William Ramsey was not convinced of the historicity of Luke’s writings in the Book of Acts – especially as they pertained to the missionary journeys of Paul – and he spent years of investigation into the matter. His work was so scholarly and commendable that the Queen of England knighted him for his labor. But Sir William Ramsey, instead of finding Luke in error, discovered that the divine amanuensis was completely accurate, and he described Acts as the most perfect historical document of all time. (used 7/28/91)
Lew Wallace, the brilliant general who saved Washington from capture by the Confederates during the Civil War, was challenged by “Boasting Bob” Ingersol to write a book discrediting Christianity, but his research brought him to Christ and he wrote “Ben Hur” instead.
A more recent example is Josh McDowell, the law student who set out to discredit the Bible and ended up one of its most vigorous defenders, writing books, lecturing on university campuses, and debating all would-be challengers.