The Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Countering the Challenges to Evangelical Christian Beliefs (B&h Studies in Christian Apologetics)

This is a thorough book unpacking how we can trust the New Testament. Every pastor, Bible teacher, student and scholar should have this work in their library!

Prof. Blomberg has written a dozen solid books and over 150 peer-reviewed articles on New Testament scholarship. This 800-pager is not as intimidating as it looks. Extremely readable, easy to navigate, very well footnoted, with two generous indices, any thoughtful non-specialist could use this with some effort and care. It is that rare book of scholarship that is accessible and yet takes you on a very deep dive if you allow it to. Just started it last night, but flipping through to pet topics I have some extra interest in, I found it super insightful and reliable. Very self-evidently fair, balanced and accurate. I read the few negative reviews. A few criticize the format of the Kindle version, but not the content of the book (In fact, one of the 1-star reviews praises Blomberg!). One criticizes the conclusions Blomberg draws, but doesn't in any way show deep interaction with how Blomberg arrived at them. That sort of shallow critique is exactly the approach Blomberg avoids in his own analysis! He is generous, fair and humble in his interactions with other scholarship even if he is resolute in the conclusions he lands on. Skeptics and critics, especially, owe it to themselves and humanity to give this a few hours of your time. Even if it doesn't flip you on some issues, it will certainly temper some unfounded dismissals of the Bible that I hear constantly in our cultural narrative. Give it a test drive. Rev. Dr. Ray Cannata author, Rooted: The Apostles' Creed

Bloomberg presents a fair and balanced survey of all the issues related to the historical reliability of the New Testament. He does so with studied scholarship clothed with a popular and very readable style. This book will prove to be a valuable resource to both Christ followers as well as those who are considering the claims of Christ but are hindered by intellectual questions. I predict it will stand the test of time.

This book bolstered my faltering faith at a time in my life when faith is what I needed the most. It easily disposes of the fallacious arguments put forth by academics and "intellectuals" who, for reasons that often have their genesis in their unhappy, early childhoods, find it difficult, if not impossible to embrace Christianity. One can only feel sorry for people like this and pray for their eventual enlightenment and salvation through the grace of God, purchased for us all by the supreme sacrifice made by His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Perhaps readers will wonder why someone would want a book of this nature in their book collection or maybe some think they couldn’t understand it or haven’t a desire to peruse such a massive book. There are multiple reasons why people do or don’t pick up a book to read, so I won’t attempt to recite the unending list. What I can share is this is the type of book I enjoy because it stretches my understanding, and in my family brings about some great conversations. I also want to encourage readers to read with discernment and view what is offered through the lens of Scripture not vice versa. Why? Because the only infallible book on earth is the Bible. I appreciate the length an author must go to as he puts together his research, thoughts, findings and his faith. While it may not be stated out rightly what this author believes, one cannot help but see a glimpse in the pages. The book is written for the academia avenue. I found the writing easy to follow and at times very thought provoking. Did I agree with everything stated? No. What I did though was look for the nuggets of truth that helped deepen my faith, understanding and cause me to wrestle with knowledge. I am not one who is easily impressed or intimated by questioning an author regardless of the number of degrees they have attained. I commend their study and pursuits, but I have learned to read with discernment. If I don’t understand something, it is okay; I simply continue to move forward in the pages. Recently, my oldest son was home along with his girlfriend and we had a very enjoyable time discussing some of the topics in the book. My husband brought his knowledge and understanding into the discussion and at times my youngest son did as well. We, as a family, hadn’t done something like that in a long time and each person contributed to the discussion, which drew us closer together. We weren’t drawn closer because we agreed on everything, but because we were talking about God and His Word. In my youth, the push to learn was always there. It wasn’t formal education; it was learning for the joy of it. The joy of learning has now been passed down to another generation. Each one brings a unique aspect, heart and mind when we gather and enjoy conversations about what the Lord is teaching us through reading, movies, sermons, etc. As a mother, I know of no greater joy than to know that my sons walk in the truth. Maybe next year your family can enjoy such conversations about books such as this one by Craig L. Blomberg and other authors.

As a budding apologist, this book is an amazing resource. Blomberg careful dissects key passages in the New Testament and brings context,clarity, and insight that would be impossible to find with your basic study bible and Strongs' concordance. He also deals in careful detail with dating,oral tradition, textual criticism, controversial passages (the late,longer ending of Mark 16:9-20),and the gnostic gospels of Peter,Thomas,and Mary,among others. Clocking in at 750+pages, this book is suprisingly a relatively easy read,as it is laid out very clearly and concisely. Some of the historical terminology is a bit daunting;however, I don't read and study this type of material because I'm already completely familiar with the subject matter. This is one to be both challenged and comforted by. I'm sure I'll be referencing it for years to come...

Great product

I thought Dr. Blomberg did a terrific job. Not everyone will agree with every single point made in the book, not even me. Some people will look for other explanations for the differing genealogies of Jesus in the Gospels, some will want to date Matthew and Luke later than the 60s.But a strong case is made for the historical reliability of the New Testament.

One of the most informative books I’ve read on the New Testament. Blomberg is a master scholar and this book is a bargain buy.

Easy to read and the man has an incredible knowledge.

The author begins extremely well. In his introduction the author notes (via in fact a reference to the Da Vinci Code) the paradox that no matter how engaging a story is, people need to be convinced it is literally true before they will take it seriously. This is a very live issue for faiths. Despite the fact that significant number of theologians are able to accept the value of a faith that owes as much to the use of metaphor to understand God as to historical fact and to develop the idea of God that is not personal, such an approach does not seem to hold traction in the world. Therefore as the author develops his theme of historicity, drawing on authorities such as Wright and Bauckham, he does good work in strengthening the historical case. Unfortunately, when he comes to the question of miracles, healings, possession etc. he seems to give up any pretence at serious scholarship and takes refuge in the circular argument that since regular miracles can be seen in contemporary church context they should not be doubted in history. He winningly admits that critics have said this chapter undermines his whole book, and I think he is right. There are theologists - John Polkinghorne comes to mind as well as Alvin Plantinga - who have explored this question better. So, a good book for the already convinced and an easy read - which to be fair is what the title promises - but not one that contributes much to increasing our understanding of the different ways in which the gap between faith and fact might be bridged.