documents...have scholars rethinking civilzation's formative years.”
94 Historians are
already saying that this discovery “...will rewrite the history of the ancient Middle
East...The ultimate impact on the recent construction of history in civilization is
incalculable.”95 DavidNoelFreedman,notedUniversityofMichiganarchaeologistwhois
workingwiththe Italiansonthediscovery,said: “Itisasifweweresuddenlytofindout
aboutRomeandtheRomanEmpire.”96
93 HowardLaFay,“Ebla:SplendorofanUnknownEmpire,”NationalGeographic,Dec.1978.
94 Ibid.
95 LowellCauffiel,“ArchaeologicalFindLendsCredibilitytoBibleHistory,”NationalCourier,Nov.26,1976,p.6.
96 “ANewThirdWorld,”Time,Oct.18,1976,p.63.
79
BiblicalSignificanceofEbla
Time magazine said: “It provides the best evidence to date that some of the people
describedintheOldTestamentactuallyexisted.”97 Letmebrieflysummarizesomeofthe
Biblicalimplications:
1. Thetabletscontainaccountsofacreationandafloodwhicharestrikinglysimilar
tothosefoundintheOldTestamentandancientBabylonianliterature.
2. Thereareover5,000geographicnamesappearingonthetablets–andsomehave
Biblicalimportance.Theyrefertoaplacecalled“Urusalima”–clearlyEbla'sname
forJerusalem–makingitunquestionablytheoldestreferencetotheHolyCityby
hundredsofyears. Other BiblicalcitieslikeHazorare alsomentioned. Someof
the tablets document trade with a number of Old Testament cities and places –
includingSodomandGomorrah,beforetheirdestruction.Itisalsoveryinteresting
thatthesefivecitiesoftheplain,southeastoftheDeadSea,arelistedinthesame
orderontheEblatabletsasintheBiblicallist:Sodom,Gomorrah,Admah,Zeboiim,
Bela(Gen.14:2).SothisisyetanotherconfirmationofBiblicalgeography.As
thearchaeologistFreemansaid:“BehindthetraditionintheBibleaboutthesecities
thereisnowestablishedfact.”98
3. The Ebla tablets also make frequent mention of “Ebrium” or “Eber”, identified in
GenesisasthegreatgreatgreatgrandsonofNoahandthegreatgreatgreatgreat
grandfather of Abraham (Gen. 10:24; 11:1416). Many other personal names
similartothoseintheBiblearealsomentioned
99
:
PersonalNamesfoundintheEblaTablets
abramu Abram
israilu Israel
esaum Esau?
saulum Saul
Mikailu Michael
mikaya Micah
daudum David?
(foundinnoother
ancienttextotherthan
theBible)
97 “ANewThirdWorld,”Time,Oct.18,1976,p.63.
98 EdwinYamauchi,“Ebla:ASpectacularDiscovery,”EvangelicalNewsletter,De.1,1978,p.4.
99 LaSor,WilliamS,(ProfessorofOldTestament,FullerSeminary)“MajorArchaeologicalDiscoveriesatTellMardikh",ChristianityToday,
Sept.24,1976.
80
Concerning theappearance of such Old Testament namesas Eber,
archaeologist Freeman says: “We always thought of ancestors like Eber as
symbolic.Nobodyeverregardedthemashistoric–atleastnotuntilthesetablets
werefound.Fundamentalistscouldhaveafielddaywiththisone,andrightlyso.”
100
Freeman continues: “For years, there has been unwarranted skepticism by
scholars, and that includes myself, that manyof theseOld Testament places and
personalitiesactuallyexisted.MostofusregardedtheBiblicalinformationaspretty
legendary.”101
Speaking further of the implications of the Ebla find for Biblical understanding,
Freemanconcludes: “Thelittledessert thatgoes withitisthatwecangetinsight
intothebackgroundoftheBible.Ifanyscholarwouldhaveaskedthesequestions
10yearsago,hewouldhavebeenlaughedat.”102
ConcerningthepotentialimportanceofthisdiscoveryforBiblicalstudies,Dr.LaSor
said: “We know that these were various peoples in the region of Syria and
PalestinepriortothearrivalofAbrahamandthePatriarchs,andthatthesepeoples
playedasignificantpartinmoldingtheeventsrecordedintheBible.Nolongerisit
possibletothinkofAbrahamasthecreationofpostexilicwriters.TheTellMardikh
discoveries, to be sure, do not ‘prove the Bible.’ Nor can any archaeological
discovery.TheonlywaytoprovetheBibleistotakeitonfaithandapplyittolife.It
willprove itselftobetrue.ButTellMardikhwillprobablythrowagreatamountof
light on some of the background of the book of Genesis and the events it
records.”
103
4. It is also interesting to note that a line on one tablet says: “The kings came
anointedwithoil”indicatingthattheEblaitekingswereanointedwithoilmuchlike
OldTestamentkingslikeSaulandDavidwere(ISam.10:1;IISam.2:4).
5. The Ebla tablets also haveawealthof listing ofgods, in factover 500! Many of
theirnamesforpagandeitiesarealsofoundintheOldTestament:
EblaTabletsOldTestament
IlEl
DaganDagon
KamishChemosh
AshtarAstarte
AdadHadad
Rasap Resheph
SpishShemesh
100 “ANewThirdWorld,”Time,Oct.18,1976,p.63.
101 LowellCauffiel,“ArchaeologicalFindLendsCredibilitytoBibleHistory,”NationalCourier,Nov.26,1976,p.6.
102 “ANewThirdWorld,”Time,Oct.18,1976,p.63.
103
WilliamS.LaSor,“MajorArchaeologicalDiscoveriesatTellMardikh,”ChristianityToday,Sept.24,1976,p.49.
81
HighlysignificantisthefactthatpossiblereferencestotheHebrewnameforGod–
Yahweh – have been found. One scholar concludes: “So Ya or Yahweh was
knownatEblasometimeinthe3rdmillennium–althoughofcoursehewasnotthe
same all powerful, transcendent and monotheistic God later worshipped by the
Israelites.”104
6. PerhapsthegreatestimpactthattheEblafindwillhaveonOldTestamentstudies
is linguistic. The tablets are in Sumerian and a previously unknown Canaanite
dialectnowdubbed“Eblaite”–nowtheoldestknownSemiticlanguageinwriting.
EblaiteisverysimilartoHebrewandPhoenician–butpredatingthembyatleast
1400years. OurpreviousoldestwrittendiscoveriesfromtheancientNearEastare
cuneiformdocumentsin:
Sumerian
OldAkkadian
EgyptianHieroglyphics
However, linguistically speaking, these are quite remote from Biblical Hebrew or
Aramaic. The closest thing we have to Biblical writings are Ugaritic tablets from
Ras Shamara. However, this Ugaritic is written in alphabetic cuneiform, which
providesconsonantsonly.BiblicalHebrewwaswrittenwiththeconsonantsonly–
leavingthevowelstobesuppliedbythereader.However,thevowelswereadded
by the Masoretes
105 somewhere between the 6
th and 10
th centuries A.D. These
vowelpointsindicatedthepropervocalization.
SobecauseoftheMasoretesweknowhowHebrewintheirdaywaspronounced.
But,wehaveverylittlecertainevidenceofhowHebrewwasvocalizedinthetime
oftheprophets.HereiswheretheEblatabletsmayhelp–becausethisdiscovery
providesvowelsaswellastheconsonants.
William LaSor said: “If the language (of Ebla) indeed proves to be Northwest
Semitic, it will antedate by hundreds of years all remains that we have of these
languages. The impetus that this will give to Semitic studies goes beyond our
imagination.”106 One of the Italian archaeological discoverers of Ebla said: “On
the basis of vocabulary, grammatical signals, and sentence structure, this
heretoforeunknownlanguagewasmorecloselyrelatedtoHebrewthananyofthe
other principal Semitic languages.” 107 Archaeologist Freeman concludes: “The
Ebla tablets are more significant for elucidating the Hebrew Bible than any other
archaeologicaldiscoveryeverunearthed.”108
104 AdamMikaya,“ThePoliticsofEbla,”BiblicalArchaeologyReview,Sept./Oct.1978,p.6.
105 Masoretes:Jewishscholars,residentchieflyatTiberiasinPalestine.Thewordcomesfrommasorahmeaningtradition–sotheywere
addingthetraditionalpronunciation.Thetextisknownasthe MasoreticText.
106 WilliamLaSor,“MajorArchaeologicalDiscoveriesatTellMardikh,”ChristianityToday,Sept.24,1976,p.49.
107 PaulG.Maloney,“AssessingEbla,”BiblicalArchaeologyReview,March,1978,p.7.
108 AdamMikaya,“ThePoliticsofEbla,”BiblicalArchaeologyReview,Sept./Oct.,1978,p.6.
82
Conclusion
Once again the “stones are crying out”in defense of the historic
trustworthiness of the Bible. Like the Dead Sea Scroll find, this
discoverywilllikewisetakeyearstofullydecipher.Weonlyhope
andpraythatthedelicateandtensesituationoftheMiddleEastwill
notprohibitfullexcavationanddisclosureoftheEblacivilization.I
believethatthereismuchmoreBiblicalconfirmationburiedthere!
“The Bible has withstood many attacks through the centuries
from enemies of all sorts, but in the last century it has been
called upon to withstand repeated attacks in the house of its
friends.TheBibleisnowfreelydoubtedbythepreachersinthe
pulpitsandtheteachersintheseminaryclassroomsofourland”
(R.LairdHarris).
QuotationsforFurtherReflection
• Letfaithsupportuswherereasonfails,andweshallthinkbecausewebelieve,notin
orderthatwemaybelieve.
109
• A substantial proof for the accuracy of the Old Testament text has come from
archaeology. Numerous discoveries have confirmed the historical accuracy of the
biblical documents, even down to the occasional use of obsolete names of foreign
kings…Archaeologist Nelson Glueck asserts, “It may be stated categorically that no
archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference. Scores of
archaeologicalfindingshave beenmadewhichconfirm inclear outlineorexactdetail
historicalstatementsintheBible.”
110
• WhilemanyhavedoubtedtheaccuracyoftheBible,timeandcontinuedresearchhave
consistentlydemonstratedthattheWordofGodisbetter informedthan itscritics.In
fact,whilethousandsoffindsfromtheancientworldsupportinbroadoutlineandoften
in detail the biblical pictures, not one incontrovertible find has ever contradicted the
Bible.
111
109 A.W.Tozer,TheKnowledgeoftheHoly,NewYork,NY:HarperCollins,1961,p.6.
110 JoshMcDowell,TheNewEvidencethatDemandsaVerdict,Nashville:ThomasNelsonPublishers,1999,p.89.
111 Ibid.,p.98.
Thebasalttorsoof
IbbitLim,Kingof
Ebla.Thediscovery
ofthisfragmentofa
statueatTellMardikh
in1968identifiedthe
siteforthefirsttime
asancientEbla.
83
PartTwo
PREREQUISITESFORSTUDYINGTHEWORD
“Oh,howIloveYourlaw!Imeditateonitalldaylong.Yourcommandsmakeme
wiserthanmyenemies,fortheyareeverwithme. Ihavemoreinsightthanallmy
teachers, for I meditate on Your statutes. I have more understanding than the
elders, forIobeyYourprecepts.IhavekeptmyfeetfromeveryevilpathsothatI
mightobeyYourword.IhavenotdepartedfromYourlaws,forYouYourselfhave
taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my
mouth!IgainunderstandingfromYourprecepts;thereforeIhateeverywrongpath”
(Ps.119:97104).
From the above verses we see aheart attitudein David that was the necessary
prerequisite for understanding God's Word. The world is sadly lacking in wisdomand
understandingtoday!Ourworldisfilledwithcolleges,universitiesand
community colleges. Because of humanistic philosophy we have
practically made a godout ofeducation. For years,wehaveoperated
underthefalsebeliefthatmancouldbasicallysolveallofhisillsthrough
education. Given the proper time and education – we could educate
man from ignorance, darkness and superstition to enlightenment. We
would go from “protoplasm to paradise” – all through our own
educational systems, we would truly be “man come of age!” However,
weneverseemtobeabletoquitegetthere! PaulsaidtoTimothythat
one of the signs of the last days of civilization would be that man would be “always
learningbutneverabletoacknowledgethetruth”(IITim.3:7).
Ifwearegoingtobeabletoreallylearnandcometotruth–andexperiencewhatDavid
saidabouthaving“moreinsightthanallmyteachers”–thenwearegoingtohaveto
meet God's conditions for receiving true knowledge. What are those conditions or
prerequisitesforproperlystudyingGod'sWord?
1. First,wemustbespirituallyalive. Jesussaid:“TheSpiritgiveslife;theflesh
counts for nothing. The words I havespokento youarespirit andthey are
life”(John6:63).Paulsaid: “ThemanwithouttheSpiritdoesnotacceptthe
thingsthatcomefromtheSpiritofGod,fortheyarefoolishnesstohim,and
he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (I Cor.
2:14). Several other times in his writings Paul reminds his hearers of when they
weredeadtothethingsofGod,andthatitwasthedisobedienceofmanthatledto
their hardness of heart. “For although they knew God, they neither glorified
HimasGodnorgavethankstoHim,buttheirthinkingbecamefutileandtheir
foolish hearts were darkened”(Rom.1:21). InEphesianshecallsthis“Gentile
living,” andsays:
84
“So I tell you this…you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the
futilityoftheirthinking.Theyaredarkenedintheirunderstanding,and
separatedfromthelifeofGodbecauseoftheignorancethatisinthem
duetothehardeningoftheirhearts”(Eph.4:1718).
Likewise, Paul reminds the Corinthians that disobedience leads to spiritual
blindness by the “prince of this world.” He says: “The god of this age has
blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the
gospelofthegloryofChrist,whoistheimageofGod”(IICor.4:4).
So until a person is regenerated by the Holy Spirit of God he is incapable of
perceiving spiritual truth! He no more has the capacity of understanding God's
Word than a blind man does of perceiving color or a deaf person does of
perceivingsound!
TheUnregenerateMan TheRegenerateMan
2. Secondly,we must be spiritual and not carnal.Tragically many Christians –
even though they are truly regenerate – still walk more by the flesh or the old
nature than by the Spirit and their new nature. Therefore, spiritual immaturity
characterizes their life more than maturity in Christ. Paul discussed thiswarfare
thatgoesonbetweenthe“flesh”andthe“Spirit”inRomans8:
“Thosewholiveaccording tothesinfulnaturehavetheirmindssetonwhat
that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have
theirminds setonwhattheSpiritdesires.Themindofsinfulmanisdeath,
but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is
hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those
controlledbythesinfulnaturecannotpleaseGod”(Rom.8:58).
Spiritually
Alive
SpirituallyDead
SPIRIT
SOUL
BODY
SPIRIT
SOUL
BODY
GOD
85
This was the very problem that Paulhadwith those carnalChristians atCorinth!
Therefore, he wrote to them and said: “Brothers, I could not address you as
spiritual but as worldly– mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid
food,foryouwerenotyetreadyforit.Indeed,youarestillnotready.Youare
stillworldly…”(ICor.3:13).
EarlierinthatsameEpistle,Paulfurthercontrastedthelightthatmaybereceived
by the spiritually mature with that which the "babes in Christ" or Christians can
receive: “For I resolved to know nothing while I waswithyouexcept Jesus
Christ and Him crucified…We do, however, speak a message of wisdom
amongthemature…God’ssecretwisdom…”(ICor.2:2,67).
CharacteristicsoftheSpiritualChristian
Perhaps it would be helpful to look at some of the characteristics of the Spiritual
Christian.
(1) The first and most obvious fact about the spiritual Christian is that he
or she is seeking to “walk by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16) as opposed to the
flesh.Itisnotjustaperiodicorsporadicthing–butalifestyle,asPaulsaid.
The first characteristic–andtheone fromwhich thefollowingonesareall
derived – is that he is spiritual and not carnal.He walks by the Spirit.
God’sHolySpiritbecomestheveryatmosphereofhislife!
(2) Thesecondthingthatmakesthedifferencebetweenthecarnalandspiritual
Christianisthis:thecarnalChristianstilllovesthethingsofthisworldmore
thanthethingsof God. Jesusclearlysaidthattheheartattitudethatfinds
favorwithGodistheonethathasaspiritualhungerandthirstratherthan
aworldlyone:
• “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for
theywillbefilled(satisfied)”(Matt.5:6);
• “…Jesusstoodandsaidinaloudvoice,‘Ifanyoneisthirsty,lethim
cometoMeanddrink.WhoeverbelievesinMe,astheScripturehas
said,streamsoflivingwaterwillflowfromwithinhim’”(Jn.7:3738).
The Bible makes it clear that God refuses to reveal Himself to just any
casual passerby! Jesus indicated this in His Sermon onthe Mount when
Hesaid: “Donotgivedogswhatissacred;donotthrowyourpearlsto
pigs…”(Matt.7:6).
86
(3) AthirdimportantcharacteristicofthespiritualChristianisthatheishumble.
ChristsaidthattheHolySpiritwould“guideyouintoalltruth”(Jn.16:13).
ItisabasicprinciplethattheSpiritonlyleadsthehumble–nevertheproud!
Jamesadmonisheshishearersto“…humblyacceptthewordplantedin
you, which can save you” (James 1:21). Jesus said: “I praise You,
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these
thingsfromthewise andlearned,andrevealedthemtolittlechildren”
(Matt.11:25).
TheApostlePaulremindedtheCorinthianChristianshow“Notmanyofyou
were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many
wereofnoblebirth”butthat“Godchosethefoolishthingsoftheworld
to shamethewise;Godchosetheweak thingsoftheworldtoshame
thestrong”(ICor.1:2627).
IfweexpecttheHolySpirittoguideus intotruth,wemusthaveahumble,
teachablespirit. AsRoyPutnamsaid:“Idon'tstand‘ontheWord’;Irather
stand‘under theWord’tobejudged,chastened,corrected,quickened,and
correctedbyit.” ThelateDr.DonaldG.Barnhouseputitsimilarlywhenhe
said:“BeforeIthunderinthecourtItrytostandbarefootbeforetheBurning
Bush.”
(4) Fourthly, the spiritual Christian isobedient. Jesus clearly said that when
ourwillwaspredisposedtoobediencewewouldknowtheFather'swill: “If
anyonechoosestodoGod’swill,hewillfindoutwhetherMyteaching
comesfromGod…”(Jn.7:17). Likewise,Jesussays:“WhoeverhasMy
commandsandobeysthem,heistheonewholovesMe.Hewholoves
MewillbelovedbyMyFather,andItoowillloveHimandshowMyself
tohim”(Jn.14:21).
Itisaspiritualprinciplethatlightbegetslight–“inYourlightweseelight”
(Ps.36:9).Therefore,weapplywhatwehavelearned–thenandonlythen
doesGodgiveusmoreunderstanding. Jesussaidthatlightisnotgivento
be hidden – but rather put on a put ona lampstand soall couldsee(Mk.
4:2125). Applicationistheproofofobedience!Itisalawoflifethat“that
which is not expressed dies.” Jesus said thesamethingin what Icallthe
secret of spiritual growth: “Whoever has will be given more, and he
willhaveanabundance.Whoeverdoesnothave,evenwhathehaswill
betakenfromhim”(Matt.13:12).
Hereweseethemostbasicprincipleoflifeappliedtospiritualtruth:“either
useitorloseit!” ItisnotwhatIdototheWord–butwhatIallowtheWord
todotomethat'simportant! “MastertheBookandthenletitmasteryou!”
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3. Thirdly,we must be under doctrinal teaching. Today millions ofpeople– and
sadly many Christians – are being spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and
emotionally “ripped off” by false prophets. These prophets often come under the
guiseofreligiousleaders,theologians,philosophers,andeducators.
Consequently, because many Christians are not under sound doctrinal teaching
they are being “…tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and
therebyeverywindofteachingandbythecunningandcraftinessofmenin
theirdeceitfulscheming”(Eph.4:14).St.Paulwarnedthatthiswouldhappen–
andthatmanywouldevenpreferfalseteacherstotrueones: “Forthetimewill
come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their
owndesires,theywillgatheraroundthemagreatnumberofteacherstosay
whattheiritchingearswanttohear.Theywillturntheirearsawayfromthe
truthandturnasidetomyths”(IITim.4:34).
This turning aside from reality or truth to fantasy and mythology is certainly
increasingly characteristic of the day and age in which we are living! Therefore
morethaneverChristiansmust“LetthewordofChristdwellinyourichly”(Col.
3:16)–andthiscanonlyhappenbybeingundersoundApostolic/Biblicalteaching!
Thereareanumberofimportantpassagesthatspeaktothis.
A. We note that this was one of the chief marks of the early church after
Pentecost. TheydidnotassumethatjustbecausetheyhadreceivedGod's
HolySpiritthattheycouldgooutontheirown.No!Lukerecordsthat“they
devotedthemselvestotheapostles’teaching…”(Acts2:42).
B. Anothergoodexamplefortheabsoluteneedfordoctrinalteachingisfound
in the account of Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. This man
wasridinghomefromworshippinginJerusalem,andwhilehewasridingin
hischariothewasreadingfromtheIsaiahscroll.Philipcamealongsidehim
andaskedifheunderstoodwhathewasreading.TheEthiopianrepliedwith
great honesty: “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” (Acts
8:31).ThisclearlyteachesusthatmuchoftheBiblecannotbeunderstood
withoutsomeguidance.
This principle is also born out by the fact that Paul said thateldersinthe
churchmustbe“abletoteach”(ITim.3:2),sothatthey“…canencourage
others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose(contradict) it”
(Titus 1:9). Paul was vitally interested that “sound doctrine” be taught
(Titus2:1),andthatitbeentrustedintothehandsoffaithfulmenwhowould
likewise instruct others: “And the things you have heard me say inthe
presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be
qualifiedtoteachothers”(IITim.2:2).
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C. ItistheroleofthedoctrinalteachertoinstructtheBelieversinthefaith–as
well as stir them to stand for it and defend it before an unbelieving world:
“…I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was
onceforallentrustedtothesaints”(Jude1:3).
D. Paul calls the church the “…pillar and foundation of the truth” (I Tim.
3:15).Hethenbreaksforthinpraiseoverthegloryofthefaith: “Beyondall
question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body,
wasvindicatedbytheSpirit,wasseenbyangels,waspreachedamong
thenations,wasbelievedonintheworld,wastakenupinglory”(ITim.
3:16)
Since the church is the “pillar and foundation of the truth” – it is
absolutelynecessary that every believer be an active part of achurch that
faithfully teaches and applies the Word – committed to proclaiming the
Gospel!
4. Fourthly,wemustbeadiligentanddisciplinedstudent.Manypeopletodaysay
theywouldliketobeabletounderstandtheBiblebetter–butfewarewillingtopay
thepriceofcommitmenttostudy! Manyministerswouldliketobegreatexpositors
of the Word – but few will correct and rearrange their priorities and commit
themselvestofirstthings.Itisnotthatthethingstheygivethemselvestoarenot
important–butitisusuallyamatterofthegoodbeinganenemyofthebest!
It is similar to what Jesus said to the Pharisees in another context, about their
meticuloustithing: “…Youshouldhavepracticedthelatterwithoutleavingthe
formerundone”(Lk.11:42). AsthegreatBiblicalexpositor,JohnStott,said: “The
systematic preaching of the Word is impossible without a systematic studyofthe
Word.”
Under another heading we have already looked at the emphasis Paul placed on
studywherehesaidtoTimothy: “Doyourbest(bediligent)topresentyourself
to Godasoneapproved,aworkmanwhodoesnotneedtobeashamedand
whocorrectlyhandlesthewordoftruth”(IITim.2:15).
Paulhimselfwasalivingtestimonyofthisprinciple. Wecanseethequalityofhis
studyconstantlycomingthroughinhiswritings. Heneverlost hiscommitmentto
readingand studying–eveninoldage.WhenhewritesTimothytohurrytovisit
him, he says something that is very instructive for us concerning his study and
devotional habits. He asks Timothy to bring “my scrolls, especially the
parchments”(IITim.4:13).Wedonotknowwhatthebookswereforsure–but
no doubt the “parchments” referred to the Scriptures! Even as an old man in
prisonheneverlosthisdesiretoread,studyandlearn!
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WhenitcomestothestudyoftheWord–giveGodyourbesttime!Idon'tknow
whatyourbest,mostalert,wideawaketimeofthedayis–butwheneveritis,give
ittoGodinprayerandthestudyofHisWord. Don'tgiveHimyourtired,wornout,
anemicleftovers!Formostpeoplethatisthefirstthinginthemorningafteragood
night'ssleep.However,therearesomepeople–andIamoneofthem–thatare
“nightpeople”andfindlaterhoursgoodforreading,studyandmeditation.Please
rememberalsothathurryisthedeathofprayerandstudy!Sothewisestudent
willfindhisbesthours–andprayerfullygivethemtoGodforthestudyofHisWord!
SUMMARYOFPREREQUISITESFORSTUDYINGTHEWORD
1. Wemustbespirituallyalive;
2. Wemustbespiritualandnotcarnal;
CharacteristicsofaSpiritualChristian:
A. WalksbytheSpirit
B. Hasaspiritualhungerandthirst;
C. Hasahumble,teachablespirit;
D. Heisobedient;
3. Wemustbeunderdoctrinalteaching;
4. Wemustbeadiligentanddisciplinedstudent.
QuotationsforFurtherReflection
• HowisitpossibletosaywebelieveinJesusandyetseeitmakesolittledifferencein
how we live? Cathy [a carnal Christian] is a classic example of what we seealltoo
often in the “modern” believer. Her faith operated exclusively in the realm of her
personal, subjective, private experience...she made her decisions essentially as a
moralrelativist–whatwasrightwasdictatedbythesituationshewasin,notfromany
consideration of whether her behavior violated any absolute truths…we try to control
JesusbylimitedHimtoourterms.Jesuswillacceptourfaith,butHewillneveraccept
ourcontrols…HecanonlybegintobetheLordofyourlifetoday–notnextMondayor
next month but now. And the great and joyful paradox is that while He totally
transformsus,Hemakesusmoreourselvesthaneverbefore.
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• …OChrist…makeusstrongtoovercomethedesiretobewiseandtobereputedwise
byothersasignorantasourselves.
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112 RebeccaManleyPippert,OutoftheSaltShakerandIntotheWorld,DownersGrove,IL:IntervarsityPress,1999,pp.4950,54.
113 A.W.Tozer,TheKnowledgeoftheHoly,NewYork,NY:HarperCollins,1961,p.59.
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PRINCIPLESOFINTERPRETINGTHEWORD
“…theholyScriptures…areabletomakeyouwiseforsalvationthroughfaithin
ChristJesus.AllScriptureisGodbreathedandisusefulforteaching,rebuking,
correctingandtraininginrighteousness”(IITim.3:1516).
Thissectionreallygetsdowntothemeatofthisentirestudy!Allofthe
things thus far have helped us intelligently approach and appreciate
theWord.Nowwemustapplyitall–andcorrectapplicationcanonly
come from correct interpretation. Here is where the Word really
becomes flesh to us personally! I cannot say too much about the
importance of correctly interpreting God's Word. I believe that it
grieves God far more to see His children abusing His Word than it
does for Him to see His enemies attack it! Jesus said that the
“Scriptures could not be broken” (Jn. 10:35), but the Holy Spirit
throughPeter,declaredthattheycouldbetwistedtoone’sowndestruction(IIPet.3:16)!
Youneedtomakesurethatyourinterpretationiscorrect. Ifyourinterpretationiswrong
then your application will also be wrong! On one occasion Jesus corrected the
Sadduceesovertheirincorrectunderstandingoftheresurrection,andsaid: “Youarein
errorbecauseyoudonotknowtheScripturesorthepowerofGod”(Matt.22:29).
Their theology of the resurrection was completely wrong because of their wrong
interpretationoftheScriptures. Remember:TwistedScripturecanneverresultinstraight
theology!SincethisisGod'sWordweneedtomakeeveryefforttocorrectlyunderstand
it.JohnStottsaid: “IftheBibleisIndeedGod'sWordwritten,weshouldsparenopains
andgrudgenoefforttodiscoverwhatHehassaid(andsays)inScripture.”114
Letmeintroduceyoutotwowords: “hermeneutics” and“homiletics.” Thosearetwowords
thatseminarians,preachersandtheologiansthrowaroundagreatdeal–andtheyareof
great importance for the serious Bible student.Hermeneuticsis the science of
interpretingscripture.Homiletics,ontheotherhand,istheartofpreaching,teachingor
communicating scripture. Good homiletics are derived fromgood hermeneutics. When
preaching is poor, dull, uninteresting, irrelevant, etc., it is because of inadequate
preparationintheareaofhermeneutics.
Christ's homiletics (to put His preaching and teaching into our theological terms) were
alwayscaptivating,relevantandlifechanging.TheofficerswhoweresenttoarrestJesus
on one occasion returned saying: “No one ever spoke the way this man does” (Jn.
7:46). After His great Sermon on the Mount, the Scripture says: “…the crowds were
amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as
theirteachersofthelaw”(Matt.7:2829).BecauseHisteachings(homiletics)wereso
veryrelevanttotheirlives,thepeople…listenedtoHimwithdelight”(Mk.12:37).They
rejected and rebelled against the homiletics of the Scribes andPharisees becausethey
114 JohnStott,UnderstandingtheBible,Glendale,CA:RegalBooks,1972,p.206.
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were burdensome, cumbersome, legalistic and irrelevant – but they flocked to Christ
becauseHisteachingwastruth…reality!
BecausethereligiousleadersofChrist'sdaydidnotcorrectlyknowGod,theyconstantly
abused His Scriptures. They were perhaps sincere and dedicated – but that is not
enough. Jesus clearly taught that true worship must spring out of truth: “…true
worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of
worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in
spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:2324). Truth, or “ultimate reality” as Webster defines it, is
something as it really is as opposed to what we might think or wish it to be. When we
knowGodthroughHisHolySpirit–whowitnessestoourspirit(Rom.8:16)–thenwecan
begin to worship Him according to truth. We worship God for Who He really is as
opposedtohowwepreviouslyconceivedHimtobe.Thenandonlythenwillourworship
bepleasingtoHimandfulfillingtous– anditallbeganwithacorrectunderstandingof
HisWord.Thebestinterpreterofanybookisitsauthor,sothebetterweknowtheauthor
the better we understand the book! Therefore, the better we know God through His
IncarnateWord–asrevealedinHisWrittenWord–thebetterwewillknowandworship
Him. KnowledgeofGodandknowledgeofHisWordareinseparablyconnected!
WhataresomeofthebasicprinciplesofhermeneuticsorinterpretingGod’sWord?
1. ThePrincipleofNaturalInterpretation
This has sometimes been called the“principle of simplicity.”That means that
the Bible itself has no difficulty. If there is any problem, it is due to our
misunderstanding and not with God's Word itself.God has spoken to be
understood!He intended that Scripture be plain to its readers. We must
approachtheBiblewiththatbasicpresuppositioninmind.WhenyouorIspeak,
we speak to communicate...to be understood...to transmit truth. Now, that's the
wayitshouldbe–butmanypeopledonotspeakthetruthandarethusliars!The
Bible clearly says that man and God are different at this point. Whereas it is
common or "natural" for man in his fallen condition to lie–the Bibleclearly says
thatGodcannot,andthereforedoesnot,lie(Num.23:19;Titus1:12).Hespeaks
tobeunderstood–andallHespeaksistruthforHeisTruth!
ItisnaturalforustoexpectthatGodhasspokentobeclearlyunderstood.Itwas
theGnosticswhoapproachedGodandScripturewiththepresuppositionthatinit
were hidden all kinds of “secret” information that could only be known by
themselves. They therefore stressed salvation through a secret gnosis or
“knowledge”. This movement was clearly rejected by the church, and rightly so!
Thissameesotericapproachisoftentrueofmanyofthecontemporarycultstoday
(see my book on: Identifying And Dealing With The Cults). God has not cloaked
His will in secrecy so only a few may attain it. He has spoken to be clearly
understoodandthereforeobeyed. ThisistheonlynaturalwaytoapproachGod!
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2. ThePrincipleofComparativeInterpretation
Thismightalso becalledthe“principle ofharmony.”Thisprincipleremindsus
thatthe Bible must be seen as a whole and every individual part must be
interpreted within the context of the whole. When done so, one part will never
contradictanother!SinceGodhasspokentobeunderstood,wecanonlyexpectto
fullyunderstandHimwhenwehavestudiedandcomparedallHehassaidtouson
aparticularsubject. ErroralwaysresultswhenweisolatewhatHehassaidatone
point,fromeverythingelseHehasspokenonthatmatter.AsF.F.Brucesaid:
“Anypartofthehumanbodycanonlybeproperlyexplainedinreferencetothe
whole body. And any part of the Bible can only be properly explained in
referencetothewholeBible.”
ArticleXXoftheChurchofEnglandsaysthatnopassageofScripturemaybeso
expounded“...thatitberepugnanttoanother.” Sowemustseekthe“wholewillof
God” (Acts 20:27) on each issue as opposed to snatches! We must stress the
principleofcomparison:compareScripturewithScripture!Thatmeansthatthe
Bible is its own best commentary and therefore explains itself. Concerning this
matter,Dr.DonaldG.Barnhousesaid:
“For any given doctrinal subject, read the entire volume, selecting every verse
thatbearsonthetruthunderstudy. Putallofthesepassagestogether,andthe
synthesis of the result is the true Bible doctrine on the question with
which you are concerned.A verse from Moses, and one from Ezekiel, and
onefromPaul,putsidebyside,eachilluminatingtheothers,fitintotheperfect
pattern of the whole design and give the whole light which God has been
pleased to reveal on that particular theme...Many heresies arise from a false
interpretationofasingleverseofScripture,andthematterisevensadderwhen
we realize that the interpretation would have been corrected if the heretic had
takentimetocollateallofthepassagescoveringthesubjectonwhichheerred.
Theonesuremethodofcontinuinginthepathoftruthistohavebeforeyouall
thattheBiblerevealsonanypossiblepointofdiscussion.”115
Barnhouseunderscorestheimportanceofthecomparativemethodofinterpretation
bythefollowingstatementandexample:
“The fathers and reformers never found it strange to takeaverse out ofGenesis
and fit it to a verse in John, and to bring a verse from Job alongside tocast yet
morelightonadoctrine.Suchamethod,whichwouldbeoutrageousinanyother
work, is a necessity in the study of the Bible...It would be impossible toknow the
Biblical doctrine that surroundsthe familiar symbol ofthe Lamb withouttakingthe
account in the sacrifice of Abel, that of Abraham offering up Isaac, that ofMoses
115 DonaldGreyBarnhouse,TheInvisibleWar,GrandRapids:ZondervanPublishingHouse,1965,p.12.
93
and the Passover, and putting them together with the order of the day of
atonement, to form the Foundation of the doctrine of the Lamb, as the atoning
sacrifice of sin. Only then we can understand the continuing development of the
doctrinethroughouttherestoftheScriptures. InIsaiah,wediscoveredthefirsthint
that the Lamb is to be a man (53:56). In the fourth Gospel, we see John the
BaptistpointingtoJesusastheOnewhoisGod'sLamb,cometobearawaythesin
oftheworld(1:29).IntheEpistles,wediscoverthatChrist,ourPassover,hasbeen
sacrificedforus(ICor.5:7);andbythetimewereachtheRevelationweareready
tojoinwiththemyriad’stosing:"WorthyistheLambthatwasslaintoreceive
power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory, and
blessing"(Rev.5:12)...Wemustfollowthemethodofbringingtextsfromallparts
ofScriptureandputtingthemtogethertoformonecoherententityofdoctrine.”116
WhenwelearntostudyandinterprettheBiblecomparativelywewillhavemanyof
oursurfacedifficultiessolved–andwillalsobegintoarriveatamoresystematic
theology.
There is one other matter along thislineI would point out. Notevery part ofthe
Bible is equally clear. There are areas of ambiguity and obscurity. The Bible is
silent on some issues. When you come to one of these areas remember the
following:
A. There are many clear passages on every major doctrine in the Bible. On
anyareathatisessentialforoursalvationandgeneralwellbeing–theBible
iscrystalclear!
B. When you come to a verse or subject that is not completely clear, always
interprettheobscurebytheobvious. Godhasclearlyspokenoneveryarea
that we need revelation concerning – so interpret the cloudy by the clear.
Don't get hung up or sidetracked on a verse that is hard to understand.
Interpretitthroughotherclearpassagesthatspeaktotheissueathand.
C. Finally, when you come to a point of doctrine where Christians of equal
commitment, dedication and scholarship disagree – be careful! All
Christians agree on 98% of doctrine – and that is the basis of their
fellowship.TheBibledoesseemtoallowsomelatitudeofinterpretationon
some things (Sabbath observance, dietary habits, etc.), and we should do
thesame. Sonevermakeasecondarydoctrineapointoffellowship. Don't
make secondary issues the primary planks in your theological platform.
Remember,someonehasdefinedafanaticasonewhomajorsontheminors
asthoughtheywerethemajors!
Studyscripturecomparatively. SpeakclearlywhereGodhas...besilentwhereHe
issilent...andneverequateyouropinionswithHisWilloryourdoctrinewithHis!
116 DonaldGreyBarnhouse,TheInvisibleWar,GrandRapids:ZondervanPublishingHouse,1965,pp.1415.
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3. ThePrincipleofLiteralInterpretation
Thisisaprinciplethatmanypeopleeitherradicallymisunderstand–orvehemently
rebelagainst. Themomentyoumention“literalinterpretation”peoplebegintosay:
“Surely you don't think that the Bible is to be taken literally, do you?!” You see,
there is a common fallacy that says: “Well, there are many interpretations of the
Bible,andmineisasgoodasyours!” Thatmaysoundgoodtous–butitisjustnot
true! Not all interpretations of the Bible are equally valid; many are absolutely
heretical! ManyoftheinterpretationsofthereligiousleadersofChrist'sdaywere
false.ThesamewastrueofthefalseprophetsintheOldTestament,anditistrue
ofthecultstoday. AllinterpretationsofScripturearenotequallyvalid. Againwe
remind you of Peter's warning about people who “distort…Scriptures, to their
owndestruction”(IIPet.3:16).
Theproblemoverliteralinterpretation,Ibelieve,comesoverourunderstandingof
what is really meant – and conversely not meant – by the phrase “literal
interpretation.” BernardRammdefineditthisway: “Tointerpretliterallyisnothing
more or less than interpreting words and sentences in their normal, usual,
customaryproperdesignation.”
WhenyouorIspeak,weexpecttobetakenliterally! Forexample,supposeIsay
tomychildren:“Pleasegotoyourroomsandcleanthemup.” Nowsupposethey
begin to interpret my words to them as many try to interpret
God's Word. They might begin to say among themselves:
“Well,youknowthatDaddydidnotliterallymeanforustogo
to our rooms and clean them...after all,there are manyways
ofinterpretingwhat hehassaid!” Farfromit!Iexpecttobe
interpretedliterally–andyoudotoo.Ifthatwerenotthecase
communication would not be possible! We would always be
wondering: “Do they mean that literally, figuratively,
allegorically,orspiritually?” Weallexpecttobetakenliterally
–eventhoughwemayhavecommunicatedwhatwehavesaid
figurativelyorthroughsomeotherformofspeech.TheBible
does the very same thing. Consistency requires that the same principle of
communication and interpretation be applied both to what God has said and to
whatwesay!
TheBibleisfullofvariousliteraryformsandfiguresofspeech–butbehindthemall
a literal truth is being communicated. When the Bible uses phrases like:
“shrewdassnakesandinnocentasdoves”(Matt.10:16)…“Look,theLambof
God,whotakesawaythesinoftheworld!”(Jn.1:29)…“...Gotell(Herod)that
fox...” (Lk. 13:32)…“…streams of living water…” (Jn. 7:38), etc.,we all should
know what they mean. All of ourspeech is likewise filled with figures of speech
seekingtocommunicatealiteraltruth:
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Examples
...“He’sacouchpotato!”(meaninglazyperson)
...“Let’sgopigout!”(meaningeatalot),etc.
Can you imagine trying to explain some of our colloquial figures of speech to
someonefromanothercountryandculture?!Theyareveryexplicitandgraphicto
us because we clearly understand theliteral truth being communicated bythe
figureofspeech.WemustseekthesamethingwhenweinterprettheBible. Ifwe
wronglyinterprettheseliteraryformsitwillbejustasdisastroustoourBiblestudy
asitwilltooureverydayconversation!AgoodcaseinpointistheMormoncult.
They have taken variousanthropomorphic expressionsin the Bible that are
related to God – andcomeup with acompletelyfalsedoctrine ofGod. Totry to
prove their doctrine of the non–spirituality of God they will often point to such
versesasfollowswhereGodisspokenofwithhumanphysicalattributes:
• “Appleoftheeye...”(Ps.17:8);
• “...theeyeoftheLord...”(Ps.33:18);
• “thearmoftheLord...”(Ps.98:1);
• “Myhand...” (Isa.50:2);
• “Myface...”(Isa.54:7);
• “Myarm...”(Isa.59:12);etc.
To clearly refute the heretical Mormon doctrine of the nonspirituality of God, all
youhavetodoisquoteacoupleothersimilarversessuchas:
“HewillcoveryouwithHisfeathers...”(Ps.91:4)
“HidemeintheshadowofYourwings...”(Ps.17:8).
Ifyouconsistentlyusetheirfalseprincipleofinterpretationyounotonlygetanon
spiritual god – but also one who has wings and feathers! How absurd and
blasphemous! Everyone clearly understands thatGod was communicating
literal truths to us in figures of speech we could clearly understand!Jesus
constantly did the same thing by encapsulatingspiritual truths in natural
parablesthat broughtthemdowntoourlevelofunderstanding.Yousee,wedo
not think or learn basically by the theoretical, or abstract – but by the concrete.
God never communicates to us in general, nebulous terms – but rather in vivid
onesoutoftheworldofourexperience.Thenwecanmoreeasilygrasptheliteral
truththatHeistryingtocommunicatetous.
Theprincipleisthis:“EverypartoftheBibleistobetakenliterally.” Thatistheonly
natural,logical,normalwaytointerpretit!
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Another principle closely akin to the above one is asfollows:Even though there is only
onecorrectliteralinterpretationofanygivenscripture,theremaybeanumberofpossible
correct applications. It is only logical that if our interpretation is incorrect – then our
application will also be incorrect.Correct application cannot come from incorrect
interpretation!Thisiswheretherubberhitstheroad!
4. ThePrincipleofGrammaticalInterpretation
As we have seen from the above discussion, language is important. Godchose
human language (as opposed to spiritual or angelic) as the vehicle to reveal
Himselftoman.Soitisboththe“WordofGod”andthe“Wordofman.” Because
Hehaschosentouseourlanguage,wemustreaditlikewemustanyotherbookin
regardtotherulesofvocabulary,grammar,syntax;(orderofwordsinasentence)
etc.–andnotdoviolencetothem. TherearemanygreatBiblicaldoctrinesthatare
determinedbygrammar. Thefollowingareacoupleofexamplesinpoint:
A.The crucifixion of thebelieverwith Christ(Romans 6). Because of the
tense of the verbhere we know that our crucifixion with Christ is a past
experienceandnotafutureone.Christ'sdeathonthecrossalsoincluded
us. Whenweunderstandthiswewillnolongerhopefullyandwishfullylook
forward to some future time when we might really get spiritual and crucify
self!Youcan'tcrucifyyourself.That'swhyPaulsaidthatbyfaithyoumust
“countyourselvesdead…”–thinkofyourselvesasdead,asfarassinis
concerned (Rom. 6:11). So herethe proper interpretation is based on
thetenseoftheverb!
B.TheblessingsofAbraham(Gal.3:1516). Heretheargumentrestsonone
lettermakingthedifferencebetweensingularandplural. “Thepromises
werespokentoAbrahamandtohisseed.TheScripturedoesnotsay
‘andtoseeds,’meaningmanypeople,but‘andtoyourseed,’meaning
oneperson,whoisChrist”(Gal.3:16).
So here one letter makes an eternity of difference! It is the difference
between the blessing promised coming exclusively through Christ or
throughmany!HowexactGod'sWordis!
C.The filling of the Spirit(Eph. 5:18ff). Here again we see the very great
importanceofthetenseofaverb.Paulsays:“…befilledwiththeSpirit”
(Eph. 5:18). The verb is in the present tense. That denotes continuous
present action. WhereasourcrucifixionwithChristwasapastexperience
never to be repeated, our filling with the Spirit is a dynamic continuing
experience. It is best translated: “be continuously being filled with the
Spirit.” A proper understanding of that verse will clear up a great deal of
misunderstanding, fear and confusion concerning the filling of the Holy
Spirit!
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Also, we need to remember that words do not have the same meaning in
oneculturethattheyhaveinanother. Inaddition,wordsoftengothroughan
evolution in their meaning so that what they once meant they no longer
mean. Agoodexampleistheword“meek.” Today,wemeansomethingby
itthattheBiblicalwritersdidnotmean. Forexample,thedictionarydefines
meek as: “patient and mild; easily imposed on.” That's not the Biblical
meaningatall!Itmeansawellharnessedpower;powerundercontrol.
ThereforetocallChristmeekbyWebster'sdefinitionisquitewrong!
Wecanneverneglectgrammar! IamespeciallythankfulthatGodhadthe
New Testament written in Greek, because it is generally a far more exact
andpreciselanguagethaneitherEnglishormostofourothercontemporary
languagesspokentoday.
5. ThePrincipleofHistoricalInterpretation
A. One of the first things we should expect to find revealed in this method of
interpretation ishistorical progression, or historical movement.
Therefore, what God does and requires at one historical point intime may
change at another because the former was a prelude for the latter. Again
wecanseethematterofprogressiverevelationrevealedandworkedout
inhistoricalinterpretation.Agoodexampleofthiswouldbethesacrifices
of the Old Testament. In that historical period, God was setting the stage
and preparing His people for what He was going to do in a later periodof
history – the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ for sin. Therefore, when the
fulfillment has come historically, the former things no longer hold. Indeed,
they become idolatrous and sin when clung to and perpetrated at the
expenseofthefulfillment!
It would be sin for us – as Christians whoarelivingin thefull light ofthe
Gospel of Christ – to continue much of the Old Testament observances.
Paul underscores this principle of interpretation and understanding of the
workings of God in his Epistle to the Galatians. There he points out that
Christisthefulfillmentofthelaw: “Beforethisfaithcame,wewereheld
prisonersbythelaw,lockedupuntilfaithshouldberevealed. (Thereis
the historical progression) So the law was put in charge to lead us to
Christthatwemightbejustifiedbyfaith.Nowthatfaithhascome,we
arenolongerunderthesupervisionofthelaw(Thereisthefulfillment)”
(Gal.3:2325).
InColossianshereiteratesthesameprincipleandsays:“Seetoitthatno
onetakesyoucaptivethroughhollowanddeceptivephilosophy,which
depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world
ratherthanonChrist…Thereforedonotlet anyonejudgeyoubywhat
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you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon
celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that
weretocome;thereality,however,isfoundinChrist”(Col.2:8,1617).
Because of a misunderstanding of this principle of interpretation, many
peoplegetcaughtupinandworshiptheshadowratherthanthesubstance
Christ!
The writer of Hebrews also demonstrates this historical, progressive
interpretation.InHebrewsChapters6through10hecontraststheministry
ofthepriestsofthepastwithournewHighPriest,JesusChrist: “Wehave
thishopeasananchorforthesoul,firmandsecure.Itenterstheinner
sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has
entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the
order of Melchizedek…If perfection could have been attained through
theLeviticalpriesthood(foronthebasisofitthelawwasgiventothe
people),whywastherestillneedforanotherpriesttocome–oneinthe
orderofMelchizedek…Heofwhomthesethingsaresaidbelongedtoa
differenttribe,andnoonefromthat tribehaseverservedatthealtar.
For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to
thattribeMosessaidnothingaboutpriests.Andwhatwehavesaidis
even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who
hasbecomeapriestnotonthebasisofaregulationastohisancestry
but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life…The former
regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law
made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we
draw near to God…Because of this oath, Jesus has become the
guarantee of a better covenant. Now there have been many of those
priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but
because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.
Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God
throughHim,becauseHealwayslivestointercedeforthem…Thepoint
ofwhatwearesayingisthis…(humanpriests)serveatasanctuarythat
isacopyandshadowofwhatisinheaven…ButtheministryJesushas
received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which He Is
mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better
promises. Foriftherehadbeennothingwrongwiththatfirstcovenant,
noplacewouldhavebeensoughtforanother…Bycallingthiscovenant
‘new,’ He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and
agingwillsoondisappear…ForthisreasonChrististhemediatorofa
new covenant…The law is only a shadow of the good thingsthatare
coming–nottherealitiesthemselves.Forthisreasonitcannever,by
the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect
thosewhodraw…wehavebeenmadeholythroughthesacrificeofthe
body of Jesus Christ once for all” (selected verses from Hebrews 6:19
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10:10). In these verses we can graphically seetheprincipleofhistorical
interpretationandhistoricalprogressionandrevelationworkedout!
B. Secondly, this principle teaches us to look for theoriginal meaning of a
passage.Ourproblemisthatwehaveagreattendencytoprojectour21
st
century ideas, definitions, concepts, world view, interpretations, etc., back
ontotheBible.Wemustlearnnot toreadbackintoScriptureideasof
today.Inotherwords,don'ttrytosqueeze1
st centuryhappeningsinto21
st
centurybaggage! Thekeytohelpingusfindtheoriginalhistoricalmeaning
istoaskquestionslikethese:
• “Whatdidtheauthorintendtoconveytohisoriginalhearersorreaders?”
• “Whatwouldhisoriginalhearershaveunderstoodhimtohavemeantby
whathesaid?”
Sowemustlearntotransportourselvesbackintimeandimagineourselves
as one of the original hearers. We must be somewhat like the prophet
EzekielwhenGodtoldhimtogobewiththehouseofIsrael.Thewordsays:
“The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away…I came to the
exiles…And there, where they were living, I sat among them…”(Ezek.
3:1415).
Ibelievesomethingofthesameexperiencecanbeoursthroughthehelpof
thesameHolySpiritthattransportedEzekiel. Whenwesitwheretheysat,
andexperiencewhattheywereexperiencingandthenlistentoGod'sWord
from their perspective,I believe we can begin to get something of the
correcthistoricalinterpretation.
Whenwegainthisoriginalsensewewillnotmisinterpret,misappropriate,or
misapply God's Word. Let's look at one historical example that is often
misinterpreted and therefore misappropriated by some people today. It is
found in Matthew 10. Here we find Jesus giving His original disciples a
specificcommissioning:
“HecalledHistwelvedisciplestoHimandgavethemauthoritytodrive
out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness…Thesetwelve
Jesussentoutwiththefollowinginstructions:‘Donotgo amongthe
Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost
sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of
heavenisnear.’ Healthesick,raisethedead,cleansethosewhohave
leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give’”
(Matt.10:18).
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Now,thiswasaspecificcommissioningtoaveryspecificgroupof12men.I
donotbelievethatwecanappropriateittoday!However,Ihaveoftenheard
wellmeaningandsincere(butwrong!)preachersandpeopleclaimingthese
versesasajustificationfortheirvariousministries.Theywillsaythatweare
to go out and “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have
leprosy, drive out demons…” and claim the first part of verse 8 as their
justification. However, I never hear them also appropriate and apply the
secondpartofverse8–thatsays:“Youreceivedwithoutpay,givewithout
pay!” (Theyalwaysaskformoneyandtakeupofferings!)
Do you see the point?! You really cannot appropriateand apply one part
withouttheother! Thepointagainisthis:Thiswasaspecificcommissioning
given by Jesus to His original 12 disciples – we can learn from it but we
cannotappropriateitasourcommissioningtoday.Let'sfurtheranalyzethe
historicalcontexthereforamoment.Lookathowspecificandlimitingthe
scopeandapplicationofthispassageis:
1. Aspecificgroupofmen:“...Histwelvedisciples...Thenamesofthe
twelveApostlesarethese...ThesetwelveJesussentout...”
2. A specific scope of ministry: “Do not go among the Gentiles or
enteranytownoftheSamaritans.Gorathertothelostsheepof
Israel.” (i.e.,the75X125milesthatcomposedPalestine).
3. A specific method of presentation: “As you go, preach…” (no
teaching)
4. Aspecificmessage: “Thekingdomofheavenisnear.”
5. Aspecificprocedure:“Healthesick,raisethedead,cleansethose
whohaveleprosy,driveoutdemons. Freelyyouhavereceived,
freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in
yourbelts;takenobagforthejourney,orextratunic,orsandals
orastaff…searchforsomeworthyperson…stayathishouse…If
the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let
yourpeacereturntoyou.Ifanyonewillnotwelcomeyou…shake
the dust off your feet whenyou leave thathomeortown”(Matt.
1:814).
So whereas this was a specific, limited commissioning by Jesus to His
original12disciplesTheGreatCommission(Mtt.28:1920)isforallofHis
disciples! Let'scontrastthetwoforamoment:
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“Therefore go and make disciples of allnations(animpossibletaskfor
only 12 men – as opposed to the limited scope of the commissioning of
Matthew 10, of Palestine), baptizing them (again an impossible task for
only12men!)inthenameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHoly
Spirit,andteachingthem(asopposedtoonlypreachinginMatthew10)to
obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you
always, to the very end of the age” (Here we conclusively see that the
time context is of such a length that it would be impossible for those 12
alonetofulfill!). SowecanandmustappropriatethisGreatCommission! It
isforeveryChristianineveryageuntilthe“endoftheage!”
Note:SincetheywereonlygoingtoJews,theywouldbetotallyfamiliarwith
theconceptofthe“KingdomofGod”fromtheOldTestament. Thatalone
was their message and not whatwe understand as theGospel,becauseit
hadnotbeenfullyhistoricallyenactedyet–Christhadnotyetbeencrucified
andraised.Theproblemthatthehearerswouldhavehadwasinknowing
whetherornotthisannouncementoftheKingdomwasreallytrue. Afterall,
Alfred Edersheim says that there were more than 64 people in the time of
ChristwhoalsoclaimedtobetheMessiah(TheLifeandTimesofJesusThe
Messiah). Jesusthereforegavethemthepowertoperformmiraculoussigns
toauthenticatetheirmessage.
6. ThePrincipleofCulturalInterpretation
GreatconfusioniscausedwithintheBodyofChristtodaybyaneglectorabuseof
this crucial principle of Biblical interpretation! Before we further define this
principle,weneedfirsttolookatthematterofcultureitself: “Behaviortypicalofa
group orclass.” Cultureisrelative!Sincecultureisrelativebynature,thereare
some things in the Word of God that are relative.Whenwedonotknowthe
differencebetweenwhatisculturalorrelativeintheWordandwhatisabsolute–
wewillliveingreatspiritualconfusion.
ThehistoryofChristianityclearlydemonstratesthatweChristianshavealwayshad
a struggle at this point. The church has often encultured the Gospel – always
resulting in great shame to the cause of Christ! The missionary advance of the
church has often been greatly slowed and retarded because wellmeaning
missionarieshavegoneoutwithaGospelthathasbecomesoenculturedbytheir
particularculture(Americanism,Anglicanism,etc)–thatthenationalsoftenended
uprejectingtheGospel.NotbecausetheGospelwasirrelevantorhadnoappeal,
but because it was so enculturated in what was to them an alien culture. We
Christians constantly relativize the absolutes and absolutize the relative! It is
absolutely crucial that we correctly study God's Word andknow the difference
between God's absolutes that are transcultural and man's culture that is
relativeandlimited!Ourprincipleisthis:
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Principle#1:God'slawsareabsoluteandtranscultural–butman'scultureis
limitedandrelative.
Thatmeansthat “GoddesignedScripturetogiveorientationinanyculture,inany
ageandinanymoralclimate.” Therefore,
wemustbealertinourBiblestudytothe
things revealed there that were cultural
and therefore not relevant to our culture
today.However,wemustalsoapplythis
principle:
Principle#2:EventhoughcertainculturalpracticesintheBiblearerelative,
therearestillprinciplesbehindthosepracticesthatareabsolute.
Illustration
SpiritualPrinciple(Absolute) CulturalPractice(Relative)
(TheSpiritualPrincipleisbehindorillustratedintheCulturalPractice)
Now let's go to God's Word for a couple of examples that will underscore these
principles. FirstIwantusto lookataverymisunderstoodpassageandprinciple
fromPaul–theprincipleofHeadship.PauldiscussesthisprincipleinICorinthians
11:23: “Ipraiseyouforrememberingmeineverythingandforholdingtothe
teachings,justasIpassedthemontoyou.NowIwantyoutorealizethatthe
headofeverymanisChrist,andtheheadofthewomanisman,andthehead
ofChristisGod.”
Paulbeginsherebyremindingthemofthetraditionsthathetaughtthem.Thenin
verse 3 he sets forth the spiritual principle. That principle says that in God’s
economyHe has set upcertainlinesofauthority. Thatlineofauthoritycouldbe
demonstratedasfollows:
God
Christ
Man
Woman
GoddesignedScripturetogive
orientationinanyculture,inanyage,
andinanymoralclimate.
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Now, this principle is greatly misunderstood by many today. Many people are
rebelling at this principle – primarily because they do not understand it. Their
problemisthattheyareseeingandinterpretingthisprincipleintermsofsuperiority
and inferiority. Obviously this is not what Paul is saying by theinspiration ofthe
HolySpirit.Itwouldbeblasphemyandheresyifhewas! Why?BecauseChristis
notinferiortoGodnorGodsuperiortoChrist!TheyarecoequalMembersofthe
GodheadalongwiththeHolySpirit.
A few moments ago I used a phrase that may have slipped by you, as far as
understanding goes. I mentioned “God’s economy.” I said that“in God’s
economy He has set up certain lines of authority.”Now to understand what
Paul is saying here, you must understand theprinciple of economy in the
Godhead. Please stay with me here, because this is very important! All cultic
groups go astray at this point. Because they do not properly understand the
BiblicalprincipleofeconomytheyalwaysendupmakingChristandtheHolySpirit
inferiortoGod.Themomentyousaythatyouhavetoalsobeconsistentandmake
womaninferiortoman! Butthatisnottheprinciplehereatall! Ifyouwilllookup
theword“economy”inadictionaryyouwillfindthattheolderdefinitionofitis:“The
managementofhouseholdorprivateaffairs;thesystemorarrangementormodeof
operationorfunctioningofsomething.” That'sexactlywhattheBiblicalmeaningis.
Thewordliterallymeans“Onewhorulesorgovernsahousehold”(Gal.4:2).
Theeconomic principle of the Godheadisasfollows:“Thevariousactivitiesof
thethreePersonsoftheTrinityarenotseparateactivitiessinceGodisOne.Soin
relationship toThemselves,everythingthe Father, Son,and HolySpiritdo isone,
because They are one. However in relationship to this world and to man, Their
activities are different. Internally They are One – but the external activities in
relationship to us are different.” It is evident that a distinction must be made
between the One who sends, the Father – and the One who is sent, Jesus (Jn.
8:42).
Thekeyisthis:ThechangeisnotinthePersonbutintheeconomicrelation.
TheBibleteachesusthattheFatherisspeciallyrelatedtoGod'sworkincreation;
the Son by Incarnation is specially related to God's work in redemption; and the
HolySpiritbyHisindwellingisspeciallyrelatedtoGod'sworkinsanctification. The
entireTrinityofPersonsofcoursecomestotheworld–buttheirvariousactsand
relationshipstotheworldaredifferent,andthesedifferentactsareattributedtothe
variousmembersoftheGodhead.
Intheireconomicrelationshiptous:theFatherisGodaboveus;theSonisGod
with us; and, the Holy Spirit is God in us.Theologically, this is called the
“Economic Trinity”whereby God has progressively revealed Himself asFather,
thenasSonandfinallyasHolySpirit. Theyareoneinessenceornature,i.e.,they
areallGod–butinrelationshiptoustheyaredifferentfunctionally. Now,IhopeI
did not lose you onthat! Butwecan't understandthe veryimportant andgreatly
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misunderstood principle that Paul is giving us here unless we grasp it! So let's
summarizeagainourprinciplethroughseveralinterrelatedstatements:
1. WomanisnotinferiortomanbecauseChristisnotinferiortoGod;
2.ManandwomanarebothequalbeforeGod–butdifferentfunctionally;
3. Thisdifferentfunctioningandrelationshiptoeachotherandtheworldis
God'sestablishedeconomyororderforthem;
4. God’seconomyformanandwomanisthatinthisworldthewomanisto
beundertheman'sauthorityasthemanisunderChrist'sauthority. But
thisnomoremeansthatmanissuperiortowomanthanGodissuperior
toChrist.
How is that absolute Biblical principle culturally worked out? In Paul’s day a
womandemonstratedthatshewasunderauthoritybywearingaveiloverherhead,
and a man by not wearing a veil. After setting forth theabsolute Biblical
principle,Paulgoesontoexplainhowitwastobedemonstratedinhisculture:
“Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his
head. And every woman who prays orprophesies withherheaduncovered
dishonorsherhead–itisjustasthoughherheadwereshaved.Ifawoman
does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a
disgraceforawomantohaveherhaircutorshavedoff,sheshouldcoverher
head.Amanoughtnottocoverhishead,sinceheistheimageandgloryof
God;butthewomanisthegloryofman…thewomanoughttohaveasignof
authority on her head. In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of
man,norismanindependentofwoman.Foras womancamefromman,so
also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. Judge for
yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head
uncovered?”(ICor.11:413).
In the culture of Paul's day a woman externally demonstrated an internal
commitmentortruth(economy)inahighlyvisibleway. Shedemonstratedthatshe
wasunderauthoritybywearingacoveringoraveil. Toherandtotheworldthat
veilmeantthatshewasunderaparticularman'scoveringorauthority.Thewoman
whodidnotwearaveilwasinessencesaying:“Iamundernoman’sauthority...I’m
available!” She was a prostitute. One way that culture sometimes dealt with a
prostitute was to shave her head and thereby bring public shame upon her and
forcehertoveilherself! Aman,ontheotherhand,wastoputnothingonhishead
asheprayedorprophesied.Acoveringonhisheadwouldhavemeantsomething
betweenhimselfandhisspiritualhead,Christ. Hedemonstratedthathewasunder
God'sauthoritybynotputtingacoveringon–andawomandidthereverse.
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Thespiritualprinciplethatisabsoluteisperfectlyclear:Inthiseconomyweareall
tobelivingunderauthority:ManunderGod’sandwomanunderman’s.InPaul’s
daytheyhadaveryvisualwayofdemonstratingthisprinciple–butitwascultural
and therefore relative.The Biblical principle is absolute but the cultural
practicedemonstratingitisrelative.
Let'slookatanothergoodexampleofthisprincipleofBiblicalinterpretation. Again
itisahighlymisunderstoodone.Itconcernsthematteroflonghaironmen.Paul
says: “Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long
hair,itisadisgracetohim,butthatifawomanhaslonghair,itisherglory?
Forlonghairisgiventoherasacovering”(ICor.11:1415).
HereweseePaulagainusinganotherexampletoemphasizethesameprinciple. It
tooisaculturalexamplefromhisday–thatamanshouldnotwearlonghair.He
says: “Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long
hair,itisadisgracetohim…” Thekeywordhereistheword“nature.”What
does it mean? It cannot mean “nature by creation” because man's hair naturally
willgrowaslongasawoman’s.Paulusesherethewordphusis. Itmeans“nature
bycustom”andnot“naturebycreation.”
What he is saying is this:“As a Christian, we should be sensitive to the
culture around us...we should do the natural thing in that culture...the
customarything.”Thenatural,customarythingforamanofthatdaytodowasto
wearhishairshorterthanawoman's–ashortcroppedhairstyleandabeard.A
woman'slonghairwasbothhergloryandcoveringorsignofauthority(verse15).
Foramantowearexceptionallylonghair–thelengthofawoman'softhatday–
wasanoutwardsignthathewasrebellingagainstGod'sauthorityandorder.So
Paul said to demonstrate this principle by the customary practice of the day in
regard to length of hair. The principle then is this:A Christian should be
sensitivetohisculture.Heshouldnotbeeitherthefirsttoleavetheoldorthe
firsttotrythenew!
There are many other places in the New Testament where we see this principle
beingworkedout.Paulsaysthatweshouldbesensitivetoabrother'scultureso
as not to be a stumbling block to him: “…make up your mind not to put any
stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way…If your brother is
distressedbecauseofwhatyoueat,youarenolongeractinginlove.Donot
byyoureatingdestroyyourbrotherforwhomChristdied.Donotallowwhat
youconsidergoodtobespokenofasevil…Letusthereforemakeeveryeffort
to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification…It is better not to eat
meatordrinkwineortodoanythingelsethatwillcauseyourbrothertofall”
(Rom.14:1321).
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TheissuewasaChristianeatingmeatthathadbeenofferedtoidols. Paulknew
thatitwasokayinandofitselftoeatitbecausetherearenoothergodsbutGod,
sothemeatwasreallynotofferedtoanyonereal! TheTBonesteakhadjustbeen
deliciously charcoaled in a rather unusual context! However, the man of that
culture might really have a problem with seeing a freer brother doing that and
thereforestumble.Paulsaystobesensitivetoanythinginanotherculturethat
mightbecomeastumblingblockifignoredorgoneagainst.
TheattitudeoftheChristianrelativetoculturalissuesshouldbeasPaulexpressed
inICorinthians9: “ThoughIamfreeandbelongtonoman,Imakemyselfa
slaveto everyone,towinasmanyaspossible.TotheJewsIbecamelikea
Jew,towintheJews.TothoseunderthelawIbecamelikeoneunderthelaw
(thoughImyselfamnotunderthelaw),soastowinthoseunderthelaw.To
those not having the law I became like one not havingthelaw (thoughIam
not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to winthosenot
havingthelaw.TotheweakIbecameweak,towintheweak.Ihavebecome
allthingstoallmensothatbyallpossiblemeansImightsavesome.Idoall
thisforthesakeoftheGospel…”(ICor.9:1923).
Theprinciplehereis:“IdoallthisforthesakeoftheGospel…” Whenthatis
yourmotivation,youwillbesensitivetowhatevercultureyouarein–sothatthere
you mightbettercommunicatetheGospel.Youwilltrynottoviolateanycultural
practicesthatwouldcauseeitheranonbelieverornewbelievertomisunderstand
orrejectanabsoluteprinciple.
We must understand the principle of cultural interpretation so we will be able to
distinguish theabsolute principles fromGod'sWordfromthecultural practices
ofman. Thenwewillnotrelativizetheabsolutesorabsolutizetherelatives! And,
wewillnotbeguiltyofsoenculturatingtheGospelthatpeoplewillnotbeableto
distinguishbetweenGod'sabsoluteprinciplesandourparticularculturalpractices
ofthoseprinciples.
7. ThePrincipleofContextualInterpretation
In coming to this principle we come to the one that in many ways is the most
important one of all. This is the most immediate of all principles to apply in
discussing or studying a portion of scripture. My first and foremost question in
tryingtounderstandandproperlyinterpretaverseofscriptureshouldbe:“Whatis
the context of thisverse?” Itisthe mostimmediateprincipletoapply,butforthe
sake of emphasis I have chosen to discuss it last inthe hopesthat it will havea
morelastingimpactonyourmind!
Whatistheprincipleofcontextualinterpretation? “Everytexthasacontext–anda
text taken out of context becomes a pretext!” That simply means thatif you
wrenchatextoutofitscontextyoucanmakeitmeanandsaywhatyouwant
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rather than what God meant!This happens all of the time. You cantherefore
take the Bible out of contextand make it sayanythingyou want. You canjustify
almost any practice or prejudice by taking verses out of their context. Every
ancient and contemporary heresy has used scripture to justify its position! But
theseunorthodoxandsometimeswildinterpretationshavecomeaboutbysomeone
takingversesoutofcontext.TheywenttotheBibletotrytoproveorsubstantiate
theirtheologyorbeliefs.Remember:wenevergototheBibletotrytoproveour
beliefs–wegototheBibletotestourbeliefs! Again,ourprinciplesaysthis:
Let me give you a good example of this: the story of Job. For about 37 long
chaptersJobhastocontendwiththeopinionsofhissocalled“comforters.” Their
opinionswerewrong! Therefore,ifyoutriedtodevelopatheologyofsufferingfrom
thefirst37chapters–itwouldbewrong!TheiropinionswererecordedintheBible
– not that we should follow them, but that they might be contradicted. This
becomes clear when you read the last chapter. There Job even admits that his
opinionswereincompleteandsometimeswrong:“SurelyIspokeofthingsIdid
not understand, things too wonderfulfor me to know”(Job42:3).ThenGod
clearly indicts and condemns all of the counsel that Job had received from his
friends,andsaystothem: “Iamangrywithyou…becauseyouhavenotspoken
of Me what is right, as My servant Job has” (Job 42:7). If youtriedtoforma
theologyofsufferingfromwhatisrecordedintheBible, basedontheopinionsof
Job'sfriends–itwouldbeentirelywrong! Totakethefirst37chaptersofJobaway
fromthecontextofchapter42wouldleadtotheologicaldisasters.
ToomanypeopleusetheBiblelikeakindof“spiritualouijiboard.” Theygotoit
without any real spiritual preparation or contextual study, and take a spiritual
plunge.That'swhatIcallthe“‘Luckydip’method!” Ihavepeoplecominguptome
allofthetimesayingthattheyneededsomeguidancefromtheLordsotheywent
to their Bible and took a plunge. It works like this. You stand yourBibleup on
binding,allowittorandomlyfallopenandletyourfingercomedownonthepage.
Whateververseyourfingercomestoisyour“versefortheday”orGod'sguidance
for that particular question or problem! Now, I know that God may have given
somepeopleguidanceonoccasionthroughthatmethod–BUTTHATISNEITHER
HISNORMALNORDESIREDWAYOFGUIDINGYOU!
Theguidanceyoureceivemaybelikethatreceivedbyoneunfortunatechapwho
usedthismethod.Hewasstrugglingforsomeguidanceonaparticularsubjectso
hedecidedtousethismethod.Afterall,someofhisChristianfriendssaidthatit
hadworkedforthem! HeplacedhisBibleclosedstandingonitsbinding,allowedit
tofallopenandlethisfingerfallonaverse. Theversewasthis:“AndJudaswent
outandhangedhimself.” Wellhecertainlydidnotwanttoappropriatethatverse
Principle
EverywordoftheBibleistrueinitscontext.
Isolatedfromitspropercontext,itmaybeveryuntrue!
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–sohetriedagain.Thistimehisfingerfellonanotherversethatsaid:“Gothou
anddolikewise.” Well,hereallydidn'tlikethatone–sohethought,“Justonce
more and I am sure I will get the guidance I need.” So this third timehis finger
cametotheverse:“...andwhatsoeverthoudoest,doquickly." Now,allofthose
are verses out of the Bible – but taken out of their context they could lead to
disasterifapplied!I'msureyougetthepoint!
EveryverseintheBibleistrue–butonlyincontext.Takenoutofitscontextit
maybequiteuntrue.Whenyoutakeaverseoutofitscontextyoumakeatwofold
error.Younotonlymakeitsaysomethingthatitdoesnotsay;youalsomiss
whatisreallysays!Thereisadoubleerroranddangerinvolvedintakingverses
outofcontext.
Youmightbeaskingyourselfaboutrightnow:“Whatisthecontext?HowcanIfind
it?” Itisreallyquitesimple:Letmeoutlineit:
A. Themostimmediatecontextisfoundintheversesimmediatelypreceding
andfollowingtheparticularverseinquestion.HereaBibletranslationthat
has paragraph divisions is very helpful. The paragraph separates the
thoughtunits–sotheywillhelpusdecidetheimmediatecontext.
B. Thelarger contextis the book the passage is found in. What was the
writer'spurpose?...Whatishistheme? etc.
C. Thetheologicalcontextisthestudyofthatthemeorsubjectinthelightof
everythingelsetheBiblesaysaboutit.
Tragicallymostpeopleignorethesesteps,takeversesfromtheircontext–andend
inconfusion,andevenheresy!Therearemyriadsofexamplesofsuchversesthat
aremisinterpretedtodaybecausetheyaretakenoutoftheircontext.
BenedictionorMalediction?
At the end of many church services I have heard the following verse quoted or
prayedasabenediction: “MaytheLordkeepwatchbetweenyouandmewhen
weareawayfromeachother”(Gen.31:49). Asgoodasthatmightsoundasa
benediction–itisnot! Yourememberthestory.Jacobhadworked14yearsfor
Labanforthehandofhisdaughtersinmarriage.Hehadworkedsevenyearsfor
LeahandsevenmoreforRachel.Youwillrecallhowhehadonlywantedtomarry
Rachelandthoughthewasworkingforher–butwasdeceivedattheweddingand
married Leah instead. He had to work another seven years for Rachel. Their
father,Laban,constantlychangedhisworkingagreementswithJacob–andJacob
didalittledeceivinghimself! Finally,Jacobfledwithhiswives,childrenandflocks
inthenight–andLabanpursued.WhenLabancaughtupwithJacobtheyargued
overtheirgrievancesandfinallymadeacovenantbetweenthemselves.
109
Totangiblydemonstratethiscovenanttheybuiltapillarofstones,andsaid: “This
heap is a witness between you and me today…May the Lord keep watch
betweenyouandmewhenweareawayfromeachother.Ifyoumistreatmy
daughters or if you take any wives besides my daughters, even though no
one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you an me…This
heapisawitness,andthispillarisawitness,thatIwillnotgopastthisheap
toyoursidetoharmyouandthatyouwillnotgopastthisheapandpillarto
my side to harm me. May the God of Abraham…judge between us” (Gen.
31:4853).
The context of that verse gives it its correct interpretation.Itbecomesclear
thatthis is not a benediction or promise of blessing – but a malediction.
Thesetwomenwerecheats! Theyhadbeendoingconjobsoneachotherfora
longtime.Eachknewthathecouldnottrusttheotherwithhisbackturned! They
weresayingthateventhoughtheycouldnotkeeptheireyesoneachotherallthe
time while they were separated, God would watch between them– and curse or
punishtheonewhobrokethiscovenant.Thisisindeedamaledictionbasedonthe
mistrustoftwopeoplewhowereenemiesandmutualdeceivers! Therefore,Idon't
thinkthatisaveryappropriatebenedictionattheconclusionofaworshipservice!
Outofcontextitmightsoundlikeaverynicebenediction–butincontextitisquite
theopposite!
“ALittleChildWillLeadThem...”
Oftentimesagroupofpeoplewillbetalkingaboutsomeissuewhenanearbychild
interjectshisorheropinion. Itmaysoundveryprofoundandrelevanttothepoint
underdiscussion.Uponhearingthisbitof“childishwisdom”someonepatronizingly
exclaims:“Well,youknowwhattheBiblesays:‘Alittlechildwillleadthem...’”
Well,let'stakealookatthecontextofthatverse.Itistakenoutofthe11thchapter
ofIsaiah.ThatchapterhastodowiththeMillennialreignofChristatHisSecond
Coming.Isaiahbeginsbydescribingthegreatestpoliticalrevolutiontheworldwill
ever experience. All governments will be subjected to Christ's rule and man will
live under a theocracy, rather than under democracy, socialism, communism or
dictatorships. AsIsaiahsays: “AshootwillcomeupfromthestumpofJesse;
fromhisrootsaBranchwillbearfruit.TheSpiritoftheLordwillrestonHim
– the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding…with righteousness He will
judgetheneedy,withjusticeHewillgivedecisionsforthepooroftheearth.
HewillstriketheearthwiththerodofHismouth;withthebreathofHislips
Hewillslaythewicked”(Isa.11:15).
ThewriternowmovesfromthejudgmentworkofChristatHisSecondComingto
thefruitofit.Sinceinjustice,wickedness,andevilhavebeendestroyedfromthe
earth,truepeacereigns.DuringthismillennialreignofChrist,naturewillalsobe
110
changed.Itwillundergothegreatestecologicalrevolutionever!Thecursethat
wasplacedonthenaturalrealmduetothefallofmanisremoved(Gen.9:2).
Nolongerwilltherebeacarnivorousanimalorpoisonousinsectorreptile.
Isaiahdescribesthepeaceandharmonyofthatperiodasfollows: “Thewolfwill
livewiththelamb,theleopardwillliedownwiththegoat,thecalfandthelion
andtheyearlingtogether;andalittlechildwillleadthem. Thecowwillfeed
with the bear, their young will lie down together,and the lion will eat straw
like the ox. The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, and the young
childputhishandintotheviper’snest.Theywillneitherharmnordestroyon
allMyholymountain,fortheearthwillbefulloftheknowledgeoftheLordas
thewaterscoverthesea”(Isa.11:69).
Thosecertainlyaregloriousverses!Whatadaythatwillbe!Utopiawilltrulybea
universalreality–andmanwillbetakenbyGodbacktotheoriginalcreatedstate
ofpeaceandharmonyofEden! Hallelujah! That'sthesamethingthatPaulwrote
about in Romans, when he said: “Thecreationwaitsineagerexpectationfor
thesonsofGodtoberevealed.Forthecreationwassubjectedtofrustration,
notbyitsownchoice,butbythewilloftheOnewhosubjectedit,inhopethat
thecreationitselfwillbeliberatedfromitsbondagetodecayandbroughtinto
thegloriousfreedomofthechildrenofGod.Weknowthatthewholecreation
hasbeengroaningas inthepainsofchildbirthrightuptothepresenttime”
(Rom.8:1922).
Again,youcanseethatthecontextgivesusthecorrectinterpretationofthatverse
in Isaiah. It is true that God does sometimes speak through children – although
thatisnotHisnormalmethod.Theirsimplicityoffaithandhonestywillsometimes
cause them to see the truth and speak it when adultswill not! But thisversein
Isaiahisnota“prooftext”forthatkindofthing.
AVerseForDying–OrLiving?
Ihaveoftenheardsomeonequotethefollowingverseatthedeathofalovedone.
Ihavealsohearditusedoftenasafuneraltext: “Noeyehasseen,noearhas
heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love
Him”(ICor.2:9).
Concerning the death of someone, this verse is used to say that “What oureyes
havenotseennorourearseverheard,norwhatwehaveneverevenconceivedor
in our hearts and minds – this dearly departed one is now knowing and
experiencing!” Well,thereiscertainlyanelementoftruthinthat,becausewhena
believerdies,hiswalkoffaithbecomesoneofsight;andthatknowledgewhichhas
beenincompleteisnowfull(ICor.13:12). Butthisparticularversedoesnotspeak
tothat.Itisnotprimarilyaversefordying–butaverseforliving!
111
Let'sputitintoitscontext:HerePauliswritingtheCorinthiansandremindingthem
ofthemessagehehadpreachedamongthem: “WhenIcametoyou,brothers,I
did notcomewitheloquenceorsuperiorwisdomasIproclaimedtoyouthe
testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was withyou
exceptJesusChristandHimcrucified…Mymessageandmypreachingwere
notwithwiseandpersuasivewords,butwithademonstrationoftheSpirit’s
power…Wedo,however,speakamessageofwisdomamongthemature,and
not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to
nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been
hidden and that God destined forourglorybefore timebegan. Noneof the
rulersofthisageunderstoodit,foriftheyhad,theywouldnothavecrucified
the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has
heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love
Him’ but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all
things, even the deep things ofGod…We have not receivedthe spiritof the
worldbuttheSpiritwhoisfromGod,thatwemayunderstandwhatGodhas
freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human
wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in
spiritualwords”(ICor.2:113).
WhatPaulthenissayingisthatsincewehavetheSpiritofGodwecanknow
and experience what the unregenerate man cannot because he is dead to
theserealities.AsPaulsays: “ThemanwithouttheSpiritdoesnotacceptthe
thingsthatcomefromtheSpiritofGod,fortheyarefoolishnesstohim,and
he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (I Cor.
2:14).
Paul says that there is a whole dimension of reality that we can know that the
unregeneratenevercan.And,wedonothavetodietoknowit. Godrevealsitto
usnowthroughHisSpiritandHisWord! Again,thisisaverseforlivingandnotfor
dying! IthastodowiththerevelationwehavenowthroughGod'sHolySpirit
workingthroughHisHolyWord.
“WhenTwoOrThreeGetTogether...”
Probably this last verse that we are going to look at together gets the award for
being the most currently abused verse in the New Testament! We hear it
constantly used in church meetings and prayer meetings. I hear radio and TV,
preachers, “healers” and evangelists quote it often. I am referring to the verse
where Jesussaid: “ForwheretwoorthreecometogetherinMyName,there
amIwiththem”(Matt.18:20). Thatverseisprobablyusedmostwithinthecontext
ofprayer.Aministerorteachermightbeginbysaying:“Well,ournumbersarefew
–butrememberthatJesussaid:‘Forwheretwoorthreehavegatheredtogether
inMyname,thereIaminthemidst’–solet'spray!”
112
Well now, the sincerity and faith of the people involved cannot be questioned. I
have been guilty of wrongly using that verse myself in my earlierministry. But a
careful study of the context reveals thatthis verse primarily has to do with
churchdiscipline.Ofcoursedisciplinewithinthechurchshouldonlybecarried
out within the context of prayer, so prayer is related – but this is not primarily a
teachingbytheLordonprayer.
AgoodstudyBiblethathasparagraphdivisionsandtitleswillindicatethis. This
section is variously titled: “Discipline in the Church,” “When A Brother Sins,”
“ChurchDiscipline,and“DisciplineandPrayer.” Nowlet'slookattheentiresection
andthenplaceverse20withinitspropercontext.Tomakesureweunderstandit,I
willgiveaverybriefversebyverseexpositionaswegoalong:
• “Ifyourbrothersinsagainstyou,goandshowhimhisfault,justbetween
thetwoofyou.Ifhelistenstoyou,youhavewonyourbrotherover”(Matt.
18:15). Thisversehardlysoundslikeitisgivingusinstructionsontheproper
preparationforprayer!No!HereJesuslaysoneachmemberoftheBody
theresponsibilityto“reprove”anyknownsininabrotherwhoisapartof
ourfellowship.Butitmustbedoneprivately.
Weallhavea great tendency toshrinkfromtheresponsibilityofthis–butwe
can't escape the clear word of Christ on this matter! As one Christian
psychiatrist said concerning this “Our discomfort springs from a ‘kindness’
fostered by culture rather than from a true mercy and love found in the
Scriptures.Wehatetohavetheboatrocked.”117
Wedonotgotoourbrothertocondemnorjudgehim. “Theexercisedescribed
inMatthew18isarescueoperationfromstarttofinish. Itisdesignednotto
condemn but to reconcile.”118 There are many benefits in this procedure
establishedbyChrist.Oneofthemostimportantisthatitavoidsunnecessary
gossip. You take the matter right to its source. But suppose that he will not
listentoyouwhenyouconfronthim.Supposehesaystoyou: “Mindyourown
business!” You do not let that stop you love will not let you give up on a
brotherthateasily! Youmovetothenextstep.
• “But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every
matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses’”
(Matt.18:16).
Ifthesinningbrotherrefusedyourloveandreproof,Christsaysthatyouareto
take one or two others and approach him again. This helps you remain
objectiveandgivesbalancetothejudgment. Ofcourse,itgoeswithoutsaying
117 JohnWhite,ErosDefiled,DownersGrove,IL:InterVarsityPress,1977,p.162.
118 Ibid.
113
thatthechoiceofbrotherstoaccompanyyouonthisredemptivemissionisvery
crucial.Youwantmaturemenwhoaremotivatedbylove. Nevertakeyoung,or
carnal, Christians on this type of mission – because they would have a great
tendencytobeeithercondemnatoryorvindictive.Theywouldalsoprobablynot
havethehonestyandemotionalmaturitytodealwithsuchanencounter. This
isafunctionforamature,lovingelder!
• “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to
listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax
collector”(Matt.18:17).
Hopefully,thisstagewillnothavetobereachedbecausethebrotherwillhave
repented in the earlier two steps. However, it was reached at the church at
Corinth,aswereadinICorinthians1:17.Iwanttoemphasizeinpassinghere
thatChristisassumingthateverybelieverwillbeactivelyapartofthefellowship
of some local church. This presupposes thatwe have placed ourselves in
submissiontotheauthorityofthechurchforourteachinganddiscipline!
If we fall into sin and then refuse the church's discipline, we are to be
excommunicatedorexfellowshipped.Why?Becauseourlackofsubmissionto
thechurch'sdisciplinesaysthatwehavebrokenfellowshipwithbothChristand
HisBody. TheBodytestifiestothisbyitsdisciplinaryexcommunication.The
church only ratifies what we have already decided by our sin,
disobedienceandlackofsubmission!
Unfortunately, church discipline can become very messy! Not because the
procedure outlined here by Christ is bad – but because of the hangups we
bringtosuchasession. Asthepsychiatrist,JohnWhitesaid:
“Groupmeetingsthatdealwithasinnerareuglybecauseoftheanxietyand
guiltweallbringtothem.Insteadofourbeingfreetoloveandtoplead,to
warnandtorebuke,wearehungupwithourowninnerproblems.Weare
inhibited.Weareourselvesguiltridden. (“WhatwillshethinkofmeifIsay
that?”) We are not prepared to lay cards on tables, or to call spades,
spades. ConsiderJesusatthewellwiththeadultererwoman...lovecanbe
everybitasbluntashostility. Webeataroundthebush,notbecausewe're
tactful,butbecausewe’recowards. JesuswasbluntbecauseHecaredfor
thewoman…Weapproachgroupdisciplinewithallthehypocrisywithwhich
weconduct oursociallives.Andbecausewearenotaccustomedtobeing
simple, real, loving and direct, we are illequipped to deal with real and
deadlyissues. Sowebotchit...”119
119 JohnWhite,ErosDefiled,DownersGrove,IL:InterVarsity Press,1977,p.162.
114
Onceagainitmustbeemphasizedthatthepurposeofsuchdisciplinarychurch
meetings is only to restore a brother to fellowship with the Lord and with the
Body. Therestorationoffellowshipisthegoal,becausethatiswhathasbeen
broken. Remember,“Sindestroysfellowship. Itisonlyifwewalkinlightthatwe
havefellowshiponewithanother.Towinabrotheristorestoregodlyfellowship
withhim.”120 Also,whenChristsaysthattheexcommunicatedpersonistobeto
youas“apaganorataxcollector,”Heisnottellingustotreathimlikedirt!
AsChristians,howarewetotreatthelost?
Wearetolovethemanddoeverythingwecantowinthem!That'sexactly
the way we are to treat this rebellious brother. This is exactly where the
Corinthian Church fell down. They had disciplined and excommunicated a
sinningbrother(ICor.5:16).TheprocedureChristhadoutlinedworkedinthis
incident and the man repented of his sin. However, the church would not
accepthimback–soPaulhadtowriteandchastisethemforthis,andaskthem
to restore fellowship with him. “The punishment inflicted on him by the
majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and
comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I
urgeyou,therefore,toreaffirmyourloveforhim”(IICor.2:67).
How tragic it is that the church is so quick on condemnation and so slow on
forgiveness! Wewillforgiveasinnerofanything–butletoneofourbrethren
fallintosin,andweholditagainsthimandremindhimofitforlife! Goddoes
nottreatoursinthatway–andwemustnottreatabrother'ssindifferently!
• “I tell you the truth,whateveryou bindonearthwillbe boundinheaven,
andwhateveryoulooseonearthwillbeloosedinheaven”(Matt.18:18).
Hereisanotherversewithwhich IhaveheardmanyradioandT.V.preachers
dohavoc! Theyusuallyapplyittosomephysicalsickness,familyorfinancial
trouble,etc. Theywillsaysomethinglike“webindthatsickness”or“weloose
youfromthebondsofthishabit”etc. However,withinthecontextofwhatChrist
is saying here,“tobindmeanstowithhold fellowship;toloose,to forgive.But
there is a secondary meaning...To bind was to forbid or to command – to
declarewhatwasorwasnotpermitted.Toloosewastoallow,toleavefreeto
choose.”121 We can clearly see that this verse hasto do withbinding from
fellowship (excommunication) and loosing from the sin thatbarred them
fromfellowship(restoration)sothatthefellowshipwithourbrothercanbere
established.
• “Again,Itellyouthatiftwoofyouonearthagreeaboutanythingyouask
for,itwillbedoneforyoubyMyFatherinheaven”(Matt.18:19).
120 JohnWhite,ErosDefiled,DownersGrove,IL:InterVarsityPress,1977,p.162.
121 Ibid.,p.159.
115
Thisverseisverycloselyassociatedwiththeprecedingonesinceitbeginswith
“Again,Itellyou…” Christissayingthatiftwoofyouagreeaboutthebinding
orloosingofabrotheronearth,itwillbedonebytheFatherinheaven. Inother
words,theBodyofChristisonlyactingoutonearthwhattheFatherhasalready
doneinheaven.
Ihopethatyoucanseethatyoucannotpullthelastpartofthatverseoutofits
context and use it as some type of blanket guarantee for prayer. I hear it
quoted constantly that way – as though the Father is obligated to answer our
every prayer as long as “…two of you on earth agree about anything…”
That of course is making the verse mean something Christ never said! He is
sayingthatHewillgrantanythingweshallaskconcerningdiscipline!
• “ForwheretwoorthreecometogetherinMyName,thereamIwiththem”
(Matt.18:20).
NowIhopethatyouunderstandthecontextofverse20byallthathaspreceded
it. Ifthisisaprayerpassage,thenwereallyhavesomeproblemstodealwith!
Iftheremustbeor“…twoorthreegatheredinHisName”–whatistheisolated
missionary or Christian worker to do? Can he not adequately drawuponthe
resourcesofGodthroughprayerbecauseheisalone?Musttherebe“twoor
more” so you can control God with a numerical power play? Obviously not!
Every individual believer can call upon the complete resources of God.
He does not have to have “two or three” to get Godinto action or getprayer
answered!
What Christ was saying is that when His Body is gathered together here on
earthtocarryoutthedisciplinaryprocedurethatHehasjustlisted,thatHewill
be in their midst concerning and giving the power and authority for this
action.Heissaying“ItisasthoughIMyselfamtherephysicallyinyourmidst
carryingoutthisdisciplineaction.”
Thatthisistheonlycorrectinterpretationoftheseversesisclearlypointedoutby
the following verses. There we find Peter's reactions to Christ's teaching. His
immediatereactionstowhatChristhadsaidwere:“Lord,howmanytimesshallI
forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” (Matt.
18:21). It is very clear that Peter and the rest of the disciples understood that
Jesuswasspeakinghereaboutdisciplineandnotaboutprayer!
I do not think that it isaccidentalthat theinstitutionalchurch in America isin the
sad, anemic state that we often find it today! Could it be because we have
misinterpretedthisteachingofChrist?!Ithinkso!Oneofthegreatestproblemsin
thechurchtodayisthelackofdisciplineontheonehandandthelackofprayeron
theother.Ibelievethatwecantracemuchoftheproblemtotheabuseofthese
verses. We have taken the only teaching from the lips of Christ on church
116
discipline and turned it into our chief prayer text! In the processwe have
abandoneddisciplineandmisunderstoodthenatureofprayer!Theresulthas
beendisastrousfortheinternalhealthandexternalwitnessofthechurch.AsJohn
White said: “The church is a glorious oak, beautiful to behold, but rotten at the
core. It cannot be reformed. It must be renewed. It cannot by renewed by
structuresbutbymenandwomen.”122 HethenconcludesbyquotingJohnHoward
Yoder: “If(realchurchdisciplineis)practiced,itwouldchangethelifeofchurches
more fundamentally than has yet been suggested by the currently popular
discussionofchangingchurchstructures.”123
Now, none of us like to do this type of thing! It is very much like spanking your
child.Itisveryunpleasant–soweavoidtheemotionalconflictandcopoutonour
responsibility as parents. In the church we do the same thing! Rather than
approach a disobedient brother through the procedure that Christ so clearly
outlined–weprefertodealwithitwithinthechurchastheworlddoes.Weturna
blindeye–“youignoremysinandIwillignoreyours!” Ourclearchoiceistoeither
beobedienttothewordsofChristhereandbethetruechurchdisciplineand
all–orbeanothersocialclub!
AsJohnWhitesoaptlyputit,ourchoiceis: “Clubversuschurch.Humansociety
versusfellowshipinChrist.Intheoneyoucanaffordtoliveandletlive. Sinisan
embarrassmentthatyoucopewithexpediently.Itisnotamoralissuebutasocial
inconvenience. But inGod’sviewitisdeadlyanddestroysfellowship. Takeyour
pick. Do you choose to be a ‘Christian’ club member or members of thebody of
Christ?Youcannothaveitbothways. ItyouareamemberofChrist’sbody,you
gotoyourbrotherandseekreconciliation. Tosayyouarenotbotheredbyhissin
istosayyouhavebetrayedGod’sstandardsandadoptedtheclub’s.Itisfarcozier
tobeaclubmemberthanamemberofthebody.”124
Godgrantusthecouragetofullybethechurch!
SUMMARY
IhopethatyoucanseetheimportanceoftheseprinciplesofBiblicalinterpretation.When
we read God's Word with an understanding of them, then we will be able to “correctly
handletheWordofTruth”(IITim.2:15).Ifweignoreandabusetheseprinciplesthen
wewillbeingravedangerof“...twistingthescripturestoourowndestruction”(IIPet.
3:16 NASB)! Let's take a moment to list and review the principles discussed in this
chapter:
122 JohnWhite,ErosDefiled,DownersGrove,IL:InterVarsityPress,1977,p.169.
123 Ibid.
124 Ibid.,p.160.
117
1. TheprincipleofNATURALinterpretation;
2. TheprincipleofCOMPARATIVEinterpretation;
3. TheprincipleofLITERALinterpretation;
4. TheprincipleofGRAMMATICALinterpretation;
5. TheprincipleofHISTORICALinterpretation;
6. TheprincipleofCULTURALinterpretation;
7. TheprincipleofCONTEXTUALinterpretation.
All7principlesareveryimportantandneedtoberemembered. However,Principle7or
“Contextualinterpretation”isbyfarthemostimportantandmostimmediateprincipleto
apply in Bible Study. It is the one that we should apply first – but it isthe onethat we
abuse the most! Always look atthe immediatecontextofany versethe veryfirstthing,
andinmostcasesyouwillgaintheproperinterpretation.Ifyouarestillconfused,then
proceed to apply the other principles. If you have gone through all seven andstill are
confused–writeme!
Perhapsaboutrightnowyoumightbethinking:“Well,what'stheuseofevenreadingand
studyingtheBible?!Ican't possiblyrememberallofthose principlesandwhentoapply
which one!” That may sound like averygood excuseonthe surface –butit is really a
lame one! Let me give you an analogy. Suppose someone handed you a very
complicatedlegaldocument. Atthetopitsaidthatitwasthe“LastWillandTestament”of
someunknownorfardistantrichrelative. Thedocumentsaysthatyouareabeneficiary
of $1,000,000. However, there are stipulations, requirements, conditions – and a lot of
“ifs,ands,buts,andwherefores”.Themoreyoureadthewill,themoreyougetconfused
by all of the legal terminology. You say: “I'm no lawyer – I can't understand all of this
stuff!” Soyoutearthewillupandtossthepiecesinthefire!Isthatwhatyouwoulddo?I
certainlydoubtit!Youwouldhireateamof“Philadelphialawyers”orgotolawschoolif
necessaryandtakecourses–youwouldstopatnothingtomeettherequirementssoyou
could get your hands on that money! You would find somewayto properly understand
thatwillandmeetitsrequirementssothatyoucouldgetyourinheritance!
Andyet,theKingofKingsandLordofLordshasgivenyouintheBibleHis“LastWilland
Testament”–makingyouanheirtorichesyouneverdreamedof! Yet,youcasuallyshrug
it off with “I don't understand the Bible!” How very inconsistent we are! We will do
anything for material blessings which are temporal – and do almost nothingfor spiritual
blessingswhichareeternal!
Let'srealizethatallofourexcusesconcerningBiblestudyarejustthat–EXCUSES! We
needtorepenttoGodandrecommitourselvestoalifetimeofseriousstudyofHisWord.
AnditiswithprayerthatIcommitthisbooktoyoutothatexcitingend!
118
QuotationsforFurtherReflection
• Many Christians who are faithful in reading the Bible devotionally feel “blessed” only
whentheyfindasurprisingthoughtsuggestedtothembythetext,athoughtthatbears
nodirectrelationshiptotheintentoftheauthor.Tothem,seekingtoknowGod’swill
throughcarefulstudytounderstandtheintendedmeaningoftheauthorseemsdryand
boring. In the same way, many Christians use Scripture in a “magical” way to give
specific direction to decisions they must make. Where to go, what to buy, what
employment to accept– allof those are discovered throughScripture passages that,
by marvelous coincidence, have a double meaning. First, there is the message
intendedbytheauthor,andthentheunrelatedcoincidentalparalleltotheirowncurrent
experience…The Bible should not be used as a normal source of miraculous
revelationofGod’swillinmattersnotintendedbytheauthor.
125
125 J.RobertsonMcQuilkin,UnderstandingandApplyingtheBible,Chicago:MoodyPress,1983,pp.2728.
“WedonotadjusttheScripturestofitthetimes–but
ratherexpoundtheScripturestochangethetimes.”
(StephenOlford)
119
PRACTICALSTEPSINSTUDYINGTHEWORD
InthissectionofthebookIwouldliketomakesomepracticalsuggestionstohelpyouget
startedinapplyingtheseprinciplesofBiblicalinterpretation.Ihopethatthissectionwill
really give you some handles so you can grab hold of God's Word and get going for
yourself!
1. First, take time toprepare yourself spiritually for your Bible study time.
Rememberthisverysimpleprinciple:BeforegoingtoGod’sWord–gotoGodfirst
and ask that His Holy Spirit “guideyouintoalltruth”byilluminatingyourheart
andmind(Jn.16:13;Ps.11918;Eph.1:1719;3:1419;Phil.1:914,etc.).
Rememberthattheauthorofanybookisalwaysitsbestinterpreter! Spendsome
time talking to the Author of Scripture in prayer before beginning your study.
Prayer is the greatest preparation for Bible Study, because God has promised to
guidetheprayerful,humblespirit. Godleadsthesincereandhumble–neverthe
proud and haughty! Aprayerful, alert and obedient spiritis the one that will
receivegreatlightfromastudyofGod'sWord.
2. Secondly,havesomegoodBiblicaltoolsandaidsonhand.Whenitcomesto
Biblicalresourcesonecanspendasmallfortune!However,thatdoesnothaveto
bethecase.ApastororChristianteacherwouldnaturallyhaveamuchlargerand
moreextensivelibraryofBiblicalresourcesthantheaverageChristian.However,
there are many commentaries available that are literally a compacted treasure of
fingertipBiblicalinformation! TherearemanyfreeaidsavailableontheInternet,
such as www.crosswalk.com or www.christianitytoday.com, “Bible Study Tools” –
andthereareprogramslike“QuickVerse”availablewithinanybudgetrange.
The following are some suggested tools to have as companion tools for Bible
study.Iwillalsotrytogiveawordortwoofexplanationundereach.
A.Several good translations of the Bible: A translation as opposed to a
paraphraseseekstogiveasexactaspossiblewordforwordrenderingfrom
the Hebrew or Greek into Englishwithoutbeing “wooden”andunreadable.
Scholars generally seek to capture what is often called the “dynamic
equivalent” of a sentence – meaningformeaning – rather than the exact
wordforword rendering, which can be very hard to read and understand
fromonelanguagetoanother.Theproblemsalongthislinefortranslators
are graphically pointed out by the following quotation. It was made about
two thousand years ago by Cicero when he was confronted with the
prospectsoftranslatingPlato'sProtagorasintoLatin.
Principle
BeforegoingtoGod’sWord–gotoGodfirstandaskthatHisHolySpirit
“guideyouintoalltruth”byilluminatingyourheartandmind!
120
“Itishardtopreserveinatranslationthecharmofexpressionswhichin
anotherlanguagearemostfelicitous...IfIrenderwordforword,theresult
will sound uncouth and if compelled by necessity I alter anything in the
order of wording, I shall seem to have departed from the function of a
translator.”126
That then is the dilemma of the Bible translator – to remain faithful to the
original text, and yet make it readable. As one Bible translator put it:
“…faithfulness in translation means being faithful not only to the original
languagebutalsoto the‘target’or‘receptor’language.” Afewofthemore
populartranslationsusedamongChristianstodayareasfollows:
NewRevisedStandardVersion(NRSV)
NewAmericanStandardBible(NASB)
Today’sEnglishVersion(TEV)or"GoodNewsBible"
NewInternationalVersion(NIV)
NewLivingTranslation(NLT)
WhySoManyTranslations?
The Christian bookshelf is almost crowded with translations today! Since
WorldWarIItherehavebeenmorethan30newtranslationsproduced–in
addition to at least 18 earlier versions that were already in print. Many of
theseareveryexcellent.However,itshouldberememberedthatthereisno
such thing as a perfect translation! Since we do not have the original
autographs,allofourBiblestodayaretranslations–andnoneareinspired
byGodandthereforeperfectasweretheoriginals!Thatfactshouldalways
berememberedlestwethinkthatourparticular“pet”translationisperfect!
Every translation was obviously produced by humans so they reflect
somebody’s theological bias. That is the very fact that causes other
translationstobeproduced! Peoplearealwaysdissatisfiedwithtranslations
whichreflecttheologicalviewsthatdifferfromtheirown. Forexample,both
theRevisedStandardVersion(RSV)andtheNewEnglishBible(NEB)were
translatedbyscholarswhogenerallyheldtoamoreliberaltheologicalview
point and higher criticism. “They did not believe the bible was verbally
inspired, to them it was basically a human book.”127 That theological
persuasioncanbeseeninthose translationsatseveralpoints.Therefore,
theyhavetendednottobeaswidelyusedamongconservativeChristiansas
forinstancetheKJV.
126 KennethL.Barker,“AnInsiderTalksAbouttheNIV”,KindredSpirit,Fall1978,p.7.
127 StanleyN.Gundry,“WhichVersionisBest?”MoodyMonthly,Jan.1979,p.41.
121
TheKingJamesTranslation
For most people, the KJV will never be surpassed in grandeur and poetic
beauty! However, it should be remembered that the KJV was translated
several hundred years ago. It was based on the best scholarship of the
early 1600's and was an attempt to put the Bible into the language of the
people of the 17th century
128
. However, there have been many
archaeologicaldiscoveriesthathaveimprovedourunderstandingofmuchof
Biblical history, geography, culture and language since 1611. Indeed,
archaeology had not even been born as a science when the KJV was
translated.Also,itwastranslatedfromonly8basicmanuscripts.Todaywe
haveover13,000manuscriptsinwholeorinpart. Eventhoughthereisreal
beauty in much of the KJV rendering – most of us today do not speak
Shakespearean English! Words change over a period of years and
thereforedonotcarrythesamemeaning. Thereareover300wordsusedin
theKJVthathavegonethroughawordevolutiontotheextentthattheydo
not mean today what they meant then. That canbeconfusingforthe21
st
centuryBiblereader. JustastheKJVwasanattempttoputtheBibleinto
the language of the day – so are the more recent translations of our day.
(Please see the Appendix for further discussion onthe“King James Only”
controversy)
WhichTranslationisBest?
ThatisaverycommonquestionamongChristianstoday!Differentscholars
have different views, because they also have different tastes and different
theological persuasions. There was a survey made in 1972 of 46 well
knownBiblescholars,clergymenandtheologians.Generally,theRSVwas
chosenthemostandgotfirstplacein“scholarship”and“bestwholeBible.”
The ASV took first place in “most accurate”(29, p.44). TheKJVcamein
last in 9outofthe10categories,includingaccuracyandscholarship. But
therearestillthousandswhofeelthattheKJVisthe“realBible”andthatit
camedownonMt.Sinaifromtheveryfingerof God! Idonotbelievethat
the KJV will lead a person astray at any point concerning major points of
doctrineorcausethemtolosetheirsalvation–butitwillcertainlykeepone
cloudedinconfusionatmanypoints! Whileitisagoodtranslationinmany
ways–wenowhavebetteronesavailabletotheEnglishreader.
EvangelicalscholarstendtoprefertheRSV,theNASBortheNIV. TheNIV
has many commendable features. It is called the “international” version
because it was translated by scholars from across the English speaking
world: The United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New
128 ItisveryinterestingtonotethattheKJVwasinitiallyopposedbythePuritans.TheypreferredtheGenevaBibleof
1560,andwouldnotevenallowa copyoftheKJVontheMayflower!SoeventhoughtheKJVistheBibleofmany
conservativesandfundamentaliststoday–itwasoriginallyopposedbytheconservativesofthatday!
122
Zealand. That diversity helped to guard it from denominationalism,
parochialismandgeneralsectarianbias.Dr.DonaldW.Burdick,oneofthe
translatorsoftheNIV,givesthissummaryofitsdistinctives:
1. Itistheworkofover100scholars;
2. ItisafaithfulrenderingoftheGreektext;
3. ItisdoneincurrentlyidiomaticEnglishthatallcanunderstand;
4. Itisneitherwoodenlyliteralnorlooselyparaphrastic;
5. ItstranslatorsallholdtotheinerrancyofScripture;
6. It is marked by an easy dignity that well becomes the lofty
characteroftheWordofGod.
129
Obviouslynumber5isveryimportanttotheconservativeBiblestudent. We
prefer someone translating the text who holds to the inerrancy of the
Scriptures. The scholars who translated the NIV also demonstrated their
highviewofScriptureandreverenceforGodbybeginningallworksessions
withprayer. Thatcertainlyranksinimportanceasanecessaryprerequisite
fortranslatingGod'sWord!
Letmeconcludethissectionontranslationswiththefollowingquotationbya
Bibleteacherwhoexpressedhispreferenceasfollows: “Iprefera version
that is literal enough to be concerned about wordforword equivalency
where reasonably possible, but flexible enough to read as good English.
Tworecentversionsstandatthetopofmylist:theNewAmericanStandard
BibleandtheNewInternationalVersion.”130
ManytranslationscanbeobtainedwithinaParallelBible. Asmanyaseight
translationscanbecomparedandcontrasted,andanynumberofvariations
areavailable–forinstance,NIV/NASB/KJV/NLT.
Here is an example of how considering the subtle variances in each may
enrichyourunderstandingofasingleverse:
• “Letnocorruptcommunicationproceedoutofyourmouth,butthat
whichisgoodtotheuseofedifying,thatitmayministergraceunto
thehearers”(Eph.4:29KJV).
129 KennethL.Barker,“AnInsiderTalksAbouttheNIV,”KindredSpirit,Fall1978,p.9.
130 StanleyN.Gundry,“WhichVersionisBest?”MoodyMonthly,Jan.1979,p.42.
123
• “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but
onlywhatishelpfulforbuildingothersupaccordingtotheirneeds,
thatitmaybenefitthosewholisten”(Eph.4:29NIV).
• “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be
good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to
thosewhohearthem”(Eph.4:29NLT).
• “Letnounwholesomewordproceedfromyourmouth,butonlysuch
a word as is good for edification according to the need of the
moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29
NASB).
B. Have agood paraphrase or two for reference. Whereas a translation
seeks to give a wordforword rendering, or “dynamic equivalent” from the
original Biblical language; a paraphrase seeks only to give a thought or
concept rendering. A paraphrase would take the basic thought that the
writer was seeking to get across and then translate that as a whole. A
coupleofthemorepopularexamplesofthisaretheJ.B.PhilipsTranslation
andTheLivingBible.
C. Agood study Bible: Many Christians find one of these very helpful.
GenerallythesetypesofBibleshavegoodconcordances,explanatorynotes,
geography,etc.inthem. TheNIVStudyBibleisthebestavailable,butsome
otherpopularonesare:
NASBOpenBible
TheHarperStudyBible
TheRyrieStudyBible
NelsonKJVStudyBible
D. Agoodrecentconcordance: Aconcordancewillgiveyouallofthewords
usedintheBible,soitisaquickhandyreferencetoolwhenyouwanttolook
up a particular verse or subject. For instance, if you wanted todoa word
studyon“loveor“faith”youwouldgotoyourconcordanceandquicklyfind
everyverselistedintheBiblewherethosewordsarefound–andincertain
ones the Hebrew or Greek word it comes from. A good concordance is
essentialfortheseriousstudent,alongwithaworkingknowledgeofhowto
useit.
Also, you should have apersonal study Bible(theoneyouusethemost
and carry with you) that has abasic concordancein it. Several I would
suggestareasfollows:
124
NIVExhaustiveConcordance
TheNewCombinedBibleDictionaryandConcordance,BakerBooks
NavesTopicalBible
TheNewTopicalTextbook,BillyGrahamCrusadeEdition
TheNewCompactTopicalBible,Zondervan
Harper’sTopicalConcordance,HarperandRow
E.Word Studies: For the more serious Bible student, it is a must that you
haveacoupleofgoodWordStudies.TheselisteverywordintheOldand
New Testament and the Hebrew or Greek word they came from. This will
really enrich your study of the Word – and often clear up some
misunderstandings. This becomes especially important when you realize
thattherearearound6,000Englishwordsthatwereusedtotranslateover
20,000HebreworGreekwords!SeveralthatIuseregularlyare:
WordStudiesintheNewTestament,M.R.Vincent
WordStudiesintheGreekNewTestament,KennethS.Wuest
NIVTheologicalDictionaryofNewTestamentWords,ed.Verlyn
Vergrugge,Zondervan
F. AgoodBibleDictionary: Therearemanyoftheseonthemarkettodaythat
arebothgoodandaffordable.Hereareacoupleyoumightconsider:
DavisDictionaryoftheBible,JohnD.Davis
TheNewCompactBibleDictionary,BillyGrahamCrusadeEdition
Halley’sBibleHandbook
G.Commentaries:AsIhavepreviouslystated,onecanquicklyspendasmall
fortune on Bible commentaries! There are several points I would make
concerningcommentaries.
(1) First,itisgoodtostudywhattheHolySpirithastaughtgodlymenin
thepast. However,weshouldnotslavishlyfollowahumanteacher.
This can easily lead to a cultic type of bondage to one man's
interpretation(see:Matt.23:810).
Jesus promised that His Spiritwouldteachusandguideus into
truth(Jn.16:13;IJn.2:27). Ifweareprepared,openandobedient,
we can expect to be taught by God (Jn. 6:54; 1 Thess. 1:9; Ps.
119:99100).
125
(2) Secondly, be careful in your choice of commentary! All men have
basic presuppositions – and there are many commentaries on the
market today that were written from a basic antisupernatural, low
viewofinspirationpointofview.
These more liberal commentaries can undermine one’s faith very
subtly. This is because most young Christians and new Bible
students do not have the “theological grid” to sift those opinions
through. My advice is tochoose books written by good
conservativescholars.IrecommendbooksbymenlikeDr.Gleason
L.Archer,Jr.,EdwardJ.Young,W.F.Arndt,F.W.Gingrich,JohnR.
W.Stott,LordineBoettner,FrancisSchaeffer,DonaldG.Barnhouse,
Charles Spurgeon, J. I. Packer, A. W. Tozer, F. F. Bruce, G.
CampbellMorgan,etc.
(3) Lastly,gotoaBiblecommentarylastratherthanfirstsoGodcan
haveachancetospeakafreshwordtoyou.Itisveryeasytolet
anotherman’sthoughtsinfluence,dictate,andcircumscribeyourown.
Oncewehavereadanotherman'sinterpretation,itisoftenveryhard
to then approach a text objectively – you have a tendency to read
throughthetintedglassesofhisinterpretation! Hisinterpretationmay
be right, but at least allow God to teach you the same truth directly
withoutgoingthroughsomeoneelse’sinterpretation.Thenifyouare
still stuck in confusion, consult a commentary for some light! Here
areafewIwouldrecommend:
TheNewTestamentandWycliffeBibleCommentary(MoodyPress)
TheNewBibleCommentary,Revised,IVP
TheLifeandTimesofJesusTheMessiah,AlfredEdersheim(2Vol.)
StudiesIntheFourGospels,G.CampbellMorgan
NotesOnTheMiraclesandTheParablesofOurLord,RichardTrench
Clarke’sCommentary(Olderbutstillgood)
MatthewHenry’sCommentary
TheDailyStudyBible,WilliamBarclay,(goodbutliberalatpoints)
EvangelicalCommentaryontheBible,ed.WalterElwell,Baker
H. OtherHelpfulTools:
(1) BibleAtlas
(2) Online: www.crosswalk.com
www.crossSearch.com/Reference
www.biblegateway.com
www.christianitytoday.com
126
3.VaryYourApproachtoBibleStudy: TheBiblecanandshouldbestudiedfrom
manydifferentangles.Eachonewillyieldarichtreasureofknowledge.Several
suggestionsareasfollows:
A.Thematic or Doctrinal Study: Study the great doctrines of the Biblefrom
GenesistoRevelation:God,Man,Sin,Salvation,etc. Beforeyoucanarrive
atasystematictheologyonanypointyoumuststudyitthroughouttheentire
Bible. This typeofstudy really begins togive one agrasp of“…thefaith
thatwasonceforallentrustedtothesaints”(Jude3).
B.WordStudy:Here,insteadofstudyingthedoctrinesoftheBibleyoustudy
thewordsthatteachusthegreattruthsofGod'sWord:love,guidance,faith,
repentance,witness,etc. Thiswillbegintoshedmuchmorelightonagreat
deal of God's Word. The Greek language was a much more precise
language than English – soa studyofthe exactwordswillhelp ushave a
more accurate understanding and therefore application of God's Word at
manypoints.
C.Character Study: Go through the Bible and study the great heroes and
patriarchsofthefaith:Abraham,Moses,Joshua,David,Paul,etc.Itisalso
goodtodomorespecializedstudies:WomenoftheBible,Womeninthelife
ofChrist,the12Disciples,YoungpeopleintheBibleusedbyGod,Faithful
intheBible,etc.
D.StudybyOutline:ToreallybegintograspanddigestaportionoftheWord
or an entire book, it is very helpful to outline it. This becomes sort of a
blueprintofthatsection. Herearesomesuggestionsinbuildinganoutline:
(1) First,read the passage or section through several times slowly
andreflectivelytogetitwellintoyourmind.Thishelpsyoutoget
an overview of the entire section as well as its continuity. As you
read,askyourselfthesequestions:
“Whatistheregenerally?”
“Whatistherespecifically?”
“Whatistherepersonally?”
Tohelpyouevenfurther,asyoureaditagain,askyourself:
“Isthereanypromisehereformetoclaim?”
“Isthereanythoughtofilluminationtofurtherpursue?”
“Isthereanycommandhereformetoobey?”
“Isthereanysinpointedouthereformetoavoid?”
“IsthereanynewinsightintoGod,JesusChrist,ortheHolySpirit?”
“WhatisGodtryingtosaytomeinthispassage?”
127
Soalways seek to make God’s
Wordpersonaltoyouasyouread
and study.Only then will it have
relevance to your life and bring joy
andexcitementtoyourliving!
(2) Next, read it again andwrite down
thoughts, interpretations, and
observations as you read. There is just no substitute for writing!
REMEMBER, light is illumination – and illumination is transient by
nature! Itisillusiveandfleetingandifyoudonotcaptureitwhen
youreceiveityouwillprobablyloseit.Whenyouloselightgiven
you – you usually cannot recall and recapture it. Writing helps us
crystallize, localize and focalize God's word to us – so “WRITE,
WRITE, WRITE.” A pulsating pen is essential for a pursuing mind!
Therefore, you must study God's Word withan open, disciplined
mind,aprayerfulheart,anobedientwill–andapulsatingpen!
(3) Then,thinkofatitle fortheparticularpassage,chapterorbook
understudy.Todothis,besuretoanalyzeitbythoughtunits–i.e.,
paragraphs and not chapter divisions or verses (see section on
“chapters”). Try to determine what the particular writer's purpose
was:historical,theological,narrative,praise,etc. Askyourself:
“WHY?” (didhewriteit?);
“WHAT?” (washetryingtogetacross?);
“WHERE?” (wasitwrittenfrom?);
“WHO?” (wasitwrittento?),etc.
For example, Romans through Galatians has to do principally with
Salvation – so they could be subtitled “The Cross”. Ephesians
through Philippians has to do with the Body of Christ and could be
subtitled“TheChurch”. I&IIThessaloniansareprincipallyaboutthe
endtimesandcouldbesubtitled“TheComing,” etc.
(4) Trytoreduce the key passages to Biblical Principles. ABiblical
Principlemightbedefinedassuccinct,terse,polishedstatementofa
universaltruthboileddowntoitsirreducibleminimum! Thesewillstay
withyouforlifeandgiveyouthepracticalhandlesyouneedtoapply
God'sWordtoyoureverydayliving.
128
4.MemorizeandMeditateonGod'sWord
Therearegreatspiritualrewardsthatcomeonlyasaresultofmeditatingon
God’sWord(Ps.1;Josh.1:8;Eph.5:1819,etc.). Generallyspeaking,Christian
meditationisalostdisciplinewithinthechurchtoday. NewAgeZenmeditationand
otherEasternmeditationmovementsarearisingandgrowinginthisChristianvoid.
Let me also say a word aboutmemorizing God's Word.This is also a lost
discipline in Christianity today. I believe that is because meditation and
memorizationareinseparablyconnected. Letmeexplain. Mostpeoplememorize
by just learning the rote sequences of words. After a portion is learned by this
method,onemayknowthesequenceofwordsthatcomposetheparticularverseor
portion of scripture – and yet not understand the meaning. The best way to
memorize with real meaning and understanding is tomeditate on a portion of
Scriptureuntilyoufullygraspitsmeaning. Intheprocessofdoingthisyouwill
alsolikelymemorizeit.Thentomaintainyourfreshgraspofthatscripture,useit
often.Quoteit,shareit,andspeakit! Itisabasiclawoflifethatyoueitheruseit
orloseit! Memorizebymeditation–andmaintainyourgraspofitbyusingitoften.
Therewardofthiswillbefreedom(Jn.8:3132).Youwillenjoythatgloriousliberty
of a child of God (Rom. 8:21). As King David said so many years ago: “I will
always obey Your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I
havesoughtoutYourprecepts”(Ps.119:4445).
I would like to close by sharing with you one of the most challenging – and
convicting–quotationsconcerningmemorizingGod'sWordIhavecomeacross.It
isfromWatchmanNee.
“Theyoungpeopleinparticularoughtto...engageinmemorywork. Duringthefirst
few years after being saved great effort should be made to memorize Scripture.
Lots of passages need to be recited, such as Psalm 23, Psalm 91, Matthew 5,6
and 7, John 15.9 1 Corinthians13, Romans 2and3, Revelation 2and3, andso
forth. Thosewithgoodmemorycanperhapsmemorizetenorsooddversesaday,
while people with a weak memory canatleast rememberone verse. Ifa person
spendsfivetotenminuteseachdayreadingaverse,searchingandmemorizingit,
hewillbeabletofinishsuchbookslikeGalatiansorEphesiansinapproximatelysix
months,Philippiansinaboutfourmonths,Hebrewsinaroundtenmonths,andthe
Gospels such as John in nearly eighteen months. Should young brothers and
sisters commence to read the Bible carefully at the start and recite at least one
verseeachday,they canwithoutdoubt memorize nearlyallthe mainpartsofthe
NewTestamentwithinfouryears. Suchprogressasoutlinedherehasreferenceto
peoplewithweakmemory.Thosewithastrongmemorydonotneedsomuchtime
asthisforachievingsuchagoal.”131
131 WatchmanNee,YeSearchtheScriptures,NewYork:ChristianFellowshipPublishers,Inc.,1974,p.98.
129
Doesthatconvictyou?! WhenIfirststartedtoreadWatchmanNeeIwasamazed
at his spiritual understanding and overall grasp of the Bible – especially when
some of his major works were written when he was in his 20's! When I came
across this book, I understood the secret of his insight! Hesupposedly readthe
Bible through 105 times before he wrote his first book! Throughout his life he
averagedreadingtheBiblethroughaboutonceamonth–nowonderGodblessed
himsomuch!Youmaynotbecomeawriter,likeNeebutifyoutakeGod'sWord
asseriouslyashedid,itwilleternallyenrichyourlife!
QuotationsforFurtherReflection
• [Fanny Crosby wrote about 9,000 hymns – more than anyone in recorded Christian
history. She was an accomplished harpist and organist, and she was blind.] When
Fannywaseightornine,Mercy(hermother)movedagain…andFannywasleftduring
thedayinthecareofthelandlady,aMrs.Hawley…Mrs.HawleysetFannytothetask
of memorizing the entire Bible, giving the child a number of chapters to learn each
week – often asmany asfive.There were repeatedline byline,drilledinto thelittle
girl’s head “precept upon precept.” Being young and gifted with a phenomenal
memory, Fanny had no trouble mastering Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers,
as well as the four Gospels, by the end of the first year. At the end of two years,
FannycouldrepeatbyrotenotonlytheentirePentateuchandallfourGospelsbutalso
many of the Psalms, all of the Proverbs, all of Ruth, and “that greatest of all prose
poems, theSongofSolomon.”ThistrainingsufficedFannyforalifetime.Fromthen
on she needed no one to read the Bible to her. Whenever she wanted to “read” a
portionofScripture,sheturnedalittlebuttoninhermind,andtheappropriatepassage
wouldflowthroughherbrainlikeataperecording…Peoplemarveledatherwonderful
memory. They were dumbfounded at her ability to commit a seemingly endless
numberofhymnstomemoryanddictatethemwithoutapparentdifficulty,oneafterthe
other.Butwhenevertheymadeagreatdealofthis“talent,”Fannywouldgivethema
lecture, maintaining she simply was using a gift – memory – which God gives to
everyone, but which most people with sight lose through laziness. She criticized
“memorandum tablets and carefully kept journals and ledgers” as destructive to “the
booksofthemind.”
132
• The Pharisees studied God. They memorized the Scriptures and knew every
word…They felt that through study they couldfind Godand that knowledge wasthe
avenue totransformation.Jesus HimselfcommentedtothePharisees,“Yousearch
the Scriptures,because you thinkthatinthemyouhaveeternal life”(Jn.5:39).
To know the Scriptures is to know God, they thought…The Pharisees considered
themselves supremely righteous because of their vast knowledge. But they
misunderstood a vital point.Mere information makes no one righteous; it only
makes us responsible for what we know.It is impotent to effect real and lasting
change within us. One may be overeducated and untransformed…the degree to
132 BernardRuffin,FannyCrosby,TheHymnWriter,Uhrichsville,OH:BarbourPublishing,1995,pp.2324,129.
130
whichweknowsomethingisthedegreetowhichwehaveintegrateditintoour
everydaylife.
133
• “Let meseekTheeinlonging,”pleadedAnselm,“letme longforThee inseeking;let
mefindTheeinlove,andloveTheeinfinding.”…KnowledgeofsuchaBeingcannotbe
gainedbystudyalone…ToknowGodisatoncetheeasiestandthemostdifficultthing
in the world…First, we must forsake our sins…“Blessed are the pure in heart: for
they shall see God.” Second,there mustbeanutter committalofthe wholelifeto
Christ in faith…a volitional and emotional attachment to Him accompanied by a firm
purpose to obey Him in all things…Third, there must be a reckoningof ourselves to
have died unto sin and to be alive unto God in Christ Jesus, followed by a throwing
open oftheentirepersonalitytotheinflowofthe HolySpirit.Thenwe mustpractice
whateverselfdisciplineisrequiredtowalkintheSpirit,andtrampleunderourfeetthe
lusts of the flesh. Fourth, we must boldly repudiate the cheap values of the fallen
world…Fifth,wemustpracticetheartoflongandlovingmeditationuponthemajestyof
God…byadeliberateactofthewillandkeptsobyapatienteffortofthemind…There
is a glorified Man on the right hand of the Majesty in heaven faithfully
representing us there. We are left for a season among men; let us faithfully
representHimhere.
134
• SummaryofPrinciplesforUnderstandingApparentDiscrepanciesintheBible
1. Theunexplainedisnotnecessarilyunexplainable.
2. Fallibleinterpretationsdonotmeanfalliblerevelation.
3. Understandthecontextofthepassage.
4. Interpretdifficultpassagesinthelightofclearones.
5. Don’tbaseteachingonobscurepassages.
6. TheBibleisahumanbookwithhumancharacteristics.
7. Justbecauseareportisincompletedoesnotmeanitisfalse.
8. NewTestamentcitationsoftheOldTestamentneednotalwaysbeexact.
9. TheBibledoesnotnecessarilyapproveofallitrecords.
10. TheBibleusesnontechnical,everydaylanguage.
11. TheBiblemayuseroundnumbersaswellasexactnumbers.
12. NotewhentheBibleusesdifferentliterarydevices.
13. Anerrorinacopydoesnotequatetoanerrorintheoriginal.
14. Generalstatementsdon’tnecessarilymeanuniversalpromises.
15. Laterrevelationsupercedespreviousrevelation.
We should not build a doctrine on an obscure passage. The rule of thumb inBible
interpretationis“themainthingsaretheplainthings,andtheplainthingsarethemain
things.” This is called the perspicuity (clearness) of Scripture. If something is
important,itwillbeclearlytaughtinScripture,andprobablyinmorethanoneplace.
135
133 RebeccaManleyPippert,OutoftheSaltShakerandIntotheWorld,DownersGrove,IL:InterVarsityPress,1999,pp.8485.
134 A.W.Tozer,TheKnowledgeoftheHoly,NewYork,NY:HarperCollins,1961,pp.20,115117.
135 JoshMcDowell,TheNewEvidencethatDemandsaVerdict,Nashville:ThomasNelsonPublishers,1999,pp.47,49.
131
AppendixI
IMPORTANTNEWTESTAMENTRELATEDDATES
37B.C.–4A.D. ReignofKingHerod(“TheGreat”). KingHeroddiedatage70inthe
750
th yearofRome,4B.C.,accordingtoJosephus.
(Note:TheWesterntraditionoftheobservanceofDecember25thdid
notariseuntilthe4
th century,sohasnoauthority;theEasternchurch
stillobservesJanuary6thasChrist’sbirthday.)
5or4B.C. BirthofChrist
136
28A.D. BeginningofJohntheBaptist’sministry
c.27or28A.D. BaptismofChrist/Earthlyministrybegins
30A.D. CrucifixionofChrist(ResurrectionandAscension)
c.33–35A.D. ConversionofPaul
46–48A.D. Paul’sFirstMissionaryJourney
50A.D. JerusalemCouncil
51–53A.D. Paul’sSecondMissionaryJourney–IandIIThessalonians
54–58A.D. ThirdMissionaryJourney– Galatians
IandIICorinthians
Romans
58A.D. Paul’sArrest
58–60A.D. ImprisonmentinCaesarea
136 JesusChristwasnot bornintheyear1A.D. asyoumight suppose.An error occurredinthepreparationofour
calendarthataccountsforthis.TheRomanswerethedominatingworldpowerwhenChristwasborn.Theygenerally
datedalleventsfromthefoundationofRomeinapproximately753B.C.Therefore,allRomandateswerefollowedby
thelettersA.U.C.,whichwastheabbreviationforannourbisconditaemeaning“intheyearofthefoundingofthecity”.
DatingalleventsbyacalendarinventedbythepaganRomanswasnotsatisfactorywithChristiansforlong.Sointhe
6thcenturythePopewantedtohaveacalendarwhichwoulddatealleventsformthebirthofChristratherthanfrom
thefoundingofRome.HecommissionedamonknamedDionysiustodothework.Thiscalendarwhenfinishedwas
graduallyadoptedbyallofChristendom.ModernscholarsthoughhavefoundthatsomedatesofRomanhistorynear
thebeginningoftheChristian eracannotbereconciledwiththecalendarofDionysius.Forexample,Romanannals
saythatHerodtheGreat,whoruledJudeawhenJesuswasborn,diedintheRomanyearof750annourbis.Dionysius
placedthebirthofJesusintheyearof754annourbis,incontradictiontowellestablishedRomanrecords.SoJesus
wasmostprobablybornin749or750annourbisor5or4B.C.
Doctoral
Epistles
132
60–61A.D. SenttoRome– Colossians
Philemon
Ephesians
Philippians
63–65A.D. ReleaseandRearrest– IandIITimothy
Titus
67A.D. Paul’sDeath
Summary
4B.C.–30A.D. LifeofChrist
30A.D.–62A.D. ApostolicAge
62A.D.–96A.D. PostApostolicAge
(70A.D.–DestructionofJerusalemandTemplebyRomans)
Prison
Epistles
Pastoral
Epistles
133
AppendixII
MANUSCRIPTEVIDENCE
Thereareanumberofbooksonthissubjectavailable,andoneofthebestisF.F.Bruce’s
NewTestamentDocuments. Hegivesanexcellentcomparisonofscripturalandsecular
historicaldocuments: “PerhapswecanappreciatehowwealthytheNewTestamentis
inmanuscriptattestationifwecomparethetexturalmaterialforotherancienthistorical
works.ForCaesar’s GaelicWar(composedbetween58and50B.C.)thereareseveral
extant MSS, but only nine or ten are good, and the oldest issome 900years later than
Caesar’s day. Of the 142 books of the Roman History of Livy (59 B.C. A.D. 17) only
thirtyfivesurvive…TheextantMSSofhisminorworks(DialoguedeOratoribus,Agaicola,
Germania)alldescendfromacodexofthetenthcentury.TheHistoryearliestbelonging
toc.A.D.900,andafewpapyrusscraps,belongingtoaboutthebeginningoftheChristian
era.ThesameistrueoftheHistoryofHereodotus(c.480425B.C.)”137 Toperhapshelp
you better understand and appreciate the significance of that quotation, let me share a
chartthatIthinkwillbehelpful.
ChartofSecularHistoricalDocuments
Author DateWritten EarliestCopy TimeSpan No.ofCopies
Caesar’s
GallicWar c.5850B.C. 900A.D. 1,000years 10
Roman
HistoryofLivy
c.59B.C.–
A.D.17 ? ?
35(of142books)
survive
Plato
(Tetralogies) 427–347B.C. 900A.D. 1,200years 7
Annals
ofTacitus 100A.D. 1,000A.D. 900years 1
Historyof
PlinytheYounger 61–113A.D. 850A.D. 750years 7
Historyof
Thucydides 460–400A.D. 900A.D. 1,300years 8
Syetonius(De
VitaCaesarun)75–160A.D. 950A.D. 800years 8
Historyof
Herodotus 480–425B.C. 900A.D. 1,300years 8
Sophocles 496–406B.C. 1,000A.D. 1,400years 100
Euripides 480–406B.C. 1,100A.D. 1,500years 9
Catullus 54B.C. 1,550A.D. 1,600years 3
137 F.F.Bruce,TheNewTestamentDocuments:AreTheyReliable? DownersGrove,IL:InterVarsityPress,1960,p.16.
134
Demosthenes 383–322B.C. 1,100A.D. 1,300years 200
Aristotle 384–322B.C. 1,100A.D. 1,400years 5
138
Aristophanes 450–385B.C. 900A.D. 1,200years 10
139
(The above was taken from F.W. Hall, “MS Authorities for the Text of the Chief Classical Writers,”
CompaniontoClassicalText,Oxford,ClarendonPress,1913)
Inspiteoftheskimpynumberofexistingmanuscripts–allofwhicharehundredsofyears
laterthanthehistoricevent–noonewoulddaredoubttheirtrustworthiness!F.F.Bruce
concludes: “No classical scholar would listen to an argument that the authenticity of
HerodotusorThucydidesisindoubtbecausetheearliestMSSoftheirworkswhichareof
anyusetousareover1,300yearslaterthantheoriginals.”140
However, even though no classical scholar would either make or listen to an argument
based on the long time span that exists between the existing manuscripts and the
originals – theologians and other scholars do it all the time in regard to the New
Testament documents! F.F. Bruce concludes it is because of the nature of the claims
madebytheBible:
“The evidence for our New Testament writings is ever so much greater than the
evidence for many writings of classical authors, the authenticity of which no one
dreamsofquestioning.AndiftheNewTestamentwereacollectionofsecularwritings,
theirauthenticitywouldgenerallyberegardedasbeyondalldoubt.Itisacuriousfact
thathistorianshaveoftenbeenmuchreadiertotrusttheNewTestamentrecordsthan
have many theologians. Somehow or other, there are people who regarda ‘sacred
book’ as ipso facto under suspicion, and demand much more corroborativeevidence
for such a work than they would for an ordinary secular or pagan writing. From the
viewpointofthehistorian,thesamestandardsmustbeappliedtoboth.Butwedonot
quarrel with those who want more evidence for the New Testament than for other
writings; firstly becausethe universal claims which the New Testament makes
uponmankindaresoabsolute,andthecharacterandworksofitschiefFigure
so unparalleled,that we want to be as sure of its truth as we possibly can; and
secondly, because in point of factthere is much more evidence for the New
Testamentthanforotherancientwritingsofcomparabledate.”141
The Greek Scholar, J. Harold Greenlee, writes in his Introduction to New Testament
TexturalCriticism:
138 Allfromonecopy
139 Ofanyonework
140 F.F.Bruce,TheNewTestamentDocuments:AreTheyReliable? DownersGrove,IL:InterVarsityPress,1960,pp.1617.
141 Ibid.,p.15.
135
“...thenumberofavailableMSSoftheNewTestamentisoverwhelminglygreaterthan
thoseofanyotherworkofancientliterature...theearliestextantMSSoftheN.T.were
written much closer to the date of the original writing than isthe case in almost any
otherpieceofancientliterature...TheoldestknownMSSofmostoftheGreekclassical
authorsaredatedathousandyearsormoreaftertheauthor’sdeath.Thetimeinterval
fortheLatinauthorsissomewhatless,varyingdowntoaminimumofthreecenturiesin
thecaseofVirgil.InthecaseoftheN.T.,however,twoofthemostimportantMSS
were written within 300 years after the N.T. was completed,and some virtually
completeN.T.booksaswellasextensivefragmentaryMSSofmanypartsoftheN.T.
datebacktoonecenturyfromtheoriginalwritings…Sincescholarsacceptasgenerally
trustworthy the writings of the ancient classics even though the earliest MSS were
written so long after the original writings and the number of extant MSS is in many
instances so small, it is clear thatthe reliability of the text of the N.T. is likewise
assured.”142
The conclusions are obvious! When you compare the often few and fragmentary
manuscripts of classical writers – most of which date hundreds to a thousand or more
yearsfromtheoriginals–youseethattheNewTestamentwritingstrulyarethemost
documentedmanuscriptsofhistory!
In order to help you better appreciate thecomparison between classical and New
Testamentwritings,letmesharethefollowingchartwithyou.Pleasecarefullycompare
theveryearlydatesoftheseBiblicalmanuscriptswiththeverylateonesonthepreceding
pagesfortheclassicalmanuscripts.
ChronologyofNewTestamentManuscripts
NameofManuscript Date Significance
JohnRylandMSS 130A.D.
ItiscalledsuchbecauseitishousedintheJohn
RylandLibraryofManchester,England.Itisthe
oldestfragmentoftheN.T.Itwouldstrongly
contendthattheGospelofJohnwasnota
secondcenturywritingastheGermanprofessor
Baursaid.
ChesterBeattyPapyri 200A.D.
LocatedintheChesterBeattyMuseumin
Dublin.ItcontainsmajorportionsoftheN.T.
BodmerPapyrusII 150–200A.D.
HousedintheBodmerLibraryofWorld
Literature.ItcontainsmostoftheGospelof
John.
Diatessaron160A.D.
Itmeans“aharmonyoffourparts”andwasthe
firstharmonyoftheGospels.Itwasdoneby
Tatian.
CodexSinaiticus350A.D.
ContainsalmostalloftheN.T.andoverhalfof
theO.T.Itwasfoundinawastebasketinthe
MountSinaiMonasteryin1844.
142 J.HaroldGreenlee,IntroductiontoNewTestamentTextualCriticism,GrandRapids:W.B.EerdmansPublishingCo.,1964,pp.1516.
136
CodexVaticanus325–350A.D. ItcontainsalmosttheentireBible.
CodexAlexandrinus400A.D. ItalsocontainsalmosttheentireBible.
CodexEphraemi400’sA.D. EverybookexceptIIThessaloniansandIIJohn
CodexBezae450A.D.plus
CambridgeLibrary.ItcontainstheGospelsand
ActsinbothGreekandLatin.
CodexWashingtonensisor
CodexFreericanus450–550A.D.
ItcontainsthefourGospelsinthefollowing
order:Matthew,John,Luke,Mark.
CodexClaromontanus500’sA.D.
ItalsoisabilingualMSSthatcontainsthe
PaulineEpistles.
Ataboutthispointyoumightbesaying:“Whydoesitmatterhowmanymanuscriptswe
haveoftheNewTestamentandhowearlytheyare?” Thepointisjustthis:Theshorter
the time period between the original autographs (the writings by the N.T. writers
themselveswhichwedonothave)andtheearliestcopieswehave,thebetterhistorical
confirmation of their accuracy.Conversely, the longer the time lapse the more
problematicbecauseoftheincreasedpotentialforcorruptionofthetext.
Illustration:
OriginalAutographs
“A”
copy copy copy copy
“B” “C” “D” “E”
By using this illustration to compare classical and Biblical writings we can see the
difference.
CLASSICALWRITINGS BIBLICALWRITINGS
OriginalAutographs OriginalAutographs
“A” “A”
Averyshortperiodoftime
Alongperiodoftime copycopy
“B”“C”
copycopy
“B”“C”
137
WhenyoustoptoconsiderthatalloftheNewTestamentautographsor“A”werewritten
between50and100A.D.–andtheearliestmanuscriptwecurrentlyhave,or“CopyB”,is
dateda130A.D.(JohnRylandMSS),youcanseethatthetimespanbetweenthetwo
ishistoricallysosmallthatitis insignificant!However,thelapsebetweenpoint“A”
and“B”inclassicalwritingsisoftenathousandormoreyears!Andyet,theirauthenticity
is not questioned – and the Biblical one is constantly challenged! How academically
incongruous!
However,thetimelapsebetweentheoriginalautographsandtheearliestcopiesisnotthe
onlythingthatisimportant.Thereisalsothematterofthenumberofcopieswehavefor
the purpose of comparative study and textural criticism.If you have copies of the
original manuscript – the more copies you have, the better chance you have of
reconstructingtheoriginal.
Illustration:
OriginalAutographs
143
“A”
“B” “C”
“D” “E” “F” “G”
“H” “I” “J” “K” “L” “M” “N” “O”
“P” “Q” “R” “S” “T” “U” “V” “W” “X” “Y” “Z”
Startingwith“P”through“Z”wecanworkbackandbetterreconstruct“A”. Rememberthat
we now have over 13,000 manuscripts or portions of the New Testament – literally
thousands more than any classical writing! Therefore, there is less than 1/1,1000th
chanceoferrororvariance–orabout1wordperpageintheNewTestament.Andthere
is no doctrine involved that is not somewhere else plainly given in the Word.So
even though only the original manuscripts (autographs) were inspired – the copies we
havetodayareabsolutelytrustworthy!
Conclusions
Allow me to conclude this section with several cogent statements by renowned New
Testamentscholars: “The works of several ancient authors are preserved for usby the
thinnestpossiblethreadoftransmission...Incontrastwiththesefigures,thetexturalcriticof
theNewTestamentisembarrassedbythewealthofhismaterial.”144
143 AdaptedfromJoshMcDowell’sbookEvidencethatdemandsaVerdict,p.51.
144 BruceM.Metzger,TheTextoftheOldTestament,NewYork:OxfordUniversityPress,1968,p.34.
138
ThereisyetanothervastresourceofBiblicalsubstantiationfortheChristian–thewritings
ofthe earlychurch Fathers.Thesearetheoneswhobecametheleadersofthechurch
after the death of the original disciples of Christ. Like Paul, Luke, John and the other
Biblical writers, these men were very prolific in their writing. Obviously, theyconstantly
quotedtheNewTestamentintheirwritings,sermonsanddefensestothepaganworldof
theirday.
The compilation of their writings is itself a vast storehouse of Scripture! Two Biblical
scholars concluded that: “...The quotations are so numerous and widespread that if no
manuscriptsoftheNewTestamentwereextant,theNewTestamentcouldbereproduced
fromthewritingsoftheearlyFathersalone.”145
Perhapsthefollowingchartwillhelpyouappreciatetherichnessofthisresource.
QuotationsoftheNewTestamentByEarlyChurchFathers
146
ChurchFather Gospels Acts
Paul’s
Epistles General Revelation Total
JustinMartyr
(A.D.133)
268 10 43 6 3 (266
allusions)
330
Irenaeus
(A.D.170)
1,038 194 499 23 65 1,819
Clementof
Alexandria
(A.D.150212)
1,107 44 1,127 207 11 2,406
Origen
(A.D.185233/4)
9,231 349 7,778 399 165 17,922
Tertullian
(A.D.160220)
3,822 502 2,609 120 205 7,258
Hippolytus
(A.D.170235)
734 42 387 27 188 1,378
145 NormalL.GeislerandWilliamE.Nix,AGeneralIntroductiontotheBible,Chicago: MoodyPress,1968,p.357.
146 AdaptedfromGeislerandNix,AGeneralIntroductiontotheBible.
139
Eusebius
(A.D.260?–
340?)
3,258 211 1,592 88 27 5,176
Totals 19,368 1,352 14,035 870 664 36,289
One other scholar, after studying these early church Fathers, said that in them he had
“...foundtheentireNewTestament, exceptelevenverses.” AsJ.HaroldGreenleesaid,
the Scripture quotations in these early Fathers “...are so extensive that the New
Testamentcouldvirtuallybe reconstructedfromthemwithouttheuseofNewTestament
manuscripts.”147
• “Thereisnobodyofancientliteratureintheworldwhichenjoyssuchawealthofgood
textualattestationastheNewTestament.”148
• “...In the variety and fullness of the evidence on which it rests the text of the New
Testament stands absolutely and unapproachably alone among ancient prose
writings.”149
• “Thenetresult(ofalltheseearlyN.T.MSS)...is,infact,toreducethegapbetweenthe
earliermanuscriptsandthetraditionaldatesoftheNewTestamentbookssofarthatit
becomes negligibleinanydiscussionoftheirauthenticity.Nootherancientbookhas
anything like such early and plentiful testimony to its text, and no unbiased scholar
woulddenythatthetextthathascomedowntousissubstantiallysound.”150
Saint,restassuredthatyourfaithintheNewTestamentandintheChristthatitsoclearly
sets forth is absolutely sound! The manuscript and historic evidence are overwhelming
andindisputable!
147 J.HaroldGreenlee,IntroductiontoNewTestamentTextualCriticism,GrandRapids:Wm.B.EerdmansPublishingCo.,1964,pp.1516.
148 F.F.Bruce,TheBooksandtheParchments,Westwood:FlemingH.RevellCo.,1963,p.178.
149 FentonJ.A.HortandBrookeF.Wescott,TheNewTestamentinOriginalGreek,Vol.1,NewYork:TheMacmillanCo.,1881,p.561.
150 FredericKenyon,TheBibleandModernScholarship,London:JohnMurray,1948,p.20.
140
AppendixIII
THEDEADSEASCROLLS:CONTENTSOFELEVENCAVES
Cave#1 Cave#2 Cave#3
CompleteIsaiahScroll
100fragmentsofExodus,
Leviticus,Numbers,
Deuteronomy,Jeremiah,Job,
PsalmsandRuth
A12”copperscrollwith
directionsto60sites
containinghiddentreasures
–whichhavenotyetbeen
found.
ApartialIsaiahScroll
TheHabakkukCommentary
TheManualofDiscipline
(therulesforthemembers)
ThanksgivingHymns
AGenesisApocrypha(Apocryphalliterature
aboundedatQumran)
WarsoftheSonsofLightagainst
theSonsofDarkness
Plusthousandsofjarandclothfragments
Cave#4 Cave#’s5–10 Cave#11
40,000fragmentsofanunknownnumberof
manuscripts–about400ofwhichhavebeen
identified
Awideassortmentofscroll
fragmentstoodiversetolist
here
Verygoodportionsof
PsalmsandLeviticus
About100ofthesewereBiblicalscrolls,and
representalltheO.T.booksexceptEsther
(however,allusionstoEstherhavebeen
foundinotherbooks).Thefragmentswere:
•13scrollsofDeuteronomy
•12ofIsaiah
•10ofPsalms
•6ofExodus
•5ofGenesis
AfragmentofSamuel,datingfromthe3
rd
centuryB.C.wasalsofound–notthoughtto
betheoldestknownpieceofBiblicalHebrew
Note: Averyinteresting“TempleScroll”alsocameoutofoneof thecavesbutitisnot
knownwhichonebecauseitwasobtainedduringthe6 DayWarof1967.Itcontainsa
large number of religious rules and regulations for sacrifices and offerings. And
interestingly,itcontainsadetaileddescriptionoftheTemple–notsomuchasitwasbut
asitwastobeinthefuture!
151
151BibleandSpade,Winter,1978,Vol.7,No.1,pp.56).
141
AppendixIV
THE“KINGJAMESVERSIONONLY”CONTROVERSY
While many accept newer translations, some wonderful Christians agonize over
the"translationcontroversy!" Whichtranslationisthebest? Whichoneisthemostfaithful
to the original Hebrew and Greekmanuscripts? Which one has the highest view of
God...JesusChrist...salvation...theblood,etc?"
ForthosewhowereraisedontheKingJamesTranslation,orAuthorizedVersion–there
is no more precious or revered Book! They love the lofty sounding words...the poetic
flow...themajestyofthetone. Manywereeventaughtthatitistheonlytranslationthatis
the inspired Word of God. Therefore, reading any other translation is heresy – and
jeopardizes one's salvation! Many of the "King James Only" people defend that
translation as if it were written by the very finger of God – in the same way the 10
Commandments were given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai! They will not evenuse the
NewKingJamesbecausetheybelieveithasbecomecorrupted. Theywillreadonlythe
1611KJVasthetrulyAuthorizedVersion. WhilesomeofthemmaysecretlyreadtheNIV,
NASV or even the NLTfor clarity of understanding –they do so with fear, guilt and
condemnation. Theyfeelthattheyhaveapostatizedandcompromisedtheirfaith.
Why do some feel so strongly about modern translations? According to James White,
“theKJVwasnotthefirstEnglishtranslation,northelast.Hence,itisperfectlylogicalto
ask,‘WhyshouldIuseitasthestandardbywhichIamtotestallothers?’Yetthereason,
almostalways,isfoundintheequation,‘TheKingJamesBibleAlone=theWordofGod
Alone.’”
152
InAmericatoday,only"FundamentalChurches"andultraconservativeonescontinueto
utilizetheKJVorNKJVintheirservices. MosthavechosentheNIV. Butforthosewho
dousetheKJV–itisa"fightingissue!" WhileIwillnotfightorarguewithanyonewho
chooses to use the KJV or NKJV,Iwouldsuggest that thereare someauthentic issues
thatneedtobehonestlylookedat.Somehavetodowitharchaeologicalfinds.Others
have to do with archaic words and evolution of language. Still others have to do with
exegesis,etc. While thepurposeofthisbookisnottofocusonthe"KingJamesOnly"
controversy,wedoneedtotryandsetemotionsaside,andobjectivelylookatsomeofthe
issuesonthetable.ButwedoneedtoclearlysayupfrontthatthereareGodlypeople
andgoodscholarsonbothsidesofthisissue. Therefore,whateversideofthisissuewe
comedownon,weshouldmakeourstandwithasenseofhumilitybeforeGodandeach
otherasbrothersandsistersinChrist!Attheendoftheday,theimportantthingisthat
EVERYChristiangetsintoGod'sWordinasystematicandunderstandablewaysothey
canbeconformedtotheimageofChrist!
There are some, unfortunately, who not only maintain their right to choose the KJV as
their translation of choice…but who “…believe that God supernaturallyinspiredthe King
152 JamesWhite,TheKingJamesOnlyControversy,Minneapolis,Minnesota:BethanyHousePublishers,1995.P.3.
142
James Version insucha waythatthe Englishtextitselfis inerrant revelation. Basically,
God‘reinspired’theBiblein1611,renderingitintheEnglishlanguage.Asaresult,these
folks go so far as to say that the Greek and Hebrew texts should be changed to fit the
readingsfoundintheKJV!”
153Theybelievethatthe1611KJVwas“newrevelation”from
the Lord – but remember, God may give further illumination but He hasnotandwillnot
sendnewrevelation.
“WhenwelookathowGodledHispeopletorecognizethecanonofScripture,the
listingofthebooksthatwereinspiredoveragainstthosebookswhichwerenot,we
notethatGoddidnotengageinanycelestialfireworksintheprocess.Noangels
showedupwithgoldentabletsmarked‘DivineIndex.’Instead,GodworkedwithHis
peopleovertime,leadingthemtorecognizewhatHehadalreadydonethroughthe
act of inspiration. It took time, and some might wish for a more ‘spectacular’
method,butGoddiditinHisway,inHistime.”
154
Inthesameway,GodchosetoenablethetextoftheBibletobewrittenindifferentforms,
and located in different areas (Alexandrian, Western, Byzantine, and Caesarean). How
didthisactuallyhelptoprotectandpreservethetextoftheBible? “Byhavingthetextof
the New Testament in particular ‘explode’ across the known world, endingup in the far
flungcornersoftheRomanEmpireinarelativelyshortperiodoftime,Godprotectedthat
textfromthe onethingthat wecouldneverdetect: thewholesalechangeofdoctrineor
theologybyoneparticularmanorgroupwhohadfullcontroloverthetextatanyonepoint
initshistory.Yousee,becausetheNewTestamentbookswerewrittenatvarioustimes,
andwerequicklycopiedanddistributedassoonastheywerewritten,therewasnevera
time when any one man, or any group of men, could gather up all the manuscriptsand
makeextensivechangesinthetextitself…”
155
Let’s look at where the KJV fits in the progression through the years. As James White
writes,“…thisIsnotthefirsttimeinhistorythatpeoplehavearguedthataparticulartext,a
particulartranslation,shouldbeusedexclusivelybythosewhowouldbefaithfultoGod.”
156
1. TheHebrewOldTestamentwastranslatedtoGreek,knownastheSeptuagint,and
“…the only translation of the Scriptures the early Christians had ever known
was…theSeptuagint.”
157
2. Intheearlyfifthcentury(400A.D.),theHebrewOldTestamentwastranslatedby
JerometoLatin,knownastheVulgate.Whydidhedothat?Latinhadsuperseded
Greek as the “language of the people” in the West – people were no longer
speaking Greek! Note that he didn’t translate the Septuagint, but his work was
based on the actual Hebrew Old Testament. This caused quite a stir! The
ChristiansweredisturbedathisvariationsfromthestandardSeptuagint.
153 JamesWhite,TheKingJamesOnlyControversy,Minneapolis,Minnesota:BethanyHousePublishers,1995.P.4.
154 Ibid.,p.47.
155 Ibid,pp.4748.
156 Ibid,p.10.
157 Ibid.,p.11.
143
3. 1,100 years later, Jerome’s Latin Vulgate was the most popular translation in
Europe. “BytheearlysixteenthcenturytheVulgatewas‘everyone’sBible.’Itheld
the position in the minds of Christians that the Septuagint had held a millennium
before.”
158
4. Withtheadventoftheabilitytoprintbooks,in1516,DesideriusErasmus,aRoman
Catholic priest and great scholar, published a Greek New Testament. In one
columnwastheGreektext,andintheother,anewLatintranslation. “Notonlywas
he dabbling with the language of heretics, Greek, but he dared ‘change’ the
ecclesiastical text, the Latin Vulgate!...One cannot but note the irony that faced
Erasmus. JustasJerome’sworkhadreceivedcriticismforbeing‘new’or‘radical’
backinthefifthcentury,soErasmuswasberatedinthesamemannerfordaringto
‘change’ Jerome!Whatwasoncenewhadbecometraditional…Andsoweseea
secondtimeinthehistoryofthechurchwhereatranslationoftheBiblebecamethe
‘norm’ after centuries of use. When a new translationappears, a violent reaction
erupts.”159
Interestingly, in Erasmus’ rush to get his translation to print, he actually copied
entirepassagesdirectlyfromtheLatinVulgate.
5. Erasmus’ shocking translation – in the form of the Textus Receptus – ultimately
became thebasis of the New Testament of the King James Version.
Stephanus used Erasmus’ text to publish his four editions. The third one (1522)
was the most “received text” of that day – and in Latin, that is called Textus
Receptus.
6. TheodoreBezausedStephanus’writingasabasisofhisown.Whilehefollowedit
closely,hedidmakesomechangesknownas“conjecturalemendations”–changes
made to the text without any evidence from themanuscripts. For instance, Rev.
16:5 originally read “who artand who wast, OHolyOne.” Beza’schangewas
incorporatedintotheKJV: “OLord,whichart,andwast,andshaltbe.”
7. In 1611, the King James Version was completed, having used a combination of
texts from Erasmus, Beza, and Stephanus. The motive of its editors and
translatorswastoplacetheWordofGodintomorereadablemodernEnglish–just
likeourmoderntranslations.Infact,“foreightyyearsafteritspublicationin1611,
theKingJamesVersionenduredbitterattacks.Itwasdenouncedastheologically
unsoundandecclesiasticallybiased,astrucklingtothekingandundulydeferringto
his belief in witchcraft, as untrue to the Hebrew text and relying too much on the
Septuagint.”
160
158 JamesWhite,TheKingJamesOnlyControversy,Minneapolis,Minnesota:BethanyHousePublishers,1995.P.13.
159 Ibid.p.1617.
160 JohnAnkerbergandJohnWledon,TheFactsonTheKingJamesOnlyDebate,Eugene,OR:HarvestHousePublishers,1996.P.12.
144
Also, “the KJV translators did not utilize just one Greek text when workingonthe
New Testament. Instead, they drew from a variety of sources, but mainly from
Erasmus, Stephanus, and Beza. When these sources diverged, the decision lay
withtheKJVtranslatorsthemselves…
TheTextusReceptusVersustheTextusReceptus
DifferentVersions
Luke2:22theirpurification
Erasmus,Stephanus,MajorityText
herpurification
(Beza,KJV,Complutensian,76andafew
Greekminuscules,Vulgate)
Luke17:36 Erasmus,Stephanus1,2,3,andMajority
Textomitthisverse
Twomenshallbeinthefield;theone
shallbetaken,andtheotherleft
Stephanus4,Beza,KJValongwithCodex
BezaeandtheVulgate
John1:28BethabarabeyondJordan
Erasmus,Stephanus3,4Beza,KJV
BethanybeyondJordan
Stphanus1,2,MajorityText,Papyrus66,
Papyrus75,CodexSinaiticus,Codex
Vaticanus,Vulgate
John16:33
shallhavetribulation
Beza,KJV,CodexBezae,f
1 LakeGroup,f
13
FerrarGroup,Vulgate
havetribulation
Erasmus,MajorityText,Papyrus66
Romans8:11
byHisSpirit
Beza,KJV,CodexSinaiticus,Codex
Alexandrinus,CodexEphraemi
becauseofHisSpirit
Erasmus,Stephanus,MajorityText,Codex
Vaticanus,CodexBezae,Vulgate
Romans12:11
servingtheLord
Erasmus1,Beza,KJV,MajorityText,
Papyrus46,CodexSinaiticus,Codex
Alexandrinus,CodexVaticanus,Vulgate
servingthetime
Erasmus2,3,4,5,Stephanus,Codex
Bezae,CodezHerleianus
ITim.1:4Godlyedifying
Erasmus,Beza,KJV,CodexBezae,Vulgate
dispensationofGod
Sephanus,MajorityText,CodexSinaiticus,
CodexAlexandrinus,CodexHerleianus
Heb.9:1
firsttabernacle
Stephanus,MajorityText,KJVomits
“tabernacle”andregardscovenantas
implied
Omit“tabernacle”
Erasmus,Beza,Luther,Calvin,Papyrus46,
DocexSinaiticus,CodexVaticanus,Codex
Bezae,CodexHerleianus
James2:18
withoutThyworks
Calvin,Beza(last3editions),KJV,Doces
Sinaiticus,CodexAlexandrinus,Codex
Vaticanus,Vulgate
byThyworks
Erasmus,Stephanus,Beza1565,Majority
Text
Themostimportantthingtonotehereisthattherearenovariationsinourtranslationsthat
significantlyimpactdoctrine.
KJV NIV
“Takeheedthereforeuntoyourselves,and
toalltheflock,overthewhichtheHoly
Ghosthathmadeyouoverseers,tofeedthe
churchofGod,whichHehathpurchased
withHisownblood”(Acts20:28).
“Keepwatchoveryourselvesandallthe
flockofwhichtheHolySpirithasmadeyou
overseers.Beshepherdsofthechurchof
God,whichHeboughtwithHisownblood”
(Acts20:28).
145
“In this case the KJV translates the word that literally means ‘to shepherd’ as ‘to feed,’
which,whileacceptable,breaksuptheconnectionbetween‘flock’and‘shepherd’inPaul’s
thought. At the same time, the KJV maintains the longer sentence structure of the
passage,whiletheNIVsimplifiesitbybreakingitintotwosentences,whichmightcausea
persontomissthefactthat inPaul’sspeechtotheEphesianelders,shepherdingGod’s
flock was the purpose for which the elders had been appointed to theiroffice.Neither
translationis‘wrong,’theyaresimplydifferentincertainaspects.Bycomparison
of the two one has a better idea of what Paul said than would a person relying
solelyononetranslationortheother.”161
Some people may feel very uncomfortable with modern versions of the Bible, because
they have been told that certain words, phrases, and even verses in the KJV are
“omitted”…”deleted”…”leftout”ofthenewertranslations.Inotherwords,didtheNIV(for
example) translators deliberately or even accidentally “forget” certain passages or text?
No – but where they found that copyists or scribes had repeated or inserted a phrase
found elsewhere in Scripture, they carefully checked several manuscripts to see if they
wereconsistentwithoneanother.Hereareafewexamples
162
:
KJV NIV Background
“Andknewhernottillshehad
broughtforthherfirstbornson;
andhecalledHisnameJESUS”
(Matt.1:25).
“Buthehadnounionwithher
untilshegavebirthtoason.
AndhegaveHimthename
Jesus”(Matt.1:25).
“Firstborn”borrowedfromLuke
2:7: “andshegavebirthtoher
firstborn,ason.”
“And,behold,theycriedout,
saying,‘Whathavewetodo
withThee,Jesus,ThouSonof
God?ArtThoucomehitherto
tormentusbeforethetime?’”
(Matt.8:29).
“‘WhatdoYouwantwithus,
SonofGod?’theyshouted.
‘HaveYoucomeheretotorture
usbeforetheappointedtime?’”
(Matt.8:29).
“Jesus”isborrowedfromthe
similarpassageinMark1:24:
“WhatdoYouwantwithus,
JesusofNazareth?HaveYou
cometodestroyus?”
“Sothelastshallbefirst,and
thefirstlast: formanybe
called,butfewchosen”(Matt.
20:16).
“Sothelastwillbefirst,and
thefirstwillbelast”(Matt.
20:16).
PhraseisborrowedfromMatthew
22:14:“Formanyareinvited,
butfewarechosen.”
“Watchtherefore,foryeknow
neitherthedaynorthehour
whereintheSonofman
cometh”(Matt.25:13).
“Thereforekeepwatch,
becauseyoudonotknowthe
dayorthehour”(Matt.25:13).
PhraseisfoundinMatt.24:44:
“becausetheSonofManwill
comeatanhourwhenyoudo
notexpectHim.”
161 JamesWhite,TheKingJamesOnlyControversy,Minneapolis,Minnesota:BethanyHousePublishers,1995,pp.129130.
162 Ibid.,pp.157158.
146
“AndtheycrucifiedHim,and
partedHisgarments,casting
lots: thatitmightbefulfilled
whichwasspokenbythe
prophet,Theypartedmy
garmentsamongthem,and
uponmyvesturedidtheycast
lots”(Matt.27:35).
“WhentheyhadcrucifiedHim,
theydividedupHisclothesby
castinglots”(Matt.27:35).
Quotationborrowedfromparallel
passageinJohn19:24: “This
happenedthatthescripture
mightbefulfilledwhichsaid,
‘Theydividedmygarments
amongthemandcastlotsfor
myclothing.’”
“…we have here [Matt. 1:25] another example of parallel influence that caused a
scribe, undoubtedly zealous for orthodox doctrine, to insert the term “firstborn”
here so as to protect a sacred truth and bring this passage into line with Luke’s
account.Moderntranslations,farfromseekingtodenigratesuchdivinetruths,are
simplyseekingtogiveuswhatwaswrittenbytheoriginalauthors.”
Thismayhelpyouunderstandreasonstherearevariancesinthemoderntranslations.It
isnotthepurposeofthisbooktopainstakinglydetailallthescholarlyresearchthroughout
Christian history. There are many resources available – and every Christian can be
enrichedbyastudyofChristianhistory.Pleaseprayerfullyconsiderthequotationsbelow:
• Intheend,thetruthofRomans8:28willremain...theendresultofdivisionslikethe
KJOcontroversywillbetospurChristianswholoveGodtoafairandhoneststudyof
the issues. This will result in an understanding of God’s Word that honors God,
upholds the trustworthiness of Scripture, and recognizes the importance of the facts
surroundingtheoriginandinspiration,text,transmissionandtranslationoftheBible.
163
• Let’s be grateful for what we do have. Both KJO [King James only] promoters and
thosewhousemoderntranslationshavebeenmorethanblessedbyGodasfarasHis
Wordisconcerned.TheyareprivilegedtohavetheWordofGodmorecompletethan
the vast majority of God’s people throughout history…Christians of today are
immeasurably richer – not only to have the King James translation, but to also have
reliable modern versions.All believers should give thanks for the great wealth
they do haverather than bickering over relatively minor differences among
translations. If you are a Christian who uses the King James Version – if you
understandwhatyoureadandarecomfortablewithit–thenbyallmeanscontinueto
useit.IfyouareaChristianwhousesagoodmoderntranslation,youshouldalsofeel
freetocontinuetouseit.
164
163 JohnAnkerbergandJohnWledon,TheFactsonTheKingJamesOnlyDebate,Eugene,OR:HarvestHousePublishers,1996.P.40.
164 Ibid,p.42.
147
AppendixV
DATESOFTHENEWTESTAMENTDOCUMENTS
“...in assessingthe trustworthiness of ancient historical writings, oneof the most
important questions is: ‘How soon after the events took place were they
recorded?’”(48,p.14).Ifthetimelapsewastoogreat–therewouldbealargermargin
for error. Let’s look atthedates that the N.T. books and letters were written– and
comparethosedateswiththeonesIhavelistedontheprecedingpages.
EARLYDATE(Conservative)
165LATEDATE(Liberal)
166
Gospels
EarlyDate LateDate
Markc.5565 c.64 70
Lukec.60– 70 c.70 90
Matthewc.60– 70 c.80100
Johnc.80–100 c.90110
PaulineEpistles
Writtenfrom:
Galatiansc.48or58 c.56 Ephesus
I&IIThessaloniansc.50 c.55–56
(I)Ephesus
(II)Macedonia
Philippiansc.(deliveredbyTychicus) c.80–100 Rome
I&IICorinthiansc.54–56(deliveredbyTitus) c.50 Corinth(2
nd journey)
Romansc.57 c.56–58 RomeorEphesus
Ephesiansc.60 c.55–56
Corinth(duringlast3
monthstay)
Colossiansc.60(deliveredbyEpaphras) c.56–60 Rome
Philemonc.60 c.56–60 Rome
Titusc.63–64 c.100–110 PossiblyRome
I&IITimothyc.63–64 c.100–110 PossiblyRome
General
Actsc.6070 c.80– 90
I&IIPeterc.62 c.90– 95
Jamesc.75 c.70–100
Hebrewsc.68 c.80– 90
Judec.70 c.95
I,II,IIIJohnc.85 c.90–110
Revelationc.90 c.90110
165 F.F.Bruce,Rylands,ProfessorofBiblicalCriticismandExegesisattheUniversityofManchester,England.
166 W.G.Kummel,ProfessorofNewTestament,UniversityofMarburg,Germany.IfhisdatesarecorrectthenmuchoftheN.T.wasnot
writtenbycontemporaryeyewitnessesoftheeventstheyrecordbutreflecttheviewsofthelaterchurch.
148
AppendixVI
BIBLICALTIMELINE
Biblical historians have tried to determine the dates for the creation of the world by
countingbackwardfromthebirthofAbraham,whichtheyestimateas1995B.C.Withthe
detailed information that the Bible provides in the genealogies (in Genesis 111, 1,946
yearsareaccountedfor!),historiansareabletoplacethecreationofAdaminabout3941
B.C. How then do we explain where Biblical dates and nonbiblical chronologies differ?
For instance, archaeologists date the ruins of a tower in the town of Jericho to at least
7000B.C.–morethan3,000yearsbeforeAdam!Inancienttimes,differentnationsused
different systems of dating. And even ancient versions of Genesis differ in the ages
providedforthepatriarchs.
Text YearsfromAdamtothebirthofAbraham
HebrewBible 1,946
SamaritanPentateuch 2,247
GreekSeptuagint 3,312
Since the early 1600’s, when Archbishop James Ussher
167 determined the sum of the
ages of all the patriarchs, the King James Version of the Bible has indicatedas margin
notes,notBibletext:
Dateofcreation 4004B.C.
TheFlood 2348B.C.
Abraham’sbirth 1996B.C.
MuchoftheinformationonthistimelinepriortoAbrahamisstillbeingstudiedbyscholars
–uncertainandnotabletobeverified. Butwearesimplyconcernedherewithlookingat
whatwashappeningintheworldwhiletheBiblicaleventsweretakingplace. Pleasebear
inmindthatnotimelineisperfectlyaccurate,asthisonecertainlydoesnotclaimtobe!
TherearehundredsofwonderfulChristiansandscholarswhowouldofferverygooddata
and reasons why this chart might be contested or altered atcertain points. But onthe
broadoutline,therewouldbebasicagreement. Weareonlytryingtoshowbroadgeneral
representationsofwhatwashappeningintheworldatroughlythetimeofBiblicalevents.
Ifwewaituntilwehaveperfectinformation,withwhicheveryoneisinperfectagreement–
theLordwillprobablyhavereturned!
Whereyouseeadateprecededbytheletter“c”itmeansthatdateisapproximate.B.C.
standsfor“BeforeChrist”.A.D.standsforAnnoDomini–whichisLatinfor“Yearofthe
Lord”. InnonChristianwritings,youwillfrequentlyseeB.C.E.orC.E.insteadofB.C.or
A.D.Theystandfor“BeforeCommonEra”or“CommonEra”respectively. Why?Many
other religions – as well as Jewish people whodo notbelieve that theMessiahhas yet
come–feeltheuseofB.C.andA.D.implytheirbeliefinandacceptanceofChrist.
167 UssherwasArchbishopofArmagh,PrimateofAllIreland,andViceChancellorofTrinityCollegeinDublin
2,008yearsfromAdamtoAbraham
149
DATE
B.C. BIBLICALEVENTS GLOBAL/HISTORICALEVENTS
c.4000 c.4000Creation–AdamandEveplacedin
theGardenofEden(somesourcesstate
3941)
c.3880CainmurdersAbel
3700Wheelinvented
*Mesopotamia:Sumeriancivilization;
cuneiformwriting
c.3000 c.2500–2285Evilincreases
c.2285TheFlood–Noah
c.2284Thearkcomestorestona
mountainontheAraratrange,after1year
and10days
c.3000Worldpopulation100million
*Egypt:Nilevalleycivilization;hieroglyphic
writing;firstpyramidbuilt2670;papyrus
formedandSphinxbuilt25502500
*China:Conceptofyinandyangdeveloped,
herbalmedicineandacupuncturearefirst
used,silkwormsarefirstcultivated
c.2000 c.2160TowerofBabel(Babylon)
c.2000Abraham
*BronzeAge
*Egypt:OldKingdom
*No.America:earlyInuitsociety
*Greece:Indoorbathroomplumbing
*Britain:Stonehengebuilt
c.1900 c.1950AbramandSarai(Genesis17:8)
c.1800 1896AbrambecomesAbraham;Sodom
andGomorrahdestroyed
1882GodcommandsAbrahamtosacrifice
Isaac
c.1835JacobandEsauareborntoIsaac
andRebekah;Esausellshisbirthrightto
Jacobforabowlofbeans(1805)
c.1700 1763Jacobwrestleswithanangel,and
GodchangeshisnametoIsrael
1727Joseph,at17,issoldintoslaveryin
Egypt
*Egypt:AgeofPharaohs
*Mesopotamia:EpicofGilgameshwritten(c.
1750);detailedastronomicalobservation
begins
*Crete:Minoancivilization
150
c.1600
c.1500
c.1400 *China:Shangdynasty(c.14801050)
c.1300 1355Mosesisborn
1321Joshuaisborn
1315MoseskillsanEgyptianandflees
intotheSinaiDesert
*Egypt:Atonthesungodisworshiped;
c.1370Nerfertitimarriesherbrother;
c.1360Tutankhamen(KingTut)reignsas
boyking;
c.1320–1237RamesesIandIIrule
c.1200 1276Mosesseesaburningbush,and
MosesandAaronarecommissionedto
leadtheIsraelitesoutofslavery
1275GodinflictstheTenPlagueson
Egypt;IsraeliteseatthefirstPassover
mealanddepartthenextday;three
monthsaftertheExodus,theyarriveatMt.
Sinai,whereGodgaveMosestheTen
Commandments
1273IsraelitesarriveatKadeshBarnea,
butareafraidtoenterCanaan
1235Balaam,aMesopotamianprophet,is
rebukedbyhisdonkey
1234 Joshua leads the Israelites invading
Canaan; Israelite males circumcised; the
wallsofJerichofall
1210Joshuadies
c.1100 1196EglonofMoabtakesJericho
1178EhudassassinatesobeseEglon
1156Deborah,thejudge,defeatsJabin
1140GideondefeatsMidianites
c.11201115Ruth,aMoabitewidow,
accompaniesherwidowedmotherinlaw
backtoIsrael,andmarriesBoaz–sheis
*RiseofIndia'scivilizations
* Egypt: Rameses III battles an invasion of
the “Sea Peoples”, who settle in southern
CanaanandbecomeknownasPhilistines
151
KingDavid’sgreatgrandmother
1105Abimelech(Gideon’sson)triesto
makehimselfkingofIsrael,andreignsfor
3years
c.1000 1086SamuelisborntoHannah,andis
raisedbyEliatthesanctuary
1045Samsondiesbypullingdowna
templeonhimselfandaPhilistinecrowd
c.10251004Saul,kingofIsrael
1016DavidisanointedbySamuel
1015DavidkillsGoliath
1004Saulcommitssuicidetoavoid
capturebythePhilistines;hisson
Jonathanslain
1004–965Davidreigns
*Greece:TrojanWar
*China:Choudynasty
*Babylon:NebuchadnezzarI
*Italy:AsiantribesinvadeItaly
The use of iron toolsand weapons spreads
from the Middle East to the Mediterranean
region.
*CentralAmerica:foundingofMayan
dynasties
*China:Refrigerationisdevelopedusing
blockicecutinwinterandstored
c. 900 991Davidcommitsadulterywith
Bathsheba,andhasherhusbandkilledin
battle
989SolomonisborntoDavidand
Bathsheba
978David’ssonAbsalomleadsarebellion
againstDavid;Absalomiskilledin976.
AfterDavid’sdeathin965,Solomonreigns
926Solomondies,andhissonRehoboam
iscrownedking
924PharoahShishakinvadesandstrips
theTemple
* Greece: Temple of Hera built at Olympia
(975)
*NorthAfrica:foundingofCarthageby
Phoenicians
c. 800 870KingAhabmarriesJezebel,adevoted
Baalworshiper
862ElijahchallengesallofBaal’s
prophetstoacontestonMt.Carmel–they
aredefeatedandexecuted;Jezebel
swearstokillElijah,andheflees
*Greece:firstOlympicGames;Homeric
epicsTheIliadandTheOdyssey
*Phoenicia:Ethbaal,Jezebel’sfather,is
kingofTyreandSidon(873–842)
152
861ElijahappointsElishahissuccessor
asprophet
850Elijahistakentoheavenina
whirlwind
846ElishahealsNaaman’sleprosy
c. 700 757KingUzziahenterstheholyareaofthe
temple,andisafflictedwithleprosyasa
punishment
742IsaiahseesavisionofGodinthe
Temple
c.740HoseamarriesGomer
734Isaiahdeclares,“Beholdavirginshall
conceiveandbearason”
722FallofSamaria
775Greekscriptdevelops
772AsiaMinor:WorkbeginsontheTemple
ofArtemisatEphesus,oneoftheseven
wondersoftheancientworld
763:(June15
th
)Eclipseofthesunvisiblein
Mesopotamia
*Italy:foundingofRome.Theprincipal
Romandatingsystembeginsfrom753.
731721BabylonunderAssyrianrule
*China:Pekingisbegunasasettlement
*Egypt:(712663)DominatedbyEthiopian
rulers
c. 600 698Hezekiahcutsa1,777fttunnel
throughsolidrockfrominsidethewallsto
aspringoutside,tosecurewaterfor
Jerusalem
621HilkiahfindsthebookoftheLawof
Moses(probablyDeuteronomy,newlyput
intowriting)intheTemple
609EgypttakescontrolofPalestine
(Jewishindependencelostformorethan
fourcenturies)
*Persia:Zoroaster
*Greece:Aesop'sFables;Sappho;lawsof
Solon. 621DracoauthorsGreeks’first
writtenlaws,whichare“draconian”intheir
severity.
689SennacheribdestroysBabylon
626Babylongainsindependencefrom
Assyria,anddominatesMesopotamia.It
destroysNineveh,andtheAssyrianempire
isdestroyed.(605–562)NebuchadnezzarII
*Egypt:(609–593)PharaohNechoII
*China:Laotsu,thefounderofTaoism,
lives(604–531)
153
c. 500 597BabyloniansconquerJudah,destroy
Temple,deportpeopletoBabylon
594DanielinterpretsNebuchadnezzar’s
dream
586FallofJerusalem
539Danielinterpretsthehandwritingon
thewallatBelshazzar’sfeast
538CyrusallowsIsraelitestoreturnto
Jerusalem;JudahaPersianprovince
521HaggaiandZechariahbeginto
prophecy,callingfortheTempletobe
built
516ThebuildingoftheTempleis
complete
575Babylon:Nebuchadnezzarbuildsthe
HangingGardens,oneofthesevenwonders
oftheancientworld
568NebuchadnezzarofBabyloninvades
Egypt
*India:SiddharthaGautama(theBuddha,
“theenlightenedone”)lives563483
*AsiaMinor:KingCroesusofLydiainvents
metalcoinage–anofficialmarkorimage
stampedonapieceofpreciousmetalofa
specificweight(555)
*China:Confucius(K’ungFutsu)lives(c.
551479)
*Greece:Archaicperiod
*India:GautamaBuddhaexperiences
enlightenmentafter5yearsofasceticism
andfoundsBuddhism(528)
*Persia:Dariushasa125milelongcanal
dugbetweentheNileandtheGulfofSuez,
openingtravelbetweentheMediterranean
andtheRedSea.
c. 400 480EstherbecomesQueenofPersia
474EstherexposesHaman’splantokill
alltheJews,andthekingpermitsthe
JewstodestroytheirenemiesinPersia.
(FeastofPurim)
458EzrasenttoJudah,urgingradical
religiousreform
444Nehemiah,butlertoArtaxerxesIof
Persia,isallowedtorebuildthewallsof
Jerusalem
443Nehemiahreappointedgovernorof
Judah,enforcingtithing,theSabbath,and
banningmarriagetononJews
400BookofJobwritten
*Greece:PersianWars;ClassicalAge;
Socrates,Plato,Euripides,etc.
*Greece:SophoclesandAeschylusare
leadingplaywrights.Periclesrisestopower
inAthens(461).TheParthenontempleto
AthenaisbuiltinAthens(447432).The
PeloponnesianWarbetweenAthensand
SpartaendswhenAthenssurrenders(431
404).
154
c. 300 397ProphecyofMalachi
380TheprophetJoelforeseesatimeof
restorationforJudah,inatimeoflocust
plague.
332AlexandertheGreatconquers
Palestine
331SamariarebelsagainstAlexanderand
is destroyed. Samaria is refounded as a
Greekmilitarycolony.
323–198AfterAlexander’sdeath,
PalestineiscontrolledbyPtolemy,
governorofEgypt.Itisbrieflyruledby
Antigonus,thenPtolemyregainedcontrol,
anditremainedunderEgyptianrulefor
thenextcentury.
399Greece:Socratesthephilosopheris
executedinAthensforundermining
traditionalGreekvalues.
397–347Greece:Platoisactiveasa
philosopherinAthens,andin387foundsa
philosophicalschoolknownasthe
Academy.
371–289China:Mencius(Mengtzu),a
teacherofConfucius’doctrines,lives.
335Greece:Aristotlefoundsa
philosophicalschoolnearAthens.
333AlexandertheGreatconquersPersian
Empire;Hellenizationbegins
*RiseofRomanRepublic.In350Roman
armiesdevelopthebattletacticsofthe
Romanlegion.
323 Ptolemy,oneofAlexander’sgenerals,
becomesgovernorofEgypt.
322Greece: AristotlediesinAthens.
312Greece:Zeno,aPhoenician
philosopher,comestoAthensandfounds
theStoicschoolofphilosophy.
312 Rome:Engineersbeginbuildingthe
AppianWay,aRomanhighway.
300France:TheParisitribefoundsasmall
fishingvillagecalledLuteceonanislandin
theSeineRiver–theoriginofthecityof
Paris.
c. 200 285246Septuaginttranslatedin
Alexandria.Thistranslationbecamethe
BibleofGreekspeakingJewsandlaterof
earlyChristians.
*RomeconquersCarthage,Greece,and
AsiaMinor
294Egypt:TheLibraryandMuseumat
Alexandriaareestablished.
270–232India:Asokabecomesemperor
andmakesBuddhismthestatereligion.
264Rome:Mortalcombatbetween
gladiatorsisdisplayedforthefirsttimein
Rome.
155
221China:Thecountryisunifiedunderthe
Ch’indynasty,foundedbyShiHuangti.
218–201Rome:TheCarthaginiangeneral
HannibalcrossestheAlpsbeforebeing
stopped.
214China:ShiHuangtibeginsconstruction
oftheGreatWalltoblockMongoltribes.
213China:ShiHuangtiordersConfucian
classicsburned.
202BC–AD220China:Handynasty
c. 100 198AntiochusIIIofSyriatakesPalestine.
Jewishgoverningclassesaredividedinto
proEgyptianandproSyrianfactions.
174JerusalemisrenamedAntiochat
JerusalemandgivenaGreekcity
governmentandGreekschool
(gymnasion).
167AntiochusIVbansobediencetothe
JewishLaw.HedevotestheTemplein
JerusalemtoOlympianZeus,andburns
copiesoftheTorah.ManyJewsdierather
thanbreaktheirancestrallaws.
167–142TheMaccabeanRevoltseeks
JewishindependencefromtheSeleucids
(heirsofAlexander).
164JudasMaccabeus’forcesrecapture
theTempleandbegintopurifyitfor
rededication.AntiochusVrescindshis
father’sprohibitionoftheJewishLaw.
163AnewSyrianarmyequippedwithwar
elephantsattacksanddefeatstheJewish
forces.TheSyriansrecapturetheTemple
anddestroyitsfortifications.
140AfactionofdevoutHasideansisso
scandalizedbytheappointmentofthe
highpriesttheyfoundamonasteryat
QumranneartheDeadSea.Theyarewell
knownastheEssenesect,especially
throughthediscoveryoftheDeadSea
Scrolls.
185India:TheMauryaempirefalls.
Hinduismexpandsagain.
179Rome:Thefirststonebridgeisbuiltin
thecity.
170Rome:Streetsarepaved.
169168Egypt:AntiochusIVinvades
Egypt,butaRomanultimatumforceshimto
withdraw.
146Greece:RomanarmiesdestroyCorinth.
136China:TheemperorWuTifoundsa
statereligionofConfucianism.
124China:WuTibeginsauniversityfor
Confucianstudiesandexaminationsforall
civilservants.Thesecontinueuntil1905.
116107Egypt:PtolemyIXwithCleopatraIII
107–101Egypt:PtolemyXAlexanderwith
CleopatraIII
102Italy:JuliusCaesarisborn.
101–88Egypt:PtolemyXwithCleopatra
Berenice
100China:ShipsfromChinareachIndiafor
thefirsttime
156
AnotherfactionoftheHasideanswhoare
moreinterestedinteachingthelaw
reconcilethemselvestotheappointed
HighPriest–andbecomethePharisees.
134RomerenewsitstreatywiththeJews.
107SomeofthePharisees,whomthe
HighPriesthadsupported,urgehimto
giveupthehighpriesthood.Herejects
thePhariseesandsupportsthemore
aristocraticsectoftheSadducees.
c. 50 94–88ThePhariseesleadasixyearcivil
war against the High Priest and self
proclaimed king, Alexander Jannaeus.
50,000 Jews are killed. After the revolt,
800 of the leaders (mostly Pharisees) are
forcedtowatchtheirfamiliesbeingkilled,
andthentheywerecrucified.
76 – 68 Under the reign of the queen,
Salome Alexandra, the Phariseesexercise
greatpoliticalpower.Thenobilityandthe
Sadducees resent the power of the
Pharisees.
72 Herod is born to Antipater, apowerful
Idumean Jew, whose father had been
forciblyconvertedtoJudaism.
63TheRomangeneralPompeyisasked
bytwoHasmoneansstrugglingforpower
toassistthemeachinclaimingtheoffice
ofHighPriest.Atthesametime,a
delegationoftheJewishpeopleask
Pompeytooverthrowbothofthem–and
restorethehistoricgovernmentofpriests.
PompeyvisitsJerusalem,capturesthe
Temple,andenterstheHolyofHolies.
HundredsofJewsaresentasslavesto
Rome.JudeabecomessubjecttoRome.
50ThePhariseesinterpretPompey’s
conquestasGod’spunishment,and
anticipatethecomingoftheMessiah,a
kingwhowillrestoreIsraelandruleall
nations.
90 Rome: Vitruvius publishes his work On
Architecture
64 – 63 Syria: The Roman general Pompey
conquers Syria and Palestine, ending the
Seleucidempire.
63Rome:Ciceroisconsul;JuliusCaesaris
PontifexMaximus(chiefpriest).
60 Rome: Julius Caesar, Pompey, and M.
Crassus form the first Triumvirate to share
powerovertheempire.
58–51Europe:JuliusCaesarconquers
Gaul.
157
c. 40 4847JuliusCaesarconfirmstheHigh
Priest,andAntipater,Herod’sfather,as
chiefadministratorofJudea.Antipater
appointshissonHerodasgovernorof
Galilee.
4241Afterhisfatherisassassinated,
HerodgiveshisallegiancetoMarkAntony
andisappointedaregionalgovernor.
40HerodgoestoRome,andtheSenate
appointshimkingoftheJews,buthe
mostoverthrowAntigonus,highpriest
andking.
49Italy:CivilwarbeginsasJuliusCaesar
invadesItalyagainsttheforcesofPompey
48Greece:CaesardefeatsPompeyat
Pharsalus.
48Egypt: Pompeyismurdered.Julius
CaesarinvadesEgypt,defeatsPtolemyXIII,
andinstallsCleopatraVIIandherbrother
PtolemyXIVasEgyptianrulers.
44Rome:JuliusCaesarisproclaimed
dictatorforlife,butisassassinatedina
conspiracyledbyC.CassiusandM.Brutus.
Octavian,JuliusCaesar’snephewand
adoptedson,arrivesinRome.
42Rome:JuliusCaesariscountedasagod
ofthestate.Octavianisstyled“sonofgod.”
c. 30 3937Herod,supportedbyRomantroops,
landsinPalestineandgraduallyconquers
theland.Jerusalemfallsafterabloody
siege.
3734At35yearsold,Herod“theGreat”is
kingoftheJews,andexecutesmanywho
hadopposedhim.Hechangeshigh
priestsrepeatedlythroughouthisreign.
30AfterOctaviandefeatsMarkAntonyand
Cleopatra,Herodlayshiscrownbeforethe
victor,andOctavianconfirmshimasking
oftheJews.
31 Greece: Octavian defeats Antony and
CleopatrainthebattleofActium.
30 Egypt: Antony and Cleopatra commit
suicideinAlexandria.
c. 20 25Herodbuildsatheaterand
amphitheaterforJerusalem.He
inauguratesRomanstylefestivalgamesin
honorofAugustus.
27Rome:Octavianisofficiallygiventhe
titleAugustus(ReveredOne)
25BC–AD14Rome:Augustus’building
projectsinRometransformitfromacityof
bricktoacityofmarble.
c. 10 13–4Herod’sfamilyfallsintomurderous
intriguesoverthesuccession.Herod
descendsintosicknessandmadness.
15Europe:Romanconquestsreachthe
DanubeRiver
158
c. 1 8 MaryandJosepharebetrothed.The
angelGabrielvisitsZechariah,apious
elderlypriest,andpromisesthathiswife
Elizabethwillbearasonwhosenamewill
beJohn.
7 HerodhashistwosonsAlexanderand
Aristobulusexecutedfortreason.
7 TheangelGabrielappearstoMaryin
NazarethofGalileetoannouncethatshe
willbearasontobenamedJesus.
7MaryvisitsElizabeth,andstaysuntil
timeforElizabethtobearherchild.
7Maryreturnshome.WhenJoseph
learnsthatsheispregnant,he
contemplatesendingtheirbetrothal,but
heistoldinadreamtotakeheraswife
becauseherchildis“oftheHolySpirit.”
6MaryandJosephcometoBethlehem
fortaxregistration,butfindnoplaceto
stay.
6JesusisborninastableinBethlehem.
7 Bethlehem:AconjunctionofSaturnand
Jupitermakesabrilliant“star”inthesky.
Somehavespeculatedthatthisconjunction
maybetheStarofBethlehem.
1 Worldpopulationisabout250million
PerhapsthishelpsyoubetterunderstandnotonlythetimelineofBiblicalevents,butthe
intrigueatthetimeofJesus’birth!WhenyouunderstandtheheavyRomanhandonthe
area, and the hopes of the Pharisees and the Jewish people for a Messiahwho would
assume political power – perhaps you can sadly grasp their dismissal of the “suffering
Servant”!
You may notice that other world religions are indicated, whileIslamis notonthischart.
ThisisbecauseMuhammadtheProphetlivedin570632AD.Islamistheyoungestofthe
verylargereligions(althoughtheirbeliefisthattheirpreceptsgobacktocreation),having
beenfoundedin622AD.
Sources:
Halley’sBibleHandbook
TheBibleTimelinebyThomasRobinson,Nashville:ThomasNelsonPublishers,1992.Notethat
thisresourceutilizesmaterialfromApocryphalaswellasBiblicalandhistoricinformation(i.e.1,2
and3Maccabees)
www.historychannel.com
Information on Islam, Hinduism, Confucianism, and Buddhism confirmed by information on
www.religioustolerance.org
UnitedMethodistWomeninMissionwebsite:http://gbgmumc.org/umw/bible/timebce.stm
159
AppendixVII
NewTestamentReferencestoOldTestamentEvents
168
OldTestamentEvent NewTestamentReference
1.Creationoftheuniverse(Gen.1) John1:3;Col.1:16
2. CreationofAdamandEve(Gen.12) ITim.2:13,14
3.MarriageofAdamandEve(Gen.12) ITim.2:13
4.Temptationofthewoman(Gen.3) ITim.2:14
5. DisobedienceandsinofAdam(Gen.3) Rom.5:12;ICor.15:22
6.SacrificesofAbelandCain(Gen.4) Heb.11:4
7.MurderofAbelbyCain(Gen.4) IJohn3:12
8.BirthofSeth(Gen.4) Luke3:38
9.TranslationofEnoch(Gen.5) Heb.11:5
10.MarriagebeforetheFlood(Gen.6) Luke17:27
11.TheFloodanddestructionofman(Gen.7) Matt.24:39
12.PreservationofNoahandhisfamily(Gen.89) IIPet.2:5
13.GenealogyofShem(Gen.10) Luke3:3536
14.BirthofAbraham(Gen.1213) Luke3:34
15.CallofAbraham(Gen.1213) Heb.11:8
16.TithestoMelchizedek(Gen.14) Heb.7:13
17.JustificationofAbraham(Gen.15) Rom.4:3
18.Ishmael(Gen.16) Gal.4:2124
19.PromiseofIsaac(Gen.17) Heb.11:18
20.LotandSodom(Gen.1819) Luke17:29
21.BirthofIsaac(Gen.21) Acts7:910
22.OfferingofIsaac(Gen.22) Heb.11:17
23. Theburningbush(Ex.3:6) Luke20:32
24.ExodusthroughtheRedSea(Ex.14:22) ICor.10:12
25.Provisionofwaterandmanna(Ex.16:4;17:6) ICor.10:35
26.Liftingupserpentinwilderness(Num.21:9) John3:14
27.FallofJericho(Josh.6:2225) Heb.11:30
28.MiraclesofElijah(IKings17:1;18:1) James5:17
29.Jonahinthegreatfish(Jon.2) Matt.12:40
30.ThreeHebrewyouthsinfurnace(Dan.3) Heb.11:34
31.Danielinlion’sden(Dan.6) Heb.11:33
32. SlayingofZechariah(IIChr.24:2022) Matt.23:35
168 JoshMcDowell,TheNewEvidencethatDemandsaVerdict,Nashville:ThomasNelsonPublishers,1999,p.116.
160
AppendixVIII
TheErroroftheDocumentaryHypothesis
Archaeology, as I have previously pointed out, is an exciting science for the world of
biblicalstudies.Asyoungasitstillisasascientificdiscipline,ithasstillcastmuchlight
uponthebackgroundoftheBible,andconfirmedmuchofBiblehistory.Tragically,many
people are not aware of the results of archaeological excavations.Many theological
theoriesandfalsebeliefswouldhavetobesetasideifmorepeoplewouldconsider
theevidencebeforetheysetforththeirhypothesis.
Thehistoryoftheology–especiallythetheologyofthelasthundredyearsorso–reveals
thatthereisahighmortalityratefortheologicaltheoriesthathavebeenbasedmoreupon
presuppositionsthanuponevidence.Thesubjectofthischapterisonesuchtheological
theory.Tragically,ithasnotbeensetaside–butpersistsinitspopularityinspiteofthe
overwhelming,evidencethatdisprovesit!Itisvariouslyreferredtoasthe"Documentary
Theory"orthe"GrafWeahausenTheory"orthe"JEDPTheory."
Variations of this theory have been with us for over a hundred years now – and its
influenceisverycurrentandcontemporary.Itisstilltaughttodayas"fact"inalmostevery
college,university,graduateschoolandseminaryclassroom.Itwastaughttomeinboth
a Methodist College andSeminary. Mostofthe students Iwork with still confront some
formofthetheoryintheclassroomeveryyearinbasicOldTestamentCourses.Andyet,
the evidence does not support the theory!It is based far more upon the anti
supernatural presuppositions of its proponents than upon fact.The evidence of
archaeology does not support the theory at all– and yet it is still being taught as
though it is beyond question, and represents “the consensus of scholarly research and
opinion”. However,toparaphraseBishopRobinson,itisreallybaseduponthe“tyrannyof
unexamined assumptions!” (see page 149). It seems that once a theory/hypothesis is
printed up in a textbook and popularized through repetition in the classroom it soon
evolvesuptheacademicscalefromhypothesistofact!AsJoshMcDowellsaid: “What
beginsasavery tentativeguessbecomesbyrepetitionanassumedfactandrepresents
‘theconsensusofscholarlyopinion’” (68,p.v).
A proper study of this theory and its many variations and modifications would fill many
long,tediouschapters.Iwilltherefore,onlyseektogiveyouaverybasicoverviewofthe
theory.Ihopeyouwillcometorealizethefallaciesanddangersinthistheory–andthat
it isjustthat–theoryandnotfact! Letmethenbeginwithaverybriefsummaryofthe
historyofthetheory.
ABriefHistoryoftheTheory
• In the early part of the 18th century a Protestant priest, H. B. Witter, asserted that
there were 2 parallel accounts of creation (Gen. 1:12:4; 2:S3:24) – and these
accountsweredistinguishablebytheuseofdifferentdivinenames.Hewasthefirst,
1
161
insofarasitisknown,tosuggestthedivinenamesasacriteriafordistinguishingthe
differentdocuments;
• HistheorywaspickedupandexpandedbyaFrenchphysician,JeanAstruc.Healso
believedthatthedifferentdocumentsinGenesisweredistinguishablebythedifferent
divinenames–buthealsopointedtorepetitionofevents(creation,floodstories,etc.)
asproofofdifferentdocuments.However,hestillbelievedMoseswasthecompilerof
thedocuments.Theseweretheearliestformsofthe"DocumentaryHypothesis";
• ThetheoryofAstrucwasintroducedintoGermanybyJ.C.Eichhorn.Headdedthat
literarystyle(diversityinstyle,words,etc.),shouldalsobeafactorindiscerningthe
variousdocuments;
• Many others followed with their own variation of this theory: A Scottish Roman
Catholic priest, A. Geddes, in 1800; in 1802 aGermannamed Johann Vater further
developed Geddes’ theory. These were called the “Fragmentary Hypothesis”. In
1853,HermanHupfieldcameupwitha"ModifiedDocumentaryTheory". Hesaidthere
were4basicdocumentsdiscernableinthePentateuch:P,E,J,D–andinthatorder;
• Inthe1860'sKarlH.GrafrevisedHupfield'sordertoJ,E,D,P.Itwasthenpickedup
andpopularizedinEurope(andlaterAmerica)byJuliusWellhausen(18441918),who
had finished his variation of the hypothesis by 1895. Because of his role in
popularizingthetheory,Wellhausenhaswonaplaceinbiblicalstudiescomparableto
theplaceheldbyDarwininthefieldofbiology!
AlloftheaboveinformationwasgleanedfromE.J.Young'sbook,AnIntroductiontothe
OldTestament,WilliamB.Eerdmans,GrandRapids,MI,1963,pp.125164.
ASynopsisoftheTheory
Wellhausen'stheoryisbasedlargelyontwobasicassumptions:
1. That a literary analysis of the Pentateuch reveals four basic documents (called
"J,E,D,P")andthusatleastthatmanyormorewritersorcompilers;
2. The Religion of Israel evolved from animism into monotheism. According to the
theory, Israel's history was divided into 3periods thatreflect anevolution in their
religiousbeliefs:
A. Prepropheticperiod;
B. Propheticperiod;
C. Priestlyperiod.
162
Accordingtothistheorythen,thelawcameaftertheprophets–ratherthanbeforethem!
ThistheoryalsosaysthatthePentateuch(GenesistoDeuteronomy
169
)wasnotwrittenby
Moses, as the Bible claims, but was completed years after his death – so these first 5
booksoftheBiblewerewrittencloseto1,000yearsafterMosesdied.Ratherthanbeing
writtenbyMosesorbyhissupervision,thistheorysaysthatthePentateuchcameabout
through the process of oral transmission, writing, rewriting, editing and compiling by
various anonymous redactors or editors. The reasons Wellhausen believed this was
because of the different use of divine names, repetition of accounts, etc., used in the
Pentateuch.Hebelievedthatthesedifferencesmustmeandifferentwritersandcompilers
–thusJ,E,D,P.ButbynowyouarenodoubtwonderingwhatthelettersJEDPmeanor
standfor! Letmeexplainthemaccordingtothetheory.
JEDP
J StandsforthedivinenameYHWH–whichisthenameforGodcommonlyusedby
the "J" writer. (Note: it was called "J" because the German scholars who first
"discovered" this writer spelled "Yahweh" with a "J".) He was the first or earliest
writer to bring together the legend, myths, poems, stories, etc., – and even
materialsfromotherpeoplessuchastheBabyloniansintoonegreathistory.Some
ofthe"J"sourceswereoralandsomewerewritten. This"J"writerlivedaboutthe
timeofKingDavidorSolomon(c.1,000900B.C.). WhenIsraelwasbeginningto
becomeanationthiswriterdesiredtosavetheoldtraditionsandsoreducedthem
towriting.
E Stands for the divine name “Elohim”because the “E” writer commonly used that
nameforGod.Hewasthe2ndwriterandhewroteabout700B.C.–perhapswhen
theNorthernKingdomofIsraelwasinatimeofdangerfromits enemies. The “E”
writerwasanespeciallygoodstoryteller/writerandthereforepreservedsomeofthe
best ones (ex. the story of Joseph). The “J” and “E” writers are often difficult to
separateinthetexttheyareoftenreferredtotogetheras"JE".Thesetwowereput
togetherabout650B.C.
D StandsfortheDeutetonomicCode.Itwasprimarilyinterestedinreforminreligious
practices.Accordingtothetheory,itwasprobablywritteninthe7thcenturyB.C.
andperhapsmadepublicduringthereformofJosiahin621B.C.
P Stands for the Priestly writer or writers. He/they were the last writers to compile
their materials – or put the finishing touches on what the other writers (JED)had
done. This probably took place during the Babylonian exile. These writers
developed a "holiness code" for their people to observe, i.e., ways to worship,
sacrifice, laws to observe, etc. They were also the ones who were interested in
169PentateuchcomesfromtheGreekwordfor"5volumes". ItwasfirstcalledsuchbyOrigeninthe3rdcenturyA.D.
TheJewscallthese5booksofMosesthe"Torah"–fromtheHebrewwordmeaninginstruction.
1
163
genealogies, specific locations, dates, measurements, etc. They stressed God's
intervention–eventothedegreeofthemagical(miracles).
ASummaryoftheTheory
1. Moses was not the writer of the Pentateuch. The things that the Pentateuch
recordsarepostExilicinsteadofpreKingdom;
2. TheliteraryanalysisofthePentateuchreveals4basicdocuments–J,E,D,P;
3. It postulates therefore a late date for the composition of the Pentateuch –
composedinitspresentformc.400B.C.–asopposedtotheconservative/Biblical
view is that it was written by Moses wholived 1,400/1,300 B.C.Itshould also be
pointed thatthe Mosaic authorship was also advocated by Jesus and the
ApostlesintheNewTestament(seebelow).
AFewImplicationsoftheTheory
1. First, by denying the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch, the theory calls into
question:
a. ThecredibilityoftheentireBible;
b. TheintegrityofMoses;
c. ThetrustworthinessofJesusandApostles.
“IfthistheoryiscorrectthentheentireOldTestamentagiganticliteraryfraud.”
170
2. Secondly, this theory implies that within the religious history of Israel we have a
perfectexampleoftheevolutionofreligion. Wellhausenbasedhistheoryuponthe
thencurrentevolutionaryphilosophy/hypothesisthatassumedthatanevolution
fromsimpletocomplexorprimitivetoadvancedhasoccurredinthereligiousrealm,
like they believed had in the physical realm. According to the theory then, the
peopleofMoses'daywerepolytheisticandnotmonotheistic,untilperhapsthetime
of Amos. Israelite monotheism came about, they believe, as a result of the
purifyingeffectsoftheBabylonianexile.Thistheorythenbelievesthatthereligion
ofIsrael–andthusChristianity–hasevolvedfromanimismintomonotheism.
spiritism/animism polytheism monotheism
(Judaism/Christianity)
170 JoshMcDowell,MoreEvidencethatDemandsaVerdict,ArrowheadSprings,CA:CampusCrusadeforChrist,Inc.,1975,31.
164
As Gleason Archer says of the evolutionary theory of that day: “An evolutionary
understandingofhistoryandananthropocentricviewofreligiondominatedthe19th
century. The prevailing thinkers viewed religion as devoid of any divine
intervention, explaining it is a natural development produced by man's subjective
needs. Their verdict was that the Hebrew religion, as its neighbor religions,
certainly must have begun with animism and then evolved through the stages of
polydemonism,polytheism,menolatry,andfinallymonotheism.”171
3. Thirdly, most who accept the theory hold that the people mentioned in the
Pentateuch were not historical people – but at the very most only “idealized
heroes". The Pentateuch then does not give us a true picture of the times they
report,butaromanticizedreligioushistory.Also,sincethesepeoplewerenotreally
historic, they obviously could not have had a physical tabernacle as recorded in
Exodus.
4. Fourthly,Godneverreallyspoketoanyindividualinancienttimes–notIntervened
inhumanaffairs. Thepriestsonlygivethatimpressionthroughtheirwritings.Soif
GoddidnotreallycommunicatetomanthenHedidnotspeaktoMoses!Besides,
the law could not have been written in Moses time, since it represents a too
advanced level for that age. After all, those people back then were not that
civilizedoreducated(Don'tforgetthefindingsatEblainregardtothis!).
5. Fifthly,GodneverreallyactedredemptivelyonbehalfofIsraelasExodusreports.
LogicalConsequencesofTheory
ThePentateuchisrelativelyuselessforustodayasfarasaccuratehistoryortrustworthy
theology!
AGeneralRefutationoftheTheory
Even though Wellhausen's theory fits together well after you accept his basic
presupposition–thecumulativeresultisstillthesame:0+0+0+0=0!Ifthefoundation
iswrongsoisthesuperstructure!
Aswehavealreadyseen,Wellhausenbeginswith anantisupernaturalbiasthatmakes
his conclusions predetermined – i.e., "God does not intervene in the affairs of man."
Thusweliveinaclosedsystem!AsC.S.Lewissaid,theirpresupposition:'Ifmiraculous,
unhistorical’isjustnotacademicobjectivity."172
Then there is the problem one must face concerning the “redactor” or “interpolater” –
“Wellhausen'svillainousghosts” asonewritercalledthem! Anytimetherecordedfactsdo
notseemtofitWellhausen'spresuppositions–aswhenthevariationofdivinenamesare
171 GleasonArcher,ASurveyoftheOldTestament,Chicago:MoodyPress,1964,pp.132133.
172 C.S.Lewis,“FaultingtheBibleCritics,”ChristianityToday,June9,1967,p.8.
165
outofhisdocumentaryorder–hefallsbackontheworkofaredactor! Theseanonymous
gapfilling individuals are to Wellhausen what timeistotheevolutionaryhypothesis.In
theevolutionarytheory,anytimetherearegapsintheirevolutionarychain(andthereare
moregapsthanlinks!)–theevolutionistssimplydropinacouplemillionyearsoftimeand
say “it evolved during this time.” No solid facts, objective controls, observable
phenomena, etc., – but givethe theory enoughtimeandallgapscanbefilled.Justso
with the Documentary Hypothesis! Anytime the written scriptural records do not fit his
preconceivedpattern–Wellhausencallsinhiseverfaithfulredactorandhiseditorialwork
toexplainthevariance!
However, the variation in divine names – particularly in the early chapters of Genesis
(Elohim, Jehovah) – can be explained ontheological grounds. The two divine names
are not synonymous and were not randomly chosen by Moses.He chose whichever
nameforGodthatbestfithispurposeandmessage.
ComparisonofDivineNames
YHWH
173 ELOHIM
• GodrevealedtotheJewsthatHeisOne: “YHWH,HeisElohim”(IKings18:39);
• So the common word “Elohim” came to hold the significance of the proper noun,
“YHWH”orElohimbecamesynonymouswiththenameYHWH.
173 The earliest MSS of the Hebrew Bible contain no vowels so the sacred name appears simply as YHWM (the
“Tetragrammaton” or “tetragram”). The name was so sacred that a Jew would not even pronounce it – but would
substitute“myLord”(Adonai)forit.TheMasoriteslateraddedthevowels–thus“Yahweh”.Thewordmeans:“Hewho
is”,“Hewhoispresent”,“Hewhocausestobe”. TheEnglishspellingforit–“Jehovah”wasintroducedbyTyndale.
1. YHWH is a proper noun and is thus the more
specificnamethatGoduseswhenHereveals
Himselfspecificallytoman;Itiswhatwemight
callthe"propername"forGod;
2. This name expresses more of God’s inner
nature,essenceandcharacter;sincetheseare
only known through His selfrevelation.
Jehovah stresses God’s imminence – His
involvement in the affairs of His people – His
DivinePresence.“Emmanuel”–Godwithus!
3. ThisisthenameofGodusedbetweenHimself
andHiscovenantpeople;thespecificnamefor
theGodofIsrael–theGodofAbraham,Isaac
andJacob.
1. Elohim is a common noun; the most
frequent Hebrew Word for God – over
2,500 times in O.T. Plural in form; Christ
used a form of it from the cross: "Eli, Eli,
lama sabachthani". It was used both for
theOneGodofIsraelandfortheheathen
gods.ItisthemoregeneralnameforGod
without reference to His personality or
moralqualities;
2.Elohimwouldhaveatendencytostressthe
transcendenceofGod–Hisobscurity:“out
there”, “above, “outside” the physical
universeHecreated;
3. This is the divine name of God usedwith
those who are not in a covenant
relationshipwithHim.
166
FinallywenotetonotethatforWellhausen,Abrahamwasa"freecreationofunconscious
art". However, archaeology as we have already seen, has demonstrated that the cities
mentioned in relation to Abraham really existed – so if the cities really existed, whynot
Abraham?
ABiblicalRefutationoftheTheory
JesusHimselfoverandoveragainintheNewTestamentaffirmedthehistoricityof
Moses as wellas his authorshipof thePentateuch(see:Matt.8:4;19:39;22:2433;
23:2;Mk.7:10;10:39;12:2427;Lk.16:2931;20:3438;24:44;Jn.3:14;5:4556;6:32;
7:1023).ForanyonewhoacceptstheauthorityofJesus,Histestimonyisfinal!
Also,theotherNewTestamentwrite"writerslikewiseaffirmedthesamebelief(see:Acts
3:22;7:2044;13:39;16:22;28:23;Rom.5:14;9:15;10:5,19;ICor.9:9;10:2;IICor.3:7
15;IITim.3:8;Heb.3:25,16;7:14;8:5;9:19;10:28;11:2324;12:21;Jude9;Rev.15:3).
Finally, there is also no record through the 1st and 2nd centuries of the Christian era
where the Mosaic authorship or the Pentateuch was denied. Both Apostolic and ante
Nicene(CouncilofNicea,325A.D.)Fathersbelievedit.
ABriefArchaeologicalRefutation
One of the greatest problems with the theory is that it almost completely ignores the
findingsofarchaeology–mostofwhichhasbeendiscoveredafterWellhausenformulated
histheory.Asonewritersaid: "Wellhausentookalmostnonotewhateveroftheprogress
in the field of oriental scholarship, and once having arrived at his conclusions, he never
troubledtorevisehisopinioninthelightofsubsequentresearchinthegeneralfield."174
Harrisonfurthersaid: "WhateverelsemaybeadducedincriticismofWellhausenandhis
schoolitisquiteevidentthathistheoryofPentateuchaloriginswouldhavebeenvastly
different (if, indeed, it had been formulated at all)had Wellhausen chosen to take
account of the archaeological material available for study in his day, and had he
subordinated his philosophical and theoretical considerations to a sober and
rational assessment of the factual evidenceasa whole.Whileheandhisfollowers
drewtosomeextentuponthephilological(studyofliterature)discoveriesofthedayand
manifested a degree of interest in the origins of late Arabic culture in relation to Semitic
procurers, they depended almost exclusively upon their own view of the culture and
religioushistoryoftheHebrewsforpurposesofBiblicalinterpretation."175
As the great Biblical Archaeologist and Scholar, William Albright, said: "Wellhausen's
structurewassobrilliantandaffordedsuchasimple,apparentlyuniforminterpretationthat
it was adopted almost universally by liberal Protestant scholars, and even largely by
174 R.K.Harrison,IntroductiontotheOldTestament,GrandRapids:Wm.B.EerdmansPublishingCo.,1970,p.509.
175 Ibid.
167
CatholicandJewishscholars.Therewere,orcourse,someexceptions,butinnearlyall
places where men were thoroughly schooled by learning Hebrew and Greek and
absorbing the criticalmethod, they alsolearned Wellhausenian principles.Unfortunately
all of this developed in the infancy of archaeology, and was of very little value in
interpretinghistory."176
Overandoveragaininthelast75years,archaeologicaldiscoverieshaveburiedsomeof
thepreviouslyheld"assuredresults ofmodern scholarship." AsA.H.Saycerrenowned
British Assyriologist, put it: "Time after time the most positive assertions of a skeptical
criticismhavebeendisprovedbyarchaeologicaldiscovery,eventsandpersonagesthat
wereconfidentlypronouncedtobemythicalhavebeenshowntobehistorical,and
the older writers have turned out to have been better acquainted with what they were
describingthanthemoderncriticwhohasfloutedthem."177
The theory that Moses could not possibly have written the Pentateuch is based on the
widely held theory of that day that before the time of David writing was uncommon and
limitedtospecialists.However,contrarytothisopinion,archaeologyhasnowproventhat
writingwasnotonlyinexistence–butaboundedandwasalmostuniversallyusedinthe
AncientNearEast! SinceWellhausenpostulatedhistheory,archaeologyhasproventhat
atleast6scriptswereinwideuseintheBiblicalworldofMosesday:
(a) Egyptianhieroglyphs
(b) Sinaiticpictographs
(c) Babylonianalphabet
(d) Akhadiancuneiform
(e) Ugariticalphabeticcuneiform
(f) Andnow“Ebaite”(seesectiononArchaeology).
TheBritishAssyriologistA.H.Sayce,saidthisaboutthistheoryofthelateappearanceof
writingintheancientworld: "Thissupposedlateuseofwritingforliterarypurposeswas
merelyanassumption,withnothingmoresolidtorestuponthanthecritic'sowntheories
andpresuppositions.Andassoonasitcouldbetestedbysolidfactitcrumbledintodust.
FirstEgyptotogy,thenAssyriology,showedthattheartofwritingintheancientEast,sofar
from being of modern growth, was vast antiquity, and that the two great powers which
dividedthecivilized worldbetween themwereeachemphaticallya nationofscribesand
readers. Centuries before Abraham was born Egypt and Babylon were alike full of
schoolsandlibrariesofteachersandpupils,ofpoetsandprosewritersandoftheliterary
workswhichtheyhadcomposed."178
Contrarytomuchpopular"scholarly"opinion–everythingintheancientworldwasnotleft
to oral tradition. Archaeologists have unearthed too many cuneiforms and archives to
believe that theory any longer. Moses then was far from being illiterate! Dr. Donald
176 WilliamF.Albright,ArchaeologyandtheRegionofIsrael,Baltimore:JohnHopkinsPress,1942,p.15.
177 A.H.Sayce,MonumentFactsandHigherCriticalFancies,London:TheReligiousTractSociety,1904,p.23.
178 Ibid.,pp.2829.
168
Wiseman said that Moses“…probablyreadeightlanguages. Fromthebiblicalaccount,
hewasraisedinthecourtofPharaoh,andwaswelleducated."179
Archaeology then continues to pull the ground from beneath Wellhausen! As another
Biblicalscholarsaid: "Thevastresourcesofarchaeologymadeavailablesincetheturnof
the century have revolutionized the attitude of many biblical scholars and have led to a
questioningofthetwobasictenantsoftheWellhausentheory."180
It is true that oral tradition was popularly used to spread information from the written
source to the common people since there were no means of mass printing or
communication. "Buttoseeoraltraditionasthemeansoftransmittingimportantmaterials
fromgenerationtogenerationseemsunwarranted.”181
Also,sinceDeuteronomypresentedaGodmancommunication,itisevenmoreprobable
thatMoseswouldhaveputitintowrittenformforlatergenerations."Wouldn’tyouifGod
hadspokentoyouasHedidtoMoses?"
Not only does archaeology disprove the theory of thelateappearanceof writing, it also
does not tend to substantiate the theory of the gradual "evolution of religion" from
polytheismtomonotheism.AsRonaldYoungbloodsaid: "Itcannotbeshownthatthereis
auniversaltendencyonthepartofpolytheisticreligionstograduallyreducethenumbers
of deities until finally arriving at one deity. In some instance, in fact, such religion may
evenaddmoredeitiesasitsadherentsbecomeawareofmoreandmorephenomenato
deify!Atanyrate,theOldTestamentteachesthatmonotheism,farfromhavingevolved
through the centuries of Israel's history, is one of the inspired insights revealed to the
covenantpeoplebytheonetrueGodHimself."182
OfthemanyarchaeologicaldiscoveriesthatwouldtendtosupporttheMosiacauthorship
of the Law, the discovery of the Code of Hammurabi (c. 20001700 B.C.) by itself is
decisive–tosaynothingofthelegalcodesfoundatEbla!Itwaswrittenseveralhundred
years before the time of Moses (c. 15001400 B.C.), and contained some laws that are
similartothoserecordedbyMoses.TheCodeofHammurabiwasacivilcodeasopposed
to that recorded by Moses, which contained largely religious laws. Concerning the
discoveryofthatCode,JosephFreehassaid: "Inthelightofthis,theliberalhasnoright
to say that the laws of Moses are too advanced for his time, and could not have been
writtenbyhim."183
179 DavidVirtue,“ArchaeologistFindsBibleBestHistoricalSource,”NorthCarolinaChristianAdvocate,October22,1978,p.3.
180 SamuelSchultz,“DidMosesWriteDeuteronomy?”ChristianityToday,August29,1975,p.12.
181 Ibid.,p.15.
182 RonaldYoungblood,TheHeartoftheOldTestament,GrandRapids:BakerBookHouse,1971,p.9.
183 JosephFree,ArchaeologyandBibleHistory,Wheaton,IL:ScripturePress,1969,p.121.
169
SummaryEvaluationoftheTheory
1. First, archaeological discoveries have proven that the GrafWellhausen theory in
reality was based far more on subjective presuppositions and prior beliefs than
objectivefacts!
2. Secondly,thetheorydoesnotrepresentthe“consensusofscholarlyopinion!” Let
meshareafewstatementsbyreputablescholarstounderscorethis:
• "ItisverydoubtfulwhethertheWellhausenhypothesisisentitledtothestatusof
scientific respectability. There is so much of special pleading, circular,
reasoning, questionable deductions from unsubstantiated premises that it is
absolutely certainthatitsmethodology wouldneverstandup inacourtoflaw.
Scarcely any of the laws of evidence respected in legal proceedings are
honored by the architects of this Documentary Theory. Any attorney who
attemptedtointerpretawillorstatuteordeedofconveyanceinthebizarreand
irresponsiblefashionofthesourcecriticsofthePentateuchwouldfindhiscase
thrownoutofthecourtwithoutdelay."184
OnewriterstudiedthebasicpremisesoftheDocumentaryHypothesisandlikened
themtothepillars,whichholdupahouse.Concerningthesetheoreticalpillarsthat
holdupWellhausen'stheory,thiswritersaid:
• “Ididnotprovethatthepillarswereweakorthateachonefailedtogivedecisive
support,butIestablishedthattheywerenotpillarsatall,thattheydidnotexist,
that they were purely imaginary. In view of this, my final conclusion that the
documentaryhypothesisisnullandvoidisjustified.”185
AnotherJewishscholarsaid:
• “...wemustrejecttheDocumentaryTheoryasanexplanationofthecomposition
of the Pentateuch. The Theory is complicated, artificial and anomalous. It is
basedonunprovenassumptions.Itusesunthinkablecriteriafortheseparation
ofthetextintocomponentdocuments.”186
Conclusions
It can probably safely be assumed that much of current biblical study and criticism will
continuetoblindlyclingtotheDocumentaryHypothesisandteachitas"fact".TheJewish
scholarCyrusGordonhascommentedonthisattitudeasfollows:
184 ArcherGleason,ASurveyoftheOldTestament,Chicago:MoodyPress,1964,p.99.
185 UmbertoCassuto,TheDocumentaryHypothesis,Jerusalem:MagnesPress,1961,pp.100101.
186 M.H.Segel,ThePentateuch–ItsCompositionandItsAuthorship,Jerusalem:MagnesPress,1967,p.22.
170
"WhenIspeakofa'commitmenttoJEDP’,Imeanitinthedeepestsenseoftheword.
I have heard professors of Old Testament refer to the integrity of JEDP as their
'conviction'.Theyarewillingtocountenancemodificationsindetail.Theypermityouto
subdivide(D1,D2,D3,andsoforth)orcombine(JE)oraddanewdocumentdesignated
by another capitol letter but they will not tolerate any questioning of the basic JEDP
structure…Iamatalosstoexplainthiskindof‘conviction’onanygroundsotherthan
intellectuallazinessorinabilityorreappraise.”187
In spite of the fact that archaeology has literally dug the ground out from under them–
most “scholars” will continue to perpetrate the theory. As one Jewish scholar put it,
“Wellhausen’s arguments complemented each othernicely, andofferedwhatseemedto
be a solid foundation upon which to build the house of biblical criticism. Since then,
however,boththeevidenceandtheargumentssupportingthisstructurehavebeencalled
intoquestionand,tosomeextent,evenrejected.Yetbiblicalscholarship,whileadmitting
that the grounds have crumbled away, nevertheless continues to adhere to the
conclusions.”188
ItseemsincreasinglyevidenttotheobjectivestudentthattheDocumentaryHypothesis–
like that of its progenitor, evolution – is in reality more of a religion than a science!
GeorgeMendenhallsaid: “It isatleastajustifiedsuspicionthatascholarlypietytoward
thepast,ratherthanhistoricalevidence,isthemainfoundationfortheirposition.”189
Inspiteofalltheirtalkabout“academicobjectivity”–itappearsthatthereisjusttoomuch
lossoffaceinvolved,formosttheologianstocomeoutandadmitthatthetheoryiswrong!
AstheJewishauthorandplaywright,HermanWouk,said: “Itisahardthingformenwho
havegiventheirlivestoatheory,andtaughtittoyoungermen,toseeitfallapart.”190
PerhapsaquotationbyC.S.Lewiswouldbehelpful.Eventhoughheisherenotspeaking
directly about the Documentary Hypothesis – his point is still very relevant to this
discussion.
“…whateverthesemenmaybeasbiblicalcritics,Idistrustthemascritics.Theyseem
tometolackliteraryjudgement,tobeimperceptiveabouttheveryqualityofthetexts
they are reading. It sounds a strange charge to bring against men who have been
steeped inthosebooksalltheirlives.Butthatmightbejustthetrouble.Amanwho
hasspenthisyouthandmanhoodintheminutestudyofNewTestamenttextsandof
other people’s studies of them, whose literary experiences of those texts lacks any
standard of comparison such as can only grow from a wide and deep and genial
experience of literature in general, is I should think very likely to miss the obvious
things about them. If he tells me that something in a gospel is legend or romance, I
want to know how many legends, and romances he has read, howwellhis palateis
trained in detecting them by the flavor; not how many years he has spent on that
187 “HigherCriticsandForbiddenFruit,”ChristianityToday,Nov.23,1959,pp.131133.
188 Yehezkel,Kaufman,TheReligionofIsrael,Chicago:UniversityofChicagoPress,1960,p.1.
189 G.E.Wright,ed.,BiblicalHistoryinTransition,theBibleandtheAncientNearEast,NewYork:DoubledayandCo.,1961,p.36.
190 HermanWouk,ThisisMyGod,NewYork:DoubledayandCo.,1959,p.318.
171
Gospel…Ihavebeenreadingpoems,romances,visionliterature,legend,mythsallmy
life.Iknowwhattheyarelike.Iknowthatnotoneofthemislikethis(theBible).”191
Lewissummarizeshisargument:
"...The men ask me to believe they can read between the lines of the old texts; the
evidence is their obvious inability to read (in any sense worth discussing) the lines
themselves.Theyclaimtoseefernseedandcan'tseeanelephanttenyardsawayin
broad daylight...while I respect the learning of the great biblical critics, I am not yet
persuadedthattheirjudgementisequallytoberespected."192
So sound biblical criticismmustbe based onobjectivefact more than subjectiveliterary
opinionsorinterpretations! WilliamF.Albrightsaid: "Theultimatehistoricityof agiven
datumisneverconclusivelyestablishednordisprovedbytheliteraryframeworkinwhichit
isimbedded:theremustalwaysbeexternalevidence.”193
I concur then with the Biblical scholarship that says the "external evidence" is just not
there to support Wellhausen's theory! As the renowned Biblical archaeologist, William
Albrightconcluded: "...Wellhausen'sHegelianmethodwasutterlyunsuitedtobecomethe
master key which scholars might enter the sanctuary of Israelite religion and acquire a
satisfyingunderstandingofit."194
Contrary then to the Wellhausen theory, we believeand affirm thatGoddoes andhas
intervened in human history revelatory and redemptively!And, we believe that the
Bible – both Old and New Testaments – accurately record that intervention and
revelation!
191 C.S.Lewis,“FaultingtheBibleCritics,”ChristianityToday,June9,1967,p.7.
192 Ibid.,pp.79.
193 “TheIsraeliteConquestofCanaanintheLightofArchaeology,”TheBulletinoftheAmericanSchoolsofOrientalResearch,74,1939,p.
12.
194 WilliamF.Albright,ArchaeologyandtheHistoryofIsrael,Baltimore:JohnHopkinsPress,1942,p.3.
172
AppendixIX
POSTMODERNISMANDTHEWORD
Whatispostmodernism?Whatisrelativism?Whatdotheyhavetodowithstudyingthe
Bible?Postmodernismrefersbothtoaneraandtoaworldvieworphilosophy.
DefinitionofPostmodernism:
1. TheErafollowingModernism
The era that followed the Medieval Age is known as the Age of Modernity. From
1470,theItalianRenaissance,to1700andtheIndustrialRevolution–manthought
thathissalvationwouldcomethroughthemarchofprogress.Hewouldgaincontrol
ofhisowndestinyoncesuperstitionwasreplacedbyscienceandreason.
From1789,theFrenchRevolution,to1989andthefalloftheBerlinWall–theAge
of Enlightenment continued to reflect the elevation of reason overthebondageof
superstitionviaphilosophyandscience.
MurliMenonfromIndiaisaneloquentandpassionateChristianwhohastaughtall
over the world, speaking about Eastern religions andthe New AgeMovement.In
his book The Challenges to Christian Mission in the Contemporary World, he
articulatelyanswersthequestion:“Whathappened?”
In the 21
st century, it has dawned on us that the humanistic vision of
modernitywasapipedream.ThetwoWorldWarsandtheGreatDepression
of the last century burst the bubble of the progress myth…The walls of
modernity are crumbling…Indeed, the progress myth was a grand dream,
whichhasturned intoa nightmarefor many.Theconfidence ofmodernism
has turned into suspicion in postmodernity.The veryconcept ofrealityhas
totallychanged.
Wesurroundedourselveswithappliances…conveniences…technologicalmarvels–
andyetwedidnotfindourselvesinUtopia!
Science
Technology
Economic
GrowthThemythofprogressbasedonthe
foundationofscience
173
2. ThePhilosophyorMindsetofPostmodernism
Howhavewereactedtothisdisappointment?Webster’sdefines“postmodern”as:
“anyofseveralmovementsthatarereactionsagainstthephilosophyandpractices
of modern movements…” As you research Christian writers on the subject of
postmodernism,youfindthatitistheonly“ism”that“isn’t”! Itdoesnotstandfora
particularphilosophy,butischaracterizedbywhatitrefutes.
ChuckColsonwrites: “Theonlyremaining"ism"is
postmodernism, which is not an ideology buta
repudiationofallideologies.Itsrelativismisthe
admission that every attempt to construct a
comprehensive,utopianworldviewhasfailed.Itis
a formalized expression of despair.
195 Oprahism
and Donahuism represent a form of materialism
that is very seductive because it is pervasive. It
makespeoplebelievethatthey'llfindhappiness.It
appealstothe"imperialrepublicoftheself,"as
George Weigel called it, and therefore is very
insidious.”196
A. As Mr. Colson indicated, the postmodern worldview is characterized by
relativism.Thismeans“aviewthatethicaltruthsdependontheindividuals
and groups holding them.” You may frequently hear someone say “What’s
trueforyouisn’ttrueforme”or“Thereisnoabsolutetruth.”Truthbecomes
a consensus of values – a social construct – and therefore relative, and it
welcomesplurality.
(1)ReligiousPluralismistheviewthatallreligionsareequallyvalid–in
otherwords, “all roads lead to Rome.” Salvation canbefoundinall
religionsandfaiths,includingChristianity.
(2) According toRev.DanKimballofSantaCruz,CA,Americaisthe5
th
largestunchurchedcountryintheworld–and75%ofourchildrenare
beingraisedinnonchurchattendinghomes!Withtheemergenceof
relativism as an attractive option, and an emphasis on freedom of
choice, supermarket religion emerges. We pick out the parts we
want…
• EternallifeinheavenfromChristianity
• EasternmysticismfromZenBuddhism
• Foreknowledgeandpredictionsfromastrology
• Empowermentfromsorceryandwitchcraft
195 ChuckColson,“TheSkyIsn’tFalling”,ChristianityToday,January11,1999
196 InterviewwithChuckColson,May19,2003
AccordingtoGeorgeBarna
inRealTeens:A
ContemporarySnapshotof
YouthCulture,ChuckColson
oncedescribedthe
postmodernphilosophyas
onethatcouldbesummed
upinasingleword:
“whatever”.
(RegalBooks,California,2001,pp.
9496).
174
• Lackofconsequencesofsinfromatheism/agnosticism
(3) With the rapid increase in choices and changes, there is a
corresponding decrease in commitment, continuity and conviction.
According to Murli Menon, the result is a faith that is shallow and
transient–evenamongprofessingChristians!
(4) ThedefinitionofChristianspiritualityis“thepracticeofChristianlife.”
Forthepostmodern,spiritualityisdefinedas“thewayindividualsseek
torenewspiritandsoulintheirlonelylives.”
B. Howispostmodernismreflectedinourculture?
(1) MurliMenonvisualizesoursasacarnivalculture.
• Entertainmentvaluesdominate
• Themarketdefinesreality
• Imagesandvisualshavegreatpower
• Faithissuperficial,weightless,andinauthentic
(2) Modernitysaid“Iwantitall.” Postmodernitysays“I’mparalyzedinthe
face of it all.” There is asense of homelessness, anxiety, and a
senseofbetrayal.Peopleareunstableanddecentered.
(3)Detachmentisacharacteristicandsymptomofourculture.
(a) SoongChan Rah is senior pastor of Cambridge Community
Fellowship Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He writes:
“The Internet is both a metaphor for and a contributor to our
detached culture. Constantly shifting from one screen to
anotheratsuchhighspeed,youhavelittletimetomakelasting
human connection. The Internet exacerbates our short
attentionspan.Whenwemovefromscreentoscreen,nothing
impactsus.Thisistruewithtelevision
as well, but it has become even more
sowiththeInternet.
Thishasshapedthewayweviewlife.
It's easy to switch off reality, to click
through other people's pain…Like
Jesus,wemustconnectwithandcare
forthepeoplearoundus.
"Alotofpeoplefind
itdifficulttobelieve
thatwewantthemin
heavenifwedon't
wanttheminour
livingroom."
–RalphNeighbor
175
In our postmodern setting, we have to almost reteach social
skills and reteach human contact. So our goal as a church
is…toofferwhatthehightechculturedoesnotprovide.We're
out to reestablishgenuine human connection…ultimately,
the gospel is about incarnational outreach – the human
touch.”
197
(b) Reverend Rah further writes: “As achild, Iread booksabout
kids growing up in colonial New England. On Sundays,they
would sit on hard, splintery wooden benches. They were
uncomfortableandbuilttobethatway,sothattheywouldkeep
the kids alert as they learned about God…In its most
rudimentarysense,comfortisnotsomuchaboutfeelinggood
– it's about feeling nothing…Comfortis yet another value of
our postmodern culture that goes against incarnational
ministry.Wedon'twanttohaveourLaZBoylivesinterrupted
by people in pain, because we have worked sohard tomake
ourselvescomfortable.
This postmodern desire to“feel nothing”iscontrary to what
theScripturesteach.ChristopenedHimselffreelytothepain.
"For the joy set before Him," says the writer of Hebrews,
"Jesussufferedthepainofthecross"(12:2).Asachurch,
we'retryingtorecoverthebiblicalmotifofthesufferingbodyof
Christ in order to minister to the suffering body of a
postmodern culture made passive by motion, comfort, and
individualism.”
198
(4)Pessimismis also characteristic of the culture. The confidence in
humanity that was prevalent in the Age of Enlightenment has been
diffusedbyHitler,Hussein,IdiAmin,KimJongil,andCastro.
(5) Dr.UweSiemenNetto,thereligionreporterforUPI,said,“Thereisa
desperate need for intelligent, articulate Christians to instruct
journalists in amediadriven age…” Erwin McManus addressed a
PromiseKeeper’sconvention,andsaid,“Thechurchmustengagethe
culture…Thechurchmustberelevantandgermane…”
3. PostmodernismandTolerance
Josh McDowell has spent many years researching and teaching apologetics
(rememberthismeanstodefendnotapologize)inthepublicarena.Recentlyinan
197 SoongChanRah,“NavigatingCulturalCurrents”,LeadershipJournal,Fall2000.
198 Ibid.
176
article on the Focus on the Family website, he talked about the new cultural
climate.
199
“Fordecades,Ihaveaddressedmillionsofhighschoolandcollegestudentsabout
JesusChristandthehistoricalevidenceforHislifeandresurrection. Asmightbe
expected,Iwouldoftenbeheckledbypeoplesayingsuchthingsas,"Proveit!"and
"I don't believe you." But recently I have witnessed a startling shift. Now my
attackerinvariablysays,"Howdareyousaythat?"or"Whodoyouthinkyouare?"
Theissueisnolongerthetruthofthemessage,buttherighttoproclaimit.
Tolerancehasbecomethecardinalvirtue,thesoleabsoluteofoursociety,andour
childrenhearitpreachedeverydayinschoolandfromgovernmentandthemedia.
Yetfewofusunderstandwhatsocietyreallymeansbytolerance,nordowerealize
thatitisthecentraldoctrineofanentireculturalmovement.Asaresult,fewof
usrecognizethethreatitposestous,ourchildren,ourchurchesandourveryfaith.
The traditional definition of tolerance means simply to recognize and respect
others'beliefs,practices,andsoforthwithoutnecessarilyagreeingorsympathizing
with them. This attitude, that everyone has a right to his own opinion, is what
tolerancemeanstomostofus.
But today's definition is vastly different. This new tolerance means to consider
everyindividual'sbeliefs,values,lifestyleandtruthclaimsasequallyvalid. Sonot
onlydoeseveryonehaveanequalrighttohisbeliefs,butallbeliefsareequal.The
new tolerance goes beyond respecting a person's rights; it demands praise
and endorsement of that person's beliefs, valuesandlifestyle.Ibelievethat
fundamental change in meaning – and thinking – represents one of the greatest
shiftsinhistory,andmostpeoplearemissingit.
We must humbly pursue truth.It may be difficult to speak the truth in today's
climate, but Jesus said, "The truth will set you free." Pursuing truth in this
context means countering the new doctrine of tolerance…We must always
remember,however,thatwhentheapostlePetertoldus,"Alwaysbepreparedto
giveananswertoeveryonewhoasksyoutogivethereasonforthehopethat
youhave,"headded,"Butdothiswithgentlenessandrespect"(1Peter3:15).
We must aggressively practice love.Everyone loves love, it seems, but few
recognize how incompatible love is with the new tolerance. Tolerance simply
avoids offending someone; we must help our children live inlove, which actively
seekstopromotethegoodofanotherperson.
Tolerance says, "You must approve of what I do." Love responds, "I must do
somethingharder;Iwillloveyou,evenwhenyourbehavioroffendsme."
199 JoshMcDowellhascoauthoredwithBobHostetlerthebookTheNewTolerance:HowaCulturalMovementThreatenstoDestroyYou,
YourFaithandYourChildren. (TyndaleHouse,1998)
177
Tolerancesays,"Youmustagreewithme." Loveresponds,"Imustdosomething
harder; I will tell you the truth, because I am convinced 'the truth will set you
free.'"
Tolerancesays,"Youmustallowmetohavemyway." Loveresponds,"Imustdo
something harder; I will plead with you to follow the right way, because I believe
youareworththerisk."
Tolerance seeks to be inoffensive; love takes risks. Tolerance glorifies division;
loveseeksunity. Tolerancecostsnothing;lovecostseverything.
Ibelievethedreadfulpotentialofthenewtolerancecanbeaverted,butonlywitha
renewedcommitmenttotruth,justiceandlove.”
Whereisthattruth? IntheBible!Perhapsyouare studyingtheBibleforthefirsttime.
PerhapsyoucomefromabackgroundthattaughtyouthattheGospelisirrelevanttoyour
dailylife.Youareinforalifechangingsurprise!
Further,therearegreatopportunitiesandresponsibilitiesinthispostmodernculture!As
MurliMenonwrites: “Inahighlyconsumerorientedsociety,theSpiritformedcommunity
willbealivingandcovenantalalternativetothedisorientedandfragmentedpeopleofthe
postmodern world…the Gospel is the answer to the longings of the postmodern
generation.Ourtaskistoliveout,proclaimandarticulatetheGospelfaithfully.”
Thepostmodernmindlikesmysticalthings–theyareveryacceptingoftakingthingsin
the Bible on faith. That differs from the babyboomer mentality that everything must
relate to what’s happening today. Rev. Dan Kimball says: “The young generations
desire a spiritual encounter with the living God – not a worship servicethat feelslikea
business seminar, or information packages. They want reverence, holiness, mystery,
transcendence. Quit trying to be cutting edge, move back to the center and
unapologeticallypresentJesus!”
DavidEdwardssaid,“PostmodernismisnomoreanenemyoftheGospelthanany
other human philosophy– we just need to develop the ability to communicate, to
connect.” Dr. SiemenNetto said, “Jesus can eliminate the confusion, distortion and
relativism of the postmodern spiritual chaos. Postmodernity has opened the minds of
young peopletotheGospel,butontheconditionthatlifestylereflectsbelief.Christians
must model exemplary behavior.” Murli Menon agrees: “In a postmodern world, our
communitiesmustreflectexemplarycharacterandconduct…thatistheonlyhermeneutic
oftheGospel.”
TheeconomicandmilitarystatusinAmericawilloffermanyopportunitiesforeachofus
to present the Gospel. As unemployment and underemployment continues, many
unbelieverswilllose the arrogantselfsufficiencythatkepttheirheartshardenedtothe
178
Word.AsSt.Francisof Assisisaid,“Preachthegospelatalltimes.Ifnecessary,use
words.”
“YourwordIhavehiddeninmyheart…Yourwordisalamptomyfeetandalightto
my path…The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the
simple”(Ps.119:11,105,130NKJV).
QuotesforFurtherReflection
• Forletusmakenomistake.Iftheendoftheworldappearedinalltheliteraltrappings
oftheApocalypse,ifthemodernmaterialistsawwithhisowneyestheheavensrolled
up and the great white throne appearing, if he had the sensation of being himself
hurledintotheLakeofFire,hewouldcontinueforever,inthatlakeitself,toregardhis
experience as an illusion and to find the explanation of it in psychoanalysis, or
cerebralpathology.–C.S.Lewis,GodintheDock
• Whatisdangeroustodayisthepostmodernvacuuminwhichweamuseourselvesto
deathwithOprahandwesubstitutefeelingbetter–thetherapeuticmodel–forreally
facingourselves…thereisa deepeninghungerfororthodoxy….Wehavetodomore
thanjustgivepeoplebiblicalknowledge.Wehavetofigureouthowtocarryittothe
heart.–InterviewwithChuckColson,May19,2003,ChristianityToday
• Pluralismisnotjustrecognitionthatthereisapluralityoffaithsintheworldtoday.That
isanobviousfact. No,pluralismisitselfanideology.Itaffirmstheindependentvalidity
ofallfaiths. Itthereforerejectsasarrogantandwhollyunacceptableeveryattemptto
convertanybody(letaloneeverybody)toouropinions…Thereasonwemustrejectthis
increasinglypopularpositionisthatwearecommittedtotheuniquenessofJesus(He
hasnocompetitors)andHisfinality(Hehasnosuccessors). Itisnottheuniquenessof
“Christianity”asasystemthatwedefend,buttheuniquenessofChrist. Heisuniquein
His incarnation (which is quite different from the ahistorical and plural "avatars" of
Hinduism); in His atonement (dying once for all for our sins); in His resurrection
(breakingthepowerofdeath);andinHisgiftoftheSpirit(toindwellandtransformus).
So,becauseinnootherpersonbutJesusofNazarethdidGodfirstbecomehuman(in
His birth), then bear our sins (in His death), then conquer death (in His resurrection)
andthenenterHispeople(byHisSpirit),Heisuniquelyabletosavesinners. Nobody
else has His qualifications…"Nothing commends the Gospel more eloquently than a
transformed life, and nothing brings it into disrepute so much as personal
inconsistency" (Manila Manifesto). – John Stott, “Why Don’t They Listen?”
www.christianitytoday.com[September8,2003]
179
AppendixX
FurtherResources
OnlineDegreeOpportunities
Some yearn deeply for an opportunity to further their theological training, or attain a
degree – yet they cannot. Many brothers overseas pray fervently for an opportunity to
cometoAmericaandattendacollegeorseminary.ButjustasGodhasbeenpleasedto
providethetechnologytoofferthiswritingonline,therearemanyresourcesavailableto
attainaneducationonline.
NDI does not encourage or sponsor nationals to come to America or Europe for further
studies for several reasons: First, it is too disruptive to their family life – and causes
prolonged separation, emotional pain and financial expense. Secondly, it causes a
disruption in their local ministry – and by the time they return, they have become
"Americanized" or "Westernized," and lost touch with their own country and culture.
Thirdly, there are now excellent BibleColleges, Seminariesand Graduate Schools in
Africa,Asiaand SouthAmericawheretheycanstudy,andstayclosertohome...totheir
ministries...totheircountryandculture.
We are listing several Websites here, but this is not intended to be inclusive – just
representative. Also, we cannot endorse or recommend any of them – you should
investigateandfindtheonethatbestanswersyourquestions:
• Do they believe that the Bible is the infallible, inspired very Word of God? Do they
believethatJesusistheSonofGod–andfullyGodasSon?
• Aretheyaccredited?Aretheyreputable?Willtheyofferreferences?
• Dotheyofferfinancialaid?Isthecostreasonableorroughlythesameasothersfor
theeducationyouareseeking?
• Dotheyofferonlineassistanceifyouhavequestions?
• Are advisors and counselors available to you? Are they concerned about
understandingyourgoals,andhelpingyouattainthem?
• Aremanyofthebooksyouwillneedavailabletoreadonline?
• Canyoufinishtherequirementscompletelyonline?Whatdegreewillyouhavewhen
youfinish?WillitfurtheryourministrytoGod’sglory?
LutherRiceSeminary www.lrs.edu
TrinityEvangelicalDivinitySchool www.tiu.edu
TheKing’sCollegeandSeminary www.kingsseminary.edu
TrinityCollegeoftheBibleTheol.Seminary www.trinitysem.edu
LibertyHomeBibleInstitute(JerryFalwell) www.lhbi.org
GordonConwellTheologicalSeminary www.gordonconwell.edu
FullerTheologicalSeminary www.fuller.edu
NonDegreeStudyResources
181
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Articles
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