Scripture engagement leads to knowing God—and lives changed forever. Now more than ever, Americans need to know God’s Word and the hope we have in its transformative message. The State of the Bible is a yearly, in-depth study, asking Americans their opinions and practices relating to the Bible, all made possible by generous supporters like you.
These Bible insights can provide critical information and give you direction for your Biblical ministry to help better serve the needs of people in your community.
Is it true that the King James Bible was published on May 2, 1611?
Is it true that the King James Bible was published on May 2, 1611? — R.M., by telephone The King James Bible was certainly published in 1611, but the exact date of its release remains unknown. Since 1557, all new books published in England had to be registered with the stationers' company of London, and the date of their registration…
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Was the Gospel of John Written Later than the Synoptic Gospels?
Is there any internal Scriptural evidence that the Gospel of John was written later than the Synoptic Gospels? — Robert Randle, by e-mail I would call your attention to two things that point to a later date for John's Gospel. First, there are three passages in John's Gospel that allude to the banning of Jewish believers in Christ as the Messiah…
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Did ABS Print a Special Pony Express Bible?
Is it true that ABS printed a special Pony Express Bible? How many Bibles did ABS distribute by 1860? — Kathie Kurth, by e-mail In 1861, American Bible Society made a grant of 300 Bibles “to Messrs. Major and Russell … for distribution among their men.” The recipient of the grant was the firm of Russell, Majors and Wadell, best remembered…
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When Did Publishers Start Printing Red Letter Bibles?
I am doing some research on Bible translations, and I was wondering when publishers started printing “red letter” edition Bibles (Bibles with Jesus's words in red letters). Do you know when and where (and even why) this practice began? — The Rev. Peter Nafzger, Hugo, Minn., by e-mailAccording to Gerald C. Studer, the editor of Bible Editions and Versions (formerly…
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Please tell me the definition of a Saint?
The term “saint” is often used to describe a person of exceptional holiness, formally recognized by the Christian Church, especially by canonization. Canonization is a solemn declaration by the pope in which a deceased member of the faithful is proposed as a model and intercessor to the Christian faithful and venerated as a saint on the basis of having lived…
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King James Version vs. Contemporary English Version
How does the King James (KJV) Bible translation compare to the Contemporary English Version? I have always been told to stay with the KJV but want to understand the Bible better.— Lesa M. Holmes, by e-mail The King James Version (KJV) is a very accurate translation of the Bible that was done by an eminent team of scholars 400 years…
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