The Unfolding By Betty Crabtree

March 09, 2025

Did you know there are over 900 translations and paraphrases of the Bible? The New Testament has been translated 1,726 times in various languages. Since Tyndale’s English in 1526, there are approx. 900 different English Bibles. The New American Standard Bible (NASB) and Literal Standard Version are the most popular or well known. Putting all that aside, I like to compare the probably 7 or 8 versions I have when writing these articles. Let me give you some verses you can ponder on. For instance, Matthew 5;13-16, KJV says, let me begin with verse 14; “You are the light of the world (believers in Christ Jesus). A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden”. (The commentary says believers become lights of divinity in the cosmos; Greek word meaning the world; and in the social system of men) See Mt. 4;16.

Following is from the Message Bible, “Here is another way to put it; you’re here to be a light, bringing out the God colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I have put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand- shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives.

By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” The purpose of all good works among men is to glorify the Heavenly Father.

I am really glad that I can have confidence in the Word. I like Phillipians 1;6, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Hebrews 13;21 says so too.