Let's Talk Bible

All scripture is from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible

By H. J. Sacarello

My husband and I do a morning devotional every day before we get on with the day.  This year we decided that after about four or five years, maybe six or more between us, we should migrate from Jesus Calling to other devotional books.  We always do W. A. Criswell’s devotionals on my phone but decided this year to also do Dr. Billy Graham and Dr. Charles Stanley’s devotional books. 

I own one or two Bible translations other than King James, but that is my preference.  As we read our devotionals, we realized both Dr. Graham and Dr. Stanley used various translations throughout their books.  So, our way to read the scriptures associated with their devotionals (usually one verse) is for me to read the KJV and hubby would then read the other version.  We learned that sometimes the verses did not coincide.  This was a concern, at least for me, and got me thinking regarding the Bible..

Please don’t think that my beliefs need to coincide with your beliefs, because, after all, different versions also indicate different interpretations.  This is mine.  After all, this is a “My Opinion …” Blog. 

Perhaps readability prompted the need for other versions. However, I believe the original scrolls were written for common mankind.  When Jesus walked on earth, his original chosen disciples (followers) were fishermen, Simon (called Peter), James and James’s brother John.  In other words, Jesus chose simple men with limited education to follow and learn from His teachings, which are recorded in the Bible.  However, as a child Jesus’ obviously realized his mission required He obtain more education from God His Father in order to fulfil His purpose (Luke 2:41-52). (KJV).

Later, Paul (Saul), who, I understand, was originally a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council and high court in ancient Israel, was chosen (Acts 9: 3-9).  He was probably more educated than the other chosen, but he became a tent maker to support himself during his missionary work and is credited with writing 13 books of the New Testament.  

I’m not putting down highly educated theologians.  We’ve all gleaned a lot from their education through their teachings.  I was even required to take Old Testament and New Testament in college.  Old Testament I loved, easy A, New Testament not so good.  The main thing I remember from the New Testament that I did not already know was that when it was prophesized that Jesus would descend from the house of David (2 Samuel 7: 12–16, Jeremiah 23: 5, Isaiah 11: 1 , Psalm 132:11), it wasn’t Joseph as many preachers taught, it was Mary.  She descended from the house of David.  Joseph, who was also from the house of David, was Jesus’ stepfather and not his biological father.  Make sense? 

According to Google, “the Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek” with “The earliest , major translation being the Septuagint (LXX), a 3rd-century BC Koine Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament.”  Since that time, there were eight translations before the King James translation was authorized in 1611. (Insert “Original Bible translations” in your Browser to learn more if you’re interested.)

Next perhaps we should discuss content – is it true, false or both?

TO BE CONTINUED -- next Blog.

Proverbs 30:5-6 – “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (KJV)