2 nd Timothy 3: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. What we are, believe and do is to be based on the Bible How do we know we rely on the Bible?*

The Structure of the Bible Old Testament History & Law Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Judges Ruth Samuel Kings Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Poetry & Wisdom Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Songs Solomon Prophets Isaiah - Malachi New Testament Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Letters Romans - Jude RevelationGospels/Acts Revelation

Evidence that Demands a Verdict Evidence for Reliability of the Bible The Canon of Scripture Uniqueness of the Bible Evidence from old manuscripts Evidence from the content - prophecies Integrity of the writers Our verdict What and why Ignoring Evidence - archaeology & historical documents*

The Canon of Scripture The books of the New Testament: Decided at the Synod of Hippo 393 AD Confirmed what was already accepted Judged onAuthority – author, status, certainty text: “Thus says the Lord” Accepted References by early church fathers Consistency Left out if any doubt*

Evidence that Demands a Verdict Evidence for Reliability of the Bible The Canon of Scripture Uniqueness of the Bible Evidence from old manuscripts Evidence from the content - prophecies Integrity of the writers Our verdict What and why

The Uniqueness of the Bible Continuity Written over 1500 years About 40 generations By over 40 people Kings to peasants Written in three languages In many places – thousands miles apart In many circumstances – political, economic, personal Yet there is a wholeness One part is only understood by reference to another Revealing God’s plan of redemption Direction of Holy Spirit*

The Uniqueness of the Bible Transcribed Precision of Jewish scribes Desire for accuracy extends into NT Small % controversial Shows reliability of the text SurvivalThrough persecution Through scrutiny Shows impact on people Enhances the reliability TeachingFocused on Lord Jesus Christ Miraculous Eternal life – life changing experience*

Evidence that Demands a Verdict Evidence for Reliability of the Bible The Canon of Scripture Uniqueness of the Bible Evidence from old manuscripts Evidence from the content - prophecies Integrity of the writers Our verdict What and why

Evidence of Manuscripts ReliabilityNumber of copies (ancient) Elapsed time from original/events Consistency between copies

Examples Text/ Author EventsEarliest Copy Elapsed Time No of Copies Caesar BC900 AD1000 Yrs10 Homer900 BC400 BC500 Yrs643 New Testament AD125 AD25 Yrs24,000 Reject Bible – reject all

Manuscripts John Rylands ms Manchester 130 ADParts of John’s gospel Bodmer Papyrus Bodmer Library ADAll of John’s gospel Chester Beatty Papyri - Dublin 200 ADMajor portions NT Codex Vaticanus Rome ADMost of Bible Codex Sinaiticus British Museum 350 ADMost of Bible

Reliability Supported by Various Versions Greek Version Various 130 AD Latin Version 150 AD Syriac Version 150 AD Various copies 400’s AD Original Translated 150 AD Various copies from 360 AD Consistency between versions*

Early Writings Clement Rome Knew apostles 95 ADQuotes Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, Corinthians, Peter, Hebrews, Titus Ignatius Knew well the apostles ADMatthew, John, Acts, Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Galatians, Colossians, James, Thessalonians, Timothy, Peter Clement of Alexandria AD2400 quotes from 3 books NT Tertullian AD7000 quotes – 3,800 from Gospels

Evidence that Demands a Verdict Evidence for Reliability of the Bible The Canon of Scripture Uniqueness of the Bible Evidence from old manuscripts Evidence from the content - prophecies Integrity of the writers Our verdict What and why

Evidence of Prophecies 61 major prophecies fulfilled Several hundred references in OT to Lord Jesus Take 8 prophecies about the Lord Jesus Chances of occurring in life one man 1 in ,000,000,000,000,000 to Prophecies considered Chances 1 in 10 57*

Evidence that Demands a Verdict Evidence for Reliability of the Bible The Canon of Scripture Uniqueness of the Bible Evidence from old manuscripts Evidence from the content - prophecies Integrity of the writers Our verdict What and why

Integrity of Writers Prophecies Many can’t be contrived Eye-witness accountsMiracles, transfiguration, resurrection Personal sacrifice IntegrityRead – words of honest men

Evidence Bible is different – unique Bible we read today is the same at that of 2000 years ago Writers were saintly, God-fearing people The prophecies have been fulfilled We can rely on its accuracy It described unique, miraculous, events, focused on The Lord Jesus Christ Events that would expected, largely, from a divine person Evidence demands a verdict*

Our verdict Scripture is inspired – God-breathed Unique source of knowledge It’s profitable – get more out than we put in Doctrine Reproof, correction, instruction in the right Makes us complete and equipped