Prophetic Fulfillment: Probabilistic Arguments
Posted: Fri May 30, 2025 9:04 am
Examples include Isaiah 53 (suffering servant, linked to Jesus’ crucifixion), Psalm 16:10 (resurrection), and Micah 5:2 (Messiah born in Bethlehem). Apologists like Josh McDowell claim ~300 prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus.
Statistical Claim: Some calculate the probability of one person fulfilling multiple prophecies (e.g., 8 specific prophecies like birthplace, death method) as astronomically low (e.g., 1 in 10^17, per Peter Stoner). For example:
Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2): 1/100,000 (small town).
Crucified (Psalm 22:16): 1/10,000 (specific execution method).
Resurrection (Psalm 16:10): 1/1,000 (rare claim).
Combined probability: Multiplying individual probabilities yields a low likelihood (e.g., 1/10^21 for 8 prophecies).
Statistical Claim: Some calculate the probability of one person fulfilling multiple prophecies (e.g., 8 specific prophecies like birthplace, death method) as astronomically low (e.g., 1 in 10^17, per Peter Stoner). For example:
Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2): 1/100,000 (small town).
Crucified (Psalm 22:16): 1/10,000 (specific execution method).
Resurrection (Psalm 16:10): 1/1,000 (rare claim).
Combined probability: Multiplying individual probabilities yields a low likelihood (e.g., 1/10^21 for 8 prophecies).