Historical and Reliability Comparisons: The New Testament vs. The Quran

The comparison between the content of the New Testament (NT) Bible and the Quran often revolves around their respective timings, reliability, and historical accuracy. It is critical to examine these aspects to understand the validity of each sacred text.

Content Timelines and Fulfillment

The Quran was written during the period between 609-632 CE. On the other hand, the NT was written primarily in the first century CE. The NT is the fulfillment and continuation of the Old Testament (OT), which was written over many centuries, some as far back as several millennia.

#8220;You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness about me. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life.#8221; (John 5:39-40)

#8220;Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.#8221; (Luke 24:27)

These passages reference the importance of the scriptures, specifically the OT, in understanding the identity and mission of Jesus the Messiah. It also implies that the scripture interpretations were available well before Muhammad's time, thus reinforcing the message that these texts pre-date the Quran by over 500 years.

Reliability and Manuscript Evidence

The NT is widely recognized as more reliable due to the extensive body of ancient manuscripts that have survived. This provides a sound basis for scholarly study and interpretation. In contrast, the Quran has been subject to allegations of textual corruption, particularly the presence of what are known as the "Satanic Verses." These verses, which are believed to have been removed from the earliest version of the Quran, were acknowledged by early biographers of Muhammad, such as Ibn Ishaq, Ibn Al-Sa`d, Al-Tabari, and Al-Waqidi. The content of these verses suggests that Muhammad initially claimed divine inspiration from a deity identical to the moon god 'Allah,' which is problematic given the context of early Islamic history.

Unhistorical Tales in Religious Texts

The New Testament contains several accounts that are considered historically questionable due to their undocumented nature, such as:

The location of Paul's epilepsy in Damascus. The house of Jesus in Galilee. The house of Elisabeth, whom Mary visited. The house of the Last Supper and the Pentecost. The tomb of Lazarus, where Jesus resurrected him. The tombs of Ananias and Sapphira. The burial site of Judas, and the "Field of Blood." The burial site of Stephen, the first martyr. The burial site of James, the second martyr.

These locations are often disputed or challenging to verify, raising questions about their historical accuracy.

Critical Analysis of Luke's Account in Acts 12:23

One of the more controversial passages in the NT is found in Acts 12:23. According to Luke, an angel appeared before the public and thwarted Herod's attempt to execute the apostle Peter. This account has raised significant questions regarding its historical and supernatural elements:

#8220;Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.#8221; (Acts 12:23)

While this story is attributed to Luke’s account, it has been strongly criticized for its supernatural elements and lack of corroborating historical evidence. Further, archaeological evidence does not confirm the exact location of the Cenacle, where this event is said to have taken place. Jacob Pinkerfeld's survey in 1948 suggests that the site was likely a synagogue and later a place of Christian worship. However, there is no significant evidence to support the specific miraculous events described in Acts 12:23.

Conclusion

The New Testament, with its extensive manuscript evidence and historical continuity with the Old Testament, holds a more reliable position in terms of historical accuracy and scholarly interpretation. The Quran, while important and revered, has faced challenges regarding its textual consistency and historical context. It is essential to approach these texts with both respect and critical analysis, recognizing the complex layers of history and interpretation that underlie each.