I really appreciate what German journalist Werner Keller shared in his 1955 ten million copy bestselling book, on the Bible and archaeology, The Bible as History. In the closing words of his introduction Mr. Keller stated: “In view of the overwhelming mass of authentic and well-attested evidence now available, as I thought of the skeptical criticism which from the eighteenth century onward would fain have demolished the Bible altogether, there kept hammering in my brain this one sentence: The Bible is right after all.”1
Archaeology, over the last 150 years, has been a wonderful friend to the Bible; showing numerous biblical accounts as historically accurate. 150 years ago, biblical critics were quick to level scathing attacks on the Bible. They stated that many of its accounts of people and places could only be found in the pages of the Bible itself and nowhere else. They contended that these accounts couldn’t be true because they couldn’t find any other historical information from any other sources to corroborate what the Bible said. Based on this line of reasoning these skeptics proudly boasted that the Bible was full of historical discrepancies. Since that time the archaeologist has entered the scene and has decisively put to rest the belief that the Bible is not a true book of history.
May the following quotes, from world famous archaeologists and scholars, give you a flavor why this field of science (archaeology) provides us with solid apologetic evidence for the historical accuracy of Scripture.2
“I know of no finding in archaeology that’s properly confirmed which is in opposition to the Scriptures. The Bible is the most accurate history textbook the world has ever seen.” – Dr Clifford Wilson, formerly director of the Australian Institute of Archaeology
“Through the wealth of data uncovered by historical and archaeological research, we are able to measure the Bible’s historical accuracy. In every case where its claims can thus be tested, the Bible proves to be accurate and reliable.” – Dr. Jack Cottrell, Christian theologian, philosopher and author.
“In every instance where the findings of archaeology pertain to the Biblical record, the archaeological evidence confirms, sometimes in detailed fashion, the historical accuracy of Scripture. In those instances where the archaeological findings seem to be at variance with the Bible, the discrepancy lies with the archaeological evidence, i.e., improper interpretation, lack of evidence, etc. — not with the Bible.” – Dr. Bryant C. Wood, archaeologist.
“It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible. And, by the same token, proper evaluation of Biblical description has often led to amazing discoveries.” – Dr. Nelson Glueck, American archaeologist
“Archaeology has confirmed countless passages which have been rejected by critics as unhistorical or contradictory to known facts……Yet archaeological discoveries have shown that these critical charges…..are wrong and that the Bible is trustworthy in the very statements which have been set aside as untrustworthy…..We do not know of any cases where the Bible has been proved wrong.” – Dr. Joseph P. Free, Professor of Archaeology and History
“The reader may rest assured that nothing has been found [by archaeologists] to disturb a reasonable faith, and nothing has been discovered which can disprove a single theological doctrine. We no longer trouble ourselves with attempts to ‘harmonize’ religion and science, or to ‘prove’ the Bible. The Bible can stand for itself.” – Dr. William F. Albright, eminent archeologist who confirmed the authenticity of the Dead Sea Scrolls following their discovery
“There can be no doubt that archaeology has confirmed the substantial historicity of Old Testament tradition.” – Dr. William F. Albright, eminent archeologist.
“On the whole, however, archaeological work has unquestionably strengthened confidence in the reliability of the Scriptural record. More than one archaeologist has found his respect for the Bible increased by the experience of excavation in Palestine….Archaeology has in many cases refuted the views of modern critics. It has shown, in a number of instances, that these views rest on false assumptions and unreal, artificial schemes of historical development. This is a real contribution and not to be minimized.” – Millar Burrows, Professor of Archaeology at Yale University
“The excessive skepticism of many liberal theologians stems not from a careful evaluation of the available data, but from an enormous predisposition against the supernatural.” – Professor Millar Burrow, Professor of Archaeology at Yale University.
“It is therefore legitimate to say that, in respect of that part of the Old Testament against which the disintegrating criticism of the last half of the nineteenth century was chiefly directed, the evidence of archaeology has been to reestablish its authority and likewise to augment its value by rendering it more intelligible through a fuller knowledge of its background and setting. Archaeology has not yet said its last word, but the results already achieved confirm what faith would suggest – that the Bible can do nothing but gain from an increase in knowledge.” – Sir Frederic Kenyon, a former director of the British Museum.
“I set out to look for truth on the borderland where Greece and Asia meet, and found it there. You may press the words of Luke in a degree beyond any other historian’s and they stand the keenest scrutiny and the hardest treatment.” – Sir William Ramsey, eminent archaeologist who changed his mind regarding Luke after extensive study in the field.
“Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of facts trustworthy; he is possessed of the true historic sense…In short this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians.” – Sir William Ramsey, eminent archaeologist.
1 Werner Keller, The Bible as History (New York: Bantam Books, Inc., 1980), Introduction, p. xxv.
2 All quotes are from the following website:
Biblical archaeology quotes – CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science