QJ- How long ago was the Bible invented

Outlining the Bible's Origin

1. The Bible Wasn't Invented

The Bible presents itself as a divinely inspired collection of writings, not a human creation. It claims to be the Word of God, revealed to humanity through various prophets and apostles.

· The Bible is NOT a product of human history

Hebrews 1:1–2 (NASB95)

1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,

2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

2. The word Bible means Books; 66 Books, 40 Writers with One Divine Source as the Author.

The Bible is a collection of 66 books, written by approximately 40 authors over a span of centuries. However, the overarching theme and message are attributed to a single divine source, God.

3. Written Over a Span of 1500 Years, in Three Continents, in Three Languages

The Bible's canonical books were written over a period of approximately 1500 years, from the time of Moses to the first century AD. This spans continents, including Asia, Africa, and Europe, and involves languages such as Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

Historical Perspective: The geographical and linguistic diversity of the Bible's authors reflects the vastness of the ancient world and the global nature of the biblical message.

4. Inspired by God, Meaning...

1. 2 Timothy 3:16

2 Timothy 3:16 NASB95

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

Commentary:

The Bible claims to be inspired by God, meaning that God guided the authors in their writing to ensure that the message was accurate and true. This concept is often referred to as "divine inspiration." This verse directly addresses the origin of Scripture, stating that it is inspired by God. It emphasizes the divine nature of the Bible and its authority as a source of truth and guidance. Historical Perspective: The belief in divine inspiration has been a central tenet of Christian faith since its inception.

5. New Testament Chain of Custody

The New Testament documents were written by eyewitnesses of Jesus' life and ministry, or by those who were closely associated with them. This chain of custody helps to establish the authenticity and reliability of the New Testament writings.

Historical Perspective: Scholars have studied the chain of custody of the New Testament documents to assess their historical accuracy and credibility. This has involved examining the early church fathers, ancient manuscripts, and other historical evidence.

2 Peter 1:16–21 NASB95

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

The Gospel of John, for example, can be traced from John to his three personal students (Ignatius, Polycarp and Papias) to their personal student (Irenaeus) to his personal student (Hippolytus)

6. Evidences by Fulfilled Prophecy, Archaeological Discoveries, Consistency in the Scriptures, Extra-Biblical Writings

F.A.C.E.S

The Bible points to numerous Fulfilled prophecies that have been fulfilled in history, often serving as evidence of its divine origin. Additionally, Archaeological discoveries have provided support for the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative. Consistency of the biblical text and The corroboration of its claims by Extra-biblical sources further strengthen its credibility.