Over the past few decades, there have been many challenges to the Bible. Some people discount it entirely, and even some who claim to be believers question its authority, accuracy, and inerrancy. A lot of the confusion today comes from misunderstandings about how we got our Bible. There are memes floating around social media that present false premises, particularly regarding translations like the Geneva Bible and the King James Bible. I was recently asked about this, and while I gave a short answer at the time, I wanted to take some time to expand on the details of Bible translation and transmission.
Translation vs. Transmission
When we talk about translation, we’re referring to taking the Bible from its original languages (Hebrew and Greek) and translating it into another language. Modern translations like the ESV or CSB are based on original Greek manuscripts for the New Testament and Hebrew manuscripts for the Old Testament, striving for accuracy to the original text.
On the other hand, transmission refers to how the original message was passed down through history. The New Testament, for example, was written by the apostles and their associates, often dictated to scribes (called amanuenses). After dictation, Paul or another apostle would review the manuscript for accuracy. Once approved, the scribe would create multiple copies—one for himself, one for Paul, and one for the church receiving the letter. As that letter was passed around, more copies were made and distributed.
Unlike controlled, centralized texts, this process of transmission was organic. No single authority controlled the manuscripts. Instead, copies spread across regions, making it impossible for any one entity—government or otherwise—to collect and alter all copies.
The Codex and Early Christian Manuscripts
One of the unique things about early Christians is that they used the codex (a book format) instead of the traditional scrolls. Archaeological evidence shows that manuscripts written in codex form were largely considered authoritative Scripture, while those in scroll form (like apocryphal writings) were not. This suggests that the early church recognized and preserved the books they considered divinely inspired.
Understanding Bible Translations
Not all translations follow the same methodology. Some strive for word-for-word accuracy (like the ESV), while others focus on thought-for-thought readability (like the NIV). Paraphrases, such as The Message, are not translations from manuscripts but rather personal interpretations based on English translations.
Regarding the Geneva Bible vs. the King James Bible, the Geneva Bible relied heavily on the Latin Vulgate and earlier English translations, rather than going back to original manuscripts. Because of this, some errors carried over. The King James Version (KJV), on the other hand, was based on the Textus Receptus, a collection of Greek manuscripts available at the time. While the KJV translators referenced other translations, they worked primarily from these original language sources.
One of the reasons King James commissioned a new translation was because he disliked the Geneva Bible’s Calvinistic study notes, which aligned with Reformation theology. While the Geneva Bible was influential, King James wanted a translation without those theological biases.
The Trustworthiness of Scripture
Despite differences in translations and minor textual variants, the overwhelming manuscript evidence shows that we can trust the Bible we have today. As archaeologists continue to find more manuscripts, we get even closer to the original text. Scholars estimate that the New Testament is 99.9% textually accurate, with remaining differences mostly involving minor spelling variations or phrasing, none of which affect core doctrines.
For example, some early manuscripts of Revelation record the Mark of the Beast as 616 rather than 666. Additionally, the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) and the longer ending of Mark (Mark 16:9-20) are marked in modern translations because some early manuscripts do not include them. These passages are acknowledged transparently, showing that translators are honest about the manuscript evidence.
Did Constantine Decide the Bible’s Contents?
A common myth is that Emperor Constantine or the Council of Nicaea decided what books belonged in the Bible. This is false. The early church recognized authoritative writings long before formal councils ever discussed them. Early lists of New Testament books, like the Muratorian Fragment (2nd century), confirm that Christians already knew which books were Scripture. The writings of early church fathers also affirm this.
Some, like Andy Stanley, claim that the early church didn’t have a Bible. That’s misleading. The early church had the Old Testament, and by the early second century, they were already circulating much of the New Testament. Paul’s letters and the Gospels were read and copied widely.
Conclusion: Why This Matters
Understanding how we got the Bible helps us to trust its accuracy and authority. The process was not controlled by a single institution but was instead an organic transmission of Scripture across many regions.
God’s Word carries His authority. It was recorded by ordinary men whom God used to communicate His truth. While minor variations exist, they are well-documented and do not alter the Bible’s message. As you study Scripture, it’s important to be aware of translation methods, compare versions, and utilize Bible study tools like Logos Bible Software or the Faithlife Bible app to dig deeper.
The Bible wasn’t dropped from heaven, but God preserved it through history. It has been faithfully transmitted, and we can be confident that what we read today is God’s Word. As we engage with Scripture, we should do so with care, reverence, and a desire to know Him more.
If this topic interests you, I encourage you to explore it further. A deeper understanding of biblical transmission and translation will strengthen your confidence in God’s Word and equip you to respond to the challenges of our culture today.
Tim Carter graduated from Southwest Baptist University in 2010 with a B.S. in Economics and Finance. He began serving at Cornerstone Baptist Church in June of that same year as the Student and Administrative Pastor, a role he held full-time until 2019. During that time, Tim transitioned to serve as a Lay Elder and Executive Pastor, continuing his dedication to Cornerstone in a volunteer capacity. In 2022, he returned to full-time ministry as the Executive Pastor.
Tim holds a Master’s degree in Christian Apologetics from Columbia Evangelical Seminary and has actively engaged in defending the Christian faith through moderated debates, academic presentations, and apologetics conferences. He enjoys deep theological discussions and interacting with cults and speculative theologies, driven by a passion for equipping believers and fostering a deeper understanding of the Christian worldview.