The Bible through the Ages

Abstract

In this comprehensive study, Professor Richard D. Balge traces the transmission, preservation, interpretation, and authority of the Bible from its origins to the modern era. Originally presented as a lecture series at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, the work explores the formation of the Old and New Testament canons, the role of apocryphal and pseudepigraphal writings, and the meticulous care given to textual preservation by Jewish scribes and Christian scholars. Balge examines the development of biblical interpretation across five historical epochs, highlighting the shift from allegorical methods to grammatical-historical exegesis, especially during the Reformation. He also discusses the translation and dissemination of Scripture, from the Septuagint and Vulgate to vernacular Bibles and modern mission efforts. The final section addresses challenges to biblical authority, including legalism, subjectivism, rationalism, and Catholic tradition, reaffirming the Lutheran principle of sola Scriptura. Balge’s work is both scholarly and pastoral, offering a rich overview of how God has preserved and proclaimed his Word through the centuries. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)