In the early 16th century, Desiderius Erasmus, the Dutch scholar, was in process of producing a Greek version of the New Testament. Until that time, the Latin Vulgate version was the version most commonly used in churches. Many were concerned at this development, and Erasmus met opposition from various quarters. One such challenge was in a letter sent from Martin Dorpius, of Louvain University. In a detailed and courteous reply, Erasmus wrote: “… you follow in the steps of those vulgar divines who are accustomed to attribute ecclesiastical authority to whatever in any way creeps in general use.” (The Oxford Reformers, by Frederic Seebohm, p197.) Historically, of course, the Greek New Testament produced by Erasmus became one of the triggers for the Protestant Reformation. Later, via the revisions of William Tyndale, Erasmus’ work became the basis for the ‘King James Version’ of the Bible.
Tyndale himself was in a debate with a clergyman about the necessity for the ‘man in the pew’ to be familiar with the Bible. His reply is well-known: “If God spare my life before many years, I will cause the boy that drives the plough to know more of the scriptures than you!”
One of the great achievements of the Protestant Reformation was to make the Bible widely available, and widely known. (One of the wrongs that the Reformation addressed was widespread ignorance of the Bible.) It was not sufficient that only the clergy should have access to the Bible. All who have faith in Christ should have a Bible and be familiar with its contents. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness;” (2 Timothy 3.16) I suggest that that implies that not just Church leaders have access to it.
It is a historic fact that the modern missionary movement included the translation of the Bible into local languages. It is obvious that, as the gospel is preached, and churches are planted, that Christians should have their own Bibles. Alongside that we might add the necessity for good training for leaders, but also helpful teaching for all.
I offer some reasons for knowing the Bible:
- The predominant theme of the whole Bible is Jesus Christ. The Old Testament tells us of the story before His coming. The New Testament tells of His ministry, and that continuing ministry through the Church, and points us forward to His Return.
- The person of Christ is found everywhere in Scripture. There are numerous explicit predictions about him, from Genesis 3.15, announcing the One who would crush the serpent’s head.
- Old Testament characters point us forward to Christ’s character. For example, Joseph was ‘separate from his brothers’ (Gen 49.26). David was the man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13.14).
- Old Testament types and shadows also point us to Christ. For example, the ark, constructed by Noah, became the only means of safety and deliverance for mankind. In the same way, Christ is the only Saviour.
- The promises of God are ‘yes’ and ‘Amen’ in Christ (2 Cor 1.18-20). All that God has promised will happen through Jesus Christ. I only know those promises through the Bible. And I have every confidence that those promises are wonderful. For God alone is good.
A couple of concerns:
- The availability, in the west at least, of countless Bible resources has perhaps lessened our desire for the Bible itself. It has become too easy to read what someone else has said, without checking what the Bible itself says.
- I would want to avoid cynicism but do want to promote a healthy critical attitude towards what we read and listen to. Just as my car is MOT’ed to prove it is in good condition, so I want to test what I read or hear and confirm that it is true. And, then embrace what is good, but reject what is in error.
- One helpful approach with regard to the Bible is to compare scripture with scripture. When I find a verse or section difficult to understand, I find something clearer which addresses the same issue. Comparing them I can gain a better understanding.