top of page

Which Version?

  • The Rev. Jason Churchill
  • Feb 20, 2019
  • 1 min read

Bible

I often wonder what version of the Bible others are reading. For most folks in the ELCA, it’s the New Revised Standard Version or the NRSV. But in our Bible Studies - particularly Wednesday - we have a plethora of translations. Sometimes there are more translations than there are people!

Many of you probably have heard of the King James Version. Though beautifully poetic, it lacks in translation inaccuracies. I enjoy the Common English Bible, but it has its shortcomings as well. The Message is fun, but by no means should it be taken as the only authority.

One of the best suggestions I have seen is to find a Bible that is comfortable to read and to use that alongside commentaries (notes on the passages explaining historical, cultural, scriptural and theological context). The ELCA (and I) have a great list of commentaries.

Reading the Bible in community is also a great way to study scripture. In fact, according to the ELCA’s Book of Faith initiative, reading scripture in community is considered one of the best ways to understand it.

I recommend one of our many Bible Studies - perhaps even start a new Lenten discipline.

Either way, what Bible translation do you read? Perhaps it might be a good time to come to one of the many conversations - or who knows - start another one.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Jason

 
 
 

Comments


Featured Posts
Recent Posts
Archive
Search By Tags
Follow Us
  • Facebook Basic Square
Lutheran Church Wilmington

As a Reconciling in Christ congregation of the ELCA, we believe that the gospel is God's gift to all people, shared unconditionally and without regard to race, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, socio-economic or family status, age, physical or mental abilities, outward appearance, or religious affiliation. We seek racial equality and justice. In this way, we live into the truth written in Ephesians (2:14)—that Christ breaks down the dividing walls between us and makes us one.

© 2025 St. Stephen's Lutheran Church. All rights reserved.

St. Stephen's Lutheran Church

1301 N Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19806

302-652-7623 office@ststeph.org

 

We are a congregation in the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

 

 

  • Wix Facebook page
  • YouTube Classic
bottom of page