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Could the Gospel writers withstand the scrutiny of a lawyer? In this article, a conservative Apologetic Bible scholar examines the credibility of the Gospel accounts, exploring the testimony of eyewitnesses, historical context, literary consistency, and external corroboration. Discover the strength of the Gospel writers’ accounts in providing valuable insights into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Examining the Gospel Testimony

Lawyers, who are experts in evaluating evidence, differentiate between making claims and proving them. They require substantial evidence to support any claim, including religious ones. It is remarkable, then, that numerous respected lawyers, judges, and legal scholars throughout history have embraced Christian belief.

The strength of the Gospel testimony regarding Jesus Christ plays a significant role in this. The Gospel accounts meet the standards of the “ancient documents rule” and would be accepted as evidence in a common law court. They present firsthand, nonhearsay testimonies about Jesus Christ (1 Jn 1:1, etc.) or result from diligent research about Him (Lk 1:1–4). Just as defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the critics have failed to cast doubt on the credibility of the Gospels.

Early Dating and Authorship

The reliability of the four Gospels relies on their early composition and authorship by individuals who had personal knowledge of Jesus. Support from external sources, such as Papias, a disciple of the Apostle John, corroborates this. Papias confirms that the four Gospels were written either by an apostle (Matthew and John) or by an associate of an apostle (Mark with Peter, Luke with Paul). These Gospels were in circulation while eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry were still alive. According to F. F. Bruce, the opponents of Jesus’ ministry were akin to modern cross-examiners, having the means, motive, and opportunity to refute the Gospel accounts of His miracles. Since they failed to do so, the Gospel narratives provide compelling evidence for the accuracy of the miraculous events they describe.

Refuting Oral Tradition Arguments

The fact that the first three Gospels were written before the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, and that the Gospel of John followed soon after, undermines the claims of liberal Bible critics and secularists who argue that these writings are the product of an evolving oral tradition, modified by the early church. There simply wasn’t enough time for such modifications to occur. A. N. Sherwin-White points out that the case for accurate reporting is stronger in the Gospels’ portrayal of Jesus than in the limited sources available for the well-known contemporary of Christ, Tiberius Caesar.

Legal Expertise Supports Gospel Testimony

Simon Greenleaf, a prominent nineteenth-century authority on the law of evidence at Harvard, stated that Christianity merely asks for the testimony of the Gospels to be evaluated as it would be in a court of justice. He argued that the probability of the witnesses’ veracity and the reality of the events they describe increases to the point where it becomes practically equivalent to demonstrable proof.

By applying legal scrutiny to the Gospel accounts, their credibility and authenticity are affirmed, offering a solid foundation for Christian belief.

Could the Gospel Writers Withstand the Scrutiny of a Lawyer? A Conservative Apologetic Bible Scholar’s Perspective

As a conservative Apologetic Bible scholar, I approach the topic of whether the Gospel writers could withstand the scrutiny of a lawyer with great reverence and respect for the sacred texts. While the Gospels are not legal documents, they do provide historical accounts of the life, teachings, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this article, I will delve deeper into the subject, exploring additional insights that shed light on the credibility and reliability of the Gospel writers.

The Testimony of Eyewitnesses:

One crucial aspect of the Gospels is their reliance on eyewitness testimony. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were either direct witnesses or closely associated with those who had first-hand encounters with Jesus. Their accounts were not based on hearsay or second-hand information, but on their personal experiences. This fact lends credibility to their writings, as eyewitness testimony is often highly regarded in legal proceedings.

Historical Context:

To determine the veracity of any document, it is crucial to examine its historical context. The Gospel writers were well-versed in the customs, traditions, and historical events of their time. Their accounts reflect an accurate understanding of the political, social, and religious climate of first-century Palestine. Their ability to accurately portray these details supports the argument that their writings are grounded in historical reality.

Literary Consistency:

The Gospels, despite being written by different authors, exhibit remarkable consistency in their portrayal of Jesus’ life and teachings. This consistency is particularly evident in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), where parallel accounts of events often align closely. Such consistency suggests that the writers were drawing from common sources or shared firsthand knowledge, further bolstering their credibility.

Internal and External Corroboration:

The Gospels also find support from external sources, both within the biblical canon and from secular historical records. The writings of early Church Fathers, such as Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp, contain references to the Gospel accounts, affirming their existence and widespread acceptance among early Christian communities. Additionally, non-Christian historians like Josephus and Tacitus make mention of Jesus and corroborate certain key events mentioned in the Gospels.

Conclusion:

While the Gospel writers may not have been lawyers themselves, their accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings possess a remarkable level of credibility. The reliance on eyewitness testimony, historical context, literary consistency, and external corroboration all contribute to the strength of their writings. As a conservative Apologetic Bible scholar, I believe that the Gospel writers would indeed withstand the scrutiny of a lawyer, as their accounts align with historical facts and demonstrate a deep understanding of the events they describe. It is through their writings that we gain valuable insights into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, inspiring faith and providing a solid foundation for believers throughout the ages.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).