How much of the Bible was transmitted by oral tradition?
First, we have to distinguish between oral “tradition” and oral “transmission.” The term tradition implies a long-held belief or practice that is not necessarily connected to any explicit facts or evidence. Transmission is a method of conveying information. The content of the Bible was, in some cases, first relayed through oral “transmission,” but not as…
Is the original Bible still in existence?
The answer to this question is both “no” and “yes.” In the strictest sense, no, the original documents that comprise the 66 books of the Bible—sometimes called the “autographs”—are not in the possession of any organization. However, in a very real way, yes, humankind does have the actual words and books that make up the…
What is the Testament of Job?
Job is one of the most well-known figures in the Bible. Readers have always resonated with the Old Testament book that tells his story. People sympathize with Job as he experiences loss, echo the questions he asks about faith amid suffering, and grow alongside him when God finally speaks. Given Job’s legacy, it’s no wonder…
Is “this too shall pass” found in the Bible?
The expression “this too shall pass” has all the earmarks of a wise Bible saying, but it is found nowhere in any Bible translation. It has been quoted by well-meaning friends and family members in an effort to comfort someone going through a tough time. Although not directly from the Bible, “this too shall pass”…
Is the Bible relevant for today?
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” While the Bible was completed approximately 1900 years ago, its accuracy and relevance for today remain unchanged. The…
What is the Apocalypse of Adam?
The Apocalypse of Adam is an ancient Gnostic text, likely composed between AD 50 and 150. It is part of the Nag Hammadi Library, a collection of early Christian and Gnostic writings unearthed in Egypt in 1945. The text is written in Coptic and is classified as part of the broader corpus of Gnostic literature.…
What is the meaning of by and by in the Bible?
The saying by and by is found in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. This phrase was originally used by Geoffrey Chaucer and came to its modern definition by the 16th century. It became popularized in Shakespeare’s works, the King James Bible, and many other well-known texts of that era. By and by…
What was the process of deciding on the Old Testament canon?
In his commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther denounced the Pope for claiming to have authority over the Bible. The Roman Catholic Church argued that, as it was the papacy who determined the canon of Scripture, Scripture must bow in submission to the Pope’s superior authority. Martin Luther pointed to the folly of such faulty reasoning,…
When was Judges written?
The book of Judges takes place between the death of Joshua and the period leading up to the last judge, Samuel, prior to the rise of monarchy in Israel (Joshua 24:29–33; 1 Samuel 1:19–28). During this time, various judges—who exercised leadership in several areas of society including legal and military matters—safeguarded and governed the nation.…
What is the Apocalypse of Baruch?
Baruch was the scribe of Jeremiah the prophet who faithfully recorded Jeremiah’s prophecies leading up to the fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 32:12; 36:26). Baruch became the subject of Jewish legends around the time of Christ, with several popular pseudepigraphal works in circulation. The Apocalypse of Baruch can refer to either of two of these documents:…