Outreach FAQs: Can You Trust the Bible - Written So Long Ago and Translated Many Times?

The Bible has faced scepticism throughout history, particularly concerning its reliability. Many wonder, Can you trust the Bible when written so long ago and translated many times? This question is vital, especially in an age where truth is often questioned. Thankfully, the evidence supporting the Bible's reliability is abundant, both historically and internally.

Historical Reliability of the Bible

The Bible stands out as the most historically supported text of antiquity. Thousands of ancient manuscripts confirm the integrity of the text we read today. For example:

• The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the mid-20th century, contain portions of the Old Testament dating back to around 200 BC. These manuscripts match the Masoretic Text used for modern translations with remarkable accuracy.

• The Codex Sinaiticus, housed in the British Library, is one of the oldest complete New Testament manuscripts, dating to the 4th century AD.

• The Codex Vaticanus, preserved in the Vatican Library, is another 4th-century manuscript that confirms the New Testament's consistency.

The sheer volume of manuscripts, numbering over 5,800 for the Greek New Testament alone, allows scholars to compare texts and identify errors or intentional changes. The result is a Bible that faithfully reflects the original writings.

Addressing Concerns About Translations

Many people believe that the Bible’s numerous translations have distorted its meaning. However, translations are based on original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. Reliable translations, such as the King James Version (KJV), are produced through meticulous scholarship and comparison with ancient texts.

It is true that some versions, like the New World Translation used by Jehovah’s Witnesses, have altered passages to fit doctrinal biases. However, these deviations are evident when compared to the wealth of manuscript evidence. For example, John 1:1 in the KJV states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The New World Translation changes this to say, “the Word was a god,” a significant distortion of the original Greek.

Internal Evidence of the Bible’s Trustworthiness

Beyond external verification, the Bible demonstrates supernatural authorship through its internal consistency. Spanning over 1,500 years, written by around 40 different authors from various walks of life, the Bible maintains a unified theme: God’s redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ.

Consider these remarkable examples:

• Prophecy Fulfilment: Isaiah 53 vividly describes the suffering and atoning death of Jesus Christ centuries before His birth. The fulfilment of hundreds of prophecies is a testament to divine inspiration.

• Moral and Theological Consistency: Despite being written over many centuries, the Bible's moral teachings and theology remain cohesive. It declares, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8, KJV).

  
  

Can You Trust the Bible When Written So Long Ago?

Yes, you can trust the Bible, even though it was written long ago. The preservation of its text through ancient manuscripts, the rigorous process of translation, and its internal harmony attest to its reliability. The Apostle Paul affirmed the Scriptures’ divine origin, stating, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV).

The Supernatural Evidence of the Bible

The Bible’s influence is unparalleled. It has transformed lives, guided nations, and withstood relentless attacks. Its power lies not only in its historical and logical consistency but also in its divine authority. Hebrews 4:12 declares, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

In Summary

Can you trust the Bible when written so long ago and translated many times? The answer is a resounding yes. Its historical reliability, the integrity of its translations, and the evidence of divine authorship make the Bible unique among all texts. As Jesus Himself said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35, KJV). Trusting in the Bible is trusting in the eternal Word of God.

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