Changes

The greatest writing in the history of the world is the Gospel of John, the Apostle whom Jesus loved the most.  John likely revised and perfected this Gospel for decades before releasing it to others.  As was typical for many of the greatest authors in history, such as Copernicus, John's work was probably not released to the public until he passed away.  Isaac Newton, to take another example, delayed publication of his great mathematical discoveries for decades.  As long as something can be improved and developed further, there is no reason to publish it prematurely, which would confuse people with multiple versions.

The greatest writing in the history of the world is the Gospel of John, the Apostle whom Jesus loved the most.  John likely revised and perfected this Gospel for decades before releasing it to others.  As was typical for many of the greatest authors in history, such as Copernicus, John's work was probably not released to the public until he passed away.  Isaac Newton, to take another example, delayed publication of his great mathematical discoveries for decades.  As long as something can be improved and developed further, there is no reason to publish it prematurely, which would confuse people with multiple versions.

American soldiers in World Wars I and II would carry copies of the Gospel of John with them as they journeyed to faraway battles.  This single book has done more to shape human thought and behavior than any other work.  Our uniquely American First Amendment right of free speech is based on ministers preaching of the "Word" of God as described in the first few verses of the Gospel of John.

American soldiers in World Wars I and II would carry copies of the Gospel of John with them as they journeyed to faraway battles.  This single book has done more to shape human thought and behavior than any other work.  America's First Amendment right of free speech is based on ministers preaching of the "Word" of God as described at the beginning of the Gospel of John.

Archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem confirm, to the dismay of skeptics, many references in the Gospels about Jesus's work.  The Pool of Bethesda has been discovered (John 5:1f).  The Pavement has been found (John 19:13).  The setting of Jacob's well has been discovered (John 4).  Because Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70 (see discussion below), it would have been impossible for a writer after A.D. 70 to make up any of these details.  

Archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem confirm, to the dismay of skeptics, many references in the Gospels about Jesus's work.  The Pool of Bethesda has been discovered (John 5:1f).  The Pavement has been found (John 19:13).  The setting of Jacob's well has been discovered (John 4).  Because Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70 (see discussion below), it would have been impossible for a writer after A.D. 70 to make up any of these details.  

Many misconceptions about early Christians persist to this day.  Americans are often taught that all the disciples were ignorant fishermen who could not read or write.  This is plainly false, as several communicated by letter while held in jail by Roman authorities.  Many of the insights and truths revealed in the Gospels by the Apostles could only have been understood and taught by people of tremendous intelligence and faith.

Many misconceptions about early Christians persist to this day.  Americans are often taught that all the disciples were ignorant fishermen who could not read or write.  This is plainly false, as several communicated by letter while held in jail by Roman authorities.  Many of the insights and truths revealed in the Gospels by the Apostles could only have been understood and taught by people of tremendous intelligence and faith.

Christianity was taken by the early Christians as far and wide as possible.  The religious celebrations consisted of a communal meal, called "communion" today but given the Greek name for "love feat" then:  "agape".  This reenacted the Last Supper of Christ as described in the Gospels.  The concept of Christian love had a profound effect on the world and forever changed it for the better.

Christianity was taken by the early Christians as far and wide as possible.  The religious celebrations consisted of a communal meal, called "communion" today but given the Greek name for "love feat" then:  "agape".  This reenacted the Last Supper of Christ as described in the Gospels.  The concept of Christian love had a profound, positive on the world.

Mark founded a church in Egypt under the reign of the Roman emperor Nero, first converting Alexandrian Jews such as Theophilus and also converting many native Egyptians who were neither Greek nor Jewish.  It was for Theophilus and the Egyptian community that Luke wrote his Gospel and Acts of the Apostles, addressing Theophilus in the beginning of each.<ref>''See'' Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1.</ref>  The local language in Egypt was Coptic, and translations of the Gospels into that language have been discovered which date from the first half of the second century.  Coptic Christianity remains in Egypt to this day, although Islam has become the most popular religion there.  Some cite the acceptance of Arabic as a liturgical language by the Pope of Alexandria as aiding the rise to dominance of Islam there.  Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas each year on January 7th.

Mark founded a church in Egypt under the reign of the Roman emperor Nero, first converting Alexandrian Jews such as Theophilus and also converting many native Egyptians who were neither Greek nor Jewish.  It was for Theophilus and the Egyptian community that Luke wrote his Gospel and Acts of the Apostles, addressing Theophilus in the beginning of each.<ref>''See'' Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1.</ref>  The local language in Egypt was Coptic, and translations of the Gospels into that language have been discovered which date from the first half of the second century.  Coptic Christianity remains in Egypt to this day, although Islam has become the most popular religion there.  Some cite the acceptance of Arabic as a liturgical language by the Pope of Alexandria as aiding the rise to dominance of Islam there.  Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas each year on January 7th.