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Q: In Acts 26 verse 28
Agrippa tells Paul, Thou almost persuadest me to be a
Christian-this seems to be the King James version of the
Bible. However in the New International Version, which seems
to be very popular and regarded a more accurate version of
the Bible, it states in that same verse, "you didn't think
you could change my mind in such a short time."
Many years ago My mother in law gave me an old booklet with John
Wesley's sermons. One of these was entitled "almost persuaded," and
how
many people are stranded at that level. It has been 40 years, and this
sermon
is still my favorite. So that is why I was surprised by this new translation
of
the Bible. Can you help me?
A: Thank
you for writing. Though I was not able to answer you last week,
your question sparked my mind in several directions and one sermon has
already come from it. You mention a sermon by John Wesley called "Almost
Persuaded." However, you also reminded me of an invitation song
I have
known and sung over the years by the same name. Not only is the doctrine
of Acts 26:28-29 altered by the New International Version, its basis
for
sermons and songs has also been destroyed. Here is a comparison of Acts
26:28-29 in the two translations:
King James Bible - "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest
me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou,
but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether
such
as I am, except these bonds."
New International Version -
"Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you
think
that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?' Paul
replied, 'Short time or long--I pray God that not only you but all who
are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these
chains.'"
One thing that struck me as I read this is what damage the new versions
have done to the body of biblically-based matter that has built up over
the previous centuries. I would argue that removing the concept of
Agrippa being almost persuaded harmfully changes the doctrine of this
passage. Now he is pompous and boldly resistant to the pleas of Paul--not
almost persuaded. But something else is done as well. The biblical
foundation for the sermon you mentioned, the song I know, and thousands
upon thousands of similar sermons and songs throughout the years has
also
been destroyed. If a congregation uses the NIV, they no longer have any
reason for singing "Almost Persuaded." If the NIV is right,
then that
song is wrong.
Now, if that were the only song effected, that would be bad enough. But,
the truth is, our entire corpus of Bible literature, sermons, songs,
and
more is being attacked. There are other examples. Since "Calvary" does
not occur as a word in the NIV, there is now no basis for songs or church
names that use this beautiful and meaningful word. We sing a song called
"Are you Washed in the Blood?" But the NIV removes the Bible
wording that
speaks of being washed in the blood. I greatly enjoy an old song called
"Come and Dine" (John 21:12) taken from the post-resurrection
appearance
of Christ when He said this to His disciples. But in the NIV, they are
told, "Come and have breakfast." It just does not work.
I am not even referring to the correctness or incorrectness of the
translation. I know that technically, statements in other languages can
be honestly translated in many different ways. Perhaps this is the case
in these instances. I have not studied it out. However, no matter what,
our 400-year-old heritage of songs, sermons, sayings, and more that have
been taken from the wording of the English Bible is being destroyed.
This, I am convinced, is intentional. The "new" worship cannot
flourish
with the "old" Bible. As the versions take more and more liberties
with
the text, I see those foundations being destroyed. And then, what will
the righteous do? Thank you for pointing this passage out for me.
Till He comes,
Pastor David Reagan