Can We Trust the Gospels? Investigating the Reliability of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

by Mark D Roberts

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2007

Overview

Attacks on the historical reliability of the Gospels—especially their portrayal of Jesus Christ—are nothing new. But are these attacks legitimate? Is there reason to doubt the accuracy of the Gospels? By examining and refuting some of the most common criticisms of the Gospels, author Mark D. Roberts explains why we can indeed trust the Gospels, nearly two millennia after they were written. Lay readers and scholars alike will benefit from this accessible book, and will walk away confident in the reliability of the Gospels.

Contents

Top Highlights

“one of the most important parchment copies of the entire Bible, known as Codex Sinaiticus” (Page 29)

“The early Christians didn’t see these variations as a problem because that’s what they were accustomed to in their biographical and historical writings.” (Page 88)

“Greco-Roman biographies were not the mammoth tomes we find in our bookstores today but shorter and more focused works” (Page 85)

“you never have to be afraid of seeking the genuine truth because all truth is God’s truth.” (Page 89)

“the textual critic of the New Testament is embarrassed by the wealth of material.” (Page 32)

Endorsements

What F. F. Bruce did for my generation of students, Mark Roberts has done for the current generation. Any student who asks me if our Gospels are reliable will be given this book, and then I'll buy another copy for the next student!

Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, North Park University

There is a crisis of confidence about the Gospels, fueled by sensational claims about supposedly new Gnostic Gospels with a 'revised standard' view of Jesus. As Mark Roberts makes clear, the earliest and best evidence we have for the real Jesus is the canonical Gospels, not the much later Gnostic ones.

Ben Witherington III, Jean R. Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctrinal Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

This book not only makes a compelling case for trusting the Gospels, it illuminates the creative ways in which God worked to bring us His Word. Roberts's brilliant little book deserves to be widely read by both skeptics and believers.

Joe Carter, Editor, The Gospel Coalition; contributor, NIV Lifehacks Bible

Product Details

• Title: Can We Trust the Gospels? Investigating the Reliability of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
• Author: Mark D Roberts
• Publisher: Crossway
• Print Publication Date: 2007
• Logos Release Date: 2011
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Gospels › Criticism, interpretation, etc
• Resource ID: LLS:965118BB87FF465815C7A2CF1276DF94
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-08-29T22:32:19Z

About Mark D Roberts

Mark D. Roberts (PhD, Harvard University) is a pastor, author, retreat leader, speaker, and blogger. He is the senior advisor and theologian in residence of Foundations for Laity Renewal, a multifaceted ministry in the Hill Country of Texas. He was previously the senior pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church in Irvine, California. Mark also serves on the editorial board of Worship Leader magazine, where he publishes articles and reviews, including his regular column Lyrical Poetry.