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Acts 17:10–12
… they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore, many of them believed … (vv. 11b–12a).
We have seen that numerous Old Testament and New Testament writers clearly regarded the Scriptures as the very words of God, and that Jesus held the same belief. But saying so does not make it so. Thankfully, however, there is abundant evidence to support this claim. Biblical scholars have noted:
- The amazing internal consistency of the Bible. The Bible is composed of 66 books written over more than fifteen hundred years (about 1450 b.c. to about a.d. 100) by more than 40 writers with a wide range of backgrounds. And yet, certain themes permeate the whole collection—God’s love for His people, His wrath against sin, redemption, faith, covenant fidelity, and more. It is very difficult to believe that human beings could have assembled such a book on their own. The Bible speaks with one voice—God’s.
- The heavenliness of the matter. John Calvin pointed to the overwhelming quality and power of the Bible, the profundity of its wisdom, and its acute revelation of human sin as evidence that it is something more than a human book. We would expect such in communications from God to man.
- The powerful effect of the Bible on people’s lives. Many people have acknowledged that the reading of Scripture moved their souls as no other book can, that it caused their hearts to burn (Luke 24:32). As Calvin writes, “Of human writings, however artfully polished, there is none capable of affecting us at all comparably.”
- The antiquity of the matter. The idea of monotheism and the morality that went with it came about through the Jewish people very early in history. The Bible upholds these ideas from cover to cover.
- The fulfillment of prophecy. Centuries ahead of time and with great detail, Scripture prophesies specific events with amazing accuracy. The many messianic prophesies in Scripture especially find highly detailed fulfillment in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. This factor alone argues for a supernatural origin for the Scriptures, for it is evidence of God speaking of what He planned to do, then carrying out His plans.
The evidence is overwhelming—the Bible is more than a mere human book. It is “God-breathed.” It is the special revelation of Yahweh to His people, the inspired Word of God.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
How have you been changed by your reading of the Bible? Have you noted its consistency, its exalted themes, the amazing fulfillment of detailed prophecy? Whether you are a new or experienced student of Scripture, look for and rejoice in these traits of Scripture. And rejoiceand thank God that you hold the Word of God in your hands.
For Further Study
- Ps. 119:18
- Matt. 1:22–23; 2:15, 17–18
- Mark 14:27