MAYSVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST COLUMN
QUESTION: You once used the phrase “unto the remission of sins” in quoting Acts 2:38. I have looked that verse up in several versions and none of them used the phrase “unto the remission of sins.” How do you explain that phrasing?
ANSWER: Most of the time in my preaching/ teaching I use the American Standard Version (1901) which is acknowledged to be one of the most accurate in the rendering of the Greek and Hebrew into the English language. The Record reads: “Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins” (Acts 2:38, ASV). The word “unto” comes from a Greek word “eis” which is always prospective, i.e., looking forward to a result. The English word “for” can look backward or forward.
Consider the sentence: “He was honored FOR his bravery.” The Greek word “eis” never, ever looks backward, because it is always prospective in nature.
Therefore, the ASV is much more precise in correctly translating the Greek in the prospective tense.
I do not know which versions you considered. I have twenty versions of the Bible in my personal library. There are alternate readings to the word “unto” and are prospective in nature.
Some of the variants read: “In order to have your sins forgiven…so that your sins will be forgiven…unto remission of sins. The exact phrase: “unto the remission of sins” is found when Jesus explained the purpose of the Lord’s Supper to His apostles. Jesus stated, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto the remission of sins.” (Matt. 26:28, ASV). The purpose of Christ shedding His blood on the cross was in order that we might receive the remission of our sins in obedience to His command (Mark 16:15-16). It is the exact same phrase in the Koine Greek Testament, as in the English language.
A warm welcome awaits you at all the services of the Maysville church of Christ, at Main & Ash Streets. We have worship services each Sunday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Bible classes for all ages are held Sunday at 10 a.m. and Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. We offer a Bible Correspondence Course without any obligation to you. You can reach us by phone at 405428-7318, by mail at P.O. Box 562 in Maysville, or by email at jessandterr@yahoo. com. Come and “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” on the Lord’s Day this Sunday.
