Where did the Bible Come From – M

The easy answer is, From GOD!

But have you ever wondered how it was put together in its current format?

The Old Testament writings developed gradually in ancient Israel and Judah. The earliest parts include ancient poems, written and oral traditions, while the later books in the Old Testament were finally added around the 2nd century BC.

The Torah, which are basically the first 5 books of the Old Testament, written or passed down from Moses. Biblical scholars still debate when it reached its final form. But it is clear the teachings came primarily from Moses.

Samuel and Kings came directly from court records from those kings themselves. Many of the other books were collected over time from King David and others.

We know and understand that GOD commanded His prophets to keep journals/writings of His doings among His people.

The New Testament happened much in the same way. Christ commanded His Apostles and disciples to document His teachings throughout His ministry. Some likely wrote down His teachings right away and some may have been written after Christs Resurrection.

Matthew and John were two of His apostles.

Mark and Luke were some of His early disciples.

Peter, John, Paul, James, and Jude wrote letters to congregations that Christ established. These letters clarified doctrine, gave council, and testified of Christs mission on earth.

I wonder if when they were documenting Christs words, if they knew that so many people would follow Christ because of what they wrote?

When you read, you can feel the power and truth in the words. I know the Bible is the Word of God!

My family started to read the Old Testament together each night together. We have done something slightly different than normal this year. Previously we only studied the King James version of the bible (this is simply the one I grew up with). But for Christmas, we bought and “English Standard” version for my wife. My two girls got the “New International” version. We each take turns reading verses and talking about the word changes in each. We did this to see if it adds clarity to the scriptures. It is amazing the discussions we have.

While we have not found any differences in concept, teachings, or truth, it is fun to see the better understandings from “newer” English from the “old” English.

Then I went to Bible.com just to see how many versions they have listed. Bible.com is a website to access the bible and be able to compare versus in 86 DIFFERENT translations. Some are Greek to English and Aramaic to English. Some are Hebrew to German to English. Some include the Apocrypha (primarily Catholic), while most do not. For example, the Catholic version include books such as Tobit, Judith, Baruch. Letters such as Jeremiah, Sirach, Wisdom, First and Second Maccabees. With some Greek additions to Esther and Daniel that are not in my King James version of the bible.

All these versions are of the same scriptures and the same stories, just with slightly different translations of certain words. Some of the versions leave out a chapter or two here and there. Makes me really want to learn Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek to really understand the whole picture.

I understand the differences in translation with various words or phrases. But I do wonder why whole books or letters were left out of some versions or included in others.

Then I hear all about the recent findings in the middle east. Findings of scriptures that mirror many of the same books we now have in our bibles, so basically copies of what we already have. But with the addition of additional versus or chapters to those same books.

It really makes me wonder if we have all the writings of the apostles. Not to contradict what we now have, but maybe there are more of Christs actual analogies we have not yet heard in present day. The new Testament suggests that we have a handful of documentation of His preaching and sermons. But I’m sure Christ taught many more and held more sermons that is actually documented. I would certainly love to hear more about how He grew up or where He lived during His youth.

If any of you have watched the Chosen, it sparks a yearning to learn more about Him.

I love the Bible and love what it teaches. And I have a very curious mind.