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On the Reliability of the New Testament

On the Reliability of the New Testament

Last updated on: January 15, 2025 at 4:10 pm by Frank Viola

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On the Reliability of the New Testament 2025-01-15T16:10:19-04:00 Frank Viola

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Today I’ll be reviewing a book about the reliability of the New Testament. Unfortunately, this book didn’t release before I turned in my manuscript for The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded to the publisher, else I would have cited it. (Many of you have asked, and my book releases early March of 2025. The link above will give you details.)

Most educated people – including well-known celebrities and non-Christian podcasters – confidently (and sometimes belligerently) claim that the Bible isn’t reliable. But in truth, they have no idea what they’re talking about.

They’ve never researched the matter in any depth. Nor have they consulted or sparred with the experts in the field.

On this score, Benjamin C. F. Shaw’s Trustworthy: Thirteen Arguments for the Reliability of the New Testament is a timely and accessible contribution to the field of New Testament studies and Christian apologetics.

Published in October 2024, this book offers a fresh perspective on the historical reliability of the New Testament, presenting a comprehensive yet approachable examination of key issues surrounding its credibility.

Shaw’s experience as an adjunct professor and his collaboration with renowned scholar Gary R. Habermas lend credibility to his approach. The book’s structure, divided into thirteen concise chapters, each focusing on a specific argument for New Testament reliability, is one of its strongest features.

This format allows readers to digest complex topics in manageable portions, making it an ideal resource for both newcomers to the subject and those seeking a refresher on key issues.

Shaw’s treatment of various lines of evidence, including archaeology, authorship, textual criticism, and non-Christian sources, provides a well-rounded perspective on the topic. By addressing such a wide range of subjects, the author demonstrates the multifaceted nature of the evidence supporting the New Testament’s reliability.

One of the book’s most commendable aspects is its balance between scholarly depth and readability. While drawing from a robust list of academic sources, Shaw manages to present arguments that are both substantive and accessible to a general audience. This approach respects the reader’s intelligence while avoiding the pitfall of overwhelming them with overly technical jargon.

The inclusion of suggested further reading at the end of each chapter is a thoughtful addition, encouraging readers to delve deeper into specific areas of interest. This feature transforms the book from a mere introduction to a springboard for more extensive study.

Critics have praised Trustworthy for its clarity and conciseness, with some suggesting it could become the new “go-to” entry-level resource on New Testament reliability. Its ability to strike a balance between being comprehensive and digestible sets it apart from other works in the field.

However, it’s worth noting that the book’s introductory nature means that some readers, particularly those already well-versed in New Testament scholarship, may find certain sections less challenging. Nevertheless, even for these readers, the book serves as an excellent refresher and a valuable resource for explaining complex concepts to others.

In conclusion, Trustworthy fills an important niche in Christian literature, providing a clear, concise, yet thorough introduction to the reliability of the New Testament. It equips readers with the tools to engage in thoughtful discussions about the historical credibility of the Christian scriptures.

Whether used in academic settings, church study groups, or personal exploration, Shaw’s work offers a solid foundation for understanding and defending the trustworthiness of the New Testament. As such, it is highly recommended for skeptics, believers, and anyone interested in the historical foundations of Christianity.

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December 30, 2024

The Baker Exegetical Commentary of the New Testament Series

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