The Sean McDowell Show cover image

The Sean McDowell Show

The Bible: Tough Qs and Answers

Dec 2, 2024
In this engaging discussion, New Testament scholar Dr. Peter Gurry and Old Testament scholar Dr. John Meade explore how we got the Bible. They unpack the reliability of biblical texts, touching on the fascinating history of early manuscripts and the debate surrounding their authorship. The conversation reveals insights about the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls and how textual variants, like Goliath's height, impact interpretation. Personal reflections on faith through academic study add a compelling layer to the dialogue.
01:10:30

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Quick takeaways

  • The Old Testament canon was formed through rigorous scrutiny and early community acceptance, illustrating its trustworthiness despite conspiracy theories.
  • Recent manuscript discoveries have invigorated textual criticism, revealing the dynamic transmission and preservation of biblical texts throughout history.

Deep dives

The Formative Periods of the Old Testament Canon

The formation of the Old Testament canon occurred through three distinct periods, beginning with the pre-New Testament era. This phase heavily relied on texts recognized by Jewish communities, which included nearly all modern Old Testament books. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls further illustrated that early Jewish groups primarily quoted texts from what is now the Old Testament, reinforcing its recognized status. Subsequently, by around 100 AD, historical figures like Josephus noted that the Jewish canon comprised 22 accepted books, laying the groundwork for later Christian understanding of the Old Testament.

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