I'm not sure if this is going to be a recurring thread, but I thought I would start a section for just general thoughts in Bible study -- especially in how they relate to current times.
I was reading the following passage this morning that jumped out to me:
In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! "
(Luk 12:1-5 ESV)
Interestingly, my Bible has this section entitled "Jesus warns of false doctrine (leaven) of Pharisees". In my on-going love/hate relationship with this particular version of my Bible, I find this "aid" far less than helpful. In fact, it is almost insidious in its inaccuracy. Jesus did not say that the problem with the Pharisees was "false doctrine". He said, specifically, that it was hypocrisy.
There are many who claim to stand up for the truth, but the truth is not in them. The fruit of their lives makes evident that what they really represent is a lie.
The Pharisees were the religiously devout Jews of their day. Unlike my Bible's study notes would say, they actually had pretty solid doctrine, but they didn't allow it to take root and actually change their lives. They didn't live according to the principles that God had set forth.
Doesn't that sound familiar today with so many so-called "evangelical Christians" who claim the name of Christ but support and promote wars and injustice? I find it most interesting that after that opening, Jesus talks about revealing conspiracies and telling us not to fear those who may kill us. Is this a clue about who all may be behind the Grand Conspiracy today? Remember, it was the outwardly devout but morally bankrupt leaders who condemned and crucified Jesus. Something to think about.
Hypocrisy and arrogance. Both
Hypocrisy and arrogance.
Both seen today too.
I never really thought about that parallel with the Pharisees and modern religion.
But, it's a pretty valid observation.
I never read anything from the ESV.
It seems you are undecided about it.
What are the main things you like and dislike about the ESV so far?
2 Chronicles 7:14
Actually, I don't really have too much of a problem with the ESV translation -- though it does omit a fair number of verses due to manuscript differences (they tend to favor the older manuscripts verses the more established ones used in the KJV). I really like the translation work though as it is very accurate and yet also about as readable as any version I have seen.
My main bone of contention is the fact that it is a Scofield Study Bible, and some of the study notes and section titles I take major issues with. But then there are others that are very helpful. Still, I think I would have preferred different study notes, but this was the only study Bible available in ESV at the time I bought it.