One of the amazing aspects of the Bible is how it uses specifics when describing certain events, providing a way to verify the validity of historic events.

For instance, Luke 3:1,2 describes the time John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness, writing, “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.”

This verse clearly identifies for future readers when this event took place. As time has progressed, independent historical records and archeology have confirmed existence of these people, their roles and times they were present. The fact that as new information arises, it confirms rather than contradicts the details in the Bible, adds to the credibility and reliability of the entire Bible.

Dear Lord, what an incredible blessing we have in the Bible’s record, giving us additional strength for our faith. Help us read and believe your word in the Bible, with confidence, remembering as written in 2 Timothy 3:16,17, that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.