Wesley Huff, a Bible scholar and historian who focuses on early church history, joins to clear up widespread misconceptions about the Bible. He debunks the myth that the Bible was formed at the Council of Nicaea, clarifying earlier recognitions of the New Testament. Huff also discusses the misconceptions regarding the Roman Catholic Church's role in the Bible's development and the myth of the King James Version being the most accurate translation. Additionally, he examines the mysterious Book of Enoch and its historical significance.
The myth that the Bible was compiled at the Council of Nicaea is debunked, as historical evidence shows the canon was recognized earlier.
Claims that the Bible has changed significantly over time misunderstand its early history, as the canon was widely accepted by the second century.
The assertion that the King James Version is the most accurate translation overlooks advancements in scholarship and access to more ancient manuscripts.
Deep dives
Myth 1: The Council of Nicaea and the Bible's Formation
The claim that the Bible was compiled during the Council of Nicaea is a misconception. Historical records show that the council, held in 325 AD, primarily addressed theological disputes rather than the canon of scripture. Documentation from the council acknowledges the authority of existing New Testament texts, indicating that the books of the Bible were already recognized well before this gathering. Thus, the notion that significant books were removed or that the Bible was determined at Nicaea lacks historical evidence and is more of a modern myth.
Myth 2: The Bible Has Changed Over Time
Another myth surrounds the idea that the Bible has undergone extensive changes, particularly regarding books being added or removed. In reality, the Bible was traditionally understood as a collection of separate documents, with distinct books circulating independently throughout early Christian history. By the second century, there was a consensus on the 66 books that make up today's Old and New Testaments, despite debates over other texts. The differences seen in the Protestant and Catholic Bibles stem from historical discussions about the canon, not arbitrary removal or alteration of scripture.
Myth 3: The Catholic Church Gave Us the Bible
The assertion that the Catholic Church is responsible for providing the Bible overlooks the complex historical dynamics at play. The formation of the canon was not the result of a singular institutional decision, as it predates the established authority of modern Catholicism, which emerged later. Instead, early Christians recognized sacred texts already being used within their communities based on criteria such as apostolic authority. Thus, it is misleading to claim that the church created scripture; rather, scripture played an integral role in shaping the church itself.
Myth 4: King James Version as the Best Translation
The belief that the King James Version (KJV) is the best or most accurate Bible translation fails to consider the advancement in biblical scholarship, languages, and manuscript discoveries since the 17th century. While the KJV has had a significant cultural impact and remains a beloved translation, more recent translations utilize a broader range of ancient manuscripts that enhance accuracy. Additionally, language evolves over time, and many words used in the KJV have shifted in meaning, making contemporary translations more accessible and relevant. Therefore, while the KJV is valuable, it is not necessarily the best choice for understanding the Bible today.
Myth 5: The Book of Enoch Belongs in the Bible
The Book of Enoch is often cited as a canonical text, but its inclusion in the Bible is debated among scholars and within the Christian tradition. While it offers historical insights and reflects Jewish thought during the intertestamental period, its origins are not aligned with canonical scripture, and it would later be historically distant from the authentic Old Testament texts. Furthermore, the fragmented and late copies of the Book of Enoch undercut its authority, especially when juxtaposed with the established scriptures that the early church recognized. Although it may provide interesting cultural context, it does not hold the status of divinely inspired scripture in Christian faith.
There's a lot of strange stuff out there about the Bible. So I interviewed Bible scholar and historian Wesley Huff to give some clarity on this topic.
Timestamps: 03:59- Myth #1: The Bible was put together at the Council of Nicaea, where books were taken out. 09:39- Myth #2: The Bible has changed over time, especially with books being taken out, texts changing, and the Catholic Church having a different “Bible” than we do. 32:23- Myth #3: The Roman Catholic Church gave us the Bible. 45:50- Myth #4: The King James Bible is the Best and Most Accurate Bible. 56:51- Myth #5: The Book of Enoch Belongs in the Bible.
👀WATCH👀: ●Which Bible translation is "best?": https://youtu.be/F-88_GXsV9k ●Is the KJV superior?: https://youtu.be/GLZwzY-pBMg ●Cultish Interview about the Book of Enoch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7xgmzGuvfE
👇Info for Wes👇:
●Website: https://www.wesleyhuff.com/ ●Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesley_huff/ ●YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJX2EazMKUqBQV048px2aoA ●First Episode of "Can I Trust the Bible?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm4_ZvIvIj0 ●Apologetics Canada: https://apologeticscanada.com/
