A Message from the Translator
Welcome to the 2014 release of The English Majority Text Version New Testament. This latest edition finds the EMTV in paragraph format, with a single column text. Also, for the very first time, the EMTV has made a distinction between the poetical and prose portions of Scripture, and have formatted the poetry like traditional Bibles. I hope these minor changes with make the Word of God even easier to comprehend, along with the help, first and foremost, of God's Spirit (without which help no one can understand this awesome and inspiring Book!)
I firmly believe that what you hold in your hands is the closest representation to the original autographs of the New Testament, by having a translation that has its origins in the Byzantine Text type.
This day and age, there is an incredible assault taking place against the word of God, and has attacked all phases of society, including Bible translators. New translations being released are changing God's word to fit into today's society, and to be stylish.
What makes this version different? I will point out that the Byzantine Majority Text Manuscripts are the time-tested, trusted manuscripts that were all this world knew for some 1500 years. These manuscripts were used by Erasmus, Luther, the forty-seven scholars who translated the King James Bible, the Geneva Bible, as well as all the reformers, who refused to incorporate the Latin Vulgate into their editions of the Word of God.
Some 500 years ago, when the first printed text was made, it was no coincidence that God had provided these manuscripts, because these are faithful manuscripts.
This translation is the reading of the “majority” of those same Byzantine Manuscripts that are in existence. Only, instead of the eight or so trustworthy manuscripts that were available in the 1500's, we have hundreds!
To me, the word of God is the only “pure” constant of the universe.
“Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Do not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” (Prov 30:5-6)
It is my prayer that this work will bring honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to our God and Father.
Peace of Christ upon you all as you study the Father's word.
In His Service,
Dr. Paul W. Esposito,
Stauros Ministries
© 2014 Dr. Paul W. Esposito