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Why is the Bible called the Bible?

The book known as The Torah, which translates to The Law, was authored by Moses.

Over time, numerous texts penned by educated Jews were incorporated.

The merging and translation of these texts into Greek occurred in Alexandria, a city established by Alexander the Great. Following his demise, leadership of the Egyptians passed to one of his generals, named Ptolemy, under whom Greeks began to settle in Alexandria.

The population of the city included over 300,000 Greeks and an even larger Jewish community.

The collection of texts comprising the Old and New Testaments became known as the Bible, derived from the Greek term for books, “biblion.”

Egypt emerged as the largest Christian hub worldwide, hosting the most extensive library of its time. Here, prominent thinkers, educators, writers, and theologians convened to discuss Judaism and Christianity. Following the Roman conquest of Egypt, initial violence against Christians ensued, but eventually, the Romans embraced Christianity.

It wasn’t until 200 AD that the first Bible in Latin was produced. The Romans, upon adopting Christianity, disseminated the Bible throughout Europe.

As the Roman Empire began its decline, it split into eastern and western parts, with the west centered in Constantinople. The western empire chose Latin and Greek as its primary languages and maintained ties with Egypt. Ultimately, all Arab nations succumbed to the Muslim armies, which marginalized Christians in Greece, Egypt, and Constantinople during the seventh century.

However, the modern Bible, encompassing both the Old and New Testaments, can largely be attributed to translation and transmission by the Greeks, supported by devoted Jews and Egyptians at the renowned library of Alexander the Great. Many historical works and manuscripts originally preserved in the library were allegedly lost due to destruction by invading Muslim forces.

Currently, Egypt hosts a Christian population exceeding ten percent, while Greece has transitioned away from being a Muslim-majority nation. Once viewed as the center of the world, Egypt remains positioned between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Today, it continues to symbolize hope for peace amidst turbulent times. Its historical capacity to embrace Jews, Christians, and Muslims coexisting in harmony serves as a model for contemporary superpowers. After all, it endured the Greeks, Romans, and Persians and emerged resilient.

Is the Bible a meaningful gift for us during these challenging times, or merely a work of fiction?

By Professor P.T. Brown

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