BEREAN CHRISTADELPHIANS The History of the Bible

Our Schedule:- 1.Introduction 2.History of the Bible (original manuscripts) 3.History of the Bible (English translations) 4.What does the Bible Basically Teach? BEREAN CHRISTADELPHIANS The History of the Bible

Acts 24:14 “So worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets” The History of the Bible We take the same stand as the Apostle Paul

Isaiah 8:20 “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” The History of the Bible

Romans 15:4 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” The History of the Bible

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The History of the Bible

Psalm 33: 4, 6, 9 “For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” The History of the Bible

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.” The History of the Bible Overview of the Bible -Split into two parts, Old and New Testaments -Old Testament began with Moses 3,800 years ago -New Testament was written during the first century and completed at the end of the first century, with the writings of John on the Isle of Patmos, 1,900 years ago

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.” The History of the Bible Overview of the Bible -Genesis to Deuteronomy -Creation and the populating of the earth -Account of man’s sad fall -God’s loving provision of redemption -Beginning of the Jewish race and the appointment of them as God’s chosen

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.” The History of the Bible Overview of the Bible (Genesis to Deuteronomy) Luke 24:27 “Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he (Christ) expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27)

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.” The History of the Bible Overview of the Bible (Genesis to Deuteronomy) - Law to regulate the nation of Israel - Teaching of higher lessons of the coming of a saviour - Clear advocacy that “sin” is evil in God’s eyes - Christ says “Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me, for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5: 46-47) - If Moses is not true, then Christ is not true” They stand or fall together

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.” The History of the Bible Overview of the Bible (Joshua to Esther) -Next 12 books show Israel’s history for a 1,000 years -They are more than just history. They show God’s attitude, principles, and actions when dealing with Israel. He must be loved and revered for all He has done and is doing

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.” The History of the Bible Overview of the Bible (Job) -The book of Job illustrates the way God chastens and corrects His true sons and daughters; He does not forsake them, but will purify them and refine them as gold.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.” The History of the Bible Overview of the Bible (Psalms to Songs of Solomon) -Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Songs of Solomon are messages of wisdom, portraying acceptable conduct, character and disposition.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.” The History of the Bible Overview of the Bible (Isaiah to Malachi) -Seventeen Prophetical books. Divine message for Israel as a nation, with warnings of coming judgement on account of disobedience, but also reveals the joyful day when Israel and the world shall rejoice in universal blessings and peace.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.” The History of the Bible Overview of the Bible (Matthew to John) -Four gospel records, of Christ’s life and ministry, revealing the manifesting of God through His Son. Also, shows us a way, manner of life, in the development of an acceptable servant.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.” The History of the Bible Overview of the Bible (Acts) -Illustrates the practical application of Jesus’ command: - “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16) -We learn what it really means to devote one’s life in all that is to be done to serve God and His Truth, not ourselves and our pleasures.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible Overview of the Bible (Romans to Jude) -There are twenty one epistles (Romans to Jude), which consist of letters to various ecclesias and individuals by the apostles of Jesus, which expound the basic truths of the Gospel, the Divine purpose with mankind, and shows us the manner of life of a Godly person. They instruct us and direct us in daily activities and associations in relaton to each other and to God.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible Overview of the Bible (Revelation) -The final book. Gives a panoramic view of nearly 2,000 years of world history, from the days of the apostles to the establishing of God’s Kingdom on the earth. It is shown in sign and symbol, the meaning of which is derived from other parts of the Scriptures. It shows the breakdown of the original apostolic faith, the development of a system described as the “mother of harlots” who would persecute the saints and occupy some of the darkest periods of man’s history on earth.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The Origin of the Bible -The Bible is God’s Word. “Holy men of old were moved by the Holy Spirit” -Old Testament written in Hebrew as it was directed to the Jewish Nation -New Testament written in Greek, the prominent language of the first century -Original copies written over a period of c. 1,900 years (Moses to John)

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The Origin of the Bible -The problems of translation -The Hebrew language has no vowels, these are supplied by the context. E.g. A Hebrew word consisting of the consonants b d could be the word, bud, bad, bed or bid. Only the context could give which word was intended. -Preservation of original copies and integrity of text -A further complication was that in the original there were no spaces, no verses or chapters.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The Origin of the Bible -Here is an example from the Hebrew yhvhthhstsrchanndknwnm translated “Yahweh thou hast searched me and known me”.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The English Translation -The Septuagint Version (meaning 70) -250BC an Egyptain King desired a copy of the Hebrew Scriptures in the “Greek” language -A committee of 72 Jews, expert in both languages, were commissioned to undertake the task -Translation period: approx years -Name also expressed in the Roman numerals LXX

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The English Translation -The Septuigant is relevant because in the fourth century, Jerome was asked to translate the Bible into Latin, as Latin became more widespread and the dominant language of the day -This Bible became known as the “Versio Vulgate” (Common Version) or known simply in English as the “Vulgate”. -Translation path: Original > Septuigint > Latin Vulgate

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The English Translation -The first complete English Bible came to us from John Wycliffe -Between 1380 and 1397, John Wycliffe (c ) and his followers, the Lollards (a derisive term meaning "mumblers"), produced the first English version of the complete Bible, using the Vulgate as their base. The original was almost a word-for-word translation. Wycliffe’s colleagues, John Purvey ( ) and Nicholas of Hereford produced later editions which were more readable.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The English Translation -Wycliffe considered the Bible to be the only authentic rule of faith. He believed that the church could be reformed only if people knew God's law; therefore they needed to have a Bible translated into their own language. In 1415, Wycliffe's translation was condemned and burned. -Wycliffe was declared a heretic by the Roman Catholic Church, primarily because he challenged the doctrine of transubstantiation and the papacy.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The English Translation - During the reign of Henry IV ( ), the English statute for burning of heretics, De Heretico Comburendo (1401), was adopted. A number of Lollards were burned. The next king, Henry V ( ), executed the sect's most well-known leader, Sir John Oldcastle in 1417, an event which ended Lollardy in England, except for some underground rural groups. In 1428, after Wycliffe was declared a heretic, his body was exhumed from consecrated ground, burned, and thrown into the River Swift. He had died a natural death.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The English Translation - During this period, readers of the English Bible had suffered death by persecution. They were burned alive with copies of their Bibles tied around their necks. -Parents were executed for teaching their children the Lord’s prayer and the Ten Commandments. Children were forced to light the fires that would burn their parents to death. -Possessors of the Wycliffe Bible were hunted down as though they were wild beasts

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The English Translation -Production of the Wycliffe Bible by hand was very slow (approx 8 months) -The tide was turning -Wycliffe’s Bible was the last to be handwritten – advent of the printing press -Renewed interest in Greek and Hebrew languages -Desire for reformation once some of the Roman Catholic doctrines were discovered as false -This period produced men like Erasmus and William Tyndale

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The English Translation -William Tyndale (c to 1536) -Very determined with a remarkable knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. A student of both Oxford and Cambridge Universities -His version was from the most original Hebrew and Greek sources available to him. -Moved from England and fled to Germany -Bibles were smuggled back to the mainland in sacks of cloth and flour

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The English Translation -William Tyndale (c to 1536) A clergyman hopelessly entrenched in Roman Catholic dogma once taunted Tyndale with the statement, “We are better to be without God’s laws than the Pope’s”. Tyndale was infuriated by such Roman Catholic heresies, and he replied, “I defy the Pope and all his laws. If God spare my life ere many years, I will cause the boy that drives the plow to know more of the scriptures than you!”

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The English Translation -Tyndale was at last betrayed and burnt at the stake where he was strangled and burnt (on October 6 th, 1536). -His dying words were “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes.” -He died for one cause – he wanted everyone to have access to an English Bible.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The English Translation -The King James Version -About the time of Tyndale’s death, Henry the VIII had a quarrel with the pope, the result of which was the establishment of the Church of England. Henry was favourable to the idea of a Bible for the common people. -Approximately 80% of the Old, and 90% of the New Testament appear to be directly translated from Tyndale’s Bible.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The English Translation -The King James Version has had the most profound effect upon the life and literature of Western society. -Over 900 quotes from Shakespear were based on the King James Version -The King James version is renowned as the most accurate translation of the Original. There are mistakes, there are clearly inherent translator bias, but we are of the opinion that the Truth of God’s message is contained therein. We don’t believe any modern translations come close to it.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The Teaching of the Bible -The Gospel (The Good News of the Kingdom of God) Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The Teaching of the Bible -This idea of all nations being blessed is the basic message of the Scriptures Matthew 6 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoughly furnished unto all good works.”of letters The History of the Bible The Teaching of the Bible 2 Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” Acts 17:11 “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

Psalm Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

The Bible is God’s Revelation to man. Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

Hebrews 4:11-12 “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”