Who Wrote The Bible?
When I began to research this topic, it was so overwhelming I almost gave up. As I was reading, I thought of Alexander Pope, the famous poet who wrote “fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” But I learned so many interesting facts that I thought I could share them.
So, who did write the Bible? The obvious answer is God, of course. The Holy Spirit inspired the prophets like Moses and the apostles like Paul. Beyond these basic facts, there is an ocean of material that was really intimidating to even begin to discuss. With this in mind, I decided to divide ideas about the Bible and Christian writing into three sections.
During Medieval Europe the Catholic Church and the government were so interconnected that they were called Christendom. Unlike believing in the separation of church and state, they were one and the same. Because of this, the Bible and Christianity permeated all aspects of life at that time. Christian writing dominated all the literature and it could be divided into: The Bible, something called apocrypha and legends, and stories that all existed during the Middle Ages.
The Bible was the literary text above all others. It was, and still is the most widely read and published book of all time. But there was another concept called apocrypha that was defined as Biblical or related writings not formed as part of the accepted canon of scripture of what also might be doubtful authority or authenticity. These works were not believed to be inspired by the Holy Spirit but were encouraged to be read. Some examples of these works include many books like the Gospels of Thomas, Peter, Mary, and Judas. Also included are The Acts of the Apostles written by John, Andrew, Thomas and Paul. (The actual Biblical Act of the Apostle is attributed to St. Luke)
There are also fourteen books in the Catholic Bible that were not in other translations like The King James version or the modern translation called The Way. One of these books called the Wisdom of Solomon or simply The Book Of Wisdom. This book has nineteen chapters that remind me of the Book of Proverbs that gives advice about life and spirituality. I didn’t understand it and won’t pretend to be able to interpret. Like many great books, often a teacher, priest or minister is needed to help understand it. These fourteen books are part of the Catholic canon of scripture that the protestant faith rejects as apocrypha.
In the long tradition of the church, especially after Christ’s resurrection, hundreds of texts were circulated that could best be described as stories and legends. These works were meant to develop character and instill faith in the people of the time. These texts also held great interest for learning about things that weren’t in the Bible. Readers wanted to know more about many things like the life of Jesus growing up, the relationship between Mary and Joseph and the plight Adam and Eve after they were expelled from the garden.
It has also been suggested that since many people believed Jesus Christ would be returning in their lifetimes, they didn’t see the need to write about his life. All the writing of stories and legends helped fill in the gaps the Bible doesn’t describe. Some of these stories include thoughts about Judas. As an apostle according to the story, he frequently stole money meant for Christ’s mission and gave the money to his wife. He originally also took the thirty pieces of silver in order to give this wife as well.
However, as a side note, I once heard of a different reason for Judas’s betrayal. Judas believed that Jesus would miraculously save himself when confronted by Pilate and instill the belief that Christ would create an earthly kingdom. When this didn’t develop as Judas planned, he despaired.
The Bible is often considered to be the most important book ever written in history. I can’t begin to explain things like apocrypha, the Dead Sea Scrolls or other works associated with the Bible and Christianity. My deepest concern is that I might offend someone by even writing about the Bible. However, what I can say with certainty is most books associated with the bible are meant to inspire faith in the reader.
My own belief, to be clear, is that I believe in the divinity of Christ, His miracles and His resurrection. I believe they are historical facts not myths of legends. But I do wish I knew more about Christ’s life after His resurrection. Most movies and stories end with the resurrection and even the Bible specifically mentions only a few instances such as Christ’s interaction with “doubting Thomas.” I’d like to finish today by sharing my poem, “God Knows The Way” taken from my new book Poems of Faith, Hope and Love:
I now can see uncertainty will always be my lot in life.
Yet I sense that equanimity can be practical if I try.
Perhaps it’s just an act of faith that will lead me to my goal.
By trusting God who knows the way in a world I can’t control.
I’ve tried book and philosophies that promise they are true.
But each one that was dear to me sometimes has little use.
Even though I’ve read the words that taught of peace and love,
when I’ve practiced what I’ve learned; their truths were not enough.
Yet I am responsible to be a servant of the Lord.
So doubts are not acceptable, and I must learn to follow through.
Whenever problems fill my day, I must try to be more positive.
Whatever troubles I must face, I will meet with strength and confidence.
(Please remember these are my own ideas, and I’m not attempting to persuade anyone to change theirs.)
*Many of the ideas for this newsletter came from the book, Untold Stories of the Bible, by Dr. David de Silva, Ph.D., and Victor H. Matthews, PH.D. Also from the internet.
Quotes: “The Bible is not man’s word about God, but God’s word about man.” John Barth
“Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without swallowing.” Anonymous
“I believe the Bible is the greatest gift God has ever given to man.” Abraham Lincoln
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