#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” — John 20:30-31 (ESV)
Have you ever wondered if the stories in the Bible are true? It’s normal to question, especially when people say the Gospel writers were biased. But let’s take a closer look at the evidence and see why we can trust the accounts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
The idea that the Gospel writers would distort history because of their beliefs is challenged by the inclusion of unflattering details about themselves. As J. Warner Wallace notes in his book “Cold-Case Christianity,” “The presence of unflattering details in the Gospels is an indicator of their reliability. If the writers were fabricating stories, they would not have included such embarrassing elements.” For example, Peter’s denial of Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75), the disciples’ cowardice at Jesus’ arrest (Mark 14:50), and Thomas’ doubt (John 20:24-29) are all included in the accounts.
Moreover, the historical accuracy of the Gospel writers, particularly Luke, has been confirmed by modern archaeology. As William Lane Craig explains on ReasonableFaith.org, “Luke has been shown to be a meticulous historian, accurately reporting details that have been verified through archaeological discoveries.” Luke himself emphasizes his commitment to accuracy in Luke 1:1-4, where he states that he carefully investigated everything from the beginning to write an orderly account.
These facts challenge the notion that the Gospel writers were biased in a way that would compromise their historical accuracy. As C.S. Lewis once remarked, “The Gospels contain a quality of realism that is utterly unlike the mythic or legendary narratives of other religions.” The inclusion of embarrassing details and the historical accuracy of the accounts support the trustworthiness of the Gospel narratives.
Encouragement & Application:
It’s okay to have doubts about the Bible’s reliability. In fact, exploring these doubts can lead to a deeper faith. Take time to read the Gospels, noting both the miraculous and the mundane details. Ask questions and seek out resources from trusted apologists like J. Warner Wallace and William Lane Craig. Engage with a mentor or a community of believers who can help you understand the historical context and reliability of the Scriptures.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the inclusion of unflattering details in the Gospels affect your view of their reliability?
- What steps can you take to further explore the historical accuracy of the Bible?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for the truth of Your Word. Help us to trust in the reliability of the Gospels and to find comfort in the honest accounts of Jesus’ life. Guide us as we seek to understand and deepen our faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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