Is the New Testament Historically Reliable? with Mike Kruger
Feb 4, 2025
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Mike Kruger, President of Reformed Theological Seminary and a leading scholar in New Testament studies, joins the discussion on the reliability of the New Testament. He delves into how early Gospel accounts were written during the lifetime of Jesus' followers, reinforcing their authenticity. Kruger counters skepticism about textual variations, emphasizing the preservation of core messages. He also highlights unique aspects of Jesus’ character and teachings, inviting listeners to explore the depths of the Gospel narratives.
The historical reliability of the New Testament is bolstered by the close temporal proximity of its gospel accounts to the eyewitness events they describe.
Early Christians created miniature codices, embodying their commitment to scripture and demonstrating a vibrant textual culture essential for faith engagement.
Despite skepticism regarding manuscript variations, the early Christian community's careful transmission practices and the abundance of early manuscripts support the New Testament's textual stability.
Deep dives
Access to the Bible Throughout History
For most of Christian history, access to the Bible was limited, with many Christians unable to possess a physical copy. Public reading of Scripture was the common way to engage with the text, particularly in an era where literacy rates were low. This stands in stark contrast to modern times, where individuals often have multiple copies of the Bible in their own languages readily available. The discussion highlights a shift in accessibility and appreciation for Scripture within the Christian community.
The Rise of Miniature Codices
Early Christians began to develop small, portable versions of sacred texts, referred to as miniature codices, which allowed them to carry their Scriptures with them. Unlike previous religions that were not tied to texts, Christians embraced and valued books as conduits to God. These small codices enabled believers to engage with and reflect on Scripture in their daily lives and during travels, indicating a strong textual culture. This practice showcases an important aspect of how early Christians integrated faith and text into their routines.
Textual Consistency and Manuscript Evidence
Skeptics often question the authenticity of New Testament texts, citing the numerous copies and potential errors that arose through scribal transmission. However, the early Christian community maintained a sophisticated approach to copying and preserving texts, demonstrating considerable care and consistency. The existence of thousands of early manuscripts provides a strong foundation to verify the stability of the New Testament, counteracting claims of significant corruption. This abundance of textual evidence actually enhances the reliability of the New Testament narratives.
Eyewitness Accounts in the Gospels
The Gospels were composed within the lifespan of the individuals who witnessed the events they describe, lending credibility to their accounts. Compelling evidence supports that the resurrection claims were established early in Christian writings, sharply contradicting notions that such stories could have developed over generations. Paul’s letters, for instance, reference resurrection traditions that predate his own writings, emphasizing the early recognition of Jesus's divinity and resurrection. This close temporal connection to the events fortifies claims of their historical integrity.
Understanding the Excluded Gospels
The absence of certain gospels from the canon arises not from suppression, but due to their late composition and inauthenticity as eyewitness accounts. Most apocryphal texts date to the second century or later, lacking the historical reliability of the accepted Gospels. Early Christians excluded these writings because they failed to provide credible narratives and often displayed inaccuracies regarding first-century context and Jewish customs. This discernment process illustrates the integrity of early Christian leaders in establishing a reliable collection of texts.
Rebecca and Dr. Michael J. Kruger discuss the origins and reliability of the New Testament, the textual transmission from early Christianity, the authenticity of gospel accounts, and address common skeptic arguments, including Bart Ehrman's views on manuscript variations. Dr. Kruger highlights the significance of Jesus' character and teachings while discussing the historical importance of early Christian texts. Subscribe to Mike's Blog: Miniature Codices in Early Christianity Follow Mike Kruger: X, Facebook, and Website
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