How do we know the NT documents were written in the first century?


Almost invariably these days sceptics come up with the argument that the New Testament (NT) documents are unreliable because they were written long after the events they purport to describe took place.

In my experience this claim is almost never backed up with any evidence other than hearsay.

So on what do I base my confidence that the NT documents were written in the lifespan of the eyewitnesses to Jesus’ death and resurrection?

Let me summarise the arguments (although there is more detail here and a good summary herefrom which much of the following is gleaned)

The NT contains 27 separate books which have been gathered together in one volume. There are four Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), the book of Acts (which describes the history of the early church), thirteen letters by Paul , three by John, two by Peter, one by each of Jude and James, the letter to the Hebrews (disputed authorship) and the book of Revelation. 

The best way of dating these books is to begin with the book of Acts as it makes reference to two key historical events, the dates of which are established by archeological evidence independent of it.

The first of these is Claudius’ edict expelling the Jews from Rome in AD 50, which sent Aquila and Priscilla to Corinth (Acts 18:2).

The second is an inscription at Delphi, in central Greece, that contains a proclamation of the Emperor Claudius referring to Gallio as the Roman Proconsul of Greece dated to AD 52 (Acts 18:12).

These two events correspond in Acts to Paul’s arrival in Corinth and his ensuing trial.

So Acts was written after AD 52 and most scholars date it to AD 62 on the following basis as argued by Roman historian Colin Hemer:

1. There is no mention in Acts of the crucial event of the fall of Jerusalem in 70.
2. There is no hint of the outbreak of the Jewish War in 66 or of serious deterioration of relations between Romans and Jews before that time.
3. There is no hint of the deterioration of Christian relations with Rome during the Neronian persecution of the late 60s.
4. There is no hint of the death of James at the hands of the Sanhedrin in ca. 62, which is recorded by Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews (20.9.1.200).
5. Acts seems to antedate the arrival of Peter in Rome and implies that Peter (who was martyred in the late 60s) and John were alive at the time of the writing.
6. The action ends very early in the 60s, yet the description in Acts 27 and 28 is written with a vivid immediacy. It is also an odd place to end the book if years have passed since the pre-62 events transpired.

The Gospel of Luke was written by the same author as the Acts of the Apostles, who refers to Luke as the 'former account' of 'all that Jesus began to do and teach' (Acts 1:1). The destiny ('Theophilus'), style, and vocabulary of the two books betray a common author. 

The author of Luke and Acts was a companion of Paul on his journeys (the 'we' passages in Acts) and is attested by 2nd century church fathers, many of whom would have been alive at the time Luke and Acts were written, to be Luke the Physician.

If Acts was written in 62 or before, and Luke was written before Acts (say 60), then Luke was written less than thirty years of the death of Jesus. This is contemporary to the generation who witnessed the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This is precisely what Luke claims in the prologue to his Gospel:

Many have undertaken to draw up a record of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who were eye-witnesses 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. [Luke 1:1-4]

Luke presents the same information about who Jesus is, what he taught, and his death and resurrection as do the other Gospels. Thus, there is not a reason to reject their historical accuracy either. Most scholars would hold to the view, on the basis of shared material, that Mark was written first, followed by Matthew, then Luke which puts the earlier gospels back into the 50s at the latest.

It is widely accepted by critical and conservative scholars that 1 Corinthians was written by 55 or 56. This is less than a quarter century after the crucifixion in 33.

Further, Paul speaks of more than 500 eyewitnesses to the resurrection who were still alive when he wrote (15:6). Specifically mentioned are the twelve apostles and James the brother of Jesus. Internal evidence is strong for this early date:

1. The book repeatedly claims to be written by Paul (1:1, 12-17; 3:4, 6, 22; 16:21).
2. There are parallels with the book of Acts.
3. Paul mentions 500 who had seen Christ, most of whom were still alive.
4. The contents harmonize with what has been learned about Corinth during that era.

There is also external evidence:

1. Clement of Rome refers to it in his own Epistle to the Corinthians (chap. 47.)
2. The Epistle of Barnabas alludes to it (chap. 4).
3. Shepherd of Hermas mentions it (chap. 4).
4. There are nearly 600 quotations of 1 Corinthians in Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian alone (Theissen, 201). It is one of the best attested books of any kind from the ancient world.

Along with 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians and Galatians are well attested and early. All three reveal a historical interest in the events of Jesus' life and give facts that agree with the Gospels. Paul speaks of Jesus' virgin birth (Gal. 4:4), sinless life (2 Cor. 5:21), death on the cross (1 Cor. 15:3; Gal. 3:13); resurrection on the third day (1 Cor. 15:4), and post-resurrection appearances (1 Cor. 15:5-8). He mentions the hundreds of eyewitnesses who could verify the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:6).

Paul rests the truth of Christianity on the historicity of the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12-19). Paul also gives historical details about Jesus' contemporaries, the apostles (1 Cor. 15:5-8), including his private encounters with Peter and the apostles (Gal. 1:18-2:14).

Paul's other books can be dated around events described in the book of Acts. He wrote Romans during his three month stay in Greece in AD 57. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon were written whilst he was in prison in Rome between AD 60-62.  1 Timothy was written after Paul's release from prison in AD 62 and 2 Timothy just before his martyrdom in AD 64. 

Surrounding persons, places, and events of Christ's birth were all historical. Luke goes to great pains to note that Jesus was born during the days of Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1) and was baptised in the fifteenth year of Tiberius. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee. Annas and Caiaphas were high priests (Luke 3:1-2).

Of the four Gospels alone there are 19,368 citations by the church fathers from the late first century on. This includes 268 by Justin Martyr (100-165), 1038 by Irenaeus(active in the late second century), 1017 by Clement of Alexandria (ca. 155-ca. 220), 9231 by Origen (ca. 185-ca. 254), 3822 by Tertullian (ca. 160s-ca. 220), (ca. 160s-ca. 220), 734 by Hippolytus (d. ca. 236), and 3258 by Eusebius (ca. 265-ca.339; Geisler, 431).

Earlier, Clement of Rome cited Matthew, John, and 1 Corinthians, in 95 to 97. Ignatius referred to six Pauline epistles in about 110, and between 110 and 150 Polycarp quoted from all four gospels, Acts, and most of Paul's epistles.

Shepherd of Hermas (115-140) cited Matthew, Mark, Acts, 1 Corinthians, and other books. Didache (120-150) referred to Matthew, Luke, 1 Corinthians, and other books. Papias, companion of Polycarp, who was a disciple of the apostle John, quoted John. This argues powerfully that the gospels were in existence before the end of the first century, while some eyewitnesses (including John) were still alive.

The earliest undisputed manuscript of a New Testament book is the John Rylands papyrus (p52) (pictured above), dated from 117 to 138. This fragment of John's gospel survives from within a generation of composition. Since the book was composed in Asia Minor and this fragment was found in Egypt, some circulation time is demanded, surely placing composition of John within the first century. Whole books (Bodmer Papyri) are available from 200.

Most of the New Testament, including all the gospels, is available in the Chester Beatty Papyri manuscript from 150 years after the New Testament was finished (ca. 250). No other book from the ancient world has as small a time gap between composition and earliest manuscript copies as the New Testament.

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Throwback Thursday: Blogoversary!




Yes!! Johnny's cooking things up 
on Food Network again! 

He'll be one of the competitors on Season 3
of Chopped All-Stars, premiering in April. 

Screencap from the preview video below!




Oh hai.

Yes, I'm still editing that manuscript. Only 361 billion more pages to go...

But I glanced up from my screen long enough to notice that today is February 28, which, besides being the last day
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Skyfall a Big Hit at the Oscars!


Skyfall a Big Hit at the Oscars_Celebrity English
 Skyfall wins Best Original Song at the Oscars!

Adele took the 85th Academy Awards (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) by storm this year with a sizzling, powerful vocal performance of Skyfall!  After enthralling and memorizing a celebrity filled audience, Adele went on to claim an Oscar, with the famous British music producer Paul Epworth, for the Best Original Song of 2012! 

“THIS IS THE END”

Skyfall opens with a wonderful, bluesy style and a catch line that screams for attention! 
However, the song doesn’t stray too far from the original music themes of the James Bond movie series.  A common formula for success!


Background 
Best Original Song of 2012
 Paul Epworth and Adele did a fantastic job of composing Skyfall.  Paul created the tune and Adele put the lyrics to Skyfall.  Paul created the tune after listening to the first 13 James Bond movies.  Adele loved the dark, haunting ballad sound and put words to Skyfall in a draft form in 10 minutes.  And of course, after a lot of hard studio work, Skyfall was created! Take a listen and enjoy!

 





Language Learning Section

Instructions
First, listen to the Song Skyfall by Adele.
Next, fill in the blanks with the missing verb forms. If this is difficult listen again a few more times.  Listening Hint - most of the missing words are repeated in the song over and over.  Finally, check your answers below and look up any new words.
Enjoy while you Listen and Practice!

Skyfall Practice Listening: High Frequency Verb forms

THIS IS THE END
______ your breath and ______ to ten                 
______the earth ______ and then                      
______ my heart ______ again                          
For this is the end
I've ______ and ______this moment               
So overdue, I ______ them                             
______, I'm stolen                            

Let the sky fall, when it ______                
And ______ it all together                         
Let the sky fall, when it crumbles              
We will stand tall
And face it all together
At sky fall
At sky fall

Skyfall is where we start
A thousand miles and poles apart
Where worlds ______ and days are dark              
You may have my number, You can take my name        
But you'll never ______ my heart                      

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles
We will stand tall
And face it all together
Let the sky fall, when it crumbles
We will stand tall
And face it all together
At sky fall

(Let the sky fall, When it crumbles, We will stand tall x2)

Where you go I go
What you see I see
I ______ I'd never be me without the security         
Are your loving arms ______ me from harm           
______ your hand in my hand and we'll stand            

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles
We will stand tall
And face it all together
Let the sky fall, when it crumbles
We will stand tall
And face it all together
At sky fall

Let the sky fall
We will stand tall
At sky falls
Ooooo...




Answers
Take a look at the Skyfall lyrics and fill in the verb forms you missed.  Then listen to Skyfall again; especially to the parts or words you found difficult. And, of course, try singing Skyfall with your friends at your next karaoke party!The words will come easy now!

THIS IS THE END
Hold your breath and count to ten                
Feel the earth move and then                      
Hear my heart burst again                         
For this is the end
I've drowned and dreamt this moment                
So overdue, I owe them                             
Swept away, I'm stolen                            

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles                
We will stand tall                                
And face it all together                           
Let the sky fall, when it crumbles              
We will stand tall
And face it all together
At sky fall
At sky fall

Skyfall is where we start
A thousand miles and poles apart
Where worlds collide and days are dark              
You may have my number, You can take my name         
But you'll never have my heart                      

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles
We will stand tall
And face it all together
Let the sky fall, when it crumbles
We will stand tall
And face it all together
At sky fall

(Let the sky fall, When it crumbles, We will stand tall x2)

Where you go I go
What you see I see
I know I'd never be me without the security        
Are your loving arms keeping me from harm           
Put your hand in my hand and we'll stand            

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles
We will stand tall
And face it all together
Let the sky fall, when it crumbles
We will stand tall
And face it all together
At sky fall

Let the sky fall
We will stand tall
At sky falls
Ooooo...



Until next week enjoy some more of the fabulous Adele!
 



 
MORE James Bond!
Do you have what it takes to be James Bond? Celebrity English
Do you have what it takes to be James Bond?
http://celebrityenglish-alex.blogspot.ca/2012/11/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-be-james.html

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Always happy to meet new people! See you next week!
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Star Launches First of a Kind Music Application #StarMusic





TUFACE, WALTER DRENTH, MARKETING DIRECTOR, NIGERIAN BREWERIES & WIZKID
 

TUFACE,WIZKID OTHERS LAUNCH STAR MUSIC



It was a gathering of Nigeria’s greatest pop stars, showbiz whiz-kids, entertainment icons and industry chiefs as many ignored prior commitments to converge at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, on Wednesday, to celebrate the launch of STAR MUSIC a first of its kind mobile application and the latest brand offering from the makers of Star Lager beer, Nigerian Breweries.
The star-studded event, which was hosted by superstar Wizkid, was an exciting experience, as Star took the audience on a journey through its numerous accomplishments in the Nigerian entertainment sector.
Celeb guests included 2face Idibia, Weird MC, Colette Otusheso, Toni Kan, Ruggedman, Toolz, and many others
Speaking at the event, Marketing Manager of Nigerian Breweries Mr Walter Drenth, assured consumers that there’s plenty to use and share on the app. “Star has always been recognized as the people’s beer. But Star is more than just a lager beer: its an exciting experience, one that for over 60 years has been connecting and nurturing our people.”
“We are so excited by the introduction of Star Music and by the fact that this will revolutionize the way people use and share music. We are constantly on the search for new, fun and exciting ways to help Nigerians relax and Star Music promises to become a major part of our lives, just like Nigeria’s number one beer Star Lager.”
Star has always had its heart on the entertainment pulse in the country, and through a number of innovative initiatives, has been able to greatly inspire the entertainment culture in Nigeria.
WizKid who compered the event and also performed some of his hits to an enthusiastic audience said he is proud to be associated with a brand that strongly supports entertainment culture in Nigeria. “It’s really great to be a part of this, to know that corporate organizations like Star care enough to reach out to music lovers in such unique ways."
The virally famous singer also released his new video ‘Azonto’ exclusively on STAR MUSIC.
Star Music, a first of its kind music portal, will provide 100% entertainment content and is partnering with some of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment sector MTV BASE and Nigerian Entertainment Today. It will also have some of the most prolific writers and some of the trendiest artistes in the Nigerian entertainment circuit as part of the team that’ll deliver exciting content to users 24/7.
Star Music is available on several mobile operating systems, including Android, Java, Blackberry, iPhone, iPAD and Google Play; as well as on a dedicated mobisite.


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INTRODUCING SHARON OJONG'S D.E.E.V.A.S.



D.E.E.V.A.S. is an emerging Fashion, Image and PR Consulting brand based in Lagos, Nigeria founded by Rekana Sharon Ojong, a well-known face in the Nigerian entertainment industry resulting from her participation in D’banj’s Koko Mansion television reality show, her fashion styling and blogging flare with a team of creative, dynamic and highly skilled consultants from diverse professional backgrounds with bringing unique strengths and outlooks to the table.
D.E.E.V.A.S. services:
-CREATIVE CONSULTING: This service includes but is not limited to fashion, wardrobe, image and style consultation, editorial and on location styling, outfit coordination, fashion directing, personal and corporate shopping/styling. In addition, D.E.E.V.A.S. Management has lend services to music video directors, entertainers, celebrity photographers, makeup artists, magazines, personal individuals, studios, designers and fashion shows inclusive. Experience an entirely new styling with D.E.E.V.A.S.
-PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES: This service includes helping corporate and fashion brands work towards maintaining the public image of their brand. We aim to build a good relationship with the press for our clientele; to write, distribute and follow up on press releases and press packs.
-ONLINE CONTENT SERVICES: This service includes Fashion Writing, contributing, reporting and blogging. The website is positioned to serve and target the hub of activities surrounding the fashion and entertainment industry. The website also caters to fashion brands across different platforms whilst staying updated on Fashion/Entertainment news, celebrity style, events, Glam Eye Watch, trends and editorials reports.
D.E.E.V.A.S.strives to maintain professionalism as well as a reputation for quality image consulting. We aim to deliver our services through leveraging on published work, good clientele relationships as well as references and recommendations.

D.E.E.V.A.S. is registered and trademarked under the Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria.

D.E.E.V.A.S. Team
Creative Director/Editor: Rekana Sharon Ojong
Brand Ambassador: Sharon Ezeamaka
Website Design & Administrator: Nonso Ukwandu & Moji Sola
Music Editor: Moses Akerele

For more information, log on to www.deevasworld.com
General information: info@deevasworld.com
Contact  Number: +234 (0) 8072280000

Follow D.E.E.V.A.S on
Twitter: @DeevasWorld
Facebook Page: DE.E.V.A.S.
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Google +: DEEVAS NG



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