Apologetics IV The reliability of the witnesses St. Mary & St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church Youth Meeting

The sources The new testaments and in particular the four Gospels The new testaments and in particular the four Gospels The role of eye witnesses in court The role of eye witnesses in court

The Four Gospels Authors: Authors: –Matthew –Mark –Luke –John The testimony of Papias in 125 A.D. and St. Irenaeus in 180 A.D. The testimony of Papias in 125 A.D. and St. Irenaeus in 180 A.D.

The Gospels as Biographies What do we learn from the life? What do we learn from the life? Focus on the public ministry of Christ and in particular the last week of the life of Christ on earth Focus on the public ministry of Christ and in particular the last week of the life of Christ on earth

St. John’s Gospel The first three gospels are called the Synoptics Gospels. The first three gospels are called the Synoptics Gospels. The Gospel of St. John is different in style The Gospel of St. John is different in style All Gospels point to the divinity of Christ All Gospels point to the divinity of Christ –The title the Son of Man and the prophecy of Daniel

The Dating of the Gospels St. Mark, St. Matthew, St. Luke, St. John St. Mark, St. Matthew, St. Luke, St. John The Acts of the Apostles The Acts of the Apostles The Gospel according to St. Luke The Gospel according to St. Luke The Gospel according to St. Mark The Gospel according to St. Mark Why is this important ? Why is this important ?

The Epistles Paul’s conversion Paul’s conversion Paul receives the tradition from the other apostles and disciples Paul receives the tradition from the other apostles and disciples

Testing the eyewitness evidence The Intention Test The Intention Test The Ability Test The Ability Test The Character Test The Character Test The consistency Test The consistency Test The cover-up Test The cover-up Test The corroboration Test The corroboration Test The Adverse Witness Test The Adverse Witness Test