A Case for the Bible 101: Manuscript Evidence Part 9 – Are there witnesses outside the Biblical record?

Hostile Witness Accounts

Last week we looked at the importance of eyewitness testimony and the fact that the Bible is written mainly by primary witnesses, or by those that interviewed them. Another powerful testimony to the reliability of the Bible comes from outside sources. These sources are non-Christian, and in many cases were hostile to the Christian faith. Sometimes, in an attempt to discredit Christianity, many of these authors actually supported the truths of the Biblical record by citing and then writing against them. 

Testimony From non-Christian Historians:

There were many ancient historians who wrote about the early New Testament times that actually help confirm the Biblical accounts, for example…

• Thallus, a Greek historian, writes of the crucifixion and mentions the day that suddenly turned dark
• Tacitus, a Roman historian, echoes the Gospel account of the death of Christ including the mention of the governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate
• Josephus, a Jewish historian, writes about the death of Jesus, the martyrdom of James, the martyrdom of John the Baptist, the resurrection three days after the crucifixion, and early Christian communities
• Suetonius, a Roman historian, mentions the expulsion of Christians from Rome which corresponds with the account in the book of Acts
• Pliny the Younger, a Roman authority and administrator, writes of the early Christian community in Asia Minor

Testimony From Hostiles:

• Marcion, a Gnostic heretic, verified the actual New Testament canon by naming the books he did not support!
• The enemies of Christianity (the Jewish and Roman authorities) did not try to deny the claims of Christianity, especially the resurrection, but instead tried to offer other explanations, for example:
  • Matthew 28:12-15 speaks of the Jewish leaders plotting and paying off the guards to tell people that Jesus’ body was stolen
  • Similar stories are still used today by many orthodox Jews, and Muslims have several variations of what they say happened to Jesus
• The confession of faith in Jesus after the resurrection by Jesus’ own half brothers who, before the resurrection, were hostile to His claim of being the Messiah, and this is especially true for James who became the leader of the early Church and wrote the Epistle of James
• The conversion of Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee that persecuted the early Christians, who became the Apostle Paul and the author of most of the New Testament Epistles
• Both James and Paul had nothing to gain and everything to lose (and they did)

Some skeptics of the New Testament say that the writings are just legend as they developed over time, however…

No Time for Myths

“The writings of the Greek historian Herodotus enable us to test the rate at which a legend accumulates; the tests show that even the span of two generations is too short to allow legendary tendencies to wipe out the hard core of historical fact”   (William Lane Craig, The Son Rises, 101)

Because the New Testament documents are all first century writings there was no time for myth or legend to develop because eyewitnesses were still alive to dispute or confirm, and there are no recorded objections to the writings. Confession of the faith has not changed over time as seen in the evidence both inside and outside of the New Testament, as well as in the early creeds.

Going Deeper:

Watch J. Warner Wallace’s presentation: “Is There Any Evidence for Jesus Outside the Bible?”

Personal testimonies as witness accounts:

• Beginning with the Apostle Paul, and Jesus’ half brother James, countless people over the centuries have personal stories of changed lives because of the gift of grace through Jesus
• The New Testament is filled with stories of changed lives of those who accepted and received the Gospel message

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life…Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. John 3:16, 33 (NLT)

Why are personal testimonies important as evidence?

• Personal testimonies cannot be refuted because the evidence is in the changed lives—this can be the most powerful witness for God’s saving grace
• Personal testimonies often include evidence of miracles and the supernatural power of God acting in a person’s life
• Personal testimonies, it has been said, are the only way many will ever see Jesus—they will see Him in you and your life’s examples

Check out J. Warner Wallace’s personal testimony in this short clip:

Reflection:

1. What is the importance of having hostile witness accounts in making our case for the Bible?
2. Write out your own personal testimony so that you can share it.
3. Prayer Focus: Someone who is hostile to Christianity that you might be able to share with.

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in!  Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15