Why Should Christian Learn New Testament Greek?

That a knowledge of the New Testament in its original language is a thing to be desired by intelligent Christians none will question. No book can be thoroughly known in a translation only; and the Bible, although is known to be “the most translated book in the world,” is no exception.

Before the invention of the World Wide Web, many persons have no opportunity for studies so extended and difficult. Are they therefore, to be forbidden to all access, save through translators, critics, and interpreters to the words inspired by God?

2 Timothy 3:16

πασα γραφη θεοπνευστος και ωφελιμος προς διδασκαλιαν προς ελεγχον προς επανορθωσιν προς παιδειαν την εν δικαιοσυνη

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

An Address To The Clergy

(2.) Do I understand Greek and Hebrew? Otherwise, how can I undertake, (as every Minister does,) not only to explain books which are written therein, but to defend them against all opponents? Am I not at the mercy of every one who does understand, or even pretends to understand, the original? For which way can I confute his pretence? Do I understand the language of the Old Testament critically at all? Can I read into English one of David’s Psalms; or even the first chapter of Genesis? Do I understand the language of the New Testament? Am I a critical master of it? Have I enough of it even to read into English the first chapter of St. Luke? If not, how many years did I spend at school? How many at the University? And what was I doing all those years? Ought not shame to cover my face? (John Wesley’s Works (1872 Jackson ed.), Vol. 10, page 491)

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