Mark,

If your congregation is Korean, do you have a version in that language they can also use, to help with the English, at least for those who have some proficiency in Korean?

There are two issues: first, if you give them the NIV or TEV or either the old or new Living Translation, they will come across the margin notes indicating the "oldest and most reliable" manuscripts don't have this or that, right away introducing them to the confusion extant in modern versions and criticism. I suppose there is no avoiding it — even in Africa, in a remote area — I had students coming to me asking me about the margin notes and/or absence of certain verses in their versions (the class had been issued ESVs before I arrived). It is a Pandora's Box that has been opened, and must be dealt with. I was forced (by these circumstances) to teach a class on the field of textual criticism today, and concerning reliable Bibles.

I use the KJV because there is no other version near as accurate; Jay Green's Modern King James Version I am not absolutely sure about. I am using it more now to examine it. The NKJV is far and away better than the modern versions, but it has its faults. So there is no sure replacement at this point.

I relate to you having folks whose first language is not English. You have three choices, it seems to me: either go with a modern version and suffer the doubt you will introduce into their minds by giving them Bibles with omissions and destructive notes; or use the NKJV or MKJV (there are editions of the former without the textual notes -- which notes I happen to like, but not all do), although the language of either is a bit more complex than the older KJV; or 3), use the KJV and educate them to the language of the church. If you taught Shakespeare you would teach them an older English as well as the newer. It is really not so tough.

I teach my folks (African, Hungarian, Romanian, Filipino, Greek — the Arabic congregation is a different ball-game) English (along with Bible) from the NKJV and the AV.

I try to make it vitally interesting to them: through the words/promises of God's Book, we actually draw near to Him who is the Lord of Glory, and we receive the gift of His amazing wisdom and insight, and abide in His love.

Hope this helps.

-----

Nigel,

I would be interested in taking a look at what you have done with John's Gospel. And I would give you comments on that.

Steve

__________________
Steve Rafalsky
Elder, International Evangelical Church (Reformed)
Limassol, Cyprus

"I am set for the defense of the gospel" (Philippians 1:17)

"Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious
power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness..." (Colossians 1:11)