What do you think?
Rate this book
The Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Countering the Challenges to Evangelical Christian Beliefs
Questions about the reliability of the New Testament are commonly raised today both by biblical scholars and popular media. Drawing on decades of research, Craig Blomberg addresses all of the major objections to the historicity of the New Testament in one comprehensive volume. Topics addressed include the formation of the Gospels, the transmission of the text, the formation of the canon, alleged contradictions, the relationship between Jesus and Paul, supposed Pauline forgeries, other gospels, miracles, and many more. Historical corroborations of details from all parts of the New Testament are also presented throughout. The Historical Reliability of the New Testament marshals the latest scholarship in responding to New Testament objections, while remaining accessible to non-specialists.
816 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2016
84 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Craig L. Blomberg
83 books95 followersDr. Craig Blomberg joined the faculty of Denver Seminary in 1986. He is currently a distinguished professor of New Testament.
Dr. Blomberg completed his Ph.D. in New Testament, specializing in the parables and the writings of Luke-Acts, at Aberdeen University in Scotland. He received an MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a BA from Augustana College. Before joining the faculty of Denver Seminary, he taught at Palm Beach Atlantic College and was a research fellow in Cambridge, England with Tyndale House.
In addition to writing numerous articles in professional journals, multi-author works and dictionaries or encyclopedias, he has authored or edited 20 books, including The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, Interpreting the Parables, commentaries on Matthew, 1 Corinthians and James, Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship, Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions, Making Sense of the New Testament: Three Crucial Questions, Preaching the Parables, Contagious Holiness: Jesus' Meals with Sinners, and Handbook of New Testament Exegesis.
Dr. Blomberg completed his Ph.D. in New Testament, specializing in the parables and the writings of Luke-Acts, at Aberdeen University in Scotland. He received an MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a BA from Augustana College. Before joining the faculty of Denver Seminary, he taught at Palm Beach Atlantic College and was a research fellow in Cambridge, England with Tyndale House.
In addition to writing numerous articles in professional journals, multi-author works and dictionaries or encyclopedias, he has authored or edited 20 books, including The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, Interpreting the Parables, commentaries on Matthew, 1 Corinthians and James, Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship, Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions, Making Sense of the New Testament: Three Crucial Questions, Preaching the Parables, Contagious Holiness: Jesus' Meals with Sinners, and Handbook of New Testament Exegesis.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 23, 2018
This massive, thorough book by respected scholar Craig Blomberg is easily the go-to volume regarding the historical reliability of the New Testament. I’m not aware of any volume that could be its legitimate rival. The publishers present it as a major apologetics book, and though that makes sense, it’s also a quality, scholarly reference book. In other words, it succeeds with two audiences: those working in academic trenches and those fighting apologetic battles with our culture. Pastors should keep it handy for either possibility.
Though the introduction to this volume reads like a personal preface, it’s essential that you read it before you use this book. The author explains clearly his intentions with this manuscript. He highlights where in his opinion he’s been misunderstood, and whether you believe he’s made too many concessions or not, there’s a wealth of information that’s great to have.
Mr. Blomberg was the ideal scholar to produce this book. Having already written on the historical reliability of both the Gospels collectively and the Gospel of John by itself, he had developed a knack for sifting massive amounts of scholarship and making sense of it. Now he takes those skills and covers the whole New Testament.
He approaches the New Testament in order: The Synoptic Gospels, the Gospel of John, Acts and Paul, and the rest of the New Testament. He goes anywhere scholarship has gone including genre, various types of criticism, historical information, debated passages, or theology. Every chapter has a clear, concise conclusion that leaves little doubt why he accepts its historical reliability. There are two additional parts that are especially important considering recent trends that have even reached the popular culture: canonicity and transmission, as well as the problem of miracles. You will find great help here, for example, if you must wrestle with the junk that Bart Ehrman has propagated.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I’m a believer who inherently accepts the historical reliability of the New Testament but realizes that there are matters where we may have to give an answer to help others. This book succeeds in what it aims to do!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Though the introduction to this volume reads like a personal preface, it’s essential that you read it before you use this book. The author explains clearly his intentions with this manuscript. He highlights where in his opinion he’s been misunderstood, and whether you believe he’s made too many concessions or not, there’s a wealth of information that’s great to have.
Mr. Blomberg was the ideal scholar to produce this book. Having already written on the historical reliability of both the Gospels collectively and the Gospel of John by itself, he had developed a knack for sifting massive amounts of scholarship and making sense of it. Now he takes those skills and covers the whole New Testament.
He approaches the New Testament in order: The Synoptic Gospels, the Gospel of John, Acts and Paul, and the rest of the New Testament. He goes anywhere scholarship has gone including genre, various types of criticism, historical information, debated passages, or theology. Every chapter has a clear, concise conclusion that leaves little doubt why he accepts its historical reliability. There are two additional parts that are especially important considering recent trends that have even reached the popular culture: canonicity and transmission, as well as the problem of miracles. You will find great help here, for example, if you must wrestle with the junk that Bart Ehrman has propagated.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I’m a believer who inherently accepts the historical reliability of the New Testament but realizes that there are matters where we may have to give an answer to help others. This book succeeds in what it aims to do!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 29, 2020
In this work Blomberg accomplished what is often divided into many single volumes. He illustrate the historicity of the entire New Testament. In most works that focus on this topic they only focus on the gospels, yet he goes through every book of the New Testament and evaluates it historical value and examines the accuracy of coined authorship. He closes out this book by looking at textual criticism, the validity of miracles, and the resurrection of Jesus. I found this resource to be incredibly faith strengthening as he faces the difficult questions that have been raised against the New Testament head on with splendid scholar integrity. Certain aspects of this book may not be accessible to every reader, but I still think I would encourage most to read this book. The size of it makes it hard to say that I’ll be giving it away as a resource for a skeptic, but if someone truly wanted to spend deep study on the issue I would say this would be my go to.
November 29, 2016
`The Historical Reliability of the New Testament` is an apologetics book written by author Craig L. Blomberg. The title suggests there is proof of what is written in the New Testament. The Table of Contents shows this book is written topically. There are fourteen Chapters which subdivide into six major parts: The Synoptic Gospels, The Gospel of John, Acts and Paul, The Rest of the New Testament, Canonicity and Transmission, The Problem of Miracles. These are written without the use of technical language to make for easier reading. Although I still found it somewhat difficult to follow with the parenthesis added to some sentences. This book is written in the belief that the New Testament can be trusted. I agree with this author's point of view.
Footnotes are used to provide important information. They are extending what the text says. There is also a Name Index at the back of the book with the names listed in alphabetical order.
This would make a great reference book for homeschoolers and Christian schools.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
Footnotes are used to provide important information. They are extending what the text says. There is also a Name Index at the back of the book with the names listed in alphabetical order.
This would make a great reference book for homeschoolers and Christian schools.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
November 8, 2017
In a world full of invention of men and flesh, deep knowledge of the bible is a must, behond the fact of just believing, when it comes to a fair, accurate and balanced defense of the historical reliability of the New Testament, no one does it better today than Craig Blomberg. . . . Another masterpiece from one of the leading voices in New Testament studies. I read it once, and as soon as i have more time i will read it again, i trully believe in science as a support of biblical knowledge, and this is an undoubtly prove of it, FULL RECOMMENDED, every single christian must read it in order to reply with facts (that are in our side) and not mere fanatism and religious cliches!
March 11, 2017
Important Work
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.
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.
October 12, 2020
A comprehensive and well done defense of the reliability of the New Testamant. I would highly recommend it.
May 7, 2025
Excellent defense of the historical reliability of the New Testament.
February 10, 2017
Questions about the reliability of the New Testament are commonplace in twenty-first-century life. Many of these questions propose a serious challenge to the average churchgoing Christian. Can we be sure that the Gospel narratives provide accurate information concerning Jesus? If so, why are there contradictions among these accounts? How do we know that we have all of the New Testament books? How do we know the New Testament books possess the actual words written by the New Testament authors? It is here that The Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Countering the Challenges to Evangelical Christian Beliefs by Craig L. Blomberg offers readers a massive, accessible and comprehensive resource defending the historical veracity of the New Testament as Christian Scripture.
Craig L. Blomberg is no stranger to the broad-stroked conversation surrounding the reliability of the New Testament. In fact, The Historical Reliability of the New Testament is the culmination of several decades of scholarly research and practical reflection. The book is divided into six major sections: (1) The Synoptic Gospels, (2) The Gospel of John, (3) Acts and Paul, (4) The Rest of the New Testament, (5) Canonicity and Transmission, and (6) The Problem of Miracles. Some readers may find it interesting that Blomberg discusses the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John separately in a resource of this nature, but this is one indication of the comprehensive scope of the volume. Blomberg leaves no stone unturned, and the organization (i.e. discussing Acts and Paul together) of the volume displays both logic and familiarity on behalf of the author. Blomberg offers an excellent defense of traditional Pauline authorship of the epistles, and provides worthy interaction with the critical consensus that currently plagues much of the academic guild. As the attention moves towards the general epistles and Revelation, Blomberg further establishes issues of authorship and reliability within a broad evangelical conviction and provides ample interaction with recent scholarship.
While readers with different backgrounds and interests will likely differ on what sections they found to be most helpful, the section on canonicity and transmission will be among the most rewarding chapters in the book. This is especially true when considering the breadth of ground that Blomberg covers and establishes in the previous four sections. It is here that Blomberg succeeds in bringing much of the anticipated external questions concerning the historical reliability of the New Testament to rest. Blomberg addresses the Nag Hammadi literature, the New Testament Apocryphal literature, and other related documents and agrapha. Readers will also find a sizable section dedicated to the practice of textual criticism and the formation of the New Testament canon. Blomberg closes the book with a large chapter on miracles, the existence of miracles in the contemporary context, and the importance of the resurrection. Readers will find this to be an appropriate conclusion, as Blomberg completes his tour de force by bringing the theoretical into focus with the practical.
Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Countering the Challenges to Evangelical Christian Beliefs by Craig L. Blomberg is an extraordinary achievement within the arena of evangelical scholarship. At more than 800 pages, Blomberg has left nearly no question unanswered. In fact, the only question left to be answered is why the publishers decided to produce this masterpiece in paperback format. Not only does the size of the tome deserve a hardcover, but the content requires it! If you are looking for an up-to-date, comprehensive engagement with leading critical thought seeking to challenge the reliability of the New Testament, then this massive volume is a must read! It is informative enough to serve the academic guild and accessible enough to equip the laity, and it comes highly recommended!!
Craig L. Blomberg is no stranger to the broad-stroked conversation surrounding the reliability of the New Testament. In fact, The Historical Reliability of the New Testament is the culmination of several decades of scholarly research and practical reflection. The book is divided into six major sections: (1) The Synoptic Gospels, (2) The Gospel of John, (3) Acts and Paul, (4) The Rest of the New Testament, (5) Canonicity and Transmission, and (6) The Problem of Miracles. Some readers may find it interesting that Blomberg discusses the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John separately in a resource of this nature, but this is one indication of the comprehensive scope of the volume. Blomberg leaves no stone unturned, and the organization (i.e. discussing Acts and Paul together) of the volume displays both logic and familiarity on behalf of the author. Blomberg offers an excellent defense of traditional Pauline authorship of the epistles, and provides worthy interaction with the critical consensus that currently plagues much of the academic guild. As the attention moves towards the general epistles and Revelation, Blomberg further establishes issues of authorship and reliability within a broad evangelical conviction and provides ample interaction with recent scholarship.
While readers with different backgrounds and interests will likely differ on what sections they found to be most helpful, the section on canonicity and transmission will be among the most rewarding chapters in the book. This is especially true when considering the breadth of ground that Blomberg covers and establishes in the previous four sections. It is here that Blomberg succeeds in bringing much of the anticipated external questions concerning the historical reliability of the New Testament to rest. Blomberg addresses the Nag Hammadi literature, the New Testament Apocryphal literature, and other related documents and agrapha. Readers will also find a sizable section dedicated to the practice of textual criticism and the formation of the New Testament canon. Blomberg closes the book with a large chapter on miracles, the existence of miracles in the contemporary context, and the importance of the resurrection. Readers will find this to be an appropriate conclusion, as Blomberg completes his tour de force by bringing the theoretical into focus with the practical.
Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Countering the Challenges to Evangelical Christian Beliefs by Craig L. Blomberg is an extraordinary achievement within the arena of evangelical scholarship. At more than 800 pages, Blomberg has left nearly no question unanswered. In fact, the only question left to be answered is why the publishers decided to produce this masterpiece in paperback format. Not only does the size of the tome deserve a hardcover, but the content requires it! If you are looking for an up-to-date, comprehensive engagement with leading critical thought seeking to challenge the reliability of the New Testament, then this massive volume is a must read! It is informative enough to serve the academic guild and accessible enough to equip the laity, and it comes highly recommended!!
December 7, 2016
In The Historical Reliability of the New Testament scholar and author Craig L. Blomberg has provided a resource that should be in every pastor's library. Building on his earlier work in defending the historicity of the gospels in The Historical Reliability of the Gospels Blomberg explores the origins and the evidence for the historicity of the books of the New Testament.
Blomberg's work begins with the Synoptic gospels addressing their formation. Blomberg makes a solid defense of the use of oral traditions by the gospel writers, demonstrating that in the Middle Eastern world in which the gospels were written oral transmission was a reliable way of passing on information. He moves from addressing the supposed contradictions in the gospels showing how they can easily be reconciled if understood properly to addressing the Acts and the ministry of Paul. Blomberg presents a strong defense in favor of Pauline authorship for all of his epistles. Blomberg also addresses the argument that would see a division between Pauline Christianity and the teaching of Jesus, demonstrating Paul's dependence on the teaching Jesus showing clearly that Paul built on the foundation already laid by Christ himself and was not some religious innovator. I highly recommend the 13th chapter addressing the transmission of the New Testament. In this chapter Blomberg clearly addresses the challenges put forward by Bart Ehrman and shows how weak the claims of Bart Ehrman really are when they use textual variants as a reason to discount the reliability of the Bible.
This isn't a book you'll normally read cover to cover, maybe it should be though. Every Christmas and Easter people are inundated with documentaries claiming that the gospels and the New Testaments are suspect in their reliability. As a pastor I believe it is my responsibility to address challenges to the Bible and its truthfulness that might undermine the confidence my hearers have in the Bible. This book is a tool that every pastor should make use if in teaching in preaching. If I were to provide a complaint about this book it would be in regard to binding, I mean who thought it was a good idea to print a reference work of this size as a paperback, hopefully in future printings the publishers will print a version in hardcover.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
Blomberg's work begins with the Synoptic gospels addressing their formation. Blomberg makes a solid defense of the use of oral traditions by the gospel writers, demonstrating that in the Middle Eastern world in which the gospels were written oral transmission was a reliable way of passing on information. He moves from addressing the supposed contradictions in the gospels showing how they can easily be reconciled if understood properly to addressing the Acts and the ministry of Paul. Blomberg presents a strong defense in favor of Pauline authorship for all of his epistles. Blomberg also addresses the argument that would see a division between Pauline Christianity and the teaching of Jesus, demonstrating Paul's dependence on the teaching Jesus showing clearly that Paul built on the foundation already laid by Christ himself and was not some religious innovator. I highly recommend the 13th chapter addressing the transmission of the New Testament. In this chapter Blomberg clearly addresses the challenges put forward by Bart Ehrman and shows how weak the claims of Bart Ehrman really are when they use textual variants as a reason to discount the reliability of the Bible.
This isn't a book you'll normally read cover to cover, maybe it should be though. Every Christmas and Easter people are inundated with documentaries claiming that the gospels and the New Testaments are suspect in their reliability. As a pastor I believe it is my responsibility to address challenges to the Bible and its truthfulness that might undermine the confidence my hearers have in the Bible. This book is a tool that every pastor should make use if in teaching in preaching. If I were to provide a complaint about this book it would be in regard to binding, I mean who thought it was a good idea to print a reference work of this size as a paperback, hopefully in future printings the publishers will print a version in hardcover.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
June 16, 2017
We live in a time and in an age where the holy scriptures are always being challenged. Usually this challenge comes from interpretation over certain teachings about God’s commands. Yet when challenged from academia these attacks stab at the Historical reliability of scripture. These attacks are nothing new and have been going on for many generations. It is it is therefore necessary to have a orthodox Christian treatment answering these arguments against the historical reliability of the Bible.
One of the greatest treatments on this subject has been produced by noted Theologian and Scholar Craig L. Bloomberg who is the distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. Bloomberg has written a series of works aimed at their historical reliability of certain sections of the Bible. One of the best treatments he is ever produced was the historical reliability of the Gospels. Yet this field of study necessitates constant updates to reflect current scholarship. Bloomberg has done just that in his new book the Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Countering the Challenges to Evangelical Christian Beliefs produced by B&H Academic. This work is a landmark book which should be on the Shelf of every Pastor, Theologian, Bible student, student of scripture.
While this book can lead towards a high academic understanding thought what is not written at a popular level most Christians can glean very valuable and worthwhile apologetica insights to apply to their daily lives. In this book Bloomberg takes each section of the New Testament and divides it into various sections. Yet after focusing on each individual book of the New Testament he also focuses on the canonicity and transmission of the New Testament comma which are extremely important in this day and age which the original sources are always being challenged. His final section of the book deals with the problem of Miracles as seen in the gospels and throughout the Epistles. He remarks of the nest City to see these Miracles as reality despite those challenging unverifiable Supernatural occurrences. While Bloomberg is more of an open and cautious Theologian when it comes to Modern miracles compared to my view of complete cessation his argument provokes interesting points to consider.
Therefore I highly recommend the historical reliability of the New Testament countering the challenges to evangelical Christian beliefs by Craig L Bloomberg to any and all pastors and Scholars Bible students and Bible teachers who desire to deepen their understanding of scripture and be able to counter any argument when they are challenged bye those who seek to defame the name of God.
This book was provided to me free of charge from B & H Academic Publishing in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Countering the Challenges to Evangelical Christian Beliefs
© 2016 by by Craig L. Bloomberg
Publisher: B & H Academic Publishing
Page Count: 816 Pages
ISBN: 978-0805464375
One of the greatest treatments on this subject has been produced by noted Theologian and Scholar Craig L. Bloomberg who is the distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. Bloomberg has written a series of works aimed at their historical reliability of certain sections of the Bible. One of the best treatments he is ever produced was the historical reliability of the Gospels. Yet this field of study necessitates constant updates to reflect current scholarship. Bloomberg has done just that in his new book the Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Countering the Challenges to Evangelical Christian Beliefs produced by B&H Academic. This work is a landmark book which should be on the Shelf of every Pastor, Theologian, Bible student, student of scripture.
While this book can lead towards a high academic understanding thought what is not written at a popular level most Christians can glean very valuable and worthwhile apologetica insights to apply to their daily lives. In this book Bloomberg takes each section of the New Testament and divides it into various sections. Yet after focusing on each individual book of the New Testament he also focuses on the canonicity and transmission of the New Testament comma which are extremely important in this day and age which the original sources are always being challenged. His final section of the book deals with the problem of Miracles as seen in the gospels and throughout the Epistles. He remarks of the nest City to see these Miracles as reality despite those challenging unverifiable Supernatural occurrences. While Bloomberg is more of an open and cautious Theologian when it comes to Modern miracles compared to my view of complete cessation his argument provokes interesting points to consider.
Therefore I highly recommend the historical reliability of the New Testament countering the challenges to evangelical Christian beliefs by Craig L Bloomberg to any and all pastors and Scholars Bible students and Bible teachers who desire to deepen their understanding of scripture and be able to counter any argument when they are challenged bye those who seek to defame the name of God.
This book was provided to me free of charge from B & H Academic Publishing in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Countering the Challenges to Evangelical Christian Beliefs
© 2016 by by Craig L. Bloomberg
Publisher: B & H Academic Publishing
Page Count: 816 Pages
ISBN: 978-0805464375
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews