Hi Group! This is Pastor Tim! I apoliogize for the wait for some more EDUCATION! So let's DIVE in!

1. The TWO Cities: Antioch Vs. Alexandria.

Dr. Jack Moorman, who spent many years in researching the question of Bible Versions, has stated that the transmission of the Greek Text of the New Testament is essentially a "tale of two cities," Antioch and Alexandria. Dr. Moorman writes: " Just as surely as the King James Text was woven into the spiritual life of ANTIOCH in Syria, so was the Modern Versions Text in ALEXANDRIA.

Today a person MUST decide whether he/she is more comfortable with a Bible whose roots go back to one or the other of these two cities....certainly Antioch has BY FAR the MOST glorious heritage."

ANTIOCH:

Here was the springboard for the Gentile church. it became the center for Gentile Christians just as Jerusalem was for the Jews. "The disciples were called Christians FIRST in Antioch." (Acts 11:26) Antioch was the center for the outreach of the Apostle Paul and his missionary journeys. Many of the disciples also visited Antioch. Antioch was the "Heartbeat" of Christianity!

ALEXANDRIA:

The place where most of the modern texts and translations originated from. It is true, however, that Alexandria became a center of intellectualism. Such men as Clement and Origen were active in this area. It was also noted as a place where every deviant sect was represented. Religious curruption and false doctrines were prevalent including Gnosticism, Arianism, pagan philosophy, et cetera. Alexandria was the place where intellectuals of Christianity were attracted.

Next time....

The Two Essentials! Be Blessed!
Pastor Tim