A History Lesson
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one 1 John 5:7 KJV
In heaven . . . are one – Forgive me for this brief history lesson. You might have wanted a nice devotional today, but this lesson is important because it affects our understanding of what happens with biblical translations. This sentence (in bold above) is found in the King James version of the Bible, the standard for Christianity for nearly 400 years. Unfortunately, it isn’t what John wrote. This sentence was added to Scripture by Priscillian, a Spanish monk, sometime during the middle of the 3rd century. By the 5th century, it was incorporated into a marginal note in the Old Latin (pre-Vulgate) translation and was eventually incorporated into the actual Latin Vulgate about 800 AD. There is stayed. Erasmus refused to incorporate it into his Greek translation in 1516 because he claimed (rightly so) that it was not in the oldest manuscripts, but by 1522 he succumbed to ecclesiastical pressure and incorporated this sentence into his new edition of the Greek New Testament. This added text was part of Luther’s translation into German and then part of Tyndale’s translation into English. Et voilà, it appeared in the English King James Authorized version and made its way into theological history.
With this little history lesson in mind, you might ask yourself how this verse was used to support a Trinitarian doctrine. Now that you know how it got into Scripture, its theological authority is suspect. Makes you wonder about the usual rebuttal that the Holy Spirit “superintended” the words in our Bible, doesn’t it? Of course, one verse doesn’t change the whole landscape, but it does cause some concern when we realize that Christians accepted this verse as inspired by God for more than 1000 years. That should give us pause. We – you and I – are responsible for understanding what God said. We can’t pass that off on the pastor, the theologian, the Church or the hierarchy. In this age where there are enormous resources available to check out what we are taught, there is no excuse for Scriptural errors. We aren’t victims of a culture where only the priests had the Scripture. We are accountable, each one of us. This little history lesson might be just enough to provide the impetus to dig.
Today is an excellent day to reflect on what you believe. Do you believe it because you discovered the truth for yourself, or are you simply passing on a heritage, a tradition, someone else’s addition? What are you doing about finding out for yourself? How accountable are you to that other verse, “to present yourself approved by God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed”?
Topical Index: 1 John 5:7, translations
It is all too telling that our love and devotion as followers of
Messiah has fallen for the illusion (the shadow) of our G-d and King.
It is time that we “clean the glass/mirror” and dig deep to find and “see”
YHWH. Thank you to all of those who sojourn with me, blessings in Him!
The Trinitarian nature of Elohim (in Hebrew, plural) has been giving “both” Christians (little Christs- followers of the Way) and Jews (G-d’s chosen people) theological fits for centuries. The Jews (rightly) “shema”: Hear, O Israel, the LORD our G-d is ONE. Fast-forward with me the the New Commentary on the scriptures (the O.T. text) and we will read these words: One LORD, one faith, one baptism,- the LORD (ADONAI to the Jew) G-d. Now “hear” the words of the Messiah: “I and my Father are one.” Now here the (blasphemous?) words of Carl: (for you see, my “confession” is the same as His): I and my Father are (now) one. I am in blood-covenant union with my Creator, Maker, Redeemer and Friend.
G-d (Elohim,-plural in the Hebrew) is the Father, He is the Son, and He is the Ruach Hakodesh- the Holy Breath. I, Carl, am also a Father, I also am a son, (son of my father) and I too, am a friend and a brother!-The doctrine of the triune nature of Elohim (in the Hebrew, plural) is well-established. Listen, (once again) to His words: “Let us make man in our image”- “us?” Who is us? (pardon my incorrect syntax) “Us”, dear friends is Elohim, a plurality in unity- our Elohim (in the Hebrew, plural) and yet we read again, the words of the Messiah, the LORD Jesus who is the Christ, the Annointed: “I and my Father are one.” Hear, O Israel, the LORD (our ADONAI) is one.”
No, it just ain’t gonna fly…… pull apart the three-fold nature of our Elohim, and everything collapses into chaos. G-d is the Father. G-d is the Son. G-d is the Ruach HaKodesh, -the Holy Breath. These three are ONE. You cannot have one without the other! Sorry, we are not allowed to “pick and choose,” the LORD is ONE. How may these things be? How is this “possible?” Friends, we would do well to remember, He is G-d and we are not. Maybe He is a little bit bigger than our comprehension? (or a lot bigger!)
I am convinced, convicted and completed by this thought: G-d’s favorite number (if He has a favorite) is “one.” “For G-d was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.” -“the two shall become one flesh.” Who did we, Jew and Gentile, (myself included), crucify upon Calvary’s cross? We, my guilty friends, willingly, knowingly killed our Creator, G-d incarnated into flesh.
Yes, I hear the excuses and reasonings: “I wasn’t there, I wasn’t part of the mob scene- but nevertheless, -it was my sin that held Him there..until “it’ was accomplished. Again.. it wasn’t nails that held Yeshua to the tslav, it was love, a love sadly, often beyond our human comprehension. When we see G-d, (and we will see Him whom we have pierced), we will know Him by the nail-scars in His hands. We will look upon Him whom we have pierced and we will weep for Him. Friends- “it is written..” It is going to be- amen.
Ephesians 2:14 For He himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
Ephesians 2:16 -and in this one body to reconcile both of them to G-d through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility.
We (all) are reconciled to G-d through the cross of Yeshua (G-d the Son) and we also are reconciled to each other, “both” Jew and Gentile, making us (you and I) one new creation and united in blood-covenant union with Christ, Himself. The cross of Christ, “both” at the same time, also separates and unifies. The ground is level at the foot of the cross and anyone (myself included) may come and kneel and receive the blessing(s) of salvation- freely offered to “whosoever will.” The cross of Christ is “inclusive.” The Jew may come and know the Messiah. The Gentile may come and receive “both” forgiveness and adoption. We “both” Jew and Gentile will be made into one, radically transformed and consciously and consistently, radically renewed, revived, and rejoicing- new “creatures.” My friends, “if any man” (Jew, Gentile, male, female,Barbarian, Scythian, (what’s a Scythian?) bond, or free, fat, skinny, rich, poor, Republican or vegetarian) be “in Christ,” he (or she) is a new creation. -I’m not who I was, and beloved, by the grace of G-d, I am not who I am becoming, for every day that passes I am growing (more and more) -all by His provision, known as Providence in earlier times, into the fulness of Elohim, our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and (blood-covenant) Friend.
Yes, He did say that.
Skip, I’m a little confused on this one…
Could you help carify for me. If it wasn’t the original text than what was in the orginal text?
Thx
The original didn’t have this verse at all. Just read the text WITHOUT the verse. Some modern translations have corrected this error.
Skip,
Clarification. You say here “it didn’t have this verse at all” but did you mean to say it did not the words you highlighted. This would carry into the earlier words in v. 8 as well?
And did you mean to say “the original” or did you intend “earlier manuscripts”?
All the words that I highlighted are not in the early manuscripts. Check out the verse in NASB to see the change.
I’m pretty sure you’re NOT suggesting that the three are not one, but just wanted to check it out.
I think this is your way of nudging us to do more of our own research rather than accept what we read or hear without question.
Right????
I’m pretty sure that I’m suggesting that we cannot rely on a naive acceptance of the text, especially since we have plenty of history now that demonstrates how much of our “holy” Scripture has been altered, even fabricated, by men who had other motivations.
Do you think the concept of the Trinity is fabricated?
See the works of Tertullian of the 3rd century.
“Do you think the concept of the Trinity is fabricated”
Hi Judy,
Seems to that there is no trinity in scripture, just one God.
The t or tav is a mystical concept within Judaism, and the cross has mystical connotations.
To grossly oversimplify, seems to me that the cross was used to create a new religion.
We know it as Catholicism; in the name of the father, son, and holy ghost.
Protestantism is a derivative of Catholicism.
And all of it was originally “fabricated” by Jewish intellectuals and priests.
Only one small point to make. I won’t comment on the Trinitarian issue yet, but I would point out that Judaism is a “religion” (I don’t like to use that term) of a prophetic tradition. In this sense, it is not fabricated. It is revealed to the prophets who speak it to the people. This is quite different than Christianity AFTER 300AD. Regardless of the origin of Christian thinking (most of which is still part of the Jewish concept of a revealed prophetic tradition), Christianity after 300AD seems to be more and more the result of certain intellectuals who altered the Jewish prophetic tradition in order to accommodate Greek philosophical development. Perhaps that’s why Christianity after 300AD progressed in the form of creeds and theology while Judaism retained its hold on practice instead of theological development. There is a lot of evidence now that “Christian” believers were not recognizably distinct from Jewish believers through the 4th century. The intellectuals of the Gentile religion of Christianity formed doctrines and creeds that were intended to separate Jews from Christians and the term “Christian” only became intelligible after the development of these creeds.
So, I might agree with you that some aspects (perhaps some important ones) of Christianity were fabricated, but that does not imply that Judaism followed the same path.
“I would point out that Judaism is a “religion” (I don’t like to use that term) of a prophetic tradition. In this sense, it is not fabricated. It is revealed to the prophets who speak it to the people.”
Hi Skip,
I understand and agree.
My point was that some Jews seem to have fabricated Christianity.
Which has been one of the best kept secrets in Western Civilization.
Skip, I am so thankful for your teachings and your willingness to freely give to us. I do not know Hebrew or Greek, so I can’t easily get into the true heart of the mattter. It continues to amaze me how so many people just accept what their English Bibles say and never question or probe. I guess it’s time for me to start probing more. What would you recommend as a good resource for a starting point? Shalom, Donna
It’s easy to start. Use BlueLetterBible (a web site) to start checking the words. Then get a few good commentaries on crucial books of the Bible and a good lexicon. I have a list of recommendations on my web site.
“Then get a few good commentaries on crucial books of the Bible and a good lexicon”
Do we need lexicons in Greek and Hebrew?
Of course, and be sure that the Greek one gives you the references in the LXX and describes the HEbrew background of the Greek usage. Like Little Kittel
John 5:5 A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.
John 5:6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?”
John 5:7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
John 5:8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet, and walk.”
John 5:9 Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day.
oops that was John 5:7 not John 1:5:7
but a pretty good story in any case, so let me continue:
John 5:10 So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.”
John 5:11 But he answered them, “He who made me well was the one who said to me, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk.'”
John 5:12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk’?”
John 5:13 But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place.
John 5:14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.”
John 5:15 The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
John 5:16 For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath.
John 5:17 But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.”
John 5:18 For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
John 5:19 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does ….
in like manner.
I guess one point to make here, just in common sense terms…
In 5:18 the “Jews” are mis-interpreting Jesus who does not say he is “equal” to the Father
Rather Jesus is saying that he “models” himself on the Father
Seems to me that God is also the father of these Jews who, unlike Jesus, are not modeling themselves the Father.
A very good point, Michael.
“Rather Jesus is saying that he “models” himself on the Father”
Thanks Gayle.
To be a little more specific ….
I might add that Jesus models himself on the Hebrew Words of the Father
In other words, Jesus precisely executes his Father’s commands
To dig, is to live. That’s what I found out. I threw away all my commentaries, stopped reading books “about” the bible, and started digging in. I stand 2 years removed from that decision and have yet to regret it. It was like looking at a steak, smelling the steak, commenting on the steak, and even tasting the steak, just never consuming it. I think different now, and I see things in a whole new light, and there’s a simple confidence in My God I never knew before. There’s another thing also. I’m understanding why it’s an “eternal” word, it’s gonna take us eternity to really get it, but right now, God’s table is not sparse. It’s overflowing and more than amply supplied, but we’ve got to step up.
Robert – You are spot on! On the inside panel of my Bible are two statements, i.e. one written by my wife and one written by me in response. My wife’s statement is: “Dear David, May you find within these pages the wisdom you need as you guide our family. All my love, Faith”. This was written in 1991 before our first child was born in 1994. My response to my wife’s statement was: “Dear Faith and family, My promise before God and you is that I will never treat God’s word idly. Because the words contained in this Book are ‘not just idle words for [me] – they are my life. Deuteronomy 32:47; Prov 4:13. All my love, David.”
I HOPE THIS COMES OUT of this 78 year old laywoman– WITH AN HUMBLE SPIRIT: THIS IS NOT “NEW”— I have for 40 years regularly studied with at least three versions of the Bible–(changing them out through the years,—also using Bible dictionaries, The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible —-Difficult Sayings of the Bible– & many more.
In my NIV Study Bible (The New International Version) the reference ! John 5:7 states, ” The OT law required “two or three witnesses” ( Dt. 17:6; 19:15; see I Ti 5:19). At the end of this verse, some older English versions add the words found in the NIV text note. But the addition is not found in any Greek manuscript or NT translation PRIOR to the 16th Century.—–
(v.9) NIV notes—- God’s testimony. The Holy Spirit’s testimony mentioned vv.6-8
These NIV verses are written like this: ” v (7) For there are three that testify: v. (8.) the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.– V. (9) We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. —V. (10) Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart.——- ——- ——
No, we will not in this world know everything, but if we keep on “Seeking -searching- with all our heart, soul, minds, — —He is a rewarder of those—- Wow what glorious promises from the Lord to All .—-
On another note, Also, may all MOTHERS be blessed this week-end and all those who had a mother. L.B.
Of this I believe we all could agree..- our Bible is no ordinary book. It has (and will) continued through the ages to be a masterpiece of literature. This is but one of the claims this book makes about itself: “For the word of G-d is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” This verse or portion of the Bible is found in Hebrews 4.12.
Upon the temptation or testing of the Christ by Hasatan, (the Adversary), Yeshua replied three times in this way: “it is written.” The words that proceeded out of the mouth of G-d towards one the fallen angels (Lucifer) that He Himself had created were these: “it is written.”
Is there a real devil? My friends- is there a real Christ? and did He really shed real blood on a real cross? Yes, and amen to all of the above. Carl, how do you know these things? The same way you do- “it is written.” We (all) are enjoined (by the word of the LORD- our Bible) to “search the scriptures” and to “study the scriptures”. We will not know the LORD (our G-d), apart from His self-revelation through His own “inspired” words. Do you remember these words, from the word of G-d? “All Scripture is given by inspiration of G-d, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of G-d may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3.16-17).
All scripture is G-d-breathed. Have you noticed (surely I am not the only one), sometimes we read our Bible, and sometimes the Bible reads us! My friends..- how can these things be? Why does this book have such an impact and cause such a fuss even among believers? Because it is a two-edged sword, unlike any other. It is the word of G-d that has proceeded forth out of His mouth, written through carbon-unit fallible creatures and to carbon unit creatures such as myself. Through men and to men, we now are His mouth-pieces to “spread the good-news”, the gospel of Jesus Christ, Redeemer, Savior and everlasting Friend.
Our Bible has this claim concerning itself: Isaiah 40.6: “A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the Breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our G-d stands forever.”
Before I proceed any further, I would like to confess these words: “it is written.” I didn’t make this stuff up, neither did I hear it on the evening news, – I read these words from a book- G-d’s book and I know these words are true, endearing and enduring. Friends, whether we believe it or not, the word of the LORD (our G-d) stands forever.” We may doubt it, shout it, tell all about it, burn it, spurn it, but the word of the LORD will endure forever.” Friends, once again, for the first time- “the word of the LORD endures forever.” Get yourself a “tat” if necessary. Carl, how do you know all these things? How can you be so sure? Same way you do- “it is written.”
Let us view and review our Bible. And the word of the LORD came unto.. Unto who? It matters not. Whether the word of the LORD came unto Amos, or Ezekiel, or Peter, or Paul, or any other “Bible character” – it matters not. What matters is- has the word of the LORD entered your heart? Have you, (Mr. or M’am) heard, welcomed, received the word of G-d? We also (today) may receive and ponder the word of the LORD in our hearts. We (according to the instructions of YHWH) are to “meditate” on G-d’s words. Chew on this for awhile as a cow “enjoys” her dinner for the second time around. We are (according to G-d’s instruction book) “think” on these things. Oh boy!- we get to engage our brains!
We (again for the first time) are to “hearken” and to “heed” the word(s) of the LORD. Old-fashioned words,to be sure, (actually older than we know!), but critical nonetheless. “Shema” is another way of saying “hearken”, -listen and obey. “Hearken”, O Israel. “Listen and obey”, O Israel. As Yeshua said: “if any man” (I qualify) has ears to hear..”
Why should we listen to what G-d has to say? He has spoken. It is written. We have a book of instruction. Our how-to manual, the Lamb’s book of life. We also have been given ONE incarnated into flesh. He, as the living word, gave unto us the physical demonstration of what love and the heart of a servant looks like. When He says, “follow me”- who is this speaking? Does He speak as a man? Or is this G-d incarnate? Again, what saith the scriptures? What does the word of G-d say?
The evidence is overwhelming. Not only have we been whelmed.. – we have been overwhelmed. What an amazing book we have been given. (-understatement of the year award). The Bible is our Him-book. It is a divine romance of epic proportions. Our past, present and future are all openly displayed and made manifest for all to see. “Whosoever will” is G-d’s open invitation. To the Jew first, and also to the Greek, -because G-d so loved the world.. My friends, – it is so, G-d said that, it is written. Amein.
“We aren’t victims of a culture where only the priests had the Scripture.”
New converts are yet somewhat at the mercy of those who are called pastors and teachers, don’t you think? According to the Scriptures, the older, wiser and more learned of communities are supposed to teach the younger. Paul confronts some of these “elders” with this in Heb 5:12. Just a quick glance at today’s Christian landscape and it appears that either the teaching is skewed or the learning is not taking place. The Word of God is sharp and powerful, yes? If that is the case (and it IS!), then another question appears to be in order, is the Word that is being taught, truly the Word of God?
The Spirit is not the apparition (ghost) of a once alive, departed being; it is the concrete evidence of a Creator who wants you/me/us to be blessed. The Spirit and the Word are not divided. We see Christ, honor and love YHWH through the hearing and obeying of His Words of Love! There is no division in His Love..Grace, Mercy, Kindness, Justice, Reward, Wrath, Judgment…it is all because of Him! God is Love!and all that is presented to us in the truth of Scripture brings light. Unity of the Spirit=unity of the Word! Obedience through the Word! Love through the Word! Praise YHWH!!!
Even as I write this, I am still not entirely sure of what this looks like as it is lived out. Our Rabbi Yeshua expounded on the depths of Torah that shocked the religious community and is continuing to do so. I think I have soooo far to go to even begin, however, I am so grateful for Skip and all those who are seeking YHWH’s Kingdom. I love the teachings, the questions, the honesty and transparency of this place!
Blessed is the Name of YHWH and those who search for Him as the deer pants for streams of water.
Shabbat Shalom to All.
We have this promise from the G-d who speaks only truth:
“And you will be searching for me and I will be there, when you have gone after me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
“All your heart.” No room for compromise, no room for doubt, we must whole-heartedly go after G-d. In the book of James the promise is given: “draw near unto G-d and He will draw near unto you” “Come close to G-d, and G-d will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between G-d and the world.” (James 4.8)
We have learned our G-d is a jealous lover and will not abide second place in our hearts. He does not want to be resident, He wants to be president. When He instructs us: “love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” and then goes on to further define these things, as being part of the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (doing, having and being) we see sanctification, or the process of holiness is not quite as easy as we once thought. Our Aliyah/pilgrimage is an uphill climb, but so worth it, “both” as we travel and also in the end, in the place reserved for us, where death is no more and sin, sorrow and suffering no longer exist. Meanwhile -“there is no success without suffering.” It has been given unto us (this is a gift?) not only to believe in Him, but to suffer for His sake. We just have to make sure we are suffering for His sake and not for our own. Much of our suffering today is self-inflicted. Everything from too much of a good thing (I could be a poster boy for this) to “not enough” of what is right.
We have today, given unto us,the full revelation of the G-d who now is. The will, wisdom and ways of G-d are all contained within the word(s) of G-d. What a treasure we hold in our hands, and yet so often our Bibles are gathering dust, while we engage in trivial pursuits.
Another promise we may hold in our hearts is this: “if you abide in me, and my words abide in you- you may ask what you will and it will be given unto you.” We have His permission to pray! and His promise- “ask and you will receive”, seek and you will find, knock (persistently,consistently) and it will be opened unto you.” “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24.32)
The risen Christ is our Teacher. The Author (and Completer) of the Book of books lives within the heart of every child of the King. Quite a claim there Carl. How do you know these things? I’m glad you asked. – “It is written.”
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Breath—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. (John 14.26) While this is still “fresh” I must ask: Who is our Teacher? Who is our heaven-sent “re-minder?” It is the Ruach Hakodesh, the Breath of G-d, the Comforter, our personal trainer. Is G-d good to do this? Isn’t He wonderful? to give us each an “Ezer”, a Help, meet (just right) for us. Now we may understand further what He meant by the words- “without Me you can do nothing..” We are G-d dependent creatures. Amen and amen. I am still discovering (much to my delight) just how G-d dependent I am! And the more I seek Him and the more I discover the delights of His word and the comfort He gives through the blessed Breath of G-d, the more the desire arises and the passion increases for me to seek Him further still and to spend quality time with Him in prayer and praise. We’ve got the “real deal” people, what can we do but praise Him and (again as the scripture says)- “rejoice evermore!”