![fragments_1.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmavhLriWMyhfcC1qrm9N95pmh4en77NfjSmyN9SQEfbDy/fragments_1.png)

`"There are 10-15 manuscripts written within the first 100 years of the completion of the New Testament. Some are fairly large fragments, containing significant portions of the gospels or the letters of Paul. When we go out two centuries from the original writings (300 AD), there are at least 48 manuscripts. At three centuries (400 AD), there are 69 copies."` 
[Link to Article with References](http://www.bible.ca/ef/topical-the-earliest-new-testament-manuscripts.htm)

The above is a new link that backs up the information in the first.
 
The historical evidence within the bible itself offers some answers to questions like this. I tend to lean and trust in the ancient and preserved works contained within the Holy writ rather than the opinions of man, who neither lived during the time that Christ walked this earth, nor learned from those who carried on the teachings of Christ based on the disciple's teachings that were commissioned by Jesus Himself. 

There are a whole lot of claims...both pro and con, and this debate has raged on throughout history.

As far as the Bible as a whole goes, there is tons of evidence, including archeological proof of many of the things written including the dead sea scrolls, as well as other ancient writings that bring the text even more validity.

The Dead Sea Scrolls:
>"When the scrolls first were discovered in 1947, scholars disputed their dates of composition. Scholars now generally agree that although some materials >are earlier, the Qumran materials date primarily to the Hasmonean (152-63 >B.C.) and early Roman periods (63 B.C.-A.D.")
[Apologetics Press](http://ap.lanexdev.com/APContent.aspx?category=13&article=357)

It's up to you where you choose to place your trust.

It's not my job to make you believe that God's word is true. But it is my responsibility to tell you that it is.

For any believer in God, look outside at the trees, the grass, flowers and plants, and the sky. Those who believe in God know that these are all His handiwork, and since He sustains these things, He most certainly can and has preserved His text.

The evidence I reference is not for me, but for your consideration.

The bottom line is, one can either believe and trust in God, or trust in themselves and the opinions of man.  

I certainly hope that you will consider these things.

For every argument that you bring, there counter arguments, and this can go on forever.

Both Matthew and John  who wrote two of the Gospels comprising the New Testament were eye witnesses. In fact, they spent over three years with Jesus.