Authenticity Quote by Frederic G. Kenyon
“The interval, then, between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact, negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down to us substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Text of the New Testament, 1905
The time gap between when the New Testament was written and the earliest surviving copies is so short that doubts about its original wording are essentially eliminated.
In simple terms: Early copies prove the New Testament’s text is reliable.
Key Takeaway
Trust the New Testament’s authenticity.
Themes
historical reliability
scriptural integrity
scholarly consensus
Mood
confident
reflective
Type
theological
academic
When to use this quote
- academic research
- faith education
- church teaching
- biblical scholarship
Key Concepts
textual criticism
historical methodology
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence most convinces you of textual reliability?
- How should modern readers handle remaining uncertainties?
A Different Perspective
Some argue later copying errors could still exist despite early manuscripts.
