All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. - 2 Timothy 3:16
Some people doubt the authenticity and reliability of the Bible. For example, they think that because the four Gospels contain variations, the Gospels contradict themselves. So how reliable are the Gospels?
If you saw a fashion show with three of your friends, and then you all came home and talked about it, would you all recount the same thing in exactly the same way? Of course not! Each of you would describe the same “happening” from your different perspectives and in your own words. This is precisely how the four Gospel writers came to record the same events a little differently.
Their reasons for writing played an important part, too. Matthew wrote especially for the Jews. Mark on the other hand, wrote primarily for the Christians in Rome. Luke wrote for the Gentiles. John wrote to a more general, nonbelieving audience. The Holy Spirit used the Gospel writers’ personalities and diverse writing styles in the Gospel accounts as we have them. No wonder there are differences—but the important thing to remember is that the message is the same! The writers may have conveyed the Good News with contrasting style and color and with different audiences in mind, but the divinity and humanity of Christ, the redemption of humanity, and the resurrection of the dead were similarly revealed through their pens. The variations of their Gospels only stamp them with authenticity!
You can believe what God’s Word says about itself. It is totally reliable. Put your trust in its promises, and obey its precepts. You will not be disappointed.
For Further Study: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Excerpted from The One Year Devotions for Women, Copyright ©2000 by Jill Briscoe. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.
For more from Jill Briscoe, please visit TellingtheTruth.org.
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