Tidings for Tuesday

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3

This verse is the subject of great controversy between the two major lines of Bible translation. The King James, and other versions that adhere to the majority of all Greek texts, and in the modern Greek Bible used throughout the Greek Orthodox churches, use the expression ‘the simplicity that is in Christ’. However, the wording is changed in several modern versions that rely on a different Greek text which comes primarily from the Vaticanus manuscript. Such versions as the NIV, the NASB, the ESV, and the RSV change the wording at the end of the verse to ‘the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ’. The meaning is very different. One refers to the simplicity that is in Christ, and the other refers to the simplicity of our devotion to Christ. One makes sense, the other does not. One is the Word of God, the other is a corruption.

The simplicity that is in Christ is a lovely expression that is precious to all believers. Here we might well quote the apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthians: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3). That is the simplicity of Christ! The theological emphasis found in the text of the King James Bible (and many others as well) takes our eyes off of ourselves and focuses our attention on Christ Himself and the simplicity that is found in His saving gospel. The variant text and consequent translation of versions including the NIV, NASB, ESV, and RSV takes our eyes off of the simplicity found in Christ and instead turns them upon our own spiritual feelings. The whole context is twisted out of place. The true words of God are telling us to keep our minds on the simple truths that are found in the true Jesus Christ, and not to be led astray. The variant versions would have us to test our faith, not on Christ, but on our own devotion and zeal. And that contradicts Romans 3:9 – not of works, lest any man should boast. For sure, our devotion and zeal should not be corrupted. But our salvation – and the salvation of others – does not depend on it.

Let us never be deceived into adding or subtracting anything that would corrupt the truth concerning the Lord Jesus. That He is the Christ of God is most important truth of time and eternity. – Jim MacIntosh

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