Reliable #6

We get to the second last post on why i think the bible is reliable. In this case, beyond merely an accurate historical transmission of what was originally recorded, but that what was written actually occurred.

Accusation – It’s a big lie... and the biblical authors knew it.

First of all, you don't die for a lie that you know is a fabrication. Of all the post resurrection disciples, only John died a death outside of martyrdom. You don't keep hold of a fairy tale when you're being boiled in oil. Or fed to lions. Or impaled on stakes. Or stoned to death. Or executed upside down.

Surely someone would have cracked under such torture. Or spilt the beans at the threat.

Furthermore... What did they expect to immediately gain from their lie? Exclusion from there culture and religion. Persecution from authorities. Not exactly worth it...

Also, why would they record this lie in the manner they did? They include details that were majorly embarrassing.

Jesus was killed... brutally... after being rejected by his people. He was deserted by his strongest followers, who themselves, were generally shown as being slow to believe and understand many of the teachings of Christ.

Importantly, why would you include women as witnesses to the resurrection? In first century Palestine, their word was inadmissible in court and initially disbelieved by the disciples.

Finally, as i have said earlier, witnesses recorded the words of the New Testament and others were still around who could verify the events recorded in the gospels.

2 Peter 1:16 - When we told you about the power and the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not telling clever stories that someone had made up. But with our own eyes we saw his true greatness.

1 John 1:1-2 - That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.

Luke 1:4 - Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.