Did the stories in the Bible really happen?

Answer 1

Yes, and they occurred literally, just as they have been written down - they are not only figurative allegories told around the campfire to while away the time watching sheep or whatever. The stories would have been censored to cut out the warts-and-all accounts if they had not really happened. They were written for us to learn from the examples of others:-

1Co 10:6 These things happened as examples for us, so that we will not crave evil things as they did.

1Co 10:11 These things happened to them as examplesand were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come.

1Co 10:12 So let the one who thinks he is standing be careful that he does not fall.

1Co 10:13 No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.

If you are referring to historical narratives and other historical details contained among other types of literature, the would be yes. This is borne out by numerous details which have been confirmed conclusively by the findings of Archaeology.

For example, Dr. Clifford Wilson (in a multi-volume work) has documented some 5000 discoveries which individually provide evidence for the historical nature of biblical accounts. This number is growing daily according to those working in the field.

If you are referring to a number of fictional stories which are told and clearly marked as fictional tales, then obviously not. Those in this latter category are indeed few and usually serve to make a point, such as when Jesus told a parable, or when the Prophet Nathan told King David a story about a poor man with a lamb.

Bible stories apart from being historically true are true in an additional sense in that they document on many occasions, not just human history but of God's dealings with man. They thus contain truth which is instructive and useful and full of lessons for those who are open to learn.

If the stories in the Bible did not happen then any moral lessons, especially lessons on truthfulness are totally undermined. Much of the Bible is written by direct participants in the events described. This is evidenced in numerous ways which demonstrate the contemporaneity of those involved.

The reality of the stories is inextricably interwoven with the lessons in both history and truth which they proclaim. It is impossible to have one without the other. This is possibly why so many expend so much energy to try to disprove the historical and factual reliability of the Bible.

Paul spoke very specifically of this in relation to the resurrection of Jesus Christ in 1 Corinthians 15:

1 Corinthians 15:14-15 14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

Further to this Peter states in his writing: 2 Peter 1:16 16For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Since so many people at so many different times and places attest to a unified message, this mitigates against the error of possible self-deception or hallucination and instead points to 'sober truth'. The exchange at Paul's trial before Festus and Agrippa also speaks to this matter. Acts 26:24-26 24And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

25But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

26For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

Paul appealed to the personal knowledge which King Agrippa had of the events which Paul described. He would not have done so if there was any suggestion or possibility of Agrippa refuting Paul's claims. This would have possibly been fatal to his case.

Further to this, the anti-Christian Emperor Julian (the Apostate) attested to the factual existence of Jesus Christ in the records of the Romans. Such a hostile witness demonstrates that such evidence was irrefutable in his day, even though his actual intent was to ridicule the Christian's faith.

Answer 2

The best way to answer this question is to quote an authority. Yair Zakovitch, Dean of Humanities at Hebrew University is quoted as saying, "The thing to remember about the Bible is that the events and characters are just vehicles to convey messages. The biblical narrative was written to educate our young nation, not so much to tell us what really happened