The Crossway Podcast 12 Quick Questions about the Reliability of the Bible (Peter Williams)
Dec 26, 2022
Peter J. Williams, a biblical scholar and principal of Tyndale House, discusses the reliability of Scripture, tackling common doubts about the Bible. He explains why the original manuscripts matter less than accurate copies and defends ancient copying practices against skeptics. Williams addresses perceived contradictions and emphasizes careful study to resolve tensions. He discusses how unknown authorship doesn't diminish reliability and explores the Old Testament's portrayal of God's character. Williams encourages readers to embrace doubts with ongoing inquiry and honest conversation.
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Original Wording Matters More Than Originals
- Words, not original physical manuscripts, are what matter for Scripture's reliability.
- Copies preserve the original wording so lack of originals is not fatal to trust.
Why Massive Falsification Is Implausible
- Widespread, skilled copying and economic realities make wholesale falsification implausible.
- Scholars compare many manuscripts to identify accidental errors and intentional changes.
Compare Manuscripts To Reconstruct Texts
- Compare manuscript families and fragments to detect copying patterns and errors.
- Use cross-comparison to reconstruct the original wording confidently.
