Page 18 - Doctrine and History of the Preservation of the Bible Student Textbook

TIBERIUM [PONTIUS] PILATUS [PRAEF] ECTUS IDU [AEA]
Translated, this reads: “To Tiberius – Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea.”

In 1968 when building contractors unexpectedly uncovered an ancient burial site containing about 35
bodies. One tomb contained the bones of two generations of a family who lived in the century before
the time of Jesus. One member of that family was Yehohanan, who was
between 24 and 28 years old when he died. He had been crucified. His
bones were discovered in an 18-inch long limestone ossuary (or bone-
box), and a seven-inch nail had been driven through the heel bone of his
left foot. Fragments of olive wood were found at the point of the nail,
revealing the wood of the cross on which he died. To date, this is the only
archaeological discovery from Roman times of a crucifixion victim. And it
demonstrates that crucifixion victims were buried, just as the Gospel
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accounts suggest.

Other archaeological verifications include proof that there was a ruler named Belshazzar; the Hittites
not only existed but also had a vast empire; King Sargon also ruled; and the matters that touch upon
history in the Book of Acts are demonstrably accurate. So far, the findings of archaeology have verified,
and in no case disputed, historical points of the biblical record.

While archaeology can verify history and shed light on various passages of the Bible, it is beyond the
realm of archaeology to prove the Bible is the Word of God. At present, archaeology is an improving
science, with limited data available, but even with its limitations this discipline is very helpful in
illustrating that many biblical passages are historically accurate.

One cannot stress too strongly the importance of the Bible giving an accurate historical picture. The
Lord is honest and truthful. If, through inspiration, a historical event is described in the Bible, then it
must be either true or a fairy tale. If found a fairy tale, then what part of the Bible can be believed as
fact. The historicity of the Scriptures is foundational to its reliability!

Christianity is a historical faith which claims that God has broken into history with many mighty acts.
Although the miracles recorded in Scripture cannot be scientifically tested or repeated due to their
nature, persons, places, and events can be investigated historically. If the biblical writers were incorrect
in their historical picture, serious doubt would then be cast upon their trustworthiness in areas which
couldn’t be verified.

From the kings of Israel to the kingdoms of Babylon and Persia, the Bible speaks accurately on history at
all points. One resource notes there are more than 25,000 times archaeology confirms something found
in the Bible.
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10 https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/March-2017/9-archaeology-finds-that-confirm-the-
New-Testament
11 https://bcooper.wordpress.com/2017/08/10/does-archeology-support-the-bible/
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