Should I Say Yeshua or Jesus?
The names "Yeshua" and "Jesus" both refer to the same person: the Son of God, the Savior of the world. "Yeshua" is the Hebrew name for Jesus, while "Jesus" is the Greek transliteration of that name. The question of which name to use often arises among those who want to understand the cultural and historical context of Jesus' life and ministry. Both names are biblically valid, and the choice depends on the individual's emphasis—whether they want to emphasize Jesus' Jewish heritage or the name used in the New Testament Scriptures.
The name "Yeshua" is the Hebrew name that Jesus would have been called during His time on Earth. It means "salvation" or "the Lord is salvation." In Matthew 1:21, the angel tells Joseph, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” The name Yeshua aligns with this promise of salvation, as it reflects the very mission of Jesus' life. Using the name Yeshua can help Christians connect with the Jewish roots of their faith and understand the significance of Jesus' earthly identity.
The name "Jesus" comes from the Greek form of Yeshua, which is "Iesous." The New Testament was written in Greek, and the name "Iesous" is used throughout the Gospels and epistles. While "Yeshua" may carry more of the original cultural and linguistic weight, "Jesus" is the name recognized worldwide in the Christian faith, as it is used in nearly all translations of the Bible. Jesus is the name that has been proclaimed in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and is used to spread the gospel around the world.
Ultimately, both names refer to the same person—Jesus, the Savior. The choice between "Yeshua" and "Jesus" may depend on cultural, historical, or theological preferences. Both names carry deep significance, but for Christians, the important thing is recognizing that Jesus (or Yeshua) is the Messiah who came to save humanity from sin. Whichever name is used, the focus should always be on the person and work of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
What Is the Symbol with Jesus’s Name?
What Is the Symbol with Jesus’s Name?One of the most recognizable symbols associated with Jesus’ name is the Chi-Rho. This ancient Christian symbol combines the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ, "Χριστός" (Christos), represented by the Greek letters Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ). It serves as a monogram for Christ and was widely used by early Christians to signify their faith.The Chi-Rho in Christian HistoryThe Chi-Rho became a prominent Christian symbol after Emperor Constantine reportedly saw it in a vision before the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. It has since been used in church art, vestments, and manuscripts as a declaration of Christ’s authority and presence.Other SymbolsOther symbols associated with Jesus include the Ichthys (fish symbol), representing His role as Savior, and the cross, symbolizing His sacrifice. These symbols serve as visual representations of Christian faith and the message of salvation.Why This MattersSymbols like the Chi-Rho and Ichthys help believers identify with their faith and share the message of Jesus. They connect Christians to the early Church and its enduring witness to the gospel.
Was 1 John 5:7-8 Added to the Bible?
Was 1 John 5:7-8 Added to the Bible? 1 John 5:7-8 is a controversial passage that has been the subject of much debate among scholars and theologians. The passage, particularly verse 7, is known as the "Comma Johanneum," and it reads, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." This verse, which appears in some translations of the Bible, is believed by many to support the doctrine of the Trinity. However, the authenticity of this verse has been questioned, as it is not found in the earliest Greek manuscripts of 1 John.The Manuscript EvidenceThe earliest known Greek manuscripts of 1 John, including Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, do not contain the words found in 1 John 5:7-8 in their current form. The passage appears to have been added later, likely in the 4th or 5th century, as a part of a Latin translation. Most modern Bible translations, such as the NIV, NASB, and ESV, place the phrase in a footnote or omit it altogether due to its lack of early manuscript evidence.Theological ImplicationsDespite the later addition of this passage to some versions of the Bible, the doctrine of the Trinity is still clearly taught throughout Scripture. The concept of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit being one is found in other biblical passages, such as Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His followers to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." The absence of 1 John 5:7-8 in early manuscripts does not negate the biblical foundation for the Trinity, as the doctrine is clearly present in other parts of the New Testament.Conclusion1 John 5:7-8, particularly the phrase that affirms the Trinity, was likely added to the text in later manuscript traditions. While this addition does not diminish the truth of the Trinity, it is important for Christians to understand the historical and textual background of the Bible they read. Regardless of the variations in specific translations, the Bible consistently teaches the reality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God in three persons.
What Does the Bible Say About Jews?
What Does the Bible Say About Jews?The Bible provides a significant amount of teaching regarding the Jewish people, both in the Old and New Testaments. Jews are God's chosen people, and much of the biblical narrative centers around God's relationship with them. In the Old Testament, God makes a covenant with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the Israelites), and in the New Testament, the Jewish people play a pivotal role in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.The Covenant with the JewsIn the Old Testament, the Jews are chosen by God to be a holy people. In Deuteronomy 7:6, God says, "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth." The Jewish people are given the law, the prophets, and the promise of a coming Messiah, who Christians believe was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.Jesus and the JewsJesus himself was born into a Jewish family, and throughout his ministry, he interacted with Jewish people. Jesus emphasized the importance of loving God and loving one’s neighbor, teachings that align with Jewish law. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus says, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." While Jesus was rejected by many Jewish leaders, he is the fulfillment of the Jewish hope for a Messiah.ConclusionThe Bible portrays Jews as God's chosen people, with whom He made a covenant and through whom He brought salvation to the world in the person of Jesus Christ. The Jewish people are central to the Bible's message of redemption and God's ongoing plan for the world.
What sinner hung around Jesus?
Jesus and Sinners Throughout His ministry, Jesus spent time with sinners, demonstrating God's love for all people, no matter their past. One of the most notable sinners who interacted closely with Jesus was Matthew, a tax collector. Tax collectors were often despised for their perceived corruption. However, Jesus called Matthew to follow Him, as seen in Matthew 9:9 (KJV), "Follow me. And he arose, and followed him." The Message of Redemption Jesus' relationships with sinners like Matthew, Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5-10), and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11) reflect His mission to bring salvation and redemption to all, not just the righteous. Jesus consistently demonstrated that He came to call sinners to repentance (Mark 2:17).