Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties

by Gleason L. Archer Jr.

Book Overview

This encyclopedia is intended for everyone, from scholars and students to laypersons--for all who are troubled by apparent contradictions in the Bible. It argues for the unity and the integrity of the Bible and should convince the skeptic and reassure the person who may be confused by the seeming discrepancies in Scripture.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0310435706
• ISBN13: 9780310435709
• Release Date: January 1982
• Publisher: Zondervan Publishing Company
• Length: 476 Pages
• Weight: 2.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.3" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

A Scholarly Encyclopedia

Dr. Gleason L. Archer Jr, According to moody publishers: "(B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Harvard University; B.D., Princeton Theological Seminary; L.L.B., Suffolk Law School) was a biblical scholar, theologian, educator, and author. He was a professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where he taught from 1965 through 1991. Prior to teaching at Trinity, Archer served at Fuller Theological Seminary for 16 years, teaching New Testament, Greek, Hebrew, and Arabic...His instrumental work in the preparation of the Old Testament portion of the New American Standard Bible has gained wide acclaim and positioned him as a world-renowned scholar." Dr. Archer provides a prudent classical defense of the unity and integrity of the Scriptures. This encyclopedia serves as a wonderful reference tool for anyone diligently seeking the truth.

Not a scholarly encyclopedia

As a scholar and educator, I am appalled when I come upon books like this. If you believe that every word of the Gospels and Epistles is true and never problematic, then this book will make you happy. This book is not meant to point out difficulties, it's meant to help people gloss over the real issues in the Bible.

Accurate and Scholarly

Excellent source of scholarly research. Understandably, some are in denial of the Bible confirming conclusions. A library reference gem.

Deals with some tricky theological issues

I bought this book blindly - I reckoned I might need such a book at some time in the future. Whilst I have never taken it up to deal with a 'Bible difficulty' I have found it to be an excellent book in that it deals with some very tricky theological issues. Hidden in there among the explanations of bible difficulties I found the best EVER (and I have looked around a lot for years) dealing of [1] what happens to babies/children who die before they can sin (or understand their need for Christ) and [2] what happens to people who never hear of Christ. Both of these are dealt with in the Romans sections. I have heard explanations of these issues before by many others including John Piper and John Stott but having read this book, I feel at last I have got the right explanation and it is based upon and backed up by the scriptures in question. Buy it.

The old-time standard for Bible difficulties

I've used this book for almost 2 decades now, and it remains one of my favorites in the field of Bible difficulties. Archer did a super job giving explanations for difficult passages found in the Bible. Although I have never read the book cover from cover, I've probably read enough of it to count for 3-4 readings! I consider Archer's use of the context of the passage, the Biblical languages, and other pertinent information exemplary. Rarely do I find that I disagree with his assessment, so I give this book my highest endorsement. Another good book of this genre is When Critics Ask by Geisler and Howe. It has been fun for me to compare Archer and Geisler/Howe when they discuss the same passages (which happens more often than not). Again, I highly recommend this book for a research tool in the serious Christian's library.

Good answers to stumbling blocks

My pastor let me borrow his copy when I was having a "crisis of faith." The book answered my specific question and more, and did it well. Not every "difficulty" is answered in the book, but it is certainly a great reference. Every minister, and anyone who critically studies the Bible should have this book.