2 nd Timothy 3 16 17 All Scripture

2 nd Timothy 3: 16 -17 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 Poetry & Wisdom History & Law Old Testament Judges Genesis Ruth Exodus Samuel Leviticus Kings Numbers Deuteronomy Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Gospels/Acts New Testament Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Prophets Job Isaiah - Malachi Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Songs Solomon Letters Romans - Jude 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from the content - prophecies Integrity of the writers • Our verdict What and why • Ignoring Evidence - archaeology & historical documents*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 on Authority – 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 • Survival Through persecution Through scrutiny Shows impact on people Enhances the reliability • Teaching Focused 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 • Reliability • Number of copies (ancient) • Elapsed time from original/events • Consistency between copies

Examples Text/ Author Events Caesar Homer Earliest Copy Elapsed Time No of Copies 100 -44 BC 900 AD 1000 Yrs 10 900 BC 500 Yrs 643 25 Yrs 24, 000 400 BC New 40 -100 AD 125 AD Testament Reject Bible – reject all

Manuscripts John Rylands ms Manchester 130 AD Parts of John’s gospel Bodmer Papyrus Bodmer Library 150 -200 AD All of John’s gospel Chester Beatty Papyri - Dublin Codex Vaticanus Rome 200 AD Major portions NT 325 -350 AD Most of Bible Codex Sinaiticus British Museum 350 AD Most of Bible

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

Early Writings Clement Rome Knew apostles 95 AD Quotes Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, Corinthians, Peter, Hebrews, Titus Ignatius Knew well the apostles 70 -110 AD Matthew, John, Acts, Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Galatians, Colossians, James, Thessalonians, Timothy, Peter 2400 quotes from 3 books NT Clement of 150 -212 AD Alexandria Tertullian 160 -220 AD 7000 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 10 17 100, 000, 000 to 1 48 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 accounts Miracles, transfiguration, resurrection • Personal sacrifice • Integrity Read – 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