Information Related to "Questions and Answers - Apr/Jun 2001"
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Question: The Bible didn't always have chapters and verses, did it?
Answer: You are correct in understanding that the books of the Bible, as originally written, were not divided as we find today with chapters and verses. Originally they were written as narratives, stories or letters. Hundreds of years before there were bound books as we have today, the texts of the Bible were preserved on scrolls that would be rolled up for storage.
Prior to the 12th century there were no divisions added to the text of Scripture. But in 1250, Cardinal Hugo divided each of the books of the Bible into chapters. About 300 years later, in the mid 1500s, verses were also added. The purpose is to aid in finding a particular passage, which indeed these divisions do. The drawback is that these divisions often interrupt the thought pattern of the author. So when we read and study the Bible, we need to keep this in mind and look for flow and context from one chapter or verse to the next.
Question: Did Adam have a navel since he was created not born? Did Adam have any sex organs before Eve? Did the animals also live forever before the sin, and if so why do they die since they have not sinned?
Answer: The Bible says very little about your first two questions. The Bible is primarily a book about relationships between God and mankind. In it we learn how God loves us and how He wants us to love Him in return. Through its pages we see how others strove to do this and we are encouraged to do the same. The Bible, as the Word of God, gives us instructions on how to live (Matthew 4:4) and does not include every scientific or historical detail.
Perhaps the best passage we can turn to in connection with these questions is Genesis 1:27. Here we read, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This passage indicates that mankind was created male and female, but says nothing about whether Adam had a navel.
In Genesis 2:7 we note that when God created Adam, Adam became a nephesh--a living being. The same Hebrew word is also used to describe animals in Genesis 1:20. While both humans and animals are living creatures, the Bible says that man was created to rule over "all things" including the animals (Psalm 8:4-8; Hebrews 2:6-8). Furthermore, mankind has been offered the opportunity to become sons of God (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-3)—something not offered to animals.
In addition to the fact that mankind was designed in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) with the potential to become sons of God, the Bible also reveals that at the time of death, the spirit of man goes up to God while the spirit of animals goes down to the earth (Ecclesiastes 3:21). Animals are a wonderful part of God's creation and should be treated with respect, but they do not have the same potential as human beings.
Question: Which is the best translation of the Bible to use?
Answer: The King James Version of the Bible has been widely recognized for hundreds of years as perhaps the most important and accurate English translation, and we have long recommended it as a basic study Bible. But it does have disadvantages. The English wording is archaic and out of date. It also does not reflect the recent discoveries in archaeology and linguistic studies.
Some versions of the Bible, such as the Living Bible, are termed paraphrases because they try to capture the meaning of passages instead of direct word-for-word translations. These types of Bibles can be good for understanding the story flow of a passage, but are not good for technical, doctrinal studies.
Other Bibles, such as the New International Version, try to balance literal translations with an overall story flow. These types of Bibles are called dynamic equivalents.
As for which Bible is best, it depends on whether you are studying doctrine or simply wanting to understand the overall story. All Bible translations have their strengths and weaknesses.
In literature published by the United Church of God, an International Association, we normally use the New King James Version because we believe it is a good, all-around choice written in more modern English. For someone buying his or her first Bible, we believe this is a good selection. Afterwards, additional versions may be acquired to enhance specialized studies.
Question: How should I answer someone who makes me mad? Is there a way to control my anger?
Answer: When someone says something that makes you angry, it may be best not to say anything. If you do speak, the best answer is usually one that will cool the emotions of both parties. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Verse 18 goes on to say, "A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention." We all need to control our anger despite of what others may say or do to offend us.
One of the fruits of God's Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:23). We have to be tolerant of others, always willing to forgive. Don't let the sun go down on your wrath (Ephesians 4:26). In other words, don't harbor grudges that could develop into a harmful attitude of bitterness.
In order to act in a manner pleasing to God, we can pray to God asking for His help. If we do our part to honor Him, God promises to help us (Matthew 21:22; John 14:13).
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