1. The Bible: From God to Us Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2008

2. From God to Us: The Three Links I. Inspiration—From the mouth of God. II. Canonization—Collected by the people of God. III. Transmission—Copied by scribes of God. I. Inspiration—From the mouth of God. II. Canonization—Collected by the people of God. III. Transmission—Copied by scribes of God.

3. Outline I.Inspiration—From the Mouth of God A. Who? God B. How? By Revelation C. When? 1500 B.C to A.D 100

4. I. The Source of Inspiration A. Who? God 2 Sam. 23:2.— “ The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue.” Zech. 7:12.--“They made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets.” 2 Tim. 3:16.—“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God….” 2 Peter 1:21.—“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

5. I. The Source of Inspiration A. Who? God B. How? By Revelation Heb. 1:1.--“God who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets.” 1. God spoke to the prophets. 2. God spoke through the prophets.

6. How God Spoke to the Prophets 1. By angels (Gen. 18, 19) 2. By dreams (Dan. 7:1; cf. Num. 12:6) 3. B visions (Isa.1:1; Ezek. 1:1; 8:3; 11:24; 43:3; cf. Hosea. 12:10) 4. By miracles (Ex. 3:2; Jud.6:37;Jonah 1:1; 4:6) 5. By nature (Psa. 19:1) 6. By an audible voice (1 Sam. 3:4) 7. By an inner voice (Hosea 1:1; Joel 1:1 etc) 8. By the Urim and Thummim (Ex. 28:30; Num. 27:21) 9. By casting lots (Prov. 16:33) 10. By other prophetic writings (Dan. 9:1-2)

7. I. The Source of Inspiration A. Who? God B. How? By Revelation C. When? 1500 B.C to A.D 100

8. I. The Source of Inspiration A. Who? God B. How? By Revelation C. When? 1500 B.C to A.D 100 D. What? An Inspired Writing

9. D. An Inspired Writing 1. Through Men of God (Prophets) Heb. 1:1.--“God who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets.” Zech. 7:12.--“They made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets.” 2 Peter 1:21.—“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

10. Names given to a prophet. He is called: a. A man of God (1 Kgs 12:22), i.e., chosen by God b. A servant of the Lord (1 Kgs. 14:18), indicating that he was to be faithful to God c. A messenger of the Lord (Isa. 42:19), showing that he was sent by God d. A seer (Roeh), or beholder (Hozeh) (Isa. 30:9- 10), revealing he had insight was from God e. A man of the Spirit (Hos. 9:7; cf. Mic. 3:8), telling that he spoke by the Spirit of God f. A watchman (Eze. 3:7), shows alertness for God g. A prophet (most common name), marking him as a spokesman for God Summary: A man of God who got the Word of God and gave it faithfully to the people of God.

11. 1. Names of a Prophet. 2. Nature of a Prophet (nabhi) Amos 3:8.-- “The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?” Num. 22:18.--“I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the Lord my God.” Ex. 7:1.--“See, I make you as God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet.” Deut. 18:18.--“I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.” Deut. 4:2.--“You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it.” 1 Kings 22:14.--“As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” Ex. 4:16.--“He shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be as God to him.” Obeying their word was obeying God (Isa. 8:5; Jer. 3:6; Eze. 21:1; Amos 3:1).

12. 1. Names of a Prophet. 2. Nature of a Prophet (nabhi) 3. Two kinds of Prophets a. Prophets by office (Moses, Isa.-Malachi) b. Prophets by gift : David (2 Sam. 23:2)--Psalms Solomon (1Kgs.11:9)-Prov., Eccl, Song. Daniel (Mt. 24:15)—Book of Daniel Ezra-Neh.—Books listed with Prophets

13. 2. A Writing from God Ex. 24:4.—“Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord.” Isa. 8:1.—Isaiah was told, “Take for yourself a large tablet and write.” Jer. 26:2.– Do “not omit a word.” 2 Tim. 3:16.—“All Scripture [writing] is given by inspiration of God….” John 5:39.—“You search the Scriptures…and they speak of Me.” John 10:35.—“The Scripture cannot be broken.” 1 Cor. 2:13.—“words…taught by the Holy Spirit.” Mat. 4:4, 7, 10.—“It is written…” (92x) Lk. 24:27.—“He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Rev. 22:18.—Do not add to “the words of the book of this prophecy.”

14. 3. With the Authority of God

15. What Scripture Says, God Says GOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 “Now the Lord “The Scripture…preached said to Abram” …to Abraham…saying”

16. What Scripture Says, God Says GOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 “Now the Lord “The Scripture…preached said to Abram” …to Abraham…saying” SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS… Gen. 2:24 Matt. 19:4-5 “[Author of Genesis] “He [God]…said, ‘…a man said,…‘a man shall shall leave his father and leave his father and mother….’” mother….”’

17. What Scripture Says, God Says GOD SAYS... SCRIPTURE SAYS… Gen. 12:3 Gal 3:8 Ex. 9:16 Rom. 9:17 SCRIPTURE SAYS… GOD SAYS… Gen. 2:24 Matt. 19:4-5 Psa. 2:1 Acts 4:24-25 Psa. 2:7 Heb. 1:5 Psa. 16:10 Acts 13:35 Psa. 95:7 Heb. 3:7 Psa. 97:7 Heb. 1:6 Psa. 104:4 Heb. 1:7 Isa. 55:3 Acts 13:34 There is an interchangeability between the two.

18. 3. With the Authority of God a. It is divinely authoritative (Mt. 4:4, 7, 10). b. It is imperishable (Mt. 5:17-18). c. It is infallible (Jn. 10:35). d. It is inerrant (without error) (Mt. 22:29). e. It is historically reliable (Mt. 12:40; Mt. 24:37). f. It is scientifically accurate (Mt. 19:4-5). g. It has ultimate supremacy (Mt. 15:3, 6).

19. Why The Bible Cannot Error 1. The Bible is the Word of God. 2. God Cannot Err. 3. Therefore, the Bible Cannot Err. Mt. 4:4: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” Rom. 3:4: “Let God be true and every man a liar.” Jn. 17:17: “Thy Word is truth.” Jn. 10:35: “The Scripture cannot be broken.”

20. 1. Creation of the universe (Gen. 1)John 1:3; Col. 1:16 2. Creation of Adam and Eve (Gen. 1-2)1 Tim. 2:13-14 3. Marriage of Adam and Eve (Gen. 1-2)1 Tim. 2:13 4. Temptation of the woman (Gen. 3)1 Tim. 2:14 5. Disobedience and sin of Adam (Gen. 3)Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22 6. Sacrifices of Abel and Cain (Gen. 4)Heb. 11:4 7. Murder of Abel by Cain (Gen. 4)1 John 3:12 8. Birth of Seth (Gen. 4)Luke 3:38 9. Translation of Enoch (Gen. 5)Heb. 11:5 10. Marriage before the flood (Gen. 6)Luke 17:27 11. The flood and destruction of man (Gen. 7)Matt. 24:39 12. Preservation of Noah and his family (Gen. 8-9)2 Peter 2:5 13. Genealogy of Shem (Gen. 10)Luke 3:35-36 14. Birth of Abraham (Gen. 11)Luke 3:34 15. Call of Abraham (Gen. 12-13)Heb. 11:8 16. Tithes to Melchizedek (Gen. 14)Heb. 7:1-3 What Jesus & Apostles Affirmed about the OT

21. 17. Justification of Abraham (Gen. 15)Rom. 4:3 18. Ishmael (Gen. 16)Gal. 4:21-24 19. Promise of Isaac (Gen. 17)Heb. 11:18 20. Lot and Sodom (Gen. 18-19)Luke 17:29 21. Birth of Isaac (Gen. 21)Acts 7:9-10 22. Offering of Isaac (Gen. 22)Heb. 11:17 23. The burning bush (Ex. 3:6)Luke 20:32 24. Exodus through the Red Sea (Ex. 14:22)1 Cor. 10:1-2 25. Provision of water and manna (Ex. 16:4; 17:6)1 Cor. 10:3-5 26. Lifting up serpent in wilderness (Num. 21:9)John 3:14 27. Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:22-25)Heb. 11:30 28. Miracles of Elijah (1 Kings 17:1; 18:1)Jas. 5:17 29. Jonah in the great fish (Jonah 2)Matt. 12:40 30. Three Hebrew youths in furnace (Dan. 3)Heb. 11:34 31. Daniel in lion’s den (Dan. 6)Heb. 11:33 32. Slaying of Zechariah (2 Chron. 24:20-22)Matt. 23:35 What Jesus & the Apostles Affirmed About the OT

22. From God to Us: The Three Links I. Inspiration—From the mouth of God. II. Canonization—Collected by the people of God.

23. a. God determined which books were inspired 2 Tim. 3:16: “All Scripture is given by inspir- ation of God….” (i.e., it is “God- breathed” or breathed out by God). 2 Peter 1:20-21: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” “Thus said the LORD” or the like occurs some 1500 times in the Old Testament. 2 Tim. 3:16: “All Scripture is given by inspir- ation of God….” (i.e., it is “God- breathed” or breathed out by God). 2 Peter 1:20-21: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” “Thus said the LORD” or the like occurs some 1500 times in the Old Testament.

24. b. The People of God discovered which Books by-- a. Was it written by a prophet of God? (2Pet. 1:20-21; Mt. 5:17-18; Lk. 24:27) b. Was he confirmed by an act of God? (Ex. 4:1-9; Jn. 3:2; Heb. 2:4; 2 Cor. 12:12) c. Did he tell the truth about God? (Deut 13:1-3; 18:21-22; Acts 17:11; 1 Jn. 4:1-6) d. Did it have the power of God? (Isa. 55:11; Heb. 4:12; Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:17) e. Was it received by the people of God? a. Was it written by a prophet of God? (2Pet. 1:20-21; Mt. 5:17-18; Lk. 24:27) b. Was he confirmed by an act of God? (Ex. 4:1-9; Jn. 3:2; Heb. 2:4; 2 Cor. 12:12) c. Did he tell the truth about God? (Deut 13:1-3; 18:21-22; Acts 17:11; 1 Jn. 4:1-6) d. Did it have the power of God? (Isa. 55:11; Heb. 4:12; Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:17) e. Was it received by the people of God?

25. c. When Were They discovered? A. Initial Acceptance of NT by Many a. By 100 A.D. as the books were written (Col. 4:16; 2 Peter 3:15-16; 1 Tim. 5:18). b. By 140 A.D. all the NT was cited by the Fathers (except 3 Jn.). c. By 170 A.D. all the NT was recognized. B. Eventual Recognition of NT by All: By 400 A.D. all the NT was accepted by the Church Councils of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397). A. Initial Acceptance of NT by Many a. By 100 A.D. as the books were written (Col. 4:16; 2 Peter 3:15-16; 1 Tim. 5:18). b. By 140 A.D. all the NT was cited by the Fathers (except 3 Jn.). c. By 170 A.D. all the NT was recognized. B. Eventual Recognition of NT by All: By 400 A.D. all the NT was accepted by the Church Councils of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397).

26. Initial Acceptance was Immediate 1. Evidence In the Old Testament a. Moses’ Book was stored in the ark (Deut. 31:26). b. Joshua’s book was added to Moses’ book (Josh. 24:26). c. Samuel’s book was added to the canon (1Sam. 10:25). d. Daniel had the Law and Prophets (including Jeremiah his contemporary (Dan. 9:2, 10-11). e. Zechariah refers to “the law” and “former prophets” (7:12). f. Later books cite earlier ones: Joshua refers to Moses (Josh. 1:8) Ezekiel refers to Job (Eze. 14:14, 20) Isaiah is cited by Micah (Micah 4:1-3 cf. Isa. 2:2-4) Micah is cited by Jeremiah (Jer. 26:18 cf. Micah 3:12) 1. Evidence In the Old Testament a. Moses’ Book was stored in the ark (Deut. 31:26). b. Joshua’s book was added to Moses’ book (Josh. 24:26). c. Samuel’s book was added to the canon (1Sam. 10:25). d. Daniel had the Law and Prophets (including Jeremiah his contemporary (Dan. 9:2, 10-11). e. Zechariah refers to “the law” and “former prophets” (7:12). f. Later books cite earlier ones: Joshua refers to Moses (Josh. 1:8) Ezekiel refers to Job (Eze. 14:14, 20) Isaiah is cited by Micah (Micah 4:1-3 cf. Isa. 2:2-4) Micah is cited by Jeremiah (Jer. 26:18 cf. Micah 3:12)

27. What About the So-called “Missing Books” of the OT known as “The Apocrypha”?

28. 1) The Wisdom of Solomon (C. 30 B.C.) 2) Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) (c. 132 B.C.) 3) Tobit (c. 200 B.C.) 4) Judith (c. 150 B.C.) 5) 1 Esdras (c. 150-100 B.C.) [3 Esdras in Catholic Bible] 6) 2 Esdras (c. 100 A.D.) [4 Esdras in Catholic Bible] 7) 1 Maccabees (c. 110 B.C.) 8) 2 Maccabees (c. 110-70 B.C.) 9) Baruch (c. 150-50 B.C.)---Baruch 1-5 (Letter of Jeremiah [c. 300-100 B.C.])--Baruch 6 *10) Addition to Esther (140-130 B.C.) *11) Prayer of Azariah (2nd or 1st cent. B.C.)—Dan. 3:24-90 *12) Susanna (2nd or 1st cent. B.C.)--Daniel 13 *13) Bel and the Dragon (c. 100 B.C.)--Daniel 14 14) Prayer of Manasseh (2nd or 1st cent. B.C.) 14 Apocryphal Books

29. Why the OT Apocrypha was Rejected 1) It does not claim to be inspired by God. 2) It was not written by prophets of God (1 Mac. 9:27). 3) It was not confirmed by supernatural acts of God (Heb. 2:3-4). 4) It does not always tell the truth of God: On praying for the dead (2 Mac. 12:46); On working for salvation (Tobit 12:9). 5) It was not accepted by the people of God (Judaism).

30. 6)It was not accepted by Jesus the Son of God (Mt. 5:17-18; Lk. 24:27). 7)It was not accepted by the Apostles of God (who didn’t quote it). 8)It was not accepted by the Early Church of God. 9)It was rejected by the great Catholic translator of the Word of God (Jerome). 10) It was not written during the period of the prophets of God (according to Jewish Teaching): a. Jewish OT prophets ended by 400 B.C. b. Apocrypha was written 200 B.C.f.

31. The Jewish Historian Josephus: “From Artaxerxes [4th cent. B.C.] until our time everything has been recorded, but has not been deemed worthy of like credit with what preceded, because the exact succession of the prophets ceased” (Contra Apion 1.8). The Jewish Talmud: “With the death of Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi the latter prophets, the Holy Spirit ceased out of Israel” (Tos. Sotah 13:2).

32. B. Is The New Testament Complete? Yes. 1. Jesus promised it (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). 2. The apostles confirmed it by writing inspired books. 3. These 27 NT books are the only record of apostolic teachings. 4. The Christian Church confirmed it by accepting the NT. 1. Jesus promised it (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). 2. The apostles confirmed it by writing inspired books. 3. These 27 NT books are the only record of apostolic teachings. 4. The Christian Church confirmed it by accepting the NT.

33. B. Is The New Testament Complete? Yes. 1. Jesus promised it (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). 2. The apostles confirmed it by writing 27 inspired books. 3. These 27 NT books are the only record of apostolic teachings. 4. The Christian Church confirmed it by accepting the NT. 5. The providence of God assures it because: – 1. Jesus promised it (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). 2. The apostles confirmed it by writing 27 inspired books. 3. These 27 NT books are the only record of apostolic teachings. 4. The Christian Church confirmed it by accepting the NT. 5. The providence of God assures it because: –

34. B. Is The New Testament Complete? Yes. 1. Jesus promised it (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). 2. The apostles confirmed it by writing inspired books. 3. These 27 NT books are the only record of apostolic teachings. 4. The Christian Church confirmed it by accepting the NT. 5. The providence of God assures it because: – a. God always completes what He begins (Phil. 1:6). 1. Jesus promised it (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). 2. The apostles confirmed it by writing inspired books. 3. These 27 NT books are the only record of apostolic teachings. 4. The Christian Church confirmed it by accepting the NT. 5. The providence of God assures it because: – a. God always completes what He begins (Phil. 1:6).

35. B. Is The New Testament Complete? Yes. 1. Jesus promised it (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). 2. The apostles confirmed it (by writing inspired books). 3. The NT is the only record of it (in apostolic writings). 4. The Christian Church confirmed it (by accepting the NT). 5. The providence of God assures it because: – a. God always completes what He begins (Phil. 1:6). – b. He always preserves what He produces (2Pet. 3:13). 1. Jesus promised it (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). 2. The apostles confirmed it (by writing inspired books). 3. The NT is the only record of it (in apostolic writings). 4. The Christian Church confirmed it (by accepting the NT). 5. The providence of God assures it because: – a. God always completes what He begins (Phil. 1:6). – b. He always preserves what He produces (2Pet. 3:13).

36. B. Is The New Testament Complete? Yes. 1. Jesus promised it (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). 2. The apostles confirmed it (by writing inspired books). 3. The NT is the only record of it (in apostolic writings). 4. The Christian Church confirmed it (by accepting NT). 5. The providence of God assures it because: – a. God always completes what He begins (Phil. 1:6). – b. He always preserves what He produces (2Pet. 3:13). – c. Hence, He would not produce a book for the faith – and practice of the church of all generations that He did not preserve for those generations. 1. Jesus promised it (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 14:26; 16:13). 2. The apostles confirmed it (by writing inspired books). 3. The NT is the only record of it (in apostolic writings). 4. The Christian Church confirmed it (by accepting NT). 5. The providence of God assures it because: – a. God always completes what He begins (Phil. 1:6). – b. He always preserves what He produces (2Pet. 3:13). – c. Hence, He would not produce a book for the faith – and practice of the church of all generations that He did not preserve for those generations.

38. From God to Us: The Three Links I. Inspiration—From the mouth of God. II. Canonization—Collected by the people of God. III. Transmission—Copied by scribes of God.

39. The Testimony of the Scrolls There are More NT Manuscripts There are More NT Manuscripts The NT Most Other Books c. 5700 mss. 10-20 mss. c. 5700 mss. 10-20 mss. There are More NT Manuscripts There are More NT Manuscripts The NT Most Other Books c. 5700 mss. 10-20 mss. c. 5700 mss. 10-20 mss.

40. The Testimony of the Scrolls There are Earlier NT manuscripts There are Earlier NT manuscripts New TestamentMost Other Books New TestamentMost Other Books 25—150+ yr. gapc. 1000 yr. gap 25—150+ yr. gapc. 1000 yr. gap John Ryland--115 A.D.--five verses from John 18:31-33; 37-38 Bodmer Papyri--200 A.D.--most of John, 1&2Peter, and Jude Bodmer Papyri--200 A.D.--most of John, 1&2Peter, and Jude Chester Beaty Papyri--250 A.D.--nearly all the NT books Chester Beaty Papyri--250 A.D.--nearly all the NT books Vaticanus Manuscript--325-50 A.D.--most of OT and NT Vaticanus Manuscript--325-50 A.D.--most of OT and NT There are Earlier NT manuscripts There are Earlier NT manuscripts New TestamentMost Other Books New TestamentMost Other Books 25—150+ yr. gapc. 1000 yr. gap 25—150+ yr. gapc. 1000 yr. gap John Ryland--115 A.D.--five verses from John 18:31-33; 37-38 Bodmer Papyri--200 A.D.--most of John, 1&2Peter, and Jude Bodmer Papyri--200 A.D.--most of John, 1&2Peter, and Jude Chester Beaty Papyri--250 A.D.--nearly all the NT books Chester Beaty Papyri--250 A.D.--nearly all the NT books Vaticanus Manuscript--325-50 A.D.--most of OT and NT Vaticanus Manuscript--325-50 A.D.--most of OT and NT

41. The Testimony of the Scrolls Noted Ms. Expert: Sir. Frederick Kenyon Noted Ms. Expert: Sir. Frederick Kenyon “The interval between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” (Kenyon, Bible and Archaeology, 288) “The interval between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” (Kenyon, Bible and Archaeology, 288) Noted Ms. Expert: Sir. Frederick Kenyon Noted Ms. Expert: Sir. Frederick Kenyon “The interval between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” (Kenyon, Bible and Archaeology, 288) “The interval between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” (Kenyon, Bible and Archaeology, 288)

42. Documents are Copied Accurately The New Testament Has: –More manuscripts The New Testament Has: –More manuscripts

43. Documents are Copied Accurately The New Testament Has: –More manuscripts –Earlier manuscripts The New Testament Has: –More manuscripts –Earlier manuscripts

44. Documents are Copied Accurately The New Testament Has: –More manuscripts –Earlier manuscripts –More accurately copied manuscripts The New Testament Has: –More manuscripts –Earlier manuscripts –More accurately copied manuscripts

45. Documents are Copied Accurately The New Testament Has: –More manuscripts –Earlier manuscripts –More accurately copied manuscripts. –than any other book from the ancient world! The New Testament Has: –More manuscripts –Earlier manuscripts –More accurately copied manuscripts. –than any other book from the ancient world!

46. More and Earlier NT Mss.

47. The Testimony of the Scrolls There are More NT Manuscripts There are More NT Manuscripts The NT Most Other Books c. 5700 mss. 10-20 mss. c. 5700 mss. 10-20 mss. There are More NT Manuscripts There are More NT Manuscripts The NT Most Other Books c. 5700 mss. 10-20 mss. c. 5700 mss. 10-20 mss.

48. The Testimony of the Scrolls There are Earlier NT manuscripts There are Earlier NT manuscripts New TestamentMost Other Books New TestamentMost Other Books 25—150+ yr. gapc. 1000 yr. gap 25—150+ yr. gapc. 1000 yr. gap John Ryland--115 A.D.--five verses from John 18:31-33; 37-38 Bodmer Papyri--200 A.D.--most of John, 1&2Peter, and Jude Bodmer Papyri--200 A.D.--most of John, 1&2Peter, and Jude Chester Beaty Papyri--250 A.D.--nearly all the NT books Chester Beaty Papyri--250 A.D.--nearly all the NT books Vaticanus Manuscript--325-50 A.D.--most of OT and NT Vaticanus Manuscript--325-50 A.D.--most of OT and NT There are Earlier NT manuscripts There are Earlier NT manuscripts New TestamentMost Other Books New TestamentMost Other Books 25—150+ yr. gapc. 1000 yr. gap 25—150+ yr. gapc. 1000 yr. gap John Ryland--115 A.D.--five verses from John 18:31-33; 37-38 Bodmer Papyri--200 A.D.--most of John, 1&2Peter, and Jude Bodmer Papyri--200 A.D.--most of John, 1&2Peter, and Jude Chester Beaty Papyri--250 A.D.--nearly all the NT books Chester Beaty Papyri--250 A.D.--nearly all the NT books Vaticanus Manuscript--325-50 A.D.--most of OT and NT Vaticanus Manuscript--325-50 A.D.--most of OT and NT

49. The Testimony of the Scrolls Noted Ms. Expert: Sir. Frederick Kenyon Noted Ms. Expert: Sir. Frederick Kenyon “The interval between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” (Kenyon, Bible and Archaeology, 288) “The interval between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” (Kenyon, Bible and Archaeology, 288) Noted Ms. Expert: Sir. Frederick Kenyon Noted Ms. Expert: Sir. Frederick Kenyon “The interval between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” (Kenyon, Bible and Archaeology, 288) “The interval between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” (Kenyon, Bible and Archaeology, 288)

50. The Testimony of the Scrolls There are Better NT Manuscripts There are Better NT Manuscripts The NT Most Other Books The NT Most Other Books 99.9% accuracy 90-95% accuracy 99.9% accuracy 90-95% accuracy The Marabharata ------90% accuracy The Marabharata ------90% accuracy Iliad of Homer ----------95% accuracy Iliad of Homer ----------95% accuracy The New Testament ---99.9% accuracy The New Testament ---99.9% accuracy There are Better NT Manuscripts There are Better NT Manuscripts The NT Most Other Books The NT Most Other Books 99.9% accuracy 90-95% accuracy 99.9% accuracy 90-95% accuracy The Marabharata ------90% accuracy The Marabharata ------90% accuracy Iliad of Homer ----------95% accuracy Iliad of Homer ----------95% accuracy The New Testament ---99.9% accuracy The New Testament ---99.9% accuracy

51. And if you received this message, you would have no doubt! "Y#U HAVE WON TEN MILLION DOLLARS" "YO# HAVE WON TEN MILLION DOLLARS" "YOU #AVE WON TEN MILLION DOLLARS" Note: 1.Even with mistakes, 100% of the message comes through. 2.The more errors, the more sure you are of the message. 3.The Bible has many less errors in the copies than this message does. Note: 1.Even with mistakes, 100% of the message comes through. 2.The more errors, the more sure you are of the message. 3.The Bible has many less errors in the copies than this message does.

52. The Testimony of the Scrolls Sir Frederick Kenyon’s Testimony Sir Frederick Kenyon’s Testimony “The number of mss. of the New Testament, of early translations from it, and of quotations from it in the oldest writers of the Church, is so large that it is practically certain that the true reading of every doubtful passage is preserved in some one or the other of these ancient authorities. This can be said of no other book in the world” ( Our Bible and the Ancient Manuscripts, 55 ). “The number of mss. of the New Testament, of early translations from it, and of quotations from it in the oldest writers of the Church, is so large that it is practically certain that the true reading of every doubtful passage is preserved in some one or the other of these ancient authorities. This can be said of no other book in the world” ( Our Bible and the Ancient Manuscripts, 55 ). Sir Frederick Kenyon’s Testimony Sir Frederick Kenyon’s Testimony “The number of mss. of the New Testament, of early translations from it, and of quotations from it in the oldest writers of the Church, is so large that it is practically certain that the true reading of every doubtful passage is preserved in some one or the other of these ancient authorities. This can be said of no other book in the world” ( Our Bible and the Ancient Manuscripts, 55 ). “The number of mss. of the New Testament, of early translations from it, and of quotations from it in the oldest writers of the Church, is so large that it is practically certain that the true reading of every doubtful passage is preserved in some one or the other of these ancient authorities. This can be said of no other book in the world” ( Our Bible and the Ancient Manuscripts, 55 ).

53. The Testimony of the Fathers This includes every verse in the NT except 11!

54. The New Testament Has: –More Manuscripts –Earlier Manuscripts –More Accurately Copied Manuscripts --than any other book from the ancient world! The New Testament Has: –More Manuscripts –Earlier Manuscripts –More Accurately Copied Manuscripts --than any other book from the ancient world!

55. From God to Us: The Three Links I. Inspiration—From the mouth of God. II. Canonization—Collected by the people of God. III. Transmission—Copied by scribes of God.

56. – Isaiah Said: – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isa. 40:7). – Jesus Said: – “ I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of the pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished” (Mt. 5:18). – Isaiah Said: – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isa. 40:7). – Jesus Said: – “ I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of the pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished” (Mt. 5:18).

57. 1500 b.c. 1000 b.c. 400 b.c. 605- 586