HISTORY OF the Bible
The Bible is one method God uses to communicate with us and guide us. It can be a little overwhelming to begin with though, especially if you are starting out not knowing anything about it. I grew up going to church with my grandparents and attending weekly church groups with other kids, yet I didn’t really know much about the Bible. I memorized some verses but didn't understand how to apply them in life. I knew Jesus was born of a virgin and died on the cross for our sins, but I didn't understand why. I knew some of the stories from the Old Testament but I didn't comprehend how it all fit into God's plan. Fortunately, if we desire to understand it, God will guide us. I believe it is foundational that all Christians understand the basic knowledge of how the Bible came to be the book we know it as today.
WHO WROTE THE BIBLE
The Bible was written by many different men throughout history. Though they were the tools used to get it on paper, God is the author. He, through the Holy Spirit, instructed them.
OUR ENGLISH BIBLE
The Bible is a collection of writings that were originally written thousands of years ago on papyrus scrolls or animal skin in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. They were cherished and well looked after throughout the years. Copies were made very meticulously by hand. Later, some were translated into Latin.
For much of history paper was expensive and most average people were illiterate. It wasn’t until the printing press was invented in the 15th century that it would have even been possible for the average person to acquire copies of scripture. However, the Catholic church did not want people to have the ability to read and interpret scripture for themselves. They knew that by keeping scripture only in the hands of clergy, they’d be better able to maintain control over the population.
In the 16th century, many men worked hard, secretly translating the manuscripts into English. Anyone caught doing so was put to death. William Tyndale was among these. He translated the New Testament into English, then began working to translate the Old Testament, however, he was captured and executed before he could finish much more than the Torah, which is the first five books of the Bible. But in the year 1525 roughly 18,000 copies of the New Testament he translated were printed and distributed.
The Great Bible was the first authorized Bible to be translated to English and included portions of Tyndale’s work. It was authorized by King Henry VIII.
During the reign of Queen Mary I of England, known as Bloody Mary because of her persecution of Protestants, many escaped to Geneva, Switzerland. There the Geneva Bible was completed. It was used by men such as William Shakespeare, Oliver Cromwell, John Knox, John Donne and many others. It was also the copy that traveled with the Puritans to early America.
In the beginning of the 17th century, King James gathered a group of 47 biblical scholars and put them to work translating all the scripts into English. In 1611 the translations were finally finished and combined, and the first edition of the 'King James Version' of the Bible was printed.
At the beginning of the 19th century there were new inventions to make producing books easier. The Bible became the most widely printed book in all of history.
The 'King James Version' remains one of the most popular translations among church goers. The 'New King James Version' is now available as well. It rewords the scripture into more modern text. It has replaced words like thee, thou, and ye with modern language.
There have been many other versions translated from the original documents. The 'New International Version', the 'New American Standard Bible', and 'New Living Translation' to name a few.
For much of history paper was expensive and most average people were illiterate. It wasn’t until the printing press was invented in the 15th century that it would have even been possible for the average person to acquire copies of scripture. However, the Catholic church did not want people to have the ability to read and interpret scripture for themselves. They knew that by keeping scripture only in the hands of clergy, they’d be better able to maintain control over the population.
In the 16th century, many men worked hard, secretly translating the manuscripts into English. Anyone caught doing so was put to death. William Tyndale was among these. He translated the New Testament into English, then began working to translate the Old Testament, however, he was captured and executed before he could finish much more than the Torah, which is the first five books of the Bible. But in the year 1525 roughly 18,000 copies of the New Testament he translated were printed and distributed.
The Great Bible was the first authorized Bible to be translated to English and included portions of Tyndale’s work. It was authorized by King Henry VIII.
During the reign of Queen Mary I of England, known as Bloody Mary because of her persecution of Protestants, many escaped to Geneva, Switzerland. There the Geneva Bible was completed. It was used by men such as William Shakespeare, Oliver Cromwell, John Knox, John Donne and many others. It was also the copy that traveled with the Puritans to early America.
In the beginning of the 17th century, King James gathered a group of 47 biblical scholars and put them to work translating all the scripts into English. In 1611 the translations were finally finished and combined, and the first edition of the 'King James Version' of the Bible was printed.
At the beginning of the 19th century there were new inventions to make producing books easier. The Bible became the most widely printed book in all of history.
The 'King James Version' remains one of the most popular translations among church goers. The 'New King James Version' is now available as well. It rewords the scripture into more modern text. It has replaced words like thee, thou, and ye with modern language.
There have been many other versions translated from the original documents. The 'New International Version', the 'New American Standard Bible', and 'New Living Translation' to name a few.
OLD TESTAMENT vs NEW TESTAMENT?
OLD TESTAMENT vs NEW TESTAMENT?
The Old Testament is the portion of the Bible that was written before Jesus' birth. It is the history of the Jewish people and documents the lineage of their ancestors. There are many prophecies about the Messiah in the Old Testament that were fulfilled by Jesus. Some of them were foretold thousands of years before he was born.
The New Testament is the story of Jesus, written by his disciples. It tells of his birth, life, teachings, and death. After his death, his disciples continued traveling and telling the world about him. The New Testament is a guidebook to how we should live, and, like the Old Testament, contains prophecies of what’s to come. Some of these prophecies that were written nearly two-thousand years ago are being fulfilled right now.
The New Testament is the story of Jesus, written by his disciples. It tells of his birth, life, teachings, and death. After his death, his disciples continued traveling and telling the world about him. The New Testament is a guidebook to how we should live, and, like the Old Testament, contains prophecies of what’s to come. Some of these prophecies that were written nearly two-thousand years ago are being fulfilled right now.
WHERE SHOULD I START READING?
Remember that the Bible wasn’t originally written as one book. It is actually compiled of a total of 66 books. There are 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. They aren’t in order either. Personally, I feel it is best to start in the New Testament. I would recommend starting with the gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and then finishing the New Testament before reading the Old Testament. Get an understanding of Jesus and His life and teachings, because they are the foundation of the Christian faith.
Just remember that the Bible doesn't read like a novel. Each book was individually written and not meant to fit into a storyline. Some books were written as documentation for the Jewish people, some books were actually letters written by the disciples to other believers. If you are wanting to get a general overview of the Bible from beginning to end, I recommend a Bible called, "The Story". The chapters and verse numbers have been removed for easier reading and sections of scripture that were repeated in multiple places have been condensed. It is also written out chronologically so that it reads like a novel. I wish I'd have known about it when I was a baby Christian.
Also remember that the stories of the Old Testament are about people who were human just like you and me. Several times I read through stories of the Old Testament and was surprised at the people God used as examples for us. Later, I realized that sometimes we need bad examples to relate to as well as good examples to follow.
I pray that your time spent reading the Bible is meaningful and brings you understanding. I especially pray that it draws you nearer to the Lord.
Just remember that the Bible doesn't read like a novel. Each book was individually written and not meant to fit into a storyline. Some books were written as documentation for the Jewish people, some books were actually letters written by the disciples to other believers. If you are wanting to get a general overview of the Bible from beginning to end, I recommend a Bible called, "The Story". The chapters and verse numbers have been removed for easier reading and sections of scripture that were repeated in multiple places have been condensed. It is also written out chronologically so that it reads like a novel. I wish I'd have known about it when I was a baby Christian.
Also remember that the stories of the Old Testament are about people who were human just like you and me. Several times I read through stories of the Old Testament and was surprised at the people God used as examples for us. Later, I realized that sometimes we need bad examples to relate to as well as good examples to follow.
I pray that your time spent reading the Bible is meaningful and brings you understanding. I especially pray that it draws you nearer to the Lord.
