It’s all Greek to me!

Double checking your scripture in the original language is not difficult in todays world. Many Greek letters have the same look and sound as our English letters. With a little effort (and Google) you can learn the Greek alphabet and check up on any verse in the original language. An example of how details may be important is a verse like Acts 6:8.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (KJV)

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. (NIV)

The word "xairos" is translated "Faith" (KJV) and "Grace" (NIV) but the Greek actually means "Grace". The difference may be overlooked but

Grace is a gift of God's undeserved forgiveness to men (via Christ) and the power of that gift prompts generosity and mercy toward others.

Faith on the other hand, although a gift from God is belief in God (and His son) which we can grow and bears fruit in the form of good character and good works.

Thus

We are saved by Grace through Faith (Eph 2:8)

The difference is subtle and may get confusing. When one listens one may be tolerant of understandable conflations (combining two ideas) like this but when one is asked to teach one should be more precise.

We should all, within the capabilities God has provided us, rightly divide the Word of God.

You might use the template below to practice and learn the Greek letters to equip you to have confidence that your understanding of Gods word is what was originally intended.

Post by Cameron Smiley