Authority and Authenticity Three Ways to Know Who Wrote What James Patrick Holding Tekton Apologetics Ministries Objections Answered, Rogues Refuted

Books in Question Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Cornelius Tacitus Author of the Annals and the Histories Lived AD Considered accurate but sometimes biased Little is known of his life, but he was a politician.

Matthew Author of the Gospel According to Matthew Lived c. 30 AD Said to be a former tax collector, called by Jesus, likely to serve as a scribe

“Thomas” NOT considered to be the author of the Gospel of Thomas This book is generally regarded as a product of Gnostics

Criteria #1: Internal Evidence (Attribution)

Internal Evidence (Attribution) Tacitus Matthew Thomas

Criteria #2: External Evidence (Attribution) His publisher says so Book reviews say so Personal witnesses say so No one says NO!

Tacitus’ Annals: External Evidence Essentially…. NONE! There are some good indirect indications…but no “Tacitus wrote this” at any early period.

Matthew’s Gospel: External Evidence Numerous church writers from the second century onward verify Matthew as the author

“Thomas” It isn’t mentioned much, but…all who do mention it agree it is a forgery!

Internal Evidence (Attribution) Tacitus Matthew Thomas External Evidence (Attribution)

Criteria #3: Internal Evidence (Content)

The Scribal Caveat Because of the ancient use of scribes, style can be a “plus” – but it is not always a minus.

Internal Evidence (Attribution) Tacitus Matthew Thomas External Evidence (Attribution) Internal Evidence (Style)

Messing with Matthew “Burrito” problems 1.Matthew knows about the war against Rome 2.“To this day” 3.Versus Judaism after 70 AD

“Thomas” “Jesus” doesn’t sound like Jesus…he sounds like THIS guy:

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