The Pope Changes the Text of the Lord’s Prayer

The Pope has approved changing the Lord’s Prayer from “lead us not into temptation” to “do not let us fall into temptation”.  This was not done on textual grounds, but from a “theological, pastoral, and stylistic viewpoint”.  Excuse me, but since when does that trump the biblical text?

https://www.christianpost.com/news/pope-francis-approves-change-to-the-lords-prayer-despite-opposition-its-deeply-problematic.html

History of the Text

I looked at several English translations going back to Tyndale (1534) and they all have the traditional reading.  The reason is that the Greek text is clear and there are not even any textual variants for that verse.  All Greek textual traditions read the same.  The only other possible translation I can see is “may You not lead us into temptation” which emphasizes the subjective mood of the verb, but that doesn’t address the Pope’s concern.  Continue reading

God Is Not Done with Israel

Deuteronomy 4:31  (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

These words were spoken by Moses to the children of Israel.  They communicate one general fact and three facts which are specific to the nation of Israel.

The general fact is that God is merciful.  This is true for the Jews and the Gentiles.  Regardless of who you are, God is merciful. Continue reading