Church Education Conference in Fleming – Introduction to the Holy Bible and Its Names

1️⃣ The Names of the Holy Bible and Their Meanings

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the Bible is called by many names such as: the Book of Books, the Book, the Gospel, the Law, the Torah. The Torah refers specifically to the Five Books of Moses, and the word “Law” in Greek means the divine command or statute.

2️⃣ The Meaning of the Word “Gospel”

He shows that “Gospel” has two meanings:

• One of the four written Gospels.

• Or the good news, which Christ Himself proclaimed even before any written Gospel existed.

3️⃣ Correct Understanding of the Word “Gospel”

He emphasizes the importance of understanding terms correctly, since when Paul says “my Gospel,” it does not mean a new book but the message he preached. Likewise, “Gospel of the uncircumcision” and “Gospel of the circumcision” mean preaching to the Gentiles and to the Jews.

4️⃣ The Spread and Translation of the Bible

He explains that the Bible is the most translated book in the world, with hundreds of translations in countless languages, from the ancient versions such as Syriac, Coptic, and the Septuagint, to the modern versions across the world.

5️⃣ God’s Care for the Bible Through History

He describes how scribes in the Old Testament copied the Scriptures with extreme accuracy, changing their pens when writing God’s name and reviewing each copy thoroughly before approval.

6️⃣ Public Readings in the Temple and Synagogues

He notes that the Bible was read publicly every Sabbath so that even the illiterate would hear it, and mentions Christ entering the synagogue and reading from the Book of Isaiah.

7️⃣ Many Fields of Study Developed Around the Bible

He points to numerous sciences built around Scripture: introductions, biblical geography, peoples of the Bible, archaeology, instruments, weights, languages, encyclopedias, concordances, and dictionaries.

8️⃣ Christian Unity Around the Bible

He affirms that all Christian denominations—despite doctrinal differences—agree completely on the Holy Bible and do not dispute its canonical books.

9️⃣ Number of Books and Meaning of the Word “Sefer”

He concludes by stating the number of books as 73 and explaining that the word “Sefer” in Semitic languages means “book.”

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