THE BIBLE AND ARCHAEOLOGY
Discoveries in the field of Archeology in the past 200 years
have provided abundant evidence supporting the historical accuracy
of both Old and New Testaments. Over and over again people, places,
events and customs described in the scriptures have been confirmed
by modern archeology. On the other hand there has been nothing to
date discovered which has contradicted or undermined the historical
reliability of the scriptures. One would expect that a book given by
God would be accurate and reliable regarding the information to
which it gives witness including those of a historical nature.
Archeology has proved that the Bible to be such a book adding to the
evidence for the inspiration of the scriptures.
Geisler
and Nix summarize the impact that Archeology has had on biblical
studies in these words, " Historical confirmation of the Old
Testament has come from all over the biblical world. Persons, places
and events have been substantiated: from the Patriarchs to Israel in
Egypt, to the conquest of Canaan, to the kingdom under Solomon, to
the deportations of Israel and Judah to Assyria and Babylonia
respectively. In the field of New Testament studies, the evidence
has also been abundant. Even a casual survey of any good book on New
Testament archeology will indicate that the accuracy of details in
the events of Christ's life has been confirmed from the ruins of
Palestine, as has been the case with the details about the journeys
of the Apostle Paul."( Introduction to the Bible, p.122)
Josh
McDowell in his book Evidence the Demands a Verdict presents the
testimony of many world renown Biblical scholars and Archeologists
who confirm the role that archeology has played in verifying the
historical accuracy of the Bible. The interested reader is
encouraged to obtain this book for further study. The following
brief quotes are offered as representative examples.
"Nelson
Glueck, the renowned Jewish archeologist, wrote that 'it may be
stated categorically that no archeological discovery has ever
controverted a biblical reference.' " (p. 68)
"William F. Albright, known for his reputation as one of the
great archeologists, states: 'There can be no doubt that archeology
has confirmed the substantial historicity of the old Testament
tradition.' " (p. 68)
"Millar
Burrows of Yale observes: 'Archeology has in many cases refuted the
views of modern critics. It has shown in a number of instances that
these views rest on false assumptions and unreal, artificial schemes
of historical development. This is a real contribution and not to be
minimized.' " (p. 69)
" The
Yale archeologist adds to his above statement: " On the whole
however, archeological work has unquestionably strengthened
confidence in the reliability of the Scriptural record. More than
one archeologist has found his respect for the Bible increased by
the experience of excavation in Palestine.' " (p. 69)
The
gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts both believed to be written by
Luke are vital witnesses to the life of Christ and the early church.
When focusing on the New Testament record given by Luke McDowell
writes, " Luke's reliability as an historian is unquestionable.
Unger tells us that archeology has authenticated the gospel
accounts, especially Luke. 'In Unger's words, The Acts of the
Apostles is now generally agreed in scholarly circles to be the work
of Luke, to belong to the first century and to involve the labors of
a careful historian who was substantially accurate in his use of
sources.' " (p. 72)
Finally
McDowell quotes Sir William Ramsay regarded as one of the greatest
archeologist to have ever lived saying, "Luke is a historian of the
first rank; not merely are his statements of facts trustworthy; he
is possessed of the true historic sense...In short this author
should be placed along with the very greatest of historians." (p.
73)
Original article
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