Bible Versions: Everything You Need to Know The Bible is the most widely read book in human history. It has been translated into over 500 languages and dialects. However, with so many different versions and translations available, it can be confusing to know which one to choose. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the different Bible versions and translations. What is a Bible Version? A Bible version refers to a specific translation of the scriptures into another language. For example, the New International Version (NIV) and the King James Version (KJV) are two popular English Bible…
Author: Matt Primack
Jesus overturning the tables of the money changers in the temple is recorded in all four gospels (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-46; John 2:13-16). This dramatic event occurred during the final week of Jesus’ life on earth. The Context In John’s account, this event takes place near the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. John places this story right after the miracle at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11). The synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), however, place this story during the passion week right after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Although the timing differs, all four gospels describe Jesus forcefully…
The “golden chain of redemption” or “golden chain of salvation” is a theological concept that describes the sequential workings of God in redeeming sinners. It outlines the order of events from God’s foreknowledge and predestination to justification, sanctification, and finally glorification. The term “golden chain” comes from Romans 8:29-30 which states: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified…
The question of why God allowed Satan to enter the Garden of Eden is an important one for Christians seeking to understand the biblical narrative surrounding the fall of humanity. While the Bible does not provide an explicit answer, it does offer some clues that can help us think through this issue. First, it is clear from the Genesis account that God created the Garden of Eden as a paradise for the first humans, Adam and Eve. Genesis 2:8 says “And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he…
The verse in Luke 9:51 states, “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” This verse marks a critical turning point in Jesus’ ministry, where he begins his final journey to Jerusalem knowing the suffering and death that await him there. But why did Jesus intentionally and resolutely set out for Jerusalem, despite knowing the pain and agony he would face? Here are some key reasons: To Fulfill His Divine Mission Jesus understood that going to Jerusalem was necessary to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for humanity (Luke 9:22,…
The verse in 1 Peter 1:7 states, “so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” This verse teaches us that genuine faith in Christ is of far greater value than gold. Gold is considered one of the most precious metals on earth. It has been highly valued throughout human history for its beauty, usefulness, and rarity. Yet the Bible tells us that genuine faith is actually much more precious than gold! There are…
Dealing with negative people can be very challenging. Their pessimism, criticism, and negativity can drain our energy and joy. What guidance does the Bible offer on relating to negative people? Recognize that negativity stems from the inner person The Bible teaches that negativity springs from the inner condition of the heart. Jesus said, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person” (Mark 7:21-23). Negativity and pessimism stem from the fallen human…
As Christians, we are called to unity and love within the body of Christ. However, there are some issues where good-faith disagreements may occur. In these cases, debate and discussion can be worthwhile if handled with grace, humility and an openness to correction from God’s Word. Here are some issues that are often debated within Christianity: 1. Interpretation of disputed biblical passages There are some passages in Scripture that are not 100% clear in their meaning or application. For example, passages about spiritual gifts, the end times, predestination, etc. Christians of good faith may study the same passage and arrive…
The phrase “blessed are the merciful” comes from Matthew 5:7 in the Bible, where Jesus delivers the well-known Sermon on the Mount and lists out the Beatitudes. In this verse, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” This profound statement packs great meaning and significance for Christians today. Let’s explore what Jesus meant when he called the merciful “blessed” and why showing mercy matters so much in the Christian faith. Definitions of “Blessed” and “Merciful” First, it helps to define the key terms in this verse. What does it mean to be “blessed”? In the biblical…
Animal testing is a controversial topic that elicits strong opinions on both sides of the debate. As Christians seeking to follow God’s word, it’s important to examine what the Bible says that may relate to this issue. God’s Grant of Dominion to Humankind In the creation account in Genesis 1, God grants humankind dominion over the animals: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every…
