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Textual Changes Supporting the Trinity

Apr 3, 2025

Lecture Notes: Trinitarian Changes in Biblical Texts

Introduction

  • Discussion on the textual corruption by Trinitarians to support the concept of the Trinity.
  • Mention of variations in English translations like Wycliffe, Tyndale, and King James Version (KJV).
  • Focus on seven instances where changes were made to support the Trinity.

Example 1: 1 Timothy 3:16

  • KJV: "God was manifested in the flesh."
  • Earliest manuscripts: "who was manifest in the flesh."
  • Difference between "who" and "God" is significant, altering the subject.
  • Mention of Bruce Metzger's commentary on the potential accidental or deliberate change.

Historical Context

  • Period filled with debates, councils, and creeds.
  • High stakes in debates could lead to excommunication or death.
  • Possible invention of proof texts under pressure.

Example 2: John 1:18

  • Comparison of translations:
    • KJV: "the only begotten Son."
    • ESV: "the only God who is at the father's side."
    • Berean Literal Bible: "the only begotten God."
  • Discussion on the term "only begotten God" vs. "only begotten Son."
  • Influence of Alexandrian text type during high Christology debates.
  • Church fathers like Irenaeus, Clement, and Tertullian quoted as reading "Son."

Example 3: Epistle of Jude

  • Oldest manuscripts: "Jesus delivered the people out of Egypt."
  • Variant: "The Lord saved a people out of the land of Egypt."
  • Old Testament consistently uses "Lord" for the exodus event.
  • Early church fathers did not mention this variant.

Notable Mentions

  1. Titus 3:6
    • Earliest: "Through Jesus Christ our Savior."
    • Later: "Through Jesus Christ our God and Savior."
  2. Hebrews 13:20
    • Early: "Our Lord Jesus."
    • Later: "Our God Jesus."
  3. John 19:40
    • Early: "Body of Jesus."
    • Later: "Body of God."

Johannine Comma

  • Difference in translations:
    • ESV/NIV: "There are three that bear witness in heaven: the Spirit, the water, and the blood."
    • KJV: "The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost."
  • Considered a later addition, not present in early Greek manuscripts.
  • Widely regarded as a corruption to support Trinitarian doctrine.

Conclusion

  • Encouragement to question assumptions and prioritize truth over doctrinal bias.
  • Emphasis on loyalty to God and Jesus Christ over church doctrines.

Call to Action

  • Engage with the content by commenting and sharing.
  • Promote truth and critical examination of scriptural texts.

Full transcript