100 Bible Questions and Answers E-Book

Alex McFarland

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Seitenzahl: 288

Beschreibung

Straightforward answers to the toughest Bible questions.   Alex McFarland and Bert Harper, hosts of the nationally syndicated broadcast Exploring the Word, have answered live questions from listeners throughout North America for more than ten years. Drawing on their years of experience as pastors, scholars, and Bible researchers, Alex and Bert offer well-reasoned responses to their most frequently asked questions in 100 Bible Questions and Answers. Readers will - develop a solid understanding of the Bible's message, - learn how to explain the Bible's toughest passages, - gain practical insight on how to strengthen their spiritual walk, - improve their confidence in sharing their faith, and - become equipped to speak up and stand up for their convictions. Grow deeper in your relationship with Christ by enriching your understanding of the Bible, God's love letter to you.  

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BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC

Savage, Minnesota, USA

BroadStreetPublishing.com

100 Bible Questions and Answers

Copyright © 2021 Alex McFarland & Bert Harper

978-1-4245-6350-0 (softcover)

978-1-4245-6351-7 (e-book)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Unless otherwise marked, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture marked KJV is taken from the King James Version of the Bible, public domain. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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PRAISE FOR EXPLORING THE WORD

I love listening to Exploring the Word on my way home from work, and it’s a literal blessing to have this book from Pastor Bert and Dr. Alex. I say that because a blessing is something that comes to you, fills your cup, and then overflows to others. Being able to read and study these Scripture-based answers fills me up and then helps me spread the knowledge of God and his Word to the people I interact with daily.

Tyler S., Columbus, OH

Bert and Alex, I have listened to your shows for years and have gained so much practical wisdom. Your insights on Scripture deeply touch my life.

Charles C., Richmond, VA

Exploring the Word has been a part of our daily afternoon drive for many years. Our kids have grown up listening to Alex McFarland and Bert Harper, and our whole family has a knowledge of the Bible thanks to your show.

Erin S., MS

Thank you for your practical wisdom and kindness shown to all callers. You both treat the listeners respectfully—no matter the question—and that really says a lot.

Linda L., Seattle, WA

I don’t consider myself a religious person—in fact I’m a bit of a skeptic regarding religion. But I tend to trust what Alex and Bert present on Exploring the Word. Not only do they back up their answers with facts, but they also speak with such conviction it is hard not to trust what they say.

Tom B., Chicago, IL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Section 1: The Bible

1. Why do Christians say the Bible is God’s Word? How can we know?

2. Has the Bible been changed since it was first written?

3. What does it mean that the Bible is “God-breathed”?

4. What is the Apocrypha?

5. What are the Gnostic gospels?

6. Why are books no longer able to be added to the Bible?

7. How did we get the sixty-six books of the Bible?

8. What are the Dead Sea Scrolls?

9. Why does the Gospel of Mark have additional verses that are disputed?

10. How do we know who wrote the books of the Bible?

Section 2: Alleged Bible Contradictions

11. How did Judas Iscariot die? The Bible seems to provide two different stories.

12. Does Matthew’s Gospel mistakenly quote one of Zechariah’s prophecies as belonging to Jeremiah?

13. Why does Matthew 8:5–8 say the centurion came to Jesus while Luke 7:1–10 says the centurion sent emissaries?

14. Why does Proverbs 26:4–5 say not to answer a fool according to his folly and then say to do so?

15. Why does Isaiah 45:7 say God creates evil?

16. Do the Gospels give different accounts of the resurrection of Jesus?

17. Why are there two different genealogies of Jesus?

18. Why does Genesis 1 say Adam and Eve were made at the same time and Genesis 2 say the woman was created from Adam’s rib?

19. Why does Genesis 1 say God created plants on the third day and Genesis 2:5 say “no plant had yet sprung up”?

Section 3: Old Testament Challenges

20. Where did Cain get his wife?

21. What does Genesis 6 mean when it says a man’s days will be one hundred twenty years?

22. How could the sun have stood still during Joshua’s battle?

23. How did God create all the world’s races of people from Adam and Eve?

24. Why was Canaan cursed for his father seeing Noah drunk and naked?

25. Why did God punish Pharaoh yet bless Abraham when he told Sarah to lie and say she was his sister?

26. How could Solomon be called a wise man when he had so many wives?

27. What does it mean that God changed his mind due to the prayer of Moses?

28. How could God harden Pharaoh’s heart?

29. Why did God punish David for taking a census of Israel?

30. What mark did God give to Cain?

31. Why did God flood the world during Noah’s time but doesn’t flood the earth today?

32. How could God permit the death of Achan’s entire family for his sin?

33. Did God condone Rahab’s lie?

34. What does it mean when the Bible says man has become like God?

35. How can God both punish the guilty and forgive the wicked in Exodus 34?

Section 4: Questions about God

36. If God made everything, who made God?

37. How can anyone know what God is like?

38. Since God can do anything, can God ever sin?

39. What did God do before the creation of the universe?

40. Why did God create our world?

41. Can God be known outside the church or without being part of a local church?

Section 5: Questions about the Holy Spirit

42. What is speaking in tongues, and how does it apply today?

43. What does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit?

44. What does it mean that the Holy Spirit indwells a person?

45. Why did the apostle Paul say the Holy Spirit is our deposit?

46. Did the Holy Spirit indwell people in the same way in the Old Testament as in the New Testament?

47. What is the difference between the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Christ?

48. Why is there a Holy Spirit if the Father and Son are also both spirit?

Section 6: Questions about Worldview

49. How is faith credited as righteousness?

50. Is faith the same as a feeling, or is it rational?

51. What role does philosophy have in the Christian faith?

Section 7: New Testament Questions

52. Did Jesus preach to people in hell?

53. Who are the angels Jude refers to in Jude 1:6?

54. Does Hebrews claim that Melchizedek was an early appearance of Jesus?

55. Did James teach a works-based salvation when he suggested faith without works is dead?

56. Why did Satan want the body of Moses?

57. What does it mean that the gospel is for the Jew first and then for the gentile?

58. Why did God strike Ananias and Sapphira dead?

59. Does the Bible say it is an abomination for men to have long hair?

60. Should women still wear a head covering at church? Is it wrong for a man to wear a hat in church?

61. What does Paul mean when he says that women are saved through childbearing?

Section 8: Questions about Jesus

62. Did Jesus really claim to be God?

63. On what day was Jesus crucified?

64. Was Jesus or Paul the founder of Christianity?

65. How does Jesus fulfill the messianic prophecies?

66. Can we be sure Jesus really existed?

67. How could one person pay for the sins of everyone?

68. Who is the angel of the Lord in the Bible?

69. What does it mean that Jesus was fully man and fully God?

70. What happened to Jesus between his birth and his earthly ministry?

71. How could Mary give birth to Jesus as a virgin?

Section 9: Questions about Salvation

72. What is the unpardonable sin, and can we commit it today?

73. Does Hebrews 6 indicate that we can lose our salvation?

74. Will I know my loved ones in heaven?

75. Are the people who go to heaven now angels?

76. What does it mean for a Christian to backslide?

77. How will I be able to enjoy heaven if I know there are people in hell?

78. Are there levels in heaven, and if so, how does a person reach them?

79. Will we associate with angels and God in heaven?

80. How do we know God forgives our past and future sins?

Section 10: Questions about Sexuality and Gender

81. Why do Christians say homosexuality is a sin?

82. Is all sex before marriage a sin? What if the people love each other and are planning to marry?

83. Does the Bible address transgenderism?

84. Is it right or wrong for churches to perform same-sex weddings?

85. Should I attend a same-sex wedding?

Section 11: Questions about Church and Christian Living

86. What should I look for in a church to attend?

87. Why are there so many denominations?

88. What does the Bible teach about women in church leadership?

89. How can I know God’s will for my life?

90. What does the Bible teach about divorce and remarriage?

91. What is a Christian view of the issue of abortion?

92. Does the Bible say anything about cremation?

Section 12: Questions about the End Times

93. Is the Antichrist alive now?

94. Do the issues in the Middle East today have anything to do with Bible prophecy?

95. What is America’s role in the end times?

96. What does the mark of the beast mean?

97. Does the rapture take place before or after the tribulation?

98. Who is mystery Babylon?

99. Is the millennium a literal thousand-year reign?

100. If Christians will go to the new heavens and earth at the end of time, where do they go now after death?

101. The Ultimate Question: Do you know for sure that you are going to heaven?

About the Authors

INTRODUCTION

For more than a decade, we have had the honor of hosting the radio program Exploring the Word on American Family Radio. Every weekday afternoon from three to four eastern, we have shared the Bible and have taken thousands of wonderful questions from callers seeking to know God’s truth.

Over the years, many have asked us if we have a book with more details about the questions we have answered. This encouragement eventually led us to consider the idea, leading to the book in your hands today. From the numerous thoughts and concerns people have had over the years concerning Scripture, we were asked to address one hundred of the most important questions to help those seeking to better learn about the Christian faith.

The twelve sections you will see in these pages cover everything from creation to the end times. We address issues both ancient and modern, offering biblical truth in brief nuggets to encourage you in your learning. While you can certainly read the book from start to finish, certain questions will likely resonate more deeply with you. We encourage you to look through the table of contents and turn directly to the areas that interest you the most.

We also want to challenge you to share this resource with others. Many Christian books are too detailed to offer as a gift, but this tool has been designed for you to share. Either give your copy to someone when you are finished or, even better, pick up several copies to share with loved ones and friends who want to know more about God. There’s even a final “ultimate question” at the end you can use to share the Bible’s message of salvation with others.

A couple of cautions before you dive in. First, we have taken on some of the most controversial topics of our time. You might not agree with every conclusion we offer, especially on questions where the Bible doesn’t give a direct answer. However, we always look to Scripture as the basis for our decisions and encourage you to do so as well. When we are uncertain of the final interpretation on a difficult topic, we mention that, allowing you to decide from the options we offer as you study.

Second, remember there is a difference between knowing the truth and living the truth. In 1 Peter 3:15–16 we are reminded, “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.”

We are called to know Christ, discover the reasons behind our faith, and put these convictions into action to change our life and the lives of those around us. We don’t provide these answers only to increase your knowledge but also to encourage your daily walk with Christ.

We also want to encourage you to communicate with us regarding how this book helps you and to ask other questions you have. You can send us a message through AlexMcFarland.com or email our Exploring the Word radio program at [email protected].

Lastly, know we are praying for you and look forward to sharing God’s Word with you every weekday at AFR.net or an American Family Radio station near you. May God continue to bless your life as you explore the Word!

SECTION 1:

THE BIBLE

1. WHY DO CHRISTIANS SAY THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD? HOW CAN WE KNOW?

The Bible is not only an important book to Christians; it is the book. Christians believe the words of the Bible are from God and are, therefore, perfect and important for our lives today.

First, the Bible claims to be from God. For example, 2 Timothy 3:16 pronounces, “All Scripture is given by inspiration from God.” Second Peter 1:21 adds, “Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Second, the Bible reveals evidence of being supernatural. How? Look at the prophecies found in Scripture. Hundreds of predictions have been fulfilled in exact detail, from the death of the Messiah in Isaiah 53 to the destruction of Jerusalem and deportation to Babylon in the Old Testament and the prediction of the fall of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70.

Third, the Bible was composed by human writers inspired by God. For example, the first five books of the Old Testament were written by Moses, a man who heard God’s voice at the burning bush and on Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments. David, a man after God’s own heart, composed many of the Psalms. The New Testament was written by the apostles and their associates, primarily involving authors who spent time with Jesus during his earthly ministry.

Fourth, the unity of the Bible offers additional support of its divine nature. It includes sixty-six books composed by approximately forty human writers on three continents in three languages over approximately fifteen hundred years. Despite much variety in background, the themes and details of the Bible complement one another as if written by one author. This evidence of a divine author, God, provides supplemental support that its words are truly inspired.

Fifth, the Bible enjoys the evidence of millions of changed lives. While many books have inspired large numbers of people, no book’s impact compares with the Bible. Its words have served as the basis for historic documents such as the US Constitution, while its thoughts have been included in countless teachings, plays, poems, songs, and novels.

Sixth, the Bible has shown itself to be a highly accurate historical document. If skeptics could show that Scripture included many historical errors, then the Bible’s divine nature could be compromised. However, history and archaeology continue to affirm the accuracy of Scripture, increasing our confidence in its divine origin.

Finally, the Bible’s preservation highlights its inspiration. Despite numerous attacks to destroy early copies of Scripture, as well as more recent attempts to burn or ban Bibles, God’s Word remains the most translated and distributed book in history. No other book compares to the more than fifteen hundred languages in which the Bible can be read or heard today.

Ultimately, Christians believe the Bible is God’s Word based on faith, but it is faith built on facts. The evidence of history, consistency, testimony, and fulfilment all point toward a book that is indestructible and life-changing today.

2. HAS THE BIBLE BEEN CHANGED SINCE IT WAS FIRST WRITTEN?

Many have asked whether the Bible has been changed since it was written. For example, most modern translations include footnotes that mention variations in some manuscripts. Other times, critics claim the Bible is filled with errors because of an alleged difference in a particular copy of the Scriptures. Has the Bible been changed?

In short, the answer is no. Yes, copies of the Bible include some differences, including an occasional important variant, but the text of the Scriptures is essentially the same today as when it was first written. Dallas Seminary New Testament scholar Dr. Daniel Wallace is one of today’s top experts on the early manuscripts of the New Testament. When asked about changes in the Bible, he confidently states all the words of the Bible are in the text we have today or in the footnotes. There are no missing books of the Bible somewhere to be discovered in the future.

If the Bible has not been changed, then how do we handle the differences found in the footnotes of our Bible or in the early copies of its manuscripts? Several principles have been developed, but here are a few that we find are most helpful. First, consider the number of copies of the passage under consideration. For example, if there are ten copies of a book and nine of them are the same, this could point to the one variant being inaccurate and the other nine as accurate.

Second, however, we consider the quality of the copies. In contrast, even if nine of ten readings agree against one that does not, we must look at the context of the single variant. Was the unique reading based on a copy of the Bible that was closer in time to the original text? Does it have historical evidence from other sources to indicate it is to be given more attention? In determining an answer, we don’t just count manuscripts; we weigh them.

Third, we compare Scripture with Scripture. We may not be experts on early manuscripts and Bible languages, but we can compare difficult passages with other clear passages for context. If God’s Word is perfect, no two passages will directly contradict one another. For example, if one passage says God cannot lie, then we should not find another verse that says God did lie. There is a passage in which God changed his mind in response to prayer, but the context offers insight that shows the event was different from a contradiction in which God lies to his people.

Fourth, the large number of Bible manuscripts from the early generations of the church help us better determine the earliest and original text. For example, if we only had three copies and one was different from the other two, it would be more difficult to tell which copies were original. However, the New Testament has over five thousand manuscripts to evaluate. In the small number of places with meaningful differences, there are numerous options to consider in determining the original reading.

While copies of Bible manuscripts may include some changes, the Bible has not been changed. We can confidently know the Word of God we hold today remains the same as it was given long ago.

3. WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT THE BIBLE IS “GOD-BREATHED”?

In 2 Timothy 3:16, the apostle Paul said all Scripture is “inspired by God” or is “God-breathed” (NIV). What does it mean to claim Scripture is God-breathed?

The Greek word translated “God-breathed” is theopneustos. As you may notice, it includes the words translated “God” (theos) and “spirit” or “breath” (pneustos). As a compound word, the translation becomes “inspired or breathed by God,” emphasizing Scripture as having a divine origin.

In theology, this is referred to as “verbal plenary inspiration.” This term indicates inspiration includes the very words of Scripture, not only the meanings they convey.

When Paul wrote these words, he referred to the Old Testament writings. Timothy was from a family with one Greek parent and one Jewish parent. He had been taught the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament) since his early days through his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). In the early church meetings, Timothy was encouraged to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:1–2) and publicly read it to other believers (1 Timothy 4:13), in part due to lack of access to Scripture and higher levels of illiteracy than today.

To equip and encourage believers, Timothy’s call included sharing Scripture. Paul’s emphasis on these words as God-breathed noted the power of these words for his young protégé.

Some parts of the Old Testament even refer to God directly inspiring Scripture. For example, God directly gave Moses the laws for Israel, including inscribing words on stone tablets on Mount Sinai. Solomon’s words, included in part in Proverbs, are described as from the Lord rather than simply from human hands.

In the New Testament, 2 Peter 1:20–21 describes the writings of the prophets in the Old Testament as being guided by God. The works of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others were not a product of their human abilities but were the result of God’s Spirit working through them.

One other important biblical passage also highlights the divine nature of the New Testament writings. In 2 Peter 3:15– 16, Peter wrote “consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.”

The phrase “the rest of the Scriptures” connects with the writings of Paul—the author of thirteen of the New Testament’s twenty-seven books. The New Testament also serves as Scripture, part of the God-breathed writings given by the Lord for our instruction and benefit.

4. WHAT IS THE APOCRYPHA?

The Apocrypha, also known as the Deuterocanonical Books, are included in Catholic Bibles as well as in some Protestant traditions. What are these additional writings? What is their role in the Bible?

The term apocrypha means “hidden.” These writings were composed during the period between the Old and New Testaments, approximately 400 BC until the birth of Jesus. The names of the included books are 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, the Letter of Jeremiah, Prayer of Manasseh, 1 Maccabees, and 2 Maccabees, as well as some additions to the Old Testament books of Esther and Daniel and Psalm 151.

Interestingly, Jesus and the authors of the New Testament do not appear to directly quote the books of the Apocrypha. There is no indication of these writings as authoritative as in Old Testament quotes that often included “as it is written” or “as Scripture says.”

Within the Jewish tradition, these writings were considered important but were not included as part of the Hebrew Bible. For example, the Jewish Talmud excluded these books as a section called Sefarim Hizonim, a term meaning “extra or extraneous books.”

Largely through this influence, these works were also not incorporated in lists of inspired books by early church leaders. For example, the church leader Jerome is accepted as the person responsible for translating the Bible into Latin for the early church. In his study, he determined the books of the Apocrypha were not divinely inspired and were not to be included as part of the Bible alongside the Old and New Testaments even though the Council of Rome in 382 affirmed these writings.

Though many Catholics accepted the Apocrypha earlier, these books were not added to the Catholic Bible until the Council of Trent in the 1500s in response to the Protestant Reformation.

The Protestant Reformers rejected these books for a variety of historical and theological reasons. It is from these books that some of the unique Catholic traditions arise that Protestants reject, such as praying to saints in heaven (2 Maccabees 15:12–16) or prayers for the dead (2 Maccabees 12:43–45), as well as the tradition popular in the 1500s of giving alms to atone for sins.

Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible into German excluded the Apocrypha. However, the original King James Bible printed the Bible with the Apocrypha until 1885 as part of the tradition of the Church of England.

While these and other concerns have rightly led Protestant Christians to conclude the Apocrypha’s books should not be included as part of the Bible, they do include important historical information, as well as some helpful wisdom. The book of Ecclesiasticus especially includes statements like Proverbs, while 1 Maccabees offers unique insights into Jewish history that took place between the Old and New Testaments.

We should not accept the Apocrypha’s books as the Word of God, but we also do not need to fear them. Instead, we should know the important distinctions between these writings and the Bible and can gain historical perspective through some aspects they provide.

5. WHAT ARE THE GNOSTIC GOSPELS?

The Gnostic gospels are a collection of writing composed primarily between the second and fourth century AD. The Nag Hammadi library includes over fifty titles, with the earliest generally listed as the Gospel of Thomas written in the second century. Though important historical works, these writings are not gospels in the same sense as Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

One major difference between these Gnostic gospels and the New Testament Gospels is their time of composition. The four Gospels and other New Testament books were completed during the lifetimes of the apostles and their associates in the first century AD. The Gnostic gospels were written early but in the period after the eyewitnesses of the events had died.

Second, many of the Gnostic gospels were specifically noted as non-biblical or condemned writings by early Christian leaders living near the time they were composed. They are not lost gospels, as some have argued, but are later works known and excluded from the Bible as uninspired writings.

Third, these Gnostic gospels were largely lost to history until the twentieth century. In 1945, the Nag Hammadi library was discovered in Egypt, providing new access to early copies of writings such as the Gospel of Philip, the Apocalypse of Paul, and others. Many of these works had been unknown to modern scholars until this time. In contrast, thousands of early copies of the biblical writings have remained in existence from the time of their writing until today.

While these Gnostic writings are not equal with the New Testament books and are not as early, they are highly valuable for the study of Christian history during the second to fourth centuries, particularly in Egypt and North Africa. These works offer an inside look at what Gnostic writers (those following a philosophy that emphasized enlightenment) believed and taught during this period. Insights regarding language are valuable as well since these documents show how certain words and phrases were used during this early period.

A close look offers insights into many cultural issues and theological concerns emphasized in one region influenced by early Christianity. Through a better understanding of Christianity’s early impact, we can perhaps even gain greater understanding for growing in our faith and reaching others today.

6. WHY ARE BOOKS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE ADDED TO THE BIBLE?

Some have wondered if it would be possible for later books to be added to the Bible. However, a close look at Scripture and church history reveals two important reasons this will not happen.

First, the Old Testament was composed during the lives of the early Jewish leaders and prophets. The Hebrew Bible ends with the events of Ezra and Nehemiah about four hundred years before the coming of Jesus, emphasizing the return of the Jews from deportation in Babylon to Jerusalem. Though the Hebrew Bible is listed in a different order and divides its writings into a different number of books (combining the Minor Prophets as well as other sections like 1 and 2 Samuel), it includes the same thirty-nine writings found in our Old Testament today.

Following this silent period, the events of the New Testament took place in the first century AD. The twenty-seven books of the New Testament were all written during this century, either by an apostle or one of their associates (though the authorship of Hebrews is unknown).

Though other early Christian writings certainly existed, these twenty-seven documents were affirmed by the early Christians as the authoritative writings of the church. The early church did not create the list of New Testament books; it simply affirmed them.

Second, the Bible speaks directly against adding to its words. In the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 4:2 says, “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it.” Proverbs 30:5–6 adds, “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”

In the final book of the New Testament, Revelation also offers a stern warning against adding to or taking away from God’s words: “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18–19).

In addition to these two main reasons, the unity of the Bible also reveals its complete nature. God’s Word begins in Genesis with the creation of the heavens and earth. It ends in Revelation with the creation of the new heavens and earth. As Jesus taught in Matthew 5:18, “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

The phrase “one jot or one tittle” refers to the smallest markings in the Hebrew alphabet. Everything our Lord has given us will come to pass. Nothing needs to be added to it or taken from it. The Word of God is complete, perfect, and continues to change lives still today.

7. HOW DID WE GET THE SIXTY-SIX BOOKS OF THE BIBLE?

The story of the Bible’s creation and collection is a fascinating look at God’s sovereign work through human history. It includes the thirty-nine writings of the Old Testament and twenty-seven books of the New Testament, each with a unique story, yet united through God’s Spirit to impact lives like no other book.

The Old Testament’s writings begin with the Law (called the Torah) composed by Moses around 1400 BC. These five books formed the basis of the Jewish faith and nation. The Old Testament also includes books of history (Joshua through Esther), books of wisdom (Job through Song of Songs), and both major prophets (Isaiah through Ezekiel) and minor prophets (Hosea through Malachi).

The Jewish Pharisees in Jamnia are known as the group responsible for affirming our modern list of Old Testament books following the destruction of the Jewish temple in the first century. Their criteria included accepting only books from the writings of Moses to the time of Ezra (1400–400 BC, approximately one thousand years). They rejected the writings of the Apocrypha, accepting the list of writings included in our Bible today.

The New Testament was written in a much shorter period following the earthly ministry of Jesus. Between the ’40s and ’90s of the first century, some of the apostles and their associates composed writings for early believers that were recognized as authoritative and inspired. These included the four Gospels, written either by an apostle (Matthew, John) or one of their associates (Mark, Luke). Acts chronicles the early history of the church and was the second volume of Luke’s Gospel.

The remaining works of the New Testament include thirteen letters produced by the apostle Paul, the general epistles (Hebrews to Jude), and the one book of prophecy by the apostle John, Revelation (likely the last book, composed in AD 95–96). The early church began collecting these works into lists in the second century, partly to determine authoritative works from heretical writings that were beginning to circulate.

These collections were also important due to increased persecution. With Christian writings being destroyed at times, it was vital to clearly indicate which Christian writings were authoritative for the church. Various lists were developed in the second to fourth centuries, leading to the twenty-seven books we have today. Though a few shorter books were disputed by some during the early period as they were not as well-known (such as 2 Peter), Jerome’s translation of these twenty-seven writings into Latin for the church made it clear which writings were considered part of the New Testament in the early church.

The Bible we hold in our hands today includes a fascinating history and enormous effort to bring it to us through centuries of transcribing and persecution. Unlike any other book, the Bible is a diverse collection with a single message of the one true God who changes lives still today.

8. WHAT ARE THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS?

The Dead Seas Scrolls were one of the most important discoveries in the history of biblical studies. In 1947, a young shepherd in Qumran, an area about twenty miles east of Jerusalem, threw a rock into a cave and heard it strike a clay pot. When he entered to investigate, he found several pots or jars containing copies of Hebrew texts. Over the next several years, 972 documents from eleven caves would be discovered, including over two hundred Old Testament writings from 300 BC to AD 70.

These writings were, in some cases, more than one thousand years earlier than previously known Hebrew manuscripts! Including at least parts of every Old Testament book except Esther, these materials opened an entirely new world of Old Testament study, allowing scholars to see what the earliest manuscripts looked like during a time much closer to the original writings.

A close investigation of these writings has helped to confirm the high degree of accuracy between these early copies of the Old Testament’s writings and later copies. Instead of leading researchers to conclude the Hebrew text had been changed, it largely confirmed the accurate copying of Scripture over a one-thousand-year period.