Reliable?

IS THE NEW TESTAMENT RELIABLE? The New Testament is the most extensively copied set of documents of the ancient world. The number of known Greek manuscripts of the New Testament is approaching 6000. There are over 10,000 copies of the Latin Vulgate and at least 9,300 other early translations, and we have more that 25,000 manuscript copies of portions of the New Testament. The closest competitor to those numbers is represented by Homer’s The Illiad which has only 643 copies. Furthermore, the early Christians quoted the New Testament so extensively that it could be virtually reproduced from their quotations alone.

What about contradictions in the Bible? Where are they? The fiery claims of Bible contradictions have been repeatedly extinguished. If there really are contradictions in the Bible, those contradictions would have crippled its power at some point in the nearly 2000 years of its use. When the Book is examined closely, one finds tremendous accuracy rather than the smallest mistake. This tremendous accuracy is only possible by God’s power–2 Peter 1:21.

How is all the greatness possible? Why is the New Testament the very definition of reliability? “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16. 

D. L. DeBord