The book of Revelation was written before other books in the New Testament and was considered heretic until about 350 AD when the Catholic Church decided to stick it at the end of its "Official Canon" with those verses at the end.
So since the book of Revelation was written separately from the other books (even John's own other books, he "added unto" what had already been written), wouldn't those two verses apply just to Revelation and not the entire Bible?
It was the Catholic Church who defined what the Bible consisted of. Many books/gospels written by reliable sources (Paul's 3rd epistle to the Corinthians, the Gospel of James, the 2nd epistle of Jude, the History of the Apostles, etc.) Isn't it pretty subjective then to say that the Bible is infallible and complete? I mean, the word "Bible" means "the books" and doesn't even appear once in the Bible itself.
Anyway, if someone can get me a better definition of these verses than 'you can't add to the bible', I would appreciate it.
2007-02-15 03:47:17 · 16 answers · asked by James, Pet Guy 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Verse 17 refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His message to all mankind, that for which is hungered.
Verse 18 refers only to the Book of Revelation, not the entire Bible. If the latter would be the case, then everything added after Deuteronomy 4: 2 and 12: 32 would have to be ignored as well.
The Book of Revelation was written by John the Beloved while exiled on the Isle of Patmos. This book inspired of God was added later to the books that became the Bible.
2007-02-15 04:01:53 · answer #1 · answered by Guitarpicker 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
1. The book of Revelation was written around 95 A.D.,and was the "last" book not the "first". I have never heard any Bible scholar say they believe it was written before the mid 70's. Almost no one will accept a date before 93-95.
2. Revelation was accepted by the churches as soon as it left John's hand. There were few that that were skeptical. There were 5 books that were suspect in the early church, but their authenticity was settled mid 2nd century.
3. The catholic church decided what books went into "their" version of the Bible around1660 at the 'Council of Trent' , not before.
4. There were many documents written by many people, including Apostles, that was not considered as scripture. They were never intended to be part of the Bible-that is why they are not included.
5. So, the phrase stands as is. Your assumption that it was written before the other books is wrong.
Where did you get the info that Revelation was written first??
2007-02-15 04:09:24 · answer #2 · answered by Terrence J 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not add or delete anything in the Book of Revelation; this Book is esspecially important, because although many people do not understand it, it covers a long period of time; it goes back to the age that was, the war in heaven/earth, covers this age, and even goes into the eternity. Then in addition to that, it zooms in to the end generation so that you:
1. have the seals of truth in your forehead (your brain) this is the seal of God. If you don't have it, Antichrist will probably deceive you.
2. It tells the trumps, or the executed actions that will take place, and what you should be doing when they take place.
3. It tells you exactly when Christ will return (the true Christ, not the fake) which is exactly 3 and one-half days after the two witnesses are killed in the arena set up in Jerusalem.
If someone adds or deletes from this Book, they will have done the work of Satan, directly, because the information contained in it is absolutely necessary for Gods Election, who expect to get delivered up before Antichrist as a witness for the true Christ.
2007-02-15 03:56:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The book (The Bible) is different from the rest of the books, because the Bible is inspired by God, so you can only apply this to The Bible or just to the book of Revelations, but at the end, is all the same, because the Word of God is the Word of God and if you add to the old or new testament is wrong. You can also read Matthew 5:18 or 1 Timothy 3:16.
God Bless.
2007-02-15 03:56:43 · answer #4 · answered by Gabo 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have always understood what John wrote in Revelation to mean "this book" meaning "the book of Revelation." Not the books of the Bible.
This is the King James Version
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Rev. 22:17-20
2007-02-15 04:02:14 · answer #5 · answered by Jeancommunicates 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes contextually this is referring to the book of Revelation. Now the book was not considered heretical until A.D. 350. Sorry but you are misinformed on that. The meaning of the command is straight forward. That is not to remove or add any content to the book/letter.
Though this Scripture does not specifically refer to the entire Bible, it sure isn't a bad Scripture to apply to the etnire Bible.
2007-02-15 03:55:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
First of all - I believe however the bible came to be, it was the work of God. I believe God had people working together to create what we call the bible. God has put people in the right place at the right time all throughout history.
Secondly - The placement of Revelations is perfect. Its the "end" times. The placement of the phrase at the end is perfect. There are many many many other places in the bible that say not to add or take away from the gospel that has been given, so it doesnt work just to take the last couple of verses out of the bible so you can add or take away stuff.
Galations 1
2007-02-15 03:53:12 · answer #7 · answered by Soon2BMommy 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Those verses, or rather variations on them, are a common addendum to many early books, especially those of a prophetic nature. They mean what they say. Basically, leave this book alone, turkeys. In this case, it does not refer to Scripture as a whole, merely to the visions John describes in the Revelation itself.
Look at it this way. You have this nifty vision. You write it down. And some jerk comes along and rearranges it for his own purpose. Hey! That's YOUR vision, NOT HIS!
See what I mean. You try to put the fear of God into anyone who'd be so bloody rude, that's all.
Hope this helped.
2007-02-15 03:55:35 · answer #8 · answered by Granny Annie 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It applies to just the Book of Revelations as you stated.
Have you noticed how no other prophet or apostle has been given the same authorization or instructions to write about the 2nd coming like John?
2007-02-15 03:51:47 · answer #9 · answered by daisyk 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is talking about the Revelations that were given to John in the Book of Revelations. Do not add to or take away from the revelations contained in this book, the book of Revelations.
2007-02-15 03:52:39 · answer #10 · answered by jeff c 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋