Answering Questions from a New Bible Student

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God’s Work in the Gospel

Questions Asked by a New Bible Student

Introduction: 

Ezekiel 36:37-38

• First, notice the Lord’s promise
• The importance of asking
• God providing the opportunities and the increase

Colossians 4:2-3 “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word–to declare the mystery of Christ.” 

The Ethiopian (Acts 8)

Cornelius (Acts 10:30-31)

New student joining our Zoom meeting and openly letting me know that he was seeking, is an illustration of God’s work and an illustration of the importance of us being persistent in seeking and offering opportunities.

1. “I’ve never read the Bible, though I have gone to Mass many times. So just be aware that I will have difficulty finding Bible passages.”
   1. I followed up with a question: “What translation of the Bible are you reading?” Answer: NKJV. “That is a good translation. I am using the ESV.” 
   2. Let me explain the reason for translations:
      1. Language changes and meanings of words become different from what was originally intended by the writers of Scriptures.
      2. For example, I’m glad you are using the NKJV and not the KJV, which was translated in 1611. Language has dramatically changed the past 400 years. Cf. Hebrews 13:5.
      3. Even within the various translations, translators will  occasionally produce an update so the Bible remains as understandable as possible to the present day reader. For example, the NASB has been updated twice since 1961. The NIV was updated in 2011. The ESV has done some small updates since 2005.
      4. Updates are also done when it is evident that the way they translated certain verses were ambiguous or not easily understood, thus not properly reflecting the Hebrew or Greek. (Cf. 2 Peter 1:19)
2. “Do you read many translations or do you just settle on one like the ESV?”
   1. Absolutely! Translators are trying to put into modern English what was written in ancient languages. Just as translators today, there are different words that can be used to communicate what someone from another language said. For example, “order of words” vary from one language to the next and there are words that are synonyms, and thus could be used interchangeably. Some translations are simply clearer in some verses, but maybe not as clear in others.
   2. Consider also that translators must first decide at what reading level they will make their translation.
   3. Further, in translating certain words, they have to consider how people might read their words based on their culture and where they grew up. For example, Acts 8:26, “a desert place.” 
   4. Comparing translations is a great substitute for actually being able to understand Hebrew or Greek. Thousands of translators of been involved with translating the Bible just over the past 70 years. By comparing translations we can get a consensus of accuracy. 
      1. If someone tried to put out a translation that attempted to change the meaning of a text, they would have to justify themselves to thousands of Hebrew and Greek authorities (Example: Watchtower: New World Translation. Their translators never revealed their names.)
      2. (Example of the Greek word “eis” in Acts 2:38 – should it be translated “for” or “because of?” Every translator has rendered “for,” for the purpose of the forgiveness of sins. No translator has rendered “because of” the forgiveness of sins.)
   5. By the way, concerning the accuracy of the scriptures, let me explain that the basis for the varied translations are the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. A manuscript is a handwritten document primarily produced prior to 1000 AD. 
      1. There are 24,000 mss copies of the NT including translations. This is significant because if a scribe accidentally missed a word, misspelled a word, or changed to order of words, the abundance of other mss would make that evident.
      2. Further, the mss date back to just after the time of Christ (130 AD, the John Ryland mss).
      3. Of the OT, there are 8,000 mss. Just think of documents that were originated 3500 years ago and still having that many mss still available.
   6. Question asked: how does that compare to other writings of antiquity? See mss comparison chart. 
   7. For the church: Dead Sea Scrolls
3. “Where should I begin to read? I have started with the OT, but got lost very quickly.”
   1. Starting in the OT would seem natural because it is the “beginning.” However, Peter tells us that even the prophets and angels couldn’t figure out what God’s plan was simply by reading the Old. The NT reveals what Paul called the “mystery” of the purposes of God before time began and how God would save the world.
   2. Begin with Matthew. As you read, jot notes on passages you do not understand or want an explanation. We can get together once a week or more often and discuss what you are reading.
4. “I have become disinterested in going to Mass. I do hear the reading, but I struggle to keep my mind focused.”
   1. Yes, I completely understand where you are coming from. What you are experiencing is a mistake that is quite common in many churches. “Going to church” has evolved into a “service” instead of the NT pattern of a time in which Christians come together to learn more about God, grow in their faith, and encourage each other. God has a purpose for us coming together. It isn’t to check a box as if we are keeping God off our back by being “at church.”
   2. As you read the NT, you will find that Christians coming together for worship is quite different than what is common today. It was very simple: they studied together, sang together, prayed together, took the Supper together, and took care of Christians who were in need.

Berry Kercheville