In a post-Christian culture that no longer “speaks Bible,” one of the first objectives in any conversation is to stake out some common ground wherever possible. To do this I recommend starting with history.
Most people–unless they have been educated out of it–still believe that you can know some things about the past. In other words, we can discover important historical truths about people like Plato, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar (and I would argue Jesus of Nazareth…but that’s another post).
So when it comes to the New Testament documents, it is important to investigate whether the writers of these first century biographies and letters intended to write accurate history.
Good Intentions (Historically Speaking) Matter!
New Testament scholar Ben Witherington observes, “The most the historian can establish about events in the past is a good probability one way or another that this or that event did or did not happen. There is no such thing as absolute certainty on such matters.” Again, this doesn’t mean that we should become historical skeptics, only that we should have realistic expectations.
Thucydides, writing in the fifth century BC, stated his approach to history and the importance of eyewitness testimony:
“And with regard to my factual reporting of the events of the war I have made it a principle not to write down the first story that came my way, and not even to be guided by my own general impressions; either I was present myself at the events which I have described or else I heard of them from eye-witnesses whose reports I have checked with as much thoroughness as possible.” (History of the Peloponnesian War 1.22)
Now compare Luke’s introduction to his Gospel:
“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1–4 NASB)
Luke is an ideal case study, because his approach is very similar to that of Thucydides. Upon further review, yes, the Gospel writers intended to write accurate history (explore this question further).
Next time someone tries to relegate the New Testament documents to the category of myth or fairytale…be sure to introduce them to how careful Luke was in crafting his historical account and move the conversation in a positive direction.
If you found this post helpful, you would enjoy “How to have a conversation about Bible contradictions.”
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