For those who have spent even a minimal amount of time examining the Scriptures, the continuity of the Bible, and its diversity, are simply staggering. It is as amazing in its diversity as it is in its continuity. In fact, one could hardly conceive of a more diverse makeup than that true of the biblical writers.
Author Josh MacDowell, in his book, “Evidence That Demands a Verdict”, recounts the multifaceted background of those God inspired to be the Bible’s penmen. There were approximately forty in all, historically occupying as many generations over a 1600-year period. They consisted of Moses, a political leader trained in the universities of Egypt; Peter, the fisherman; Amos, a herdsman; Joshua, a military general; Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king of Persia; Daniel, the prime minister in the courts of Babylon; Luke, the physician; Solomon, philosopher and king; Matthew, the tax collector; Paul, the rabbi and tentmaker; and many others.
But also in different places. Moses was in the wilderness; Jeremiah was in a dungeon; Daniel on a hillside and in a palace. Paul was inside prison walls and walking throughout Asia Minor and parts of Europe. Luke, the physician, while traveling; John in exile on the isle of Patmos; others in the rigors of a military campaign.
And, at diverse times… in times of war, in times of peace. From different moods… some riding the heights of joy, others writing from the depths of sorrow and despair. Three continents… Asia, Africa, Europe. Three languages… Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. And a subject matter involving hundreds of controversial topics such as the origin of man and the universe, the nature of God, the nature of man, sin, and man’s redemption.
Yet, in the midst of all of this great diversity, there is a continuity and a harmony that is simply inexplicable from any human perspective. What shall we say to these things? While it’s true, once again, not in and of itself does the amazing diversity and continuity of the Bible prove that it is God’s Word. Yet can anyone honestly deny which way it all points? Are these not solid, convincing indicators that something really supernatural is afoot here? The evidence is cumulative and compelling.
Josh MacDowell called it “evidence that demands a verdict”, and he authored a book by that title. We hardily recommend it.
CC-02-15
Published by