Week 20: Why Are There So Many Versions of the Bible?

We're wrapping up our series surrounding the origin and history of the Bible. This week we're surveying the various translations of the Bible.

Key Themes:

• Ingredients of a good Bible translation

• 4 families or types of translations

• readability vs accessibility

• changes in translations

Digging Deeper:

• Book: How to Choose a Bible Translation

• A few study Bibles (liked by the instructor): 

• NIV Study Bible

• NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

• ESV Study Bible

• Orthodox Study Bible

• An interesting new (one man) translation: The Passion translation

Week 2: Genesis 1:1–2:3

We had a great time this week exploring the first chapter of Genesis (1:1–2:3). We reviewed some skills and learned a new one.

Class Discussion:

• Review of last week's lesson
• Identify your bias
• Ask questions
• Identify the larger thought-unit (near context and far context)

• New skill:
• Preliminary background research

Activation: 

• Genesis 1:1–2:3

At-Home Skills Practice:

• Step 1: Read through Genesis 1–11 again, at least one time. Ideally, do this all in one sitting. (If you can’t do it in one, then do it in two.) You can also use an audio Bible (like the ones available for free on the YouVersionBible app).

• Step 2: Read through Genesis 2:4–25 at least 3 times this week out loud. Do this at different times in the week.

• Step 3: Write out 10 questions that you have about Genesis 2:4–25. Bring these questions with you to next week’s class.

• Step 4: Meditate on this creation account through your week. What is the main point of this passage? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Bring your answer with you next week to class.

 
Digging Deeper:

• Read: chapter 1 in Stuart and Fee’s, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth.

Week 1: Foundational Principles for Bible Interpretation

This week we introduced the basic ABCs of Bible interpretation. These skills will be the foundation for our entire class. 

Class Discussion:

• Reader-centered approach vs. Author-centered approach to the text
• How to study a Bible verse:
• Identify your bias
• Ask questions
• Identify the larger thought-unit (near context and far context)

Activation: 

• Matt. 18:18

At-Home Skills Practice:

• Step 1: Read through Genesis 1–11 at least one time. Ideally, do this all in one sitting. But if you can’t do that, do it in two.

• Step 2: Read through Genesis 1:1–2:3 at least 3 times this week out loud. Do this at different times in the week.

• Step 3: Write out 10 questions that you have about Genesis 1:1–2:3 (just like we practiced in class together). Bring these questions with you to next week’s class.

• Step 4: Meditate on this creation account through your week. What is the main point of this passage? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Bring your answer with you next week to class.

Digging Deeper:

• Order the textbook: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth