The Uniqueness of the Bible
by COREN BURCH
Filed under Apologetics, Evangelism
Unique in its Continuity
The Bible is the only book that was:
1. Written over about a 1500 year span.
2. Written by more than 40 authors from every walk of life, including kings, military leaders, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, tax collectors, poets, musicians, statesmen, scholars, and shepherds. For example:
Moses, a political leader and judge, trained in the universities of Egypt;
David, a king, poet, musician, shepherd, and warrior;
Amos, a herdsman;
Joshua, a military general;
Nehemiah, a cupbearer to a pagan king;
Daniel, prime minister;
Solomon, a king and philosopher;
Luke, a physician and historian;
Peter, a fisherman;
Matthew, a tax collector;
Paul, a rabbi; and
Mark, Peter’s secretary.
3. Written in different places:
By Moses in the wilderness, Jeremiah in a dungeon, Daniel on a hillside and in a palace, Paul inside prison walls, Luke, while traveling, John while in exile on the isle of Patmos.
4. Written at different times:
David in times of war and sacrifice, Solomon in times of peace and prosperity.
5. Written during different moods:
Some writing from the heights of joy;
Others writing from the depths of sorrow and despair;
Some during times of certainty and conviction;
Others during days of confusion and doubt.
6. Written on 3 continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe
7. Written in 3 languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek
8. Written in a wide variety of literary styles including: poetry, historical narrative, song, romance, personal correspondence, memoirs, satire, biography, autobiography, law, prophecy, parable, and allegory.
9. The Bible addresses hundreds of controversial subjects, subjects that create opposing opinions when mentioned or discussed. The biblical writers treated hundreds of hot topics (e.g., marriage, divorce and remarriage, homosexuality, adultery, obedience to authority, truth-telling and lying, character development, parenting, the nature and revelation of God). Yet from Genesis through Revelation these writers addressed them with an amazing degree of harmony.
10. In spite of its diversity, the Bible presents a single unfolding story: God’s redemption of human beings.
11. Finally, and most important, among all the people described in the Bible, the leading character throughout is the one, true, living God made known through Jesus Christ.
Source: The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 1999, Josh McDowell
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