What do we speak that we know? Definition and Context “What do we speak that we know?” draws its language from a statement recorded in John 3:11: “Truly, truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, and yet you people do not accept our testimony.” This phrase encapsulates the importance of speaking truth based on genuine, firsthand knowledge—especially knowledge of spiritual matters. In Scripture, “speaking what we know” is not limited to objective or intellectual information but encompasses personal experience (1 John 1:1), communal testimony (Acts 4:20), and divinely revealed truth (2 Timothy 3:16). Across biblical narratives, believers are urged to boldly share truth they have come to know: God’s power, character, and redemptive works. The question can also be applied more broadly to any believer who is called to testify about spiritual realities. This entry will explore the concept through multiple lenses, highlighting why it is vital to speak from genuine knowledge, how that knowledge is shaped by Scripture and personal experience, and how archaeological, historical, and experiential evidence further affirms it. Biblical Foundations of Knowledge 1. Knowledge Rooted in Divine Revelation Scripture consistently emphasizes that true spiritual knowledge originates from God. As 2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” The biblical authors often describe their commission to speak God’s words, not merely human speculation (Jeremiah 1:9). This foundational principle clarifies that when believers “speak what they know,” they share insights revealed in the God-breathed text and confirmed by personal and communal experience in faith. 2. Eyewitness Testimony and Personal Experience John 3:11 highlights that testimony accompanies knowledge. Similarly, 1 John 1:1 states, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands—this is the Word of life.” This verse emphasizes the compelling nature of direct experience. The early disciples were eyewitnesses of Christ’s ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, leading them to speak boldly about what they had personally witnessed (Acts 2:32). 3. The Spirit’s Role in Understanding Alongside direct revelation in Scripture and eyewitness testimony, believers rely on the Holy Spirit for spiritual discernment. Jesus promises in John 16:13, “However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” This guidance ensures that what believers speak aligns not only with external facts but with God’s perspective, enabling deeper comprehension of spiritual realities. Foundations of Certainty: Scripture, Tradition, and Evidence 1. Scriptural Reliability and Manuscript Evidence The Scriptures, as preserved through centuries, exhibit remarkable consistency and historical attestation. Archaeological finds such as the Dead Sea Scrolls support the reliable transmission of key Old Testament texts, illustrating near-identical content to manuscripts copied centuries apart. Similarly, thousands of New Testament manuscripts (papyri, uncials, minuscules, and lectionaries) confirm the foundational text used today, showing that the biblical message has been reliably passed down. 2. Corroborating Archaeological Discoveries Archaeological findings often bolster the cultural and geographical details found in Scripture, lending credibility to its historical framework. For instance: • The Tel Dan Stele references the “House of David,” supporting the biblical record of David’s dynasty (2 Samuel 7). • Excavations in places like Jericho and Hazor shed light on ancient Near Eastern life described in the Old Testament (Joshua 6; Joshua 11). Such evidence helps believers speak with confidence about the historical integrity of biblical narratives. 3. Affirmations of Christ’s Resurrection Central to “what we speak that we know” is the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). Hundreds of witnesses encountered the risen Christ, and their testimonies were documented within a few decades of the events—an incredibly short interval for the ancient world. Investigations into the empty tomb, the transformation of the disciples, and the growth of the early church add further support to the claim that Christ truly rose, making it essential knowledge for believers to share with conviction. Practical Implications and Applications 1. Speaking from Personal Conviction One of the strongest ways to “speak what we know” is to point to personal and spiritual application. While historical, manuscript, and archaeological evidence reinforce the trustworthiness of Scripture, transformation in one’s own life—love, joy, hope, healing—stands as tangible proof of divine reality. As the healed man born blind declared in John 9:25, “One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!” 2. Testifying in a Skeptical Culture In an environment that often questions transcendent truth, believers blend historical, archaeological, and personal evidence to build a case that is both logical and experiential. For instance, geological findings showing rapid burial fossils in particular strata (often highlighted by those advocating a young earth viewpoint) can be presented alongside scriptural teaching on creation (Genesis 1–2). Such discussions can open doors to conversations about divine design, purpose, and ultimate accountability. 3. Humility Amid Knowledge Even as believers speak what they know, Scripture cautions believers toward humility: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). This balance of confidence in revealed truth and humility in presentation fosters meaningful dialogue. The goal is not self-exaltation but to point to the One who is the source of life, truth, and redemption (John 14:6). Theological and Philosophical Dimensions 1. Conscience and Moral Knowledge Romans 2:14–15 describes how even those without explicit biblical knowledge have the work of the law written on their hearts. This moral awareness connects to “speaking what we know,” because it demonstrates there is innate witness within humanity that aligns with God’s truth—though incomplete without the fuller revelation of Scripture. 2. Ultimate Purpose and Destiny The biblical narrative teaches that humanity’s ultimate purpose is to glorify the Creator (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Speaking truth about God, His works, and His desires for humankind is part of living out that purpose. Individuals who embrace this perspective recognize that their existence is tied to God’s eternal plan, culminating in the hope found in Christ’s resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14). 3. Experiential Knowledge Leading to Transformation When Jesus tells Nicodemus “we speak of what we know,” He indicates that speaking truth flows naturally from an inward transformation. This transformation continues in every person who believes, as hearts and minds are renewed (Romans 12:2), fostering an ever-deepening knowledge of God’s character that reshapes one’s worldview, priorities, and ethical choices. Conclusion In Scripture, the call to “speak what we know” involves more than abstract facts. It encompasses historical evidence, the testimony of eyewitnesses, the corroboration of archaeology, personal life change, and, above all, the divine revelation of God through His Word. From ancient manuscript integrity to modern-day transformations, believers have solid ground on which they stand. Those who have experienced a relationship with the living God speak with confidence not only because they have studied credible sources, but because they have personally encountered the reality these sources attest to. The full counsel of the biblical record (2 Timothy 3:16), extensive manuscript and archaeological support, and the transformation in the lives of those who believe all come together, affirming that the testimony believers share is grounded in reliable, time-tested truth. Thus, to the question “What do we speak that we know?” the answer is multi-faceted: theological, historical, experiential, and deeply relational—pointing to the unchanging character of God, the saving work of Christ’s resurrection, and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit who guides believers into all truth. |
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