Lost In Translation

yesterday Pastor Don shared an amazing example proving that the Bible is reliable. its not like i question the Bible's authenticity, but hearing the historical and archaeological facts resonated in my heart.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (the message)
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

so here is the illustration he presented.

Plato: classical greek philosopher
was alive 427-347 BC
first copy of written work is from 1200 years after he "said" it
only 7 copies have been recovered

Aristotle: greek philosopher
was alive 384-322 BC
first copy of written work is from 1400 years after he "said" it
only 49 copies have been recovered

Homer: ancient greek epic poet who wrote the illiad
around 900 BC
first copy of written work is from 500 years after he "said" it
only 643 copies have been recovered

New Testament: the inspired word of God
written 40-100 AD
first copy of written work is from 25 years after Jesus walked on earth
19,000 partial copies and 4,000 full copies have been recovered

so what pastor don did to show this analogy...

he used pieces of printer paper...

imagine 699 pieces of paper in one stack and 24,000 pieces in the next stack (for those of you who dont know a ream of paper comes in 500 sheets per package) lets just say that the stack was way taller than any guy on stage! imagine schools make us read the greek philosophers & poets and believe everything in them as "true" yet try to tell us that the Bible is not reliable!