Some people are bothered by a statement that proclaims mistakes in the Holy Word of God. So, let me allay any fears that someone may have concerning this subject. The Bible is the unerring, very Word of God. It’s spiritual insight and meaning is ironclad truth!
But, that doesn’t mean that over the centuries; manuscript copiers, editors, and publishers have always gotten things 100% correct. We are, after all, human. Even the original writers committed errors!
The following are just 4 of the most interesting and recognized “mistakes”.
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One of the most famous “errors” committed by the Apostle Matthew is in Mat 27:9. Matthew is discussing one of the many Old Testament references that speaks of, and foreshadows of, and prophecies of; Jesus.
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
What’s the problem? Jeremiah didn’t say this – Zechariah did!
Zec 11:12
And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
This classic example is actually a testament to the honesty of the manuscript copiers! Because, as far as the experts have been able to tell throughout history, Matthew actually made this mental mistake and the copiers, not wanting to be untrue in their transcribing, copied the mistake of Matthew perfectly!
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The next one is famous and controversial. Doctrine has been built on this one and some folks get very upset about it. A characteristic of good Bible study is that you never ever build a doctrine on just one verse – but, alas – people do! I call it; “the mistaken comma”.
While on the cross, one of the thieves makes a very heartfelt request to Jesus;
Luk 23:42
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Jesus answers him, saying;
Luk 23:43
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Remembering that man created all the Bible’s punctuation, biblical scholars carefully review the Greek manuscripts to interpret this. Luke, the Greek physician wrote his book in Greek not Hebrew. Although some scholars disagree, most declare the interpretation must be judged by the confluence of scripture, not by a guess as to the proper punctuation. What we discover is that a different interpretation can be made. Carefully read the following:
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee today, thou shalt be with me in paradise.
Given the two disagreeing statements we must study the Bible in detail concerning death and what happens after death, and what happened at Jesus’ death. The belief in an immortal soul immediately going to heaven or hell, or not, also comes into play. The Christian community has done this study and it can be read here.
The Bible makes it very clear that when we die, we die! Our “spirit” (the breath of God) returns to God and we wait for the first resurrection. (See above study)
This verse is a classic example of doctrine being built on just one “mistaken” comma. Scripture doesn't support the pagan doctrine of the "immortal soul".
And yes, the Christian community is still divided on this question! The belief in an immortal soul has been argued for centuries. It was introduced by the Romans and earlier by Satan. Remember; in the garden of Eden? "You will NOT surely die!" Satan told Eve you will live forever, like God!
Interesting, isn't it - that most "Christian" churches teach what Satan teaches in this regard! The concept of a false church with false teachings begins to come in to more focus doesn't it?
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This next one is an outright manipulation of scripture by man. Personally, I think it was done by man on purpose, and for an evil purpose – TO CONTROL MAN!
I know of at least 20 different Bible translations! Here is great resource concerning translation. Everyone has their favorite translation.
Find the Book of Acts in your bible, Acts chapter 8. This is the story of Phillip converting the Ethiopian. Nothing strange there for most Bible versions.
Now, find an NIV version. The NIV (New International Version) is a favorite of the Roman church and was created from Roman sources, and other sources.
Look at Acts, Ch. 8 again, in the NIV. You’ll notice verse 37 is simply gone! Missing! Skipped over! The verses are not even renumbered.
Now, here is the encounter with verse 37, from the NKJV;
Act 8:36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"
Act 8:37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Act 8:38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
Act 8:39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.
Why is verse 37 important? Because Phillip is asking the Ethiopian Eunuch an adult question; if he believes in Jesus Christ with all his heart!
Question: Can a baby be asked such a question before being baptized?
The answer is clearly no. A youngster about the age of 12 (a biblical adult) can answer this question, but not an infant!
Do you see why it is helpful for the Roman church to remove this verse? Their denomination teaches infant baptism. Infant baptism is a false, man-made teaching and is not biblical. It comes from pagan religions.
Still, the NIV is considered to be one of the best Study Bibles made. It’s another testament to the wonderful, blessed nature of the Holy Word.
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The last one is a mistake based on human prejudice and the syncretic influences of pagan religion on Christianity. The word Easter began appearing in the King James Version only after 28 earlier King James versions that did not use "Easter". Richard Rives, a well known pagan religions and Bible student, has a wonderfully complete expose’ on the subject. I will not repeat it here because it would take several pages. I think you'll find his study very interesting!
What did Christians originally celebrate around this time of year for centuries, instead of “Easter”, and what word was used in the Bible until that human mistake was made?
Why, PASSOVER, of course!
Happy Reading!
If you want more, just Google "mistakes in the Bible", but be forewarned! Your Bible knowledge must be secure before venturing out on such precarious searching. Their are many, many people out there teaching falsehoods!
The Observer
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