The first African Study Bible launched

Sandton, South Africa played host to the launch of the first ever Africa Study Bible.

Theologians from across the continent gathered together to mark the event.

The Bible is unique from other editions in that it comprises the New Living Translation of the Bible, with 2 600 features written by 350 contributors ranging from 50 countries across the continent.

“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 Elliot, president of publisher Oasis International.

Elliot said that the project had African involved from its inception, with South Africans present at the first meeting in Ghana seven years ago.

“The result is a Bible that makes Scripture more relevant and applicable‚ and that reclaims the African roots of Christianity. To this end we have included unique content that highlight the role Africa has played in the Bible‚ and vice versa,” he said.

The new study Bible also includes more than 500 African proverbs and stories to illustrate Biblical principles. “Touchpoint” notes also celebrates similarities between Biblical and African culture.

“We are very grateful for collaborators from all over the continent‚ who guided this project from the outset‚ and who ensured that the Africa Study Bible is an authentic manual for Christian living that deals with the realities of life in Africa‚ such as witchcraft and the need for ethical government,” Elliot said.

Dr Elesinah Chauke, one of the southern African contributors, believed that this was another affirmation that the Bible was God’s message to all people and that it was important that Africans be able to find themselves as they read and study the Bible.

The new Africa Study Bible will be distributed in South Africa by Christian Media Publishing, and is available through CNA, other leading retailers and online.

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