Reliability of the Bible – Page 11 – Evidence for Christianity

Is the fact that Daniel has God saying to "seal up this prophecy" evidence that the book is pseudenimous (ie that the author is faking the story)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apocrypha, Daniel, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Reliability of the Bible .

QUESTION: I have a question about this article http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/chris_sandoval/daniel.html#forgeries. In paragraph 7 of the section called religious forgeries the writer writes “We read in the Book of Daniel that God’s angels ordered the venerable prophet Daniel to “shut up” and “seal” his book (Daniel 8:26; 12:4,9). Perhaps the author meant us to understand that Daniel […]

How do I deal with continuing doubts which prevent my having stronger faith?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, General Apologetics, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I was going over the passage in Luke 6:46 (the wise and foolish builder) and I realized that my foundation in God isn’t as strong as I would like. I feel like every time I have a question or doubt my faith is shaken. I know that the usual response to building a stronger […]

Who is right, Peter Flint who says the OT Hebrew text is confirmed to the 99% level or Emanual Tov who says the stability of the Hebrew text is a myth?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible, Versions of the Bible .

QUESTION: I know I’ve asked you questions regarding to the different OT translations and transmissions (Septuagint, SP, MT), however I’ve recently been troubled by two somewhat different positions on the accuracy of the transmission. Emmanual Tov a leading scholar on the dead sea scrolls and textual critic recently came out with a book “Textual Criticism […]

Are the recent findings reported from Khirbet Qeiyafa evidence of Biblical history or just a hoax?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I found interesting article on findings in Khirbet Qeiyafa. May I ask, what is your opinion about that, is it another archeological proof of Bible historicity, or just a hoax? http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Early+History+-+Archaeology/Cultic_shrines_time_King_David_8-May-2012.htm Answer: No, this is the real thing. This is a very exciting discovery. Garfinkle is a highly respected archaeologist and this find will […]

Is every word of the Bible inspired? What about the two fairly different versions of Jeremiah (DSS vs MT)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible, Versions of the Bible .

QUESTION: I’m having trouble believing that every single word in the Bible is true. I do know that Jesus’ resurrection is true and can be proven to a certain degree historically and that the creation of the universe can also be proven to a certain degree with scientific data and theories. But I’m having a […]

If Jesus was killed Friday afternoon and rose very early Sunday, how could he have been in the grave "three days and three nights?"

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible, Resurrection of Jesus, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

QUESTION: Just to understand: The Bible says Jesus spent three days and three nights in the tomb” However, if he died on Friday, it only spent two nights and two days in the tomb. Could you explain please? Anne: I have already answered this question at the site. I am copying and pasting for you. […]

How do you explain that Mark says Mary Magdalene was the first to see the resurrected Jesus, when this contradicts the other gospels?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Comment: (editor’s note: This is a follow-up to a question about supposed contradictions in Mark 16 about Mary Magdalene and the resurrection accounts. In the earlier letter I establish that all the gospels agree Mary Magdalene was the first see that the resurrection had happened.) I do agree that every account aside from the Mark […]

How do scholars arrive at the dates for manuscripts? How can I get a hold of the Annals of the Kings, mentioned in 1 Kings?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I really appreciate the time you take to read and respond these emails (which I believe does not give you anything in return but I believe you do it for Christ). I need an advice from you. I have been a kind of person who looks to validate things. I have followed a lot […]

Why does Mark disagree with Matthew and Luke about Mary Magdalene being the first to the tomb of Jesus?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

QUESTION: I have a question regarding to the ending of Mark. I understand that the evidence for Mark’s ending is scant, however I don’t understand why the scribe that wrote the passage would insert this statement “he appeared first to Mary Magdalene” when clearly in Matthew and Luke Jesus appears to others before Mary Magdalene. […]

How can you be sure that the decree to restore Jerusalem (Ezra 7) was issued in 458 BC? (and therefore Daniel prophesies the date of Jesus' death)

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, Daniel, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, History, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I am referring to one of the powerpoint presentations at the web site (Reflections on the Passion of Christ). It indicates that the decree of Artaxerxes (Ezra Chapter 7) was issued around 458 BC. I am impressed with the overall insight into the prophecy (Daniel Chp 9). However, how did you reach the conclusion that […]

Were there more than one authors of Daniel? Why does an archaeological find only mention Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, not Daniel

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, Daniel, General, History, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Is there any evidence against the theory that the book of Daniel was written by two people or multiple people? Also I assume that you know about the discovery of Daniel’s three friends in a list of Babylonian officials. I was wondering why Daniel’s name was not found in the list of Babylonian officials, […]

Do you have materials to respond to the question, "Has the Bible been changed?"

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible, Versions of the Bible .

Question: I was wondering if you had any information regarding the following topic “Has the Bible been changed.” I would guess, through cross referencing all the manuscripts over the past centuries, we would be able to identify what has been changed within the text. Do you have any sources of info/studies for this? I would […]

When were the Gospels written? How can they be reliable if they are so far removed from the life of Jesus?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, History, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: When were the Gospels written? I saw something on the History Channel that said that the first Gospel was Mark and was written 40 years after the death of Jesus and that the other three Gospels copied Mark’s Gospel and added to it. If this is true, how accurate could they be if they […]

Does 2 Sam 6:1-7 (Uzzah touches ark and killed by God) contradict Mark 5:24-29 (woman touches Jesus and is healed)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: Christ said that knowing Him = knowing the father. But allow me to give you an example that my mind can not seem to harmonize with respect to the characteristics of God: 2nd Samuel 6:1-7 6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark […]

Why did Paul say "I, not the Lord?" Does this mean that what followed was not inspired by God?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: When I was reading in 1 Corinthians 7, I noticed that Paul said a rather peculiar thing. He said “To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord)…” (verse 12). What does this mean? If the words that followed this were “not [from] the Lord” then wouldn’t that mean that it was not inspired? Answer: […]

Did Jesus tell Peter he would deny him at the Mt. of Olives (Mark, Matthew) or during the Last Supper (Luke and John)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

QUESTION: I have a two part question regarding to the Peter’s denial of Christ. First, did Jesus tell Peter that he would disown him three times at the Mount of Olives (Mark and Matthew) or before they went to the mount of olives during the last supper (Luke and John)? And the 2nd question is […]

If the Exodus happened in 1420 BC, how can this connect with Akhenaten and the Tel el Amarna letters? Why not 1440 BC or another date?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, General, History, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I am a Christian from Turkey. Grace to you. I couldn’t understand the connection between 1420 BC. and the letters of Tel el Amarna. In an article at your site you say that; “The letter is addressed to Akhnaton, which implies it was written somewhere between 1387 and 1366 BC. This fits well with […]

Why does Paul say, first Peter, then the twelve (when there were only 11) and then "all the apostles?"

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible .

QUESTION: I have yet another question regarding to a so called contradiction. The scripture I have a question on is 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. I know that this creed dates back to no more than 3 years after Jesus rose from the dead, but I do have three questions regarding the creed. First why does it state that […]

In the Transfiguration, how did Peter know it was Moses and Elijah if he had never seen them or a picture of them?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: I was reading about the transfiguration in Matthew and I realized that Peter seems to know immediately that the two shining figures with Jesus are Elijah and Moses. How did Peter know what Elijah and Moses looked like since no one in the first century would know what they looked like and there were […]

How did Luke know what Jesus said in the garden if the apostles were asleep?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible .

How did Luke know what Jesus said in the garden if the apostles were asleep? Question: How did the gospel writers know what Jesus was praying at Gethsemane if Jesus was a stone’s throw away from them and they were sleeping (Luke 22:41)? Answer: The Bible, clearly, does not tell us how the gospel writers, […]

A response to question below about how NT writers knew what Jesus said in the garden. What about Herod's words or the Pharisees with Judas?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible .

A response to question below about how NT writers knew what Jesus said in the garden. What about Herod’s words or the Pharisees with Judas? Question: Since I regularly “surf” your site, I read your answer on page https://www.evidenceforchristianity.org/index.php?option=com_custom_content&task=view&id=5648 and it raised few thoughts in my head that I wanted to share with you and ask […]

How do you respond to claims that Matthew (2:25) takes Hosea 11:1 out of context? What about Matthew 2:18 (weeping in Ramah)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Reliability of the Bible .

How do you respond to claims that Matthew (2:15) takes Hosea 11:1 out of context? What about Matthew 2:18 (weeping in Ramah)? Question: First I would like to mention that I am a Christian and am very grateful for your “questions and answers” section. I catch myself spending hours reading your answers for fun. I […]

Who Wrote 1st Kings? Why is Revelation not included in Codex Vaticanus (many more)

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, History, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Who wrote 1st Kings? Why is Revelation not included in Codex Vaticanus? (many more) Question: Who wrote the books of kings? What is the evidence? Why is it that the vaticanus codex does NOT have the book of Revelation? Did the human part of Jesus worship the divine part of Jesus? The rabbit chews the […]

Could John 3:5 (baptism) and John 6:55 (Lord's Supper) be anachronisms–words put in Jesus mouth that he never said?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Prefigures and Foreshadows, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Here’s a difficult question, and one I’ve been struggling with for a while. Is it possible that the Gospel of John contains certain sayings ascribed to Jesus that he didn’t actually say? I realize that this question sounds like it implies an attack on Biblical Inerrancy, but that problem can be avoided by making […]

It has been proved that Gilgamesh is older than Genesis. How can you say that we are not sure which came earlier?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, History, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I was trying to get some quality, unbiased information regarding the evidence for Christianity when I stumbled across your piece on Genesis possibly being written by four different groups. https://www.evidenceforchristianity.org/index.php?option=com_custom_content&task=view&id=4962 I have to say, if your objective is to prove your side of the story than surely you will need to provide some evidence […]

Can you explain the contradiction between Acts 9 and Galatians 1:22 about what Paul did in Jerusalem?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: How would you respond to the apparent contradiction between the epistle of Galatians, and Acts. Paul highlights his trip to Arabia and specifically states that he did not go up to Jerusalem (Galatians 1:17) , however Luke reports nothing about Arabia and states that Paul went to Jerusalem just a couple of days after […]

Please explain the prophecy in Isaiah 45:14 about Cyrus, much of which was actually done by Cambysses?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, Church History, General, History, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I was hoping you could answer my a question on Isaiah 45:14. It seems to say that Cyrus the Great would gain tribute or conquer Egypt, Cush and the Sabeans (which I believe are Ethiopians). But Cyrus the Great never conquered Egypt. Rather Cyrus’ son Cambyses invaded Egypt and conquered Egypt. He then tried […]

Can you clear up who Esau's wives were? (Gen 26:34, 28:9 and 36:2-3 seem to contradict)

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: I have a lot of trouble when presented with "picky" questions about numbers, names, or even localities of the Bible events. Some of them are raised by people I talk to, and some of them are mine, when trying to read the Bible deeper and have a better understanding of God’s word. As for […]

John says Jesus was crucified on the eve of the Passover, while the other gospels say it was on the Passover. Thoughts?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: Any thoughts on the contradiction between John having Jesus as crucified on the eve of Passover and the other gospels on Passover itself? Answer: This is a somewhat complicated question. There is no doubt that John tells us Jesus was crucified on the eve of the Passover. It was also the day before a […]

Is Leviticus 11:20-23 a biblical error, as there are no creeping, flying creatures who walk on four legs?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible, Science and the Bible .

Question: In leviticus 11:20-23 it said that the Israelites could not eat any flying creeping thing that is on all fours. What was God refering to when he means flying creeping on all fours? I can’t find any creeping flying animal or insect that is on all fours. Answer: Scholars will agree that Leviticus 11:20-23 […]

Question from Edwin Aguilar

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I have three different questions on scripture. The first is based on Matthew 11:18 "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon." Just a couple of passages before this John was eating locusts and wild honey? My only explanation of this is that Jesus was talking about John’s […]

According to the ages given in Genesis 5, Methuselah was still alive after the flood. How do you explain this?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Creation, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: In the Septuagint it states that Methuselah was 167 when he begot Lamech. But that would mean that Methuselah living up to 969 would have survived the flood. The Bible states only 8 people were on the ark. Is there any earlier Old Testament text that gives Methuselah a different age when he begot […]

What is your response to those who claim Paul's vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus was just a hallucination, brought on by his deep sense of guilt?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: What’s your response to people who claim the hallucination hypothesis and state that Paul had a lot of guilt towards persecuting the Christians which eventually led to his hallucination? And how would you interpret the verse in Matthew 2:3 "When King Herod heard this he was disturbed and ALL Jerusalem with him"? Thanks! Answer: […]

How did the Philistines get 30,000 chariots in 1 Sam 13:5? Is there any evidence that this is a copyist error?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: How did the Philistines get 30,000 chariots in 1 Sam 13:5? Is there any evidence that this is a copyist error? Answer: The answer is that the Septuagint and Syriac translations have 3000 rather than 30,000 chariots. Both are very early translations of the Old Testament which were made many hundreds of years before […]

Has all prophecy in the Old Testament been fulfilled? How do we interpret prophecy?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Daniel, End Times, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I have a friend who claims that there are biblical prophecies within both the Old and New Testament that have not come to pass as of yet. Though I am aware that not all biblical prophecy hasn’t been fulfilled, what are the basic rules for interpreting it? Should we focus on how Jesus had, […]

Is there any evidence outside the Bible for the tearing in two of the curtain when Jesus died (Mark 15:38)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, History, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: In Mark 15:38 it says that the Temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. Is there any historical evidence that this actually happened: Either in some Jewish texts or some other credible writing outside of the New Testament? Answer: As far as I know there is not other written source confirming […]

Why is Dan not listed as one of the 12 tribes of Israel in Revelation 7?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Why is the tribe of Dan NOT LISTED in Revelation with the other tribes of Israel? Answer: There are a number of theories about why Dan is not included. The scripture does not tell us, so we are left with the need to do at least some speculating. Let me list a few suggested […]

When did Peter first meet Jesus? Jn 1:35-42, Mark 1:14-20 or Luke 4:38=43?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: When did Jesus meet Simon? Was it when Peter’s brother Andrew asked Him to come see the Messiah (John 1:35-42)? Was it when Jesus healed Peter’s mother in law (Luke 4:38-43)? Or was it next to the sea of Galilee (Mark 1:14-20)? Thanks! Answer: Jesus met Simon (later known as Peter) when Simon’s brother […]

Did Jesus set up his dominion on earth in AD 96 as prophesied in Daniel 7:26-28?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Daniel, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I am stuck on Daniel 7:26-28. It seems to say that after the defeat of Domitian that Jesus sets up his dominion on earth and that the dominion would be everlasting and that the saints would possese the kingdom. But Jesus never came it 96 A.D? Answer: The Kingdom which Jesus established is the […]

Does Matthew misquote Micah 5:2 in Matthew 2:6?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: How would you interpret the formal contradiction in Mathew’s citation (Matt 2:6) of Micah 5:2? Matthew states that Bethlehem is by no means the least among the rulers of Judah, and Micah states that Bethlehem is small among the clans or rulers of Judah.Thanks! Answer: Here is a literal, word-for-word translation of the Greek […]

Is there any evidence Bethlehem was occupied during the Herodian Period (when Jesus was born)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, General, History, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I recently read a report prepared by an archaeologist from the Israeli Antiquities Authority which stated that Bethlehem could not have been occupied during the Herodian Period (the time of the birth of Jesus Christ) because no ruins or other archaeological evidence from that period had been found in or around Bethlehem. He did […]

Many skeptics claim that Nazareth did not even exist in the first century. Is this claim true?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, Church History, General, History, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I recently read a report prepared by an archaeologist from the Israeli Antiquities Authority which stated that Nazareth could not have been occupied during the Herodian Period (the time of the birth of Jesus Christ) because no ruins or other archaeological evidence from that period had been found in or around Nazareth. He did […]

How could Israel be God's first-born son (Exodus 4:22-23) if Jesus is God's one and only son (John 3:16)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Prefigures and Foreshadows, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: I have a question which bugs me a lot. Reading Exodus 4:22-23 has overwhelmed me with doubts. Then say to Pharoah, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son, and I told you, "Let my son go, so he may worship me." But you refused to let him go; so I will kill […]

Why did God choose Moses to save his people if he was a murderer?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I would like to know if there is a reason why God chose Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt? After all, Moses killed someone and i don’t think the Bible mentioned him offering sacrifices to pay for his sin. So in a way he was unrighteous right? Why did God forgive him just […]

Why is Dan not listed as one of the 12 tribes in Revelation 7:4-8?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Why is the tribe of Dan NOT LISTED in Revelation with the other tribes of Israel? Answer: There are a number of theories about why Dan is not included. The scripture does not tell us, so we are left with the need to do at least some speculating. Let me list a few suggested […]

How long did Saul reign? Can you solve the difficulties of 1 Sam 13:1?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: What do you think about 1 Samuel 13:1? In my Bible it states that the Hebrew manuscripts state "Saul was … years old when he became king; and he reigned two years over Israel". I’ve looked at several different versions of the verse and some state one year old, and two years over Israel […]

If Methuselah was the oldest man who lived, how is it that he died before his father?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: If Methuselah was the oldest man in the Bible, then how could he die before his father? Answer: Because his father Enoch did not die, Methuselah did not die before his father died, simply because his father did not die. Methuselah is the oldest person who was alive on the earth, at least as […]

Esther 8:17 says people from other nationalities became aJews. Is that possible?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, History, Reliability of the Bible .

Questions: I have 3 questions regarding the interpretation of scripture. The first is in Esther 8:17 it states the following, "And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them." From my understanding in Jewish tradition, people from other nationalities (Gentiles) could not become or convert to Judaism. The […]

What is your position on biblical inerrancy?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, General Apologetics, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: What is your position on biblical inerrancy? Answer: We had a class on this topic in September in San Diego. There is a power point and outline at the web site you can look at. My view on inerrancy starts with my view on inspiration. I believe the Bible is inspired by God. The inspiration […]

Is Proverbs 6:6-8 (the ant has no ruler) a scientific error?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, General Apologetics, Other Religions, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Proverbs 6:6-8 says that an ant has no ruler. Is this a scientific inaccuracy? Would the conclusion be different if God were to say this instead of the wise man? Would it be a biblical error when Jesus asks "Why are you thinking these things in your heart?" Would it not be more accurate […]