Anonymous
Ebook | Pages: 1255 pages Rating: 4.48 | 1929 Users | 100 Reviews
Particularize Of Books Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version
| Title | : | Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version |
| Author | : | Anonymous |
| Book Format | : | Ebook |
| Book Edition | : | Catholic Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 1255 pages |
| Published | : | (first published June 1st 1972) |
| Categories | : | Religion. Christianity. Christian. Reference. Nonfiction |
Interpretation Concering Books Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version
Final ReviewSo, this is it. Today, I finished reading the Holy Bible. Cover to cover. I spent a total of 20 months reading all the 66 books. I read almost everyday save from those days when I did not feel like it. Most of those days were during the time that I felt disillusioned or uninspired. I started reading this in 2010 with a group of friends but they stopped one after the other so I was left without reading buddies.
Was it worth the time? DEFINITELY YES. I now feel closer to God. I am happy that I tried and happier that I succeeded. I am not saying that I understood everything. Some books, chapters or passages are too deep or with historical background that I either have no idea or not interested or tired to even look them up, so I guess I missed those. (I can read this again, right?) Even if I stopped and went very slow in my reading, I just could not understand them. I prayed for the Holy Spirit (and I hope I had it during most of my readings) to intercede but I was not still convinced of my interpretations. Maybe they are not meant to be understood now and God will reveal their meanings to me later. This book has been by my bedside and in most mornings, my first book to start my day with. The book, now tattered and the black cloth cover starting to fall of, has been with me in my out of town trips. This has been to Quezon, Pampanga, Baguio, Cebu and recently Davao. This book has lowered and stabilized my blood pressure and made me feel happy and contented during the days of sadness and uncertainty.
How can this book not get 5 stars from me? Even if I read this solely on its historical perspective, this is still amazing. Wiki says that this book is the best-selling book in history with approximate sales estimates ranging from 2.5 billion to 6 billion, and annual sales estimated at 25 million. No other book, even those by Shakespeare or Agatha Christie can beat that, right? Written by many authors over a course of a thousand years, there is no other book (I think) that covers the scope of this book.
Why did I read this book? I started reading this with 500+ books in my read folder and I told myself: What's the use of having all those books if I have not read the Book of Books that is for us Catholics is none other that the Holy Bible? Now that my read books are 700+, I am proud that one of those is this book. Many classic and contemporary books are based on this anyway so, even for that reason, why not?
My review for each of the 66 books:
Book #66 : The Revelation to John
The final book of the Holy Bible. Yay! Revelation comes from the Greek word apokalypsis which means "unveiling" or "revelation."
This book contains different visions that even with God's graces, I do not understand and I don't think I should understand. It uses symbolism and visions that are hard to comprehend and I am sure generations after generations tried to decipher these also. The anti-Christ as "666" has been said to be the computer language but I heard it when I was a boy and nobody can prove it yet. Mussolini and Hitler were said to be the first two anti-Christ but after reading The Burden of Guilt last week, I am not really convinced that Hitler could be a worthy opponent pitied against Jesus. No match, really.
Revelation uses three literary genres: epistolary (chapters 1-3), apocalyptic and prophetic. Apocalyptic is in terms of the symbols and metaphors such as the angelic mediators, strange visions and the divine judgment. Prophetic in terms of what what the book really is. It foretells the future but it does not tell specifically what. It just gives us an indication that the believers will be rewarded and the non-believers, i.e., sinners?, will be punished.
Using the Greek Septuagint, John makes 348 allusions, or indirect quotes, from 24 canonized books of the Hebrew Bible, predominantly from Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and Psalms. The narrative of the terrifying and boastful beast that rises out of the ocean, has many horns which represent kings, and which is thrown into the fire, derives from Daniel 7. The beast from the Book of Revelation combines body traits from all four beasts mentioned in Daniel 7. The description of the angel who gives the revelations derives from Daniel 10:5-6; the four horsemen derive from Zechariah (Zechariah 6:1-8); the lampstands and the two olive trees that represent two men derive from Zechariah 4:1-14; the four living beings derive from Ezekiel 1 and Ezekiel 10; the edible scroll that tastes as sweet as honey derives from Ezekiel 2:8-3:2; the marking of people on the forehead to determine who will be harmed and who will be spared derives from Ezekiel 9:3-6; and the locusts that look like horses and have teeth like those of lions derive from the book of Joel.
The paragraph above tells us that the visions are not just found in this book but already appeared in the earlier books. This tells us that John the Evangelist has basis for these visions as he is a learned man and knows the Bible well.
Many movies have been created with Revelation as the basis. Many of those are horror stories and they are made to scare the readers. However, if you are prepared to die, who should be afraid? We will die sometime soon or later and we have to be prepared anytime. God takes what He has given.
Book #65 : The Letter of Jude
The penultimate book in the New Testament and was believed to be written by Jude, the brother of James the Just (who wrote Book #59). This book reminds the reader to live a virtuous and faithful life and warns against denying God and succumbing to the pleasures of the flesh. It is one of the shortest books in the Bible, being only 25 verses long. Unlike the earlier letters, this one is encyclical in nature as it is not addressed particularly to anyone but the writer hopes that this will be circulated and read in all churches. It warns the readers about the doctrine of certain errant teachers to whom they were exposed. Examples of heterodox opinions that were circulating in the early 2nd century include Docetism, Marcionism, and Gnosticism.
Book #64 : The Third Letter of John
Yey! The shortest book in the Bible! Kind of personal since John addressed this to Gauis whose name has been mentioned in the earlier letters of Paul, Gauis being one of his companions. In the letter, John seems to be telling Gauis to go with Demetrius who is new to the place where he is evangelizing. Also, to warn him against Diotrephes who refuses to cooperate with the presbyteros who is writing.
Book #63 : The Second Letter of John
This again warns against people who belive in docetism: “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.” Going further than the 1 John, that Jesus did not have a body but only a spirit. So, see how tainted minds can progress from their claim in the first letter to this one.
Book #62 : The First Letter of John
Written to counter docetism or that belief that the resurrected Jesus was just a spirit and his body was a phantasm (a ghost). John, the apostle of Jesus and the author of the gospel (Book #44), asks the people to live full lives knowing that as believers of Jesus they are promised to have an eternal life.
Book #61 : The Second Letter of Peter
Quotes from Jude (Book #65) heavily, identifies Jesus as God and warns the people of being heretic just because the Second Coming that was foretold did not happen. He said that people should be wary of false prophets. He explained that the Second Coming was delayed to give people the chance to right their evil ways.
Book #60 : The First Letter of Peter
Peter was the #1 apostle and he became the first bishop of Rome (or Antioch). The letter is addressed to the countries that now part of Asia such as Turkey and ex-USSR members and is addressed to Gentiles rather than Jews. He advises these people to be steadfast in their beliefs especially in times of persecution.
Book #59 : The Letter of James
Believed to be written by James the Just and he was neither one of the two disciples of Jesus called James the Son of Zebedee (who was martyred in 44 CE) or James the Son of Alphaeus (who was not a writer). James the Just was said to be the half-brother of Jesus. This letter, like most of the letters in the part of the Holy Bible, reaffirms the believers of the Second Coming and promises their salvation through Jesus Christ.
Book #58 : Letter to the Hebrews
Basically, this book affirms to the Hebrews that Jesus Christ is the mediator between God the Father and his believers.
Book #57 : The Letter of Paul to Philemon
One of the shortest books in the Holy Bible. Onesimus is a man's barong brand here in the Philippines and I did not know that it is a biblical name. Paul wrote this letter/book in prison in behalf of Onesimus who used to be Philemon's houseboy. Onesimus seems to be in the same prison as Paul so he is trying to patch up the difference between the master and his slave.
Book #56 : The Letter of Paul to Titus
Paul's last pastoral letter. This time to Barnabas' partner, Titus who was said to be the first bishop of Crete (small island in the Meditterean Sea).
There is a part here called Epimedes Paradox and is being used by philosophers: ""One of themselves, a prophet of their own said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beast, lazy gluttons." This testimony is true."" The prophet, Epimedes is also a Cretan so he is also a liar. Therefore what he says here is false. Got it?
Book #55 : The Second Letter of Paul to Timothy
Another instruction-like short letter from Paul to his ward (son) Timothy. There is a sad part here where Paul predicts his persecution and death. It reads: "For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing." Nice, isn't it? How I wish that on my dying bed, I should be able to say those words.
Book #54 : The First Letter of Paul to Timothy
The next three books are letters of the mentor Paul to his mentee Timothy so these are called pastoral letters. Sweet. Paul was originally Saul of Tarsus, a Jew while Timothy's father was a Greek. Timothy saved Paul during the latter imprisonment (in Acts) so their relationship is not only that of mentoring but also undeniably friendship bonded by their belief on Jesus Christ. I actually read this part to my wife last weekend: "For love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs." Now, my wife hesitates to ask for money from me. :)
Book #53 : The Second Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians
Yay! This book has this verse that was used by Lenin as an adage in Soviet Union (the one in bold letters): "For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: "If any one will not work, let him not eat." For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work in quietness and to earn their own living."If only all people will work honestly and not deceive others to earn a living.
Book #52 : The First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians
Said to be the first letter Paul wrote and so this is somewhat personal in nature with only a few passages talking about the doctrine. Then there are parts encouring the people of Thessalonia that they have to purify their lives, reminding them that their sanctification is God's will for their lives and to be steadfast on their belief to God.
Book #51 : The Letter of Paul to the Colossians
This letter is addressed to the people of Colossae, a small city in Ephesus (now part of Greece). The content has many similarities with the messages in Ephesians. This is the reason why the scholars are sure that this letter was also written by Paul and not by anybody who was his fan. During the time of writing, people of Colossae have incorporated rituals for other Gods and Paul gives some sort of a warning that they should stick with Jesus as the only way to the Father.
Book #50 : The Letter of Paul to the Philippians
Philippi was a place in Macedonia (Greece) and it was said to be where the first congregation in Europe was founded by Paul. In this letter, Paul introduces himself and his friend Timothy to them including their present whereabouts. Then it evangelizes on the requirements for sanctification and some doctrinal issues.
Book #49 : The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians
This book emphasizes that the church is the Body of Christ. It also contains very practical and useful tips on daily living especially the roles of each member of the family. Although it has similarities in the other succeeding letters, it his here where the most frequently quoted verses that have made imprints in my mind as a father are:
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body."I actually liked this particular passage because St. Paul likened the Christ's love to his church to that of the man liking his own body and his wife.
Book #48 : The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians
Timothy has reported to his friend Paul of Tarsus that the situation in Corinth has not improved from the latter's last visit. So, Paul is writing this letter with a saddened heart and threatens to come back with a stick. So, the mood of this book is very personal yet firm. However, it still conciliatory as Paul continues to encourage the Jews and Gentiles alike to believe in Jesus Christ to get to the Father.
Book #47 : The First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians
Who does not love these verses?
Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hope all things, endures all things.Beautiful, isn't it? That's St. Paul writing to the Corinthians, said to be the place where he founded the church. Corinth (the place) is now part of Greece but Wiki said that he wrote this in a place which is now part of Turkey.
Book #46 : The Letter of Paul to the Romans
The book starts the letters of Saint Paul to the people living in the different areas in the biblical world. This one is to the Romans and if I understand it correctly, must be the people living not only in Rome but also in Italy. Just like an ordinary letter, Paul's thoughts are in it but it is unstructured and can go from one topic (praising the Holy Father) to others (the promise of salvation to Jews and Greeks - remember that St. Paul was originally targeting the Gentiles in propagating the faith, the way to the Father through Jesus, etc. He used to be a Jewish persecutor before he got converted as told in "Acts" so this letter has that "feel" of introducing himself to Jews as a reformed man and now an evangelist.
My favorite passages: "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord." (Rom 12:9&10).
Book #45 : The Acts of the Apostles
- Read on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, April 7 & 8, 2012
After reading four books about Jesus, this book overwhelmed me. This is quite new to me. The Catholic Church (my perception) focuses its teaching mostly on Jesus Christ, particularly his stay on earth. Even the books and the movies are mostly centered on Jesus Christ.
So, it took me two days to finish this book. I even bought a commentary book that explains "Acts" to me. That's the only time I understood this book's content particularly on what happened to the Twelve after their Master, Jesus Christ, went up to heaven. Judas Iscariot was replaced by Matthias but the apostles are not just the twelve. It now includes St. Paul whose life became the center of this book.
I will review that commentary book separately maybe today or tomorrow. For now, on to "Romans" but it is also somewhat new to me. I need to have that book in the series too.
Book #44 : The Gospel According to John
- Read on Good Friday, April 6, 2012
I am not sure if the silence of Good Friday contributed to depth of my appreciation of this gospel. I am certain of one thing though: John is the better writer among the four. In the end of his book is a statement saying that he was an eyewitness so that added to the credibility of his account. Why he even had the conversations or actual dialogues captured in his book. There is so many moving parts like Jesus washing the feet of Peter and I was like struck with awe since I liked those exchanges very much.
I have been attending Sunday masses since the time I was a kid. My mother was the one who used to bring me to church. Now it is my wife's job. I am normally immersed in my books on weekends so sometimes I feel lazy going out on Sundays.
In the Holy Mass, they read some chapters or verses from the Bible so I have been hearing those stories. Here in the Philippines, sometimes churches even dramatize those scenes (like the washing of the feet). There are also passion plays on the street and of course those movies. So, all in all, I know the story of Jesus Christ.
However, there are still somethings that were made clear by my reading of this book: (1) It was Passover when Jesus was crucified; (2) The Jews hated Jesus for his blasphemy, claiming that he is the Son of God. Wait, was this the reason why Jews were killed by Hitler? I have to read the history of Holocaust to answer this; (3) For me, Jesus did not answer some questions because they were almost the same, i.e., repetitive or he already knew His destiny - to die for our sins. So even if He explains himself or even if he creates miracles to prove that He is the Son of God, He is destined to die on the cross as prophesied by Isaiah.
Reviews of the earlier books, from #1 Genesis to #43 The Gospel According to Luke, are in my tumblr.
Point Books During Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version
| ISBN: | 1594170347 (ISBN13: 9781594170348) |
| Edition Language: | English |
Rating Of Books Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version
Ratings: 4.48 From 1929 Users | 100 ReviewsDiscuss Of Books Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version
Read Book of Job, Genesis, Ecclesiastes, Judges, Kings, and Exodus of the Hebrew Bible. Read Matthew, Luke, John, and Romans of the New Testament.I received my first Bible, the Revised Standard Version, as a gift for my confirmation. I was proud of it, and placed it on my bookshelf, but I did not read it. When I did start reading, it was the Good News Version, the Gospel according to Matthew, a chapter a day. This was a devotional reading, looking for a word from God into my life. But it was also unsettling, as I became more familiar with the man Jesus from Nazareth, who made some radical claims I had never heard before in church. At that
Yes, believe it or not, I did read the Bible a few times. The RSV version being in a language closer to 20th C english than the traditional King James Version (KJV) and less colloquial than the New International Version (NIV). It is, well, the version with all the apocryphal books left out. As a piece of literature, it has its moments (primarily Psalms and Proverbs) where it is poetic, and then there are the humanistic quotes from Solomon and Jesus, as well as all the famous fables in Genesis,
This is the best book
Final ReviewSo, this is it. Today, I finished reading the Holy Bible. Cover to cover. I spent a total of 20 months reading all the 66 books. I read almost everyday save from those days when I did not feel like it. Most of those days were during the time that I felt disillusioned or uninspired. I started reading this in 2010 with a group of friends but they stopped one after the other so I was left without reading buddies.Was it worth the time? DEFINITELY YES. I now feel closer to God. I am happy
Final ReviewSo, this is it. Today, I finished reading the Holy Bible. Cover to cover. I spent a total of 20 months reading all the 66 books. I read almost everyday save from those days when I did not feel like it. Most of those days were during the time that I felt disillusioned or uninspired. I started reading this in 2010 with a group of friends but they stopped one after the other so I was left without reading buddies.Was it worth the time? DEFINITELY YES. I now feel closer to God. I am happy
I want to address some of the recurring comments about the bible that I find quite odd."This is the word of god!" -As a secular person I don't believe that; I believe that the bible is mythology that is largely based on historical events and is one of the most influential documents on western civilization."Authors seem to change between books, inconsistent narrative" -Yes, the bible is a series of many separate books, written by different people, hundreds of years apart."The book is Racist,
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