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 PrintableVersion Illustrated Bible (KJV)Seize the day!ILLUSTRATED BIBLE It’s the 400th anniversary of the Authorised Version, otherwise known as the King James Bible. Prince Charles is the Patron of the King James Bible Trust (http://www.kingjamesbibletrust.org), which is organising special anniversary events. Its Mission Statement declares that it aims to ‘Reflect the global importance of the King James’s Bible and the role it has played in spreading the English language around the world’. Already, TV programmes have examined the linguistic, literary, cultural, social and political impact of the KJV both in Britain and other Anglophone countries, notably America. True focusOf course, while secular elements will highlight the cultural importance of the KJV, evangelicals will want to focus on the spiritual aspects of the commemoration. After all, this was the Bible used by Whitefield, Edwards and Spurgeon, and other giants of revival. However, we should also consider that the KJV, in its majestic, poetic language, so influenced everyday life among English-speaking peoples — even in ordinary, secular literature — that it aided the process of evangelism in past times, since so many of the phrases and thoughts of the KJV entered into everyday speech — e.g. ‘a time and a place for everything’. People were instantly familiar with the language when they heard the words of an evangelist. Often, even people who were not regular churchgoers had a family Bible — normally the KJV. Sadly, this is not so much the case today. The commemoration is therefore a golden opportunity for evangelism, as there will be so much attention given to the KJV. Churches can utilise this occasion by holding special evangelistic events, such as exhibitions outlining the history of the Bible in English, with special focus on how the KJV came to be translated, and how it affected the English-speaking peoples in a variety of ways — above all, spiritually. The Trinitarian Bible Society has published an excellent pamphlet by C.P. Hallihan called The Authorised Version: A Wonderful and Unfinished History, which would be a good educative tool to accompany such events. A helpful giftOn a more personal level, a copy of the KJV could be given to non-Christian friends and relatives on special events this year, such as birthdays, weddings, etc. Collins has issued an excellent Illustrated Bible which would be a perfect gift for such occasions. In clear, reasonably-sized print with 92 plates, featuring paintings on biblical themes by famous artists such as Rembrandt and Dali, it is probably the best present to give to non-Christians in 2011. Some of these paintings will be very familiar to evangelicals, such as the renowned depiction of Jesus as The Light of the World, by William Holman Hunt, in relation to Revelation 3.20. Hopefully, this gift might lead the recipients to consider not just the aesthetic qualities of the illustrations, but also the spiritual import of the text. The publishers are to be commended for producing such a superlative edition of the KJV for the commemoration. Muslim exceptionHowever, there is one exception to the list of non-Christians to whom it should be offered — Muslims. The latter are often uncomfortable with depictions of living creatures, still less religious figures, even if they are not icons but rather simply artistic portraits, as with the case of the Illustrated Bible plates. Another reason relates to polemics and apologetics. Ever since Ahmed Deedat published his infamous works 50,000 Errors in the Bible, Is the Bible God’s Word? and Combat Kit against Bible Thumpers, Muslims have used the KJV to attack Christians. This is because of textual issues in the KJV, notably 1 John 5.7: ‘For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one’, and the longer ending of Mark 16 (i.e. v.9ff). It is well known that these are late in origin, not forming part of the original text of the New Testament. Muslim propaganda uses this as evidence that the Bible has been changed. The earliest manuscript in any language containing the so-called ‘Johannine Comma’ of 1 John 5.7 comes from the tenth century. It doubtless began life as a comment in a margin, and was misunderstood by a scribe copying the manuscript as belonging to the text. Unfortunately, Erasmus was pressured to include it in his Textus Receptus, which formed a major basis for the KJV. Drinking poisonSimilarly, the longer ending of Mark 16 is clearly secondary. F.F. Bruce described it as a ‘catechetical summary’, the context of which is clearly taken from other NT texts, such as Acts 28.3, where Paul shakes off a snake, and an early report of miracle involving Joseph Barsabbas (in Papias), where he survived drinking poison. The reference to poison is a favourite of Muslim missionaries and polemicists — in some cases, they ask: ‘Are you a real Christian? Then turn to Mark 16.18’, inviting Christians to prove that the Bible is God’s word by imbibing some deadly drink. Such Muslims are often crestfallen when told that the chapter actually ends at verse 8! It is important to inform Muslims that since the KJV was published, older manuscripts have been found, which did not include, for example, the ‘Johannine Comma’, and so scholarly integrity demanded that new translations take into account these discoveries. At any rate, Muslim scholars acknowledge that copyist errors also affected Qur’anic manuscripts. It is important to clarify to Muslims that ‘versions’ of the Bible refers to different translations, not to mutually contradictory editions, which they are usually taught to believe in regard to the NIV, etc. After all, there are distinct translations of the Qur’an into English, such as Pickthall and Yusuf Ali. Hence, it is vital to explain to Muslims that Christians do not believe in the infallibility of any translation, however good, but rather in the original text. Defending ScriptureIn conclusion, 2011 presents us with a rare opportunity, when the English-speaking world will be giving detailed attention to the Bible. It is quite possible that Muslim propagandists will respond to the KJV anniversary with a new assault on the Bible, but Christians can use that attack to defend the veracity of Scripture. Both cases give us favourable conditions to highlight the spiritual demands of the Bible, and proclaim it as God’s word. Dr. Anthony McRoy,
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