by Kevin Cauley

There may be someone out there reading this column who has asked at this point, "Why study Greek?" It is a good question. Greek is a difficult language, as is Hebrew and Aramaic. So why study them? Why make things so hard on ourselves?

First, I have heard others ask, "Do I have to know Greek to be saved?" The answer is, "No, you don't have to know Greek to be saved -- but somebody does!" That's right! Somebody has to know Greek; somebody has to know Hebrew and Aramaic too! Why? Because those are the languages in which the Bible was originally written. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek. The Old Testament was written mostly in Hebrew, but a section of the book of Daniel was written in Aramaic. So in order for us, who speak English, (or some other modern day language) to understand the Bible, someone, somewhere has to translate it from Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic, into English. Without them doing that, then we couldn't know the message, unless, of course, we studied those languages and learned them ourselves.

Second, someone needs to keep the translators honest. There are about as many translation philosophies out there as there are translators. Some choose to translate strictly; others choose to translate loosely; some want to paraphrase instead of translate. If no one among us studies Greek, then who will be able to tell whether the translators have done an honorable job in translating? Should we just take their word for it? No! 1 John 4:1 applies to translators as much as it applies to teachers. Perhaps the verse applies more so, because translators are actually claiming to transmit to us the very words of God Himself. Does someone need to know Greek in order to test the translators? Yes.

Third, by keeping an open ear to the original languages, many misunderstandings can be clarified. Take for example Acts 9:7 and Acts 22:9. In Acts 9:7 it says that the men who were with Saul heard a voice. In Acts 22:9 it says that they did NOT hear a voice. Is this a contradiction in the Bible? It is not. Rather, it is the Greek language expressing itself in two different ways. Sometimes the Greek word "AKOUW" means to hear an indiscernible sound (as in Acts 22:9), but the word can also mean to comprehend (as in Acts 9:7). These men heard the sound, but they did not comprehend the message. Knowing a little more about the language helps to clarify such passages.

Finally, the study of other languages can be rewarding in its own merits. The Greek language is a very picturesque language. One of the most picturesque passages in the Greek New Testament that simply does not come across in English is the latter half of Romans 6. The imagery of two armies fighting the eternal battle of good vs. evil really comes to life in Greek. The choice before each is to choose in which army to serve. One army owns a beneficent liberator as Captain; the other army owns an evil despot. One army wields weapons of justice; whereas the other army wields weapons of wickedness. One Captain rewards his soldiers with eternal life; the other merely pays the wages of death. Whose weapons will you wield in the battle between good and evil? The English languages simply doesn't do this passage justice; but in Greek, the picture is as clear as a DaVinci original.

Why study Greek? Indeed, with so many good reasons, why not?

by Michael E. Brooks

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Philippians 2:1,2).

As I write this I am listening to a recording of Bengali classical flute music. I am interested in the many different kinds of music in the world. Music itself is a constant. It is my understanding that all cultures have it in some form. But the instruments and styles of playing differ greatly. The music of Europe, North America, South America, India, China, and other places varies greatly. Also within each culture there may be much difference in popular, classical, and folk music, to mention only a few types.

Music is simply illustrative of the many differences that exist within and between human societies and cultures. Art, language, food, humor, and every other aspect of life demonstrate similar distinctions. Yet we all eat, talk, and enjoy culture and entertainment. Even within our differences there is common ground.

Which is most important? Do we as people focus more on what we share with others, or how we differ? The answer to this question may determine our relationships and our ability to benefit one another. Wars, arguments, hatred and disagreements in general tend to focus on differences. They emphasize one's own needs and desires and contrast them with those of others. James asks, "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members" (James 4:1)? Though his primary emphasis is the power of uncontrolled desire, he also points out the role of selfishness. I fight with you over what I want, not because of desire for you to profit. Difference divides, isolates, and makes enemies. We see this often in the demonstrations and rioting of special interest groups who subjugate the good of the society as a whole to their own particular cause.

Paul's exhortation to Christians is startling in its contrast. "Have the same love." That is, let each one of you feel the same towards others. Be one, be alike, and be in harmony and love with one another. This is made possible only when we focus on our commonalities, not our differences. We may be of different colors, languages, and customs, but we are all of the same blood and flesh and bone. We may have distinctive tastes and habits, but God made us all, and Christ died for all. Can we not focus on those great similarities, and overlook the little petty things in which we are distinctive? Is this not the appeal of the Spirit, who said, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28)?

There are many kinds and styles of music. Yet we know music is being played when we hear it, regardless of how different it may seem to what we are accustomed to. There is a common element which defines it, and which creates in virtually all styles certain responses within the hearer. So there are differences between people, but none that prevent our mutual recognition and the exchange of "the same love."