When writing and
speaking of the Bible, Christians usually site
the following verse as proof of its' accuracy: "All
Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in
righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16)
However,
non-believing opponents of the Bible say that
this is utilizing 'circular reasoning', which is
believing a document to be true simply due to the
documents say-so.
But, the
historicity of the Bible has been proven in three
areas: people, places and objects. Not only by
archaeological means, which covers the
aforementioned subjects of places and objects,
but also by support of many secular writings,
which covers the subject of people. Only some of
these are:
Cornelius Tacitus
A Roman
historian, in A.D. 112, Governor of Asia,
son-in-law of Julius Agricola, who was Governor
of Britain A.D. 80-84. Writing of the reign of
Nero, Tacitus alludes to Christ and to the
existence of Christians at Rome.
Lucian of Samosata
A satirist of
the second century, who spoke scornfully of
Christ and the Christians.
Flavius Josephus
A Jewish
historian, he became a Pharisee at age 19, and in
A.D. 66 was the commander of the Jewish forces in
Galilee.
Plinius Secundus
Governor of
Bithynia in Asia Minor (A.D. 112), Pliny was
writing the emperor Trajan seeking counsel as to
how to treat the Christians.
Phlegon
A
first-century historian whose Chronicles have
been lost, but a small fragment of that work
confirms the darkness upon the earth at the
crucifixion, is also mentioned by Julius
Africanus.
With support from
some such as these secular writers, the
verifiable accuracy of people, places and events
of the Bible stand as proof for the accuracy of
future prophecies, and their Divine authenticity.
So, as God inspired His Word to be written, He
inspires us through the Holy Spirit to seek out
the One who offers eternal life with Him. Jesus
said:
"Search
the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have
eternal life: and they are they which testify of
me." (John 5:39)
Keith
09-15-2003
|