Historical Truths of the Bible: Faith and Evidence

Summary

The Bible is not a collection of mere stories, but a compilation of historical accounts rooted in real events, real people, and real places. Many of us grew up hearing about “Bible stories,” but it’s crucial to recognize that what we hold in our hands is a record of history, not fable or myth. The New Testament, in particular, stands up to rigorous academic scrutiny. Contrary to popular critiques, the accounts were not written centuries after the events, but within the lifetimes of eyewitnesses—often by the eyewitnesses themselves or by those who directly interviewed them. For example, Mark wrote down Peter’s account, and Luke compiled testimonies from many, including Mary, the mother of Jesus.

The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD was a monumental event in Jewish history, yet it is never mentioned in the New Testament. This silence is powerful evidence that the New Testament writings predate this event, placing their composition within a generation of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Manuscript evidence further supports the reliability of the New Testament. While other ancient works like those of Aristotle or Plato have only a handful of manuscripts, often separated from the originals by over a thousand years, the New Testament boasts over 5,600 manuscripts, with the earliest copies dating within 25-50 years of the original events. These manuscripts are 99.5% consistent, a level of preservation unmatched in ancient literature.

The Old Testament, too, is validated by Jesus himself, who quoted it extensively and treated it as the authoritative Word of God. The faithfulness of the early disciples, most of whom suffered violent deaths without recanting their testimony, further underscores the authenticity of their witness. People may die for what they believe to be true, but no one willingly dies for what they know to be a lie. The transformation of skeptics like James, the brother of Jesus, who became a leader in the early church after encountering the risen Christ, is further historical confirmation.

Understanding the Bible’s structure—creation, fall, Israel, Jesus, the church, and new creation—helps us see the grand narrative of God’s redemptive work. The gospel message has been carried through generations, often at great cost, and now rests in our hands. The challenge is not just to revere it, but to pick it up, carry it forward, and live in obedience, sharing it with the next generation. For those who have not yet responded to Jesus, the invitation is open: confess, believe, and receive the gift of salvation. For all, the call is to remember, respond, and carry the gospel with faithfulness and courage.

Key Takeaways

- The Bible is a collection of historical accounts, not mere stories. Recognizing this distinction changes how we approach Scripture, moving us from seeing it as moral tales to understanding it as the record of God’s real actions in history. This perspective grounds our faith in reality, not in myth or legend. [33:53]

- The New Testament was written within the lifetimes of eyewitnesses, often by the eyewitnesses themselves or by those who directly interviewed them. The absence of any mention of the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, a pivotal event, strongly suggests the texts were completed before this date. This proximity to the events ensures the reliability and authenticity of the accounts. [39:12]

- Manuscript evidence for the New Testament far surpasses that of any other ancient work. With over 5,600 manuscripts, most within 100 years of the original events and 99.5% consistent, the New Testament’s preservation is unparalleled. This overwhelming evidence should give us great confidence in the trustworthiness of the Scriptures we read today. [48:06]

- The unwavering faith of the disciples, most of whom suffered brutal deaths without recanting their testimony, is a powerful witness to the truth of the resurrection. People may die for what they believe is true, but not for what they know is false. Their courage and sacrifice challenge us to examine the depth of our own convictions and willingness to stand for truth. [52:29]

- The grand narrative of the Bible unfolds in six movements: creation, fall, Israel, Jesus, the church, and new creation. Understanding this structure helps us see our place in God’s ongoing story and reminds us that the gospel has been faithfully carried through generations to reach us. The question now is whether we will pick up this message, carry it forward, and live in obedience to God’s call. [57:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction and Recap
[02:30] - Upcoming Seminar Announcement
[04:10] - Not Bible Stories, but Historical Accounts
[07:15] - Critique 1: Timing of New Testament Writings
[10:00] - Evidence from the Destruction of the Temple
[13:00] - Eyewitness Testimony and Authorship
[16:00] - Critique 2: Has the New Testament Been Corrupted?
[19:00] - Manuscript Evidence and Comparison with Other Ancient Works
[23:00] - Reliability of the New Testament
[25:00] - Jesus’ Validation of the Old Testament
[27:00] - The Disciples’ Sacrifice and Testimony
[31:00] - The Six Movements of the Bible
[34:00] - The Call to Carry the Gospel Forward
[37:00] - Invitation to Respond and Communion Instructions

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Not Bible Stories, But Historical Accounts”

---

### Bible Reading

Luke 1:1-4 (ESV)
> Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
> Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Romans 10:9 (ESV)
> Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

---

### Observation Questions

1. According to Luke 1:1-4, what was Luke’s purpose in writing his Gospel, and how did he gather his information?
2. In John 20:30-31, what reason does John give for writing down the signs and events in his Gospel?
3. The sermon mentioned that the New Testament was written within the lifetimes of eyewitnesses and often by the eyewitnesses themselves or those who interviewed them. What evidence did the pastor give to support this claim? [39:12]
4. What does Romans 10:9 say is required for salvation?

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why is it significant that Luke and other Gospel writers relied on eyewitness testimony when writing their accounts? How does this affect the way we read the Bible? (Luke 1:1-4)
2. The pastor pointed out that the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD is never mentioned in the New Testament. Why might this be important for understanding when the New Testament was written? [36:36]
3. The sermon compared the manuscript evidence for the New Testament to other ancient works like Aristotle and Plato. What does this comparison reveal about the reliability of the New Testament? [48:06]
4. The disciples were willing to suffer and die for their testimony about Jesus. What does this suggest about their conviction and the truth of their message? [52:29]

---

### Application Questions

1. The pastor challenged us to see the Bible not as a collection of “stories,” but as a record of real events. How has your view of the Bible changed over time? Do you tend to think of it as history or as just stories? How does this affect your faith and daily life? [33:53]
2. The sermon described how the gospel message has been carried through generations, often at great cost, and now rests in our hands. What does it mean for you personally to “pick up” the gospel and carry it forward? Is there someone in your life you feel called to share it with? [57:48]
3. The pastor mentioned that the early disciples suffered violent deaths without recanting their testimony. What is one area of your life where you feel challenged to stand firm in your faith, even if it’s difficult or unpopular? [52:29]
4. The Bible’s grand narrative was described in six movements: creation, fall, Israel, Jesus, the church, and new creation. Which movement do you feel most connected to right now, and why? How does understanding this big picture help you find your place in God’s story? [57:48]
5. The sermon highlighted the reliability and preservation of the New Testament manuscripts. Does knowing this give you more confidence in reading and trusting the Bible? Why or why not? [48:06]
6. Romans 10:9 gives a simple invitation to confess and believe in Jesus for salvation. If you have already done this, how do you continue to “confess” and “believe” in your daily life? If you haven’t, what questions or doubts do you still have? [01:02:42]
7. The pastor asked, “What will you do with the gospel message that has come to your doorstep?” What is one practical step you can take this week to live out or share the gospel with someone else? [57:48]

---

Devotional

Day 1: The Bible is Not Just Stories, But Historical Accounts
The Bible is not a collection of fables or mere stories, but a record of real historical events, written by eyewitnesses or those who recorded firsthand accounts. This understanding changes how we approach Scripture, inviting us to see it as a trustworthy foundation for our faith and life. The events described, from the life of Jesus to the acts of the apostles, are rooted in history and supported by evidence, not myth or legend. When we read the Bible, we are engaging with the testimony of those who saw, heard, and experienced God's work in the world. [33:53]

Luke 1:1-4 (ESV)
"Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught."

Reflection:
How does viewing the Bible as a historical account, rather than just a collection of stories, change the way you approach reading and trusting Scripture today?


Day 2: The Reliability and Preservation of the New Testament
The New Testament stands alone among ancient works for its historical reliability, with thousands of manuscripts written within a generation of the events they describe and with remarkable consistency. Unlike other works of antiquity, which are often separated from their originals by centuries and have only a handful of copies, the New Testament boasts over 5,600 manuscripts, 99.5% identical, written within 100 years of Jesus' life. This overwhelming evidence affirms that what we read today is what the early church read and believed, giving us confidence in the message and person of Jesus Christ. [48:06]

2 Peter 1:16 (ESV)
"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty."

Reflection:
What doubts or questions have you had about the reliability of the New Testament, and how does knowing its historical preservation encourage your faith?


Day 3: Jesus Validated the Old Testament as the Word of God
Jesus himself quoted the Old Testament hundreds of times, affirming its authority and truth. If Jesus, the Son of God, treated the Old Testament as the very Word of God, then we too can trust its message and promises. This validation by Christ means that the entire Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is a unified, trustworthy revelation from God, worthy of our study, belief, and obedience. [50:15]

Matthew 5:17-18 (ESV)
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."

Reflection:
Is there a part of the Old Testament you have struggled to trust or understand? How might Jesus’ affirmation of it encourage you to engage with it more deeply?


Day 4: The Gospel Message is Worth Dying For
The apostles and early disciples were so convinced of the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and the gospel message that they endured torture and death without recanting. Their unwavering commitment, even in the face of horrific suffering, is powerful evidence that they truly believed what they proclaimed. No one willingly dies for what they know to be a lie; their courage challenges us to consider the depth of our own conviction and willingness to stand for Christ. [52:29]

Acts 4:19-20 (ESV)
"But Peter and John answered them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.'"

Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you are hesitant to stand boldly for your faith? What would it look like to trust God with that area today?


Day 5: The Call to Carry the Gospel Forward
The gospel has been handed down through generations of faithful believers, often at great cost, and now it has arrived at your doorstep. The question is not whether the message is trustworthy, but what you will do with it. Will you simply admire it, or will you pick it up, carry it, and share it with others? Jesus calls each of us to lay down our own desires, take up our cross, and follow him—becoming part of the ongoing story of God’s redemption in the world. [01:01:59]

Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
"Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'"

Reflection:
Who is one person in your life that God may be calling you to share the gospel with or encourage in faith this week? What step can you take to carry the message forward today?

Quotes

It shows that the New Testament was written within the lifetime of those with eyewitness accounts of the events in question. Now, in terms of history, in terms of academia, and going back into works of antiquity and seeing what's going on, if there are eyewitnesses, that means everything. It's one of the greatest things they can have is an eyewitness to the event. [00:40:30] (27 seconds)  #EyewitnessTestimonyMatters Edit Clip

The New Testament content has been corrupted throughout the years and can't be trusted. This is going to be one of the major tools that Muslim apologists will use. You know, talk about Jesus is important that, that, that Jesus was a, was a prophet and all this stuff. But we can't trust the Bible because it's been corrupted. Yet I say, nay, nay. Has it changed really? Well, let's get academic on that thing and let's see how the Bible stacks up to other works of antiquity. [00:42:21] (39 seconds)  #BibleIntegrityDefended Edit Clip

Now the earliest manuscripts that we have date to no more than 50 years after the death of Jesus. Now within 100 years from the death of Jesus, we have almost the full New Testament. You're going to go in 100 years? Seems like a lot. I'm going to show you 100 years in terms of history. Well, that's a drop in the bucket. [00:44:32] (27 seconds)  #EarlyManuscriptMiracle Edit Clip

Let's look at this, where he talked about, right? Less than a hundred years from the originals. The full New Testament was virtually there. How many of these manuscripts do we have in less than a hundred years from the original event? 5,600. And all of them, at the longest case scenario, is less than 100 years after the fact. In terms of works of antiquity, that is a miracle. A God-sized miracle. Yet it happened. And of these 5,600 manuscripts that we have across the board, they are 99.5% the same. [00:47:23] (51 seconds)  #ManuscriptConsistency Edit Clip

You will never find a more historical, a historically accurate book than the New Testament that we are talking about. So here's the three things, right, that we need to understand. The accounts of the eyewitnesses written down by either the eyewitnesses themselves or someone who was recording the account of eyewitnesses. The accounts originated within the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, unheard of. And we have accurate and early manuscripts and not just a couple, but over 5,600 manuscripts do we have. [00:48:34] (41 seconds)  #UnmatchedHistoricalReliability Edit Clip

Did you know in the Old Testament, or in the New Testament, Jesus directly quoted the Old Testament 283 times? Now, that's just what was recorded. Because as Peter said, if they were to write down everything that Jesus said and taught, there's not enough books in the world to contain them. So this is just what was written down. But Jesus directly quoted 283 times the Old Testament. What does that mean? That means that Jesus has validated the Old Testament. And that if Jesus understands the Old Testament as the Word of God, then I will understand the Old Testament as the Word of God. Because Jesus did. And that's enough for me. [00:49:49] (57 seconds)  #MartyrsUnwaveringFaith Edit Clip

If they did not believe what they believed, if they had not seen the things that they had seen, it wouldn't take real long. It wouldn't take too much time of peeling my skin off my body before I say, please stop. It was all fake. It didn't really happen. Stop doing to me what you're doing. Not one. Not when they flayed them alive. Not when they pulled their limbs from their bodies. Not one recanted because you can't see the living Jesus after he has resurrected and not go, I'm all in. You can take my limbs, but you can't take my gospel. [00:52:30] (39 seconds)  #TruthWorthDyingFor Edit Clip

James, the brother of John, this is great. You know, he was one of his little brothers. He had numerous brothers, but James was one of them. And James wasn't a big fan of Jesus. I mean, as you imagine any little brother, Jesus. Jesus, that's what little brothers do. All the hype, man. Shut up, Jesus. God, man. But no. You know what happened to James? He wasn't a believer. That is until he experienced and met with his brother after he was dead. And James had to change your heart. Do you know what history tells us? Not just the Bible, but history. All this stuff is not just in, just the Bible. It's like in other history books, other historical accounts, other historians. This is awesome. You know what it tells us about James? That James became the leader of the church in Jerusalem. Where he, too, gave his life for the cause of Christ. Where just previously, he denied him. But when you see the risen Savior, we're going to kill you. So what? Oh, send me to heaven. It's hot down here anyway. [00:55:47] (82 seconds)  #BiblicalUnderstandingEssential Edit Clip

Wouldn't it be wonderful? Until new creation comes, Jesus says, pick up your cross and follow me. That means put down all the other crap you were carrying. Desires for money and fame, titles, sex, drugs, you name it, whatever, we all got them. He invites us to put them down and pick up the cross and carry with us. Because we are not only taking that cross just to our deaths, but we are going to take that cross and have other generations that they will pick up theirs. But it all has to have obedience. What will we do now with the gospel? [01:02:17] (42 seconds)  #SalvationIsForAll Edit Clip

Once you remember what he's done, let it drive you. Let it drive you to your last breath. That one thing, one more time. Not Bible stories, but historical accounts. And that's just a little something to make you go, hmm. [01:07:07] (26 seconds) Edit Clip