THE BIBLE - A STORY OF SURVIVAL

THE BIBLE SURVIVED OPPOSITION 

HOW THE BIBLE SURVIVED:  King Antiochus focused his campaign on Israel, but the Jews had formed communities in numerous other lands.  In fact, scholars estimate that by the first century C.E., over 60 percent of Jews lived outside Israel.  In their synagogues, the Jews kept copies of the Scriptures-the same Scriptures that were used by future generations, including Christians.  -Acts 15:21. 

During the Middle Ages, lovers of the Bible braved persecution and continued to translate and copy the Scriptures. Even before the movable-type printing press was invented in the middle of the 15th century, portions of the Bible may have been available in as many as 33 languages.  Thereafter, the Bible was translate and produced at an unprecedented pace.

THE RESULT:  Despite threats from powerful kings and misguided clergymen, the Bible is the most widely distributed and most translated book in history. It has shaped the law and languages of some countries, as well as the lives of millions. 

Next time: THE BIBLE - A STORY OF SURVIVAL/THE BIBLE SURVIVED ATTEMPTS TO ALTER ITS MESSAGE

From The Watchtower magazine