Not long ago while I was doing my morning Bible reading/study, I came across this verse:
Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Although we have presented a series of ten lectures on The Divinity of Christ (using the word “Divinity” as synonymous with “Deity”), from time to time something leaps off the page/screen at me.
Whether I have covered this particular verse or not, I cannot recall; nor do I wish to take the time right now to “fine tooth” my previous lectures to look for it. If I have already taught about this instance, let this be just another portion to be added to understanding its truth.
For it occurred to me that those who deny the deity of Christ might point to this verse as supporting their view… as though, since it says that Christ was “the beginning of the creation of God,” that means that Christ was the first thing or being that the Father created.
Therefore, they would reason that since Christ was created at some point back in the eons of time, they would contend that he cannot be co-equal and be very God Himself who, by definition, has always existed.
We disagree. They do err, not knowing (understanding) the Scriptures.
Let’s dig into it a bit deeper. The word beginning is from the Greek word, arche {ar-khay'}. It occurs 58 times in various forms in the KJV. It is rendered “beginning” 40 times. But notice the variety of meanings for this Greek word.
QUOTE: 1) beginning, origin 2) the person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a series, the leader 3) that by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause 4) the extremity of a thing 4a) of the corners of a sail 5) the first place, principality, rule, magistracy 5a) of angels and demons. END QUOTE from my BibleWorks software whose definitions are compiled from a host of scholarly works, not merely Dr. Strong’s fine but elementary lexicon.
Notice the first definition: 1) beginning, origin. Not once have the KJV translators chosen to use the word origin for arche which would have been the correct choice in this case. In fact, the word origin or originator is not found at all in the KJV.
Yes, I am pointing out a shortcoming in the KJV. And I state this with full cognizance that I am still in the beginning stages of demonstrating in a series of essays (blogs) why we recommend the KJV as one’s primary reading and study Bible.
Despite having been accused of being “King James only” by another minister, I have never advocated for using the King James Version exclusively. This deficiency in the KJV is one of numerous examples why I encourage every believer and Bible student to follow this admonition.
KJV 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Therefore, to preclude those with Arian tendencies from thinking that this verse supports the Christ-as-a-created-being position, this verse could and should have been rendered thusly.
Bruggeman Translation: Revelation 3:14 And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the Originator [or Source, First Cause] of the creation of God:
Here are a couple of other versions as examples:
Ferrar Fenton Version (FFV): Revelation 3:14 To the messenger to the assembly in Laodicea write: “Thus says the Veritable, the Faithful and True Witness, The Beginner of God’s creation.”
New Revised Standard Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation:
“Origin” being understood there to be the Originator. For Christ was/is the Originator, the First Cause, the Creator of everything, as confirmed here.
KJV Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
And do not let that phrase “firstborn of every creature” cause any doubt of the deity of Christ either; that is a separate study in itself. I could go on for many pages, but alas, the clock waits for no one.
Have a blessed weekend!
~END~
