Theologians from different parts of Africa gathered in Sandton, Johannesburg on June 4 to launch the first ever African Study Bible, Times Live reports.
The African Study Bible is written by 350 contributors from 50 African countries. Fifty denominations, including Baptist, Assemblies of God, Anglicans, and Presbyterians, are represented in the project.
The African Study Bible contains more than 2,400 features, including African proverbs and sayings, maps, timelines, book introductions, and practical advice for Christians in Africa. It celebrates the similarities between the principles in the Bible and African culture.
“The idea was to publish a single-volume Bible resource by Africa for Africa that would be a lot closer to the lived experience of Africans than the literature traditionally coming from‚ say‚ the United States or Britain‚” said Dr. Matthew Elliott‚ president of publishing company Oasis International.
Elliot added that they wanted to have a Bible that is relevant and applicable to people in Africa. “We have included unique content that highlight the role Africa has played in the Bible‚ and vice versa.”
The African Study Bible contains more than 2,400 features, including African proverbs and sayings, maps, timelines, book introductions, and practical advice for Christians in Africa. It celebrates the similarities between the principles in the Bible and African culture.
The project aims to encourage more Africans to read the Bible and make it easy for them to relate and understand the lessons imparted in God’s words.
The African Study Bible is available in English and later editions will be in French, Portuguese, Swahili, Zulu, and Amharic.
Sources:
Tmg digital. (2017). Times LIVE. http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2017/06/05/First-African-study-Bible-launched1
Biblegatewaycom. (2016). Bible Gateway Blog. https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2016/04/the-africa-study-bible-an-interview-with-matthew-elliott/