This week’s class focuses on the importance of eyewitness accounts, and the fact that we have multiple, not singular, written testimony in the four Gospels. The more witnesses to an event the more confidence we can have in the truthfulness of those accounts. With the four Gospels we get not only eyewitness testimony, but historical narratives that can be confirmed from outside sources as well! In this week’s class we will also continue with our study in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 11-13.

Each class includes prayer and reflection, an “apologetics” presentation, a review of last week’s Bible study, and a homework assignment. You will find the presentation notes, Bible study questions and additional resources below, and you can make comments or ask questions as well.

Watch this week’s class presentation on this topic:

A Case for the Gospels and A Study in the book of Matthew

Session Five: The Importance of Eyewitness Accounts

Prayer and Reflection

Prayer cards: Take a minute and write your name on the index card provided, and add any special prayer request you might have. Exchange cards at the end of the class this evening.

At your table groups, answer the following:

Go over the categories and the 27 books found in the New Testament.
Go over the 15 major historical events of the Bible (from session 2).

Memory Verse:

The Great Commission

¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB)

PERSON OF INTEREST
The Spiritual Fuse

History shows:

There is a universal human inclination to believe in a god, a supreme being or higher power
Most ancient civilizations were “polytheistic” (worshipped many gods)
Ancient history reveals many of these “gods” have similarities to each other, and even some with Jesus

Problem:

Many skeptics and “Jesus Mythers” today are eager to disprove Jesus by claiming his story was borrowed from previous ancient deities
Upon deeper investigation, most of these so-called borrowed attributes are overstated and exaggerated at best (yet the true attributes are not disclosed)

Fifteen common characteristics among ancient deities
JESUS EMBODIES THEM ALL!!!

Inevitable: The deity was predicted in some way
Imperial: The deity comes from a royal heritage
Inexplicable: The deity was born of unnatural means
Insulated: The deity was protected as a child
Inveigled: The deity faced temptation
Identified: The deity was associated with or identified with shepherds
Incredible: The deity possesses supernatural power
Interactor: The deity engages humans directly
Instructive: The deity teaches their followers
Indemnifier: The deity recognizes the need for a sacrifice
Indicted: The deity faced a judicial trial of sorts
Inviter: The deity shares or establishes a divine meal
Immortal: The deity has the power to defeat death
Intercessor: The deity offers eternal life to their followers
Indicter: The deity will judge the living and the dead

Person of Interest: The Spiritual Fuse

HOW DO WE KNOW THE GOSPELS ARE HISTORICALLY RELIABLE?

The Christian Bible…

Contains 66 books
Written over a period of roughly 1,500 years
Composed from various places such as palaces, prisons, the wilderness
By 40 different authors from 3 continents, in three different languages
Authors include: Shepherds, kings, scholars, fishermen, prophets, soldiers, physicians, preachers, a cupbearer, and priest
Languages include: Hebrew, Greek and a few parts in Aramaic (Ezra, Daniel)
Yet contains one cohesive theme and storyline from beginning to end!

In addition…

There are more early manuscripts of the New Testament available for verification than any other ancient document
The New Testament is a primary source document and contains multiple eyewitness accounts, including hostile witnesses
The New Testament accounts of the first century (AD/CE) life of Jesus and the early Church were written within the lifetime of the people involved in the events (completed by the mid to late first century AD/CE)
Archeology and outside Biblical sources have confirmed over 25,000 people, places and events recorded in the Bible, none have ever been negated
The original languages used in the Bible are still with us today so translations can be made directly from these unique sources
The Bible is mainly written as an historical narrative with verifiable facts

The Bible is considered by scholars to be A Literary Masterpiece!

Amazingly the books of the Bible are so united in their historical and narrative themes, and so remarkably linked to one main storyline, that it has become a literary work of art!

The Gospel writer Luke, is considered to be one of the greatest historians to ever write!

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip, tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet.

Luke 3:1-4 (NASB)

All four of the Gospels are based on eyewitnesses accounts

The Importance of Eyewitness Accounts:

In a court of law, the number one category of best evidence comes from eyewitness accounts – the more eyewitnesses the more reliable the case becomes.
In Scripture the importance of multiple eyewitnesses is significant, just like it is in our court of law today.
We can have confidence that the Word of God and the person of Jesus are found not in a singular report but in numerous accounts both from Biblical and non-Biblical sources.

Old Testament

A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed.

Deuteronomy 19:15

New Testament

But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed.

Matthew 18:16

The Gospel Writers Testify

Matthew:
- An Apostle and Disciple of Jesus
- Written from his own personal view and interaction with Jesus
Mark:
- Written from John-Mark’s own view as a young man following Jesus and the Disciples
- Mark is a companion of Peter and includes the Apostle Peter’s eyewitness accounts
- Mark is also a cousin and traveling companion of Barnabas and spent time with the Apostle Paul
Luke:
- A Physician by profession, and acclaimed as a historian
- Written from his detailed interviews with eyewitnesses, including Jesus’ mother Mary, Peter, Paul and many other companions and witnesses of the events of Jesus
John:
- An Apostle and Disciple of Jesus
- Written from his own personal view and interactions with Jesus

John the Baptist’s testifies

(Jesus speaking) “If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true. There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true. You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

John 5:31-35

The Works Testify

But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me.

John 5:36

The Father Testifies

And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form. You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent.

John 5:37-38

The Scriptures Testify

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. I do not receive glory from men; but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

John 5:39-47

The Holy Spirit Testifies

Jesus says, in his prayer to the Father:

For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.

John 17:8 (NIV)

Jesus told his disciples…

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.”

John 14:16-17

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.”

John 16:13-15

Luke’s Testifies As An Investigator

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.

Luke 1:1-4 Note: Luke continues this testimony in the books of Acts.

The Apostle Peter testifies As An Eyewitness

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am very well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

2 Peter 1:16-18 (NIV) Also see Acts chapters 2 and 3 for Peter’s earliest testimony

The Apostle John testifies As A Recorder

This is the disciple who testifies (John) to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his (Jesus) testimony is true.

John 21:24 (NIV)

I am writing these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

1 John 5:13 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul Testifies As A Former Hostile to the Faith

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep;then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Paul writes about all of the eyewitnesses to Jesus’ resurrection in his letter to the Corinthians.
Notice that he is writing about something that he had already “delivered” (previously reported) and that what he had previously reported was something that he received (was already known).
The dating of 1 Corinthians is between 52-55 AD, only 20 years after the crucifixion.
If Paul writes about something already known and passed on amongst followers of Jesus then it is safe to say that this testimony can be taken back to the actual events and that people fully believed in Jesus ministry, death and resurrection from the beginning.
It would be impossible with over 500 eyewitnesses to imagine or create a story in that short of a time period, therefore making it impossible to be a result of latter myth or legend.

Finally, Peter confirms that all of the people they were speaking to were eyewitnesses themselves

…Jesus of Nazareth, a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know…

Acts 2:22 (NIV)

Going Deeper

J. Warner Wallace on the importance of eyewitnesses:

Bible Study

Each week, starting we will have Bible study following the presentation. There will be questions presented here on the weekend, and basic answers will be posted during the week. This can also help you to make a leader’s guide for your own small group and future studies!

Quick Shot Review – Gospel of Matthew
chapters 8 through 10

A few points from last week…

From Life Application Bible: “Leprosy was a terrifying disease because there was no cure in Jesus day. The Greek word for leprosy was used for a variety of similar diseases and forms were contagious. If a person contracted the disease they were banished from their home and city, sent to live in a community with other lepers until they either got better or died. The Law required a healed leper to be examined by the priest and Jesus wanted this man to give his story firsthand to the priest to prove that he was completely healed and restored (by Jesus’ authority). Sin is often compared to leprosy in that it is an incurable disease leading to death, except by the touch of Jesus which we receive when we put our trust, faith and belief in Him.”
- All of these miracles give evidence to Jesus’ Deity and authority over His Creation including illness, disease and death; the spiritual world; and nature (weather and seas).
Jesus, upon seeing the faith of the friends of the paralytic and the paralytic himself, said to him first “your sins are forgiven,” and then “pick up your bed and go home.” Imagine the physical aspect of this healing (withered limbs, atrophied muscles, and nerves that would need to be reactivated) – all immediately happening – showing Jesus’ authority over His most precious creation (the biology and chemistry of the human body). Jesus worked in this manner for a couple of reasons: 1) To show His authority, as God, to forgive sins Jesus made that statement first – this is an unseen miracle as no one could literally “see” sins being forgiven – the religious leaders were accusing Him of blasphemy because they knew only God could forgive sins; 2) To prove His authority, as God, Jesus then healed the man, which could be seen – again, only God could have authority over something like healing.
The people in general, were amazed at all of the miracles and saying “nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel,” and they were following Jesus with larger and larger crowds. Jesus warned some of those He healed to not tell people, but they went out and spread the news about Him throughout the land – From LAB: “Jesus told them not to tell because He did not want to be known only as a “miracle worker” – He healed because He had compassion on people, but He also wanted to bring spiritual healing to a sin-sick world.”
- The Pharisees, in contrast, were saying “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.” Jesus had answered this accusation before by showing if that was true, then Satan was destroying his own kingdom, and He also asked them by what authority did their people cast out demons – showing their ignorance to logic and truth.
Jesus taught His Disciples to be shrewd as serpents, innocent as doves because they would be like sheep in the midst of wolves; handed over to the courts, brought before governors and kings, scourged in their synagogues – all for Jesus’ sake (and the sake of preaching the Gospel).
- We should always be prepared for persecution (even from those who may be close to us) as we live out and share our Christian faith, knowing that Jesus is with us always. He also teaches His Disciples the following (and this also applies to us today):
  - Do not worry about what to say or do in tough situation because the Holy Spirit will speak through us and for us
  - We should endure (trust in the LORD) until the end, because He is faithful
  - We should want to become more and more like our teacher (Jesus)
  - Do not fear because all things will come to light with patience
  - Proclaim the truth of the Gospel – stay committed to God
  - Do not fear those who can kill the body but not the soul; it is more important to fear God who is responsible for both our bodies and souls
  - Remember that God loves us so much more than even a sparrow whom He loves, and He knows us intimately (numbering the very hairs of our heads)

Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

Note: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for Discussion or Going Deeper questions. If you use these kinds of sources share them with your group.

1. Review of Class Topic: Before getting into the Bible study questions, discuss today’s class presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.

Read Matthew chapters 11 through 13, then answer the following questions:

2. (Matthew 11:1-30) In this chapter Jesus moves on to teach and preach in other places.

John the Baptist, who was now in prison, sent word to Jesus through his disciples to ask if He was “the Expected One.” How did Jesus answer him and what Old Testament passage did He use as evidence (11:1-6)? Discuss: How can this passage help us when we have doubts or worries about who Jesus is and what He can do?
What else did Jesus have to say about John the Baptist, and are there any other Old Testament references He used concerning him (11:7-19)?
In the last part of this chapter, Jesus denounces some of the cities He had done miracles in. What did Jesus mean when He compared “the wise and intelligent” with the “infant,” and who does He invite to come to Him (11:20-30)?

3. (Matthew 12:1-37) In this chapter, Jesus and the Disciples begin to have more serious run-ins with the Jewish religious leaders.

How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees when they questioned Him about His disciples picking the head of grains to eat on the Sabbath, and the healing of the man’s hand on the Sabbath (12:1-14)? Discuss: What had the Pharisees missed in this accusation, and what do you think Jesus was trying to teach them?
Jesus withdrew from there and went on to heal many people, and warned them not to tell who He was. Why, and what Old Testament passage does this fulfill (12:15-21)?
The religious leaders accuse Jesus of being under Satan’s power when He healed a demon-possessed man who was both blind and mute. How did Jesus respond to this accusation, and how did He contrast a good man versus an evil man (12:22-37)? Discuss: What do you think it means to “blaspheme the Holy Spirit”?

4. (Matthew 12:38-13:23) Beginning in this section, Jesus teaches about the Kingdom using Old Testament figures and parables. NOTE: Many of Jesus’ parables can be found and cross-referenced in the other Gospels for a more robust view (most study Bibles will give you those cross-references).

What Old Testament figures did Jesus reference, and how do you think He was using them to point to Himself (12:38-42)? Discuss: What did He say about an unclean spirit leaving a man and then returning, and how should we understand and apply this teaching (12:43-45)?
What did Jesus say about His mother and brothers (12:46-50), and how do you think that applies to Christians today?
What are the four soils Jesus talked about in this first parable, and how did He explain them to His disciples (13:1-23)? Reflect on where you might fall, or have fallen before in those four groups…

5. (Matthew 13:24-58) In the last part of this chapter, Jesus continues to use parables to teach about the Kingdom and the importance of being a believer.

Read through these other parables and pick one to describe and reflect on, then share your thoughts (13:24-52).
Why did the people of Nazareth reject Jesus and what did He do when this happened (13:53-58)? Discuss: How might this apply to our world, and Christian testimony, today?

Join us next week as we continue our “Case for the Gospels!”

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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