Daily Devotion

“Translating supreme truth into the language of the common people is an extremely sacred and arduous task. We often debate and pray until late at night over the Chinese translation of a single word. Because we deeply understand that we are not only translating a book, but also digging a well of life for this vast nation, a wellspring of eternal truth.”

Henry Blodget · First draft of the commemorative preface to "The New Testament of Beijing Mandarin"

Scripture

Acts 17:2 Paul, as was his custom, went in and, on three Sabbaths, debated with them in accordance with the Scriptures.

Reflection

"Iron polishes iron, until a blade is forged." The profound and sacred debate that White, during his Bible translation, endured late into the night over the Chinese translation of a single word, echoes the Apostle Paul's unwavering commitment to reason and debate, grounded in Scripture, to clarify Christ. Truth is never afraid of scrutiny and testing. Only a sacred sense of responsibility towards God's word can lead to such deep contemplation and spiritual exchange late into the night. This reminds us that on the path of faith, we should not succumb to blind obedience or superficiality, but rather be willing to contemplate and debate in search of the purest truth. Only through such a baptism of life and reason can the well of life we ​​dig flow with the truly eternal waters, nourishing our thirsty souls.