There is a lot of evidence that shows that the New Testament is true. The question we need to address is how do we really know that the New Testament writers didn’t exaggerate or embellish what they say they saw. Before I list the top ten reasons I believe the New Testament (NT) writers told the truth I would like to share a few general comments.
Peter Kreeft said it well when he commented: “Why would the apostles lie? Liars always lie for selfish reasons. If they lied, what was their motive, what did they get out of it? What they got out of it was misunderstanding, rejection, persecution, torture, and martyrdom. Hardly a list of perks!”1
And perhaps Josh McDowell offers us something to really think about when he stated: “If the Resurrection had not happened, obviously the disciples would have known it. I can find no way that these particular men could have been deceived. Therefore, they not only would have died for a lie—here’s the catch—they would have known it was a lie. It would be hard to find a group of men anywhere in history who would die for a lie if they knew it was a lie.”2
I pray that the following ten reasons will serve to strengthen your faith in our awesome New Testament and you will agree with the great English writer, Charles Dickens, when he said: “The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world.”3
- The NT writers included embarrassing details about themselves.
Jesus’ discipled often seemed dim-witted. (Luke 18:34) tells us: “The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.” And remember when Jesus rebuked Peter: “But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. ‘Get behind me, Satan!’ he said. ‘You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’” (Mark 8:33). Another example of the disciples sharing embarrassing details about their lives was when Peter denied Jesus three times basically showing that he was a coward. Finally, the disciples appeared to be uncaring when Jesus asked them in the garden to pray with Him – their response – they fell asleep!
2. The NT writers abandoned their long-held sacred beliefs and practices, adopted new ones, and did not deny their testimony under persecution or threat of death.
The Jewish Christians were so committed to their new belief system that they were willing to give up several centuries old practices. For example, they stopped their practice of animal sacrifices. They no longer felt bound to obey the many ceremonial laws that Jews followed. And they no longer worshipped on the Sabbath. In turn the Jewish Christians adopted several new practices such as Sunday worship, baptism, and communion. These changes were truly revolutionary.
3. The NT writers had nothing to gain by trying to pull off a hoax.
By believing and preaching the resurrection of Jesus the only worldly reward they could receive was persecution and death. For those disciples that were martyred they could have been saved by simply confessing that the resurrection was a lie.
4. The NT writers left in demanding saying of Jesus.
If I were to write a book I don’t think I would include difficult sayings that without divine help would be impossible to obey. For example (Matthew 5:28) tells us: “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Another difficult command from Jesus is found in (Matthew 5:39): “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” One other near impossible saying can be found in (Matthew 5:44): “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
5. The NT writers carefully distinguished Jesus’ words from their own and left in difficult saying.
It would have been easy for the followers of Jesus to solve theological disputes by adding to the difficult words of Christ. It would have been easy to make up quotes in relation to circumcision, obeying the law of Moses, and speaking in tongues in order to end all debates.
In tomorrow’s part II of this devotion we will share five more reasons why the NT writers told the truth.
1 https://www.communicatejesus.com/40-quotes-life-changing-power-resurrection/
2 https://www.thepoachedegg.net/2018/03/apologetics-10-quotes-on-the-resurrection-of-jesus.html
3 https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/404736-the-new-testament-is-the-very-best-book-that-ever