An charachtar an finnéithe

Are the witnesses reliable? Some people say they tried to make the story more impressive. An raibh siad? Nó an raibh siad ag tuairisciú go hionraic ar a raibh feicthe agus cloiste acu?

There are many good reasons to show why we can trust these writers. These are briefly summarised below. Click the links for a more detailed discussion.

1. They told the truth even if it made them look bad.

The writers often describe things that could be used to find fault with them. This is one of the most remarkable features of the Christian texts. A deceiver tries to hide his faults and inconvenient facts.

2. They avoid exaggeration.

Sometimes a very small change would have made their argument much stronger. But they do not do this.

3. Others knew the truth.

At that time, many other apostles and witnesses were still alive. Imagine if the writers changed the story. There would be a big argument. We know the disciples sometimes argued with each other. The Christian texts tell us that. So we would know about it. But the early Christian texts agree on all important details. In the second century some people tried to change the gospel. Then there were big arguments. We know about these. So if you think that the original texts were inaccurate: that is unrealistic.

4. The unpopularity of the Gospel.

Were the disciples trying to make their story more impressive? If so they made a big mistake. He was killed on a cross? Weak and shameful. Dead body came back to life? Don’t be stupid! Son of God? Heresy or treason! Most Jews, Greeks and Romans would have thought this way.

5. Actions that contradict the message.

Jesus often spoke out against hypocrisy and lying. And his disciples did the same. This is easily seen by reading the Christian texts. Would they persuade people to follow Jesus by telling lies? How absurd!

6. Why would they die rather than deny their testimony?

The early apostles faced agonising deaths rather than deny their testimony. All except one of the apostles were martyred. Only John became an old man. Reports say that Luke, Mark and Paul also died for their faith. Many early followers of Jesus were also killed. Often they had the chance to escape or deny their faith. But they would rather die than deny their testimony. Would they die to defend a lie?

Millions of people chose to die for their faith. Not only Christians!

To summarize: Careful examination of the Christian scriptures shows their writers were honest men. They tried to always tell the truth, whether good or bad. They would rather die than deny the truth.

So they must have witnessed some very convincing evidence! So what exactly was it? ….