Scripture:
Matt 27:54 (KJV)
"Now when the Centurion, and they that were with him, watching
Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they
feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
Mark 15:39 (KJV)
"And when the Centurion, which stood over against him, saw
that he so cried out, and gave u[ the ghost, he said, Truly this
man was the Son of God."
Luke 23:47 (KJV)
"Now when the Centurion saw what was done, he glorified
God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man."
As mentioned on the Home Page; Since the invention of the Gothenburg
Press, the World has seen a constant growth in the number of Translations
of the Bible. They now come in such a wide range of Languages,
Grammars, Contexts, Styles and Fashions. People can get just about
any format of the Bible to suit or fit their Life Style and Personal
Paradigm. Such Youth Bibles, Single Bibles, Couples Bibles, Study
Bibles, Paraphrased Bibles and even sadly Gay Bibles.
So the Word of God is expressed and highlighted in each as to
meet the unique, expressed or otherwise, desires and views of
the individual. Though not necessarily of the original intent
of the Bible Verse. And in most case to the detriment of the Gospel
Message.
Recently I was looking for what was thought to be a very easy
to understand verse of the New Testament. This being what the
Centurion exclaims just after the Lord breathes his last. And
a set of wonders and miracles take place. Summing up with awe
what his heart was telling him; the Centurion is quoted as stating
that "this surely was the Son of God".
Yet when reviewing a range of translations I am surprised to find
some say that...
This man was 'a' Son of God.
> Which seem to me to imply that he was one of many Sons of
God.
This man 'was' the Son of God.
> Which to me seemingly says that yes he was, but now he's
dead.
This man 'is' the Son of God.
> Which to me seems to express a continuation in Jesus' ongoing
living relationship with God.
This man was a righteous man.
> Which seems to detract from Jesus' Holy Sovereignty and Godhead.
What are we to make of all these various translations? How can
we find our way through the half watered down truths to the one
and only truth. That is the very core and foundation of the Gospel
Message? Which translation if the one that is ultimately correct?
If I were to state here the answers; then I would sadly be no
better then the Pharisee's and Hypocrites both of the past and
f today. There are just way too many variations for a layman such
as myself to be able to with perfect confidence point to any one
as being the best.
What I can do is to encourage people to remember the words of
Paul as he was sending letters of encouragement and support to
the early Churches. Words that are as valid today as they were
when first set to parchment.
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."
So we are encouraged to continually study and search the scripture
daily. It isn't enough to just go to Church and listen passively
to what the Minister tells us. There will always be the chance
that inherency or human error will slip in, and we lose the strength
and wisdom of the Gospel.
We need to constantly seek a deeper understanding of God. As well
as of our calling and relationship with Jesus as our Lord and
Saviour. This can only be done by be an active participant.
Which then brings us back to the original question of which Version
or Translation is most correct or exact in doing this. Perhaps
the following would be a very basic guide. But by no means would
it ever be a definitive guide.
- Try and avoid Special Interest Bibles. Those that are tailored
to meet a market or life style.
- Consider investing in a Parallel Bible so as to be able to
reflectively view translations.
- Study as part of a committed Bible Study Group for support
and encouragement.
- Keep a personal Journal or Diary and write down questions
that you want answered.
- And in all things test all teachings to see if it is Godly
and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
So with this as a basic tool to seek and find the Gospel Message
amongst the plethora of words and images; I believe you will become
closer to the guiding voice of our comforter, the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We live in a time of extremes.
So much wealth and poverty.
So much medicine and sickness.
So many wise men and fools.
Fill me with your Holy Spirit.
Guide my thoughts and my words.
That I may ever seek to know your truth.
As I avoid the darkness of falsehood.
Open my eyes
and heart to you.
And to you alone.
Amen