EPISTLES

I have been observing the largest online e-commerce site (Amazon), and I noticed that in the Top 100 Best-Selling Bibles, only about five Catholic editions made it to the list—and none of them were near the top. In fact, three of those five were the same version, just with different physical features.

That’s why I decided to create this post: to help promote genuinely Catholic Bibles rather than Protestant editions. Every Catholic home should ideally have a Catholic Bible—and read it humbly and consistently.

The Bible as the World’s Best Selling Book

The Holy Bible is the best-selling book in all of human history. With more than five billion copies sold, it remains a powerful witness to the lasting strength of God’s Word. It is not just one book, but a sacred collection of seventy-three books, written by different authors over many centuries using various forms of writing.

These books were addressed to different people and communities in different times and places. From the Song of Moses and the Song of Deborah, written around the twelfth century before Christ, to the Letter to the Hebrews and the Second Letter of Peter, written around the year one hundred after Christ, the Bible covers a wide span of history.

The Bible Is a Catholic Book

What makes the Bible truly special is that the authors were not writing on their own. They were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21). Because of this divine inspiration, the Bible is not just an ordinary book, but the written Word of God.

And because Jesus entrusted His authority to Peter and the apostles before ascending into heaven (Matthew 16:18, Matthew 28:19-20), the Bible must always be read and understood within the Catholic Church, the Church founded by Christ Himself.

In this sense, as Jimmy Akin, a prominent Catholic Apologist puts it, “The Bible is a Catholic Book.”

The Catholic Church teaches clearly that she is the true and faithful interpreter of Scripture. Saint Peter, the first pope, warned that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20).

The Church, guided by the Holy Trinity, was entrusted with the task of preserving and teaching God’s Word. Jesus did not leave behind a written book during His time on earth. Instead, He established the Church, built upon the foundation of Peter and the apostles, and promised to remain with her always (Matthew 28:20).

It is through this Church that the teachings of Christ have been faithfully passed down from generation to generation.

Approved Catholic Bible Translations

The Catholic Church has also approved certain Bible translations to ensure that the faithful receive the Word of God in its true meaning.

These translations include the New American Bible Revised Edition, the Ignatius Bible, the Good News Bible Catholic Edition, the Great Adventure Catholic Bible, the New Jerusalem Bible, the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, the Latin Biblia Sacra Vulgata, and the Sagrada Biblia de Monseñor Straubinger.

Each of these has been reviewed carefully to make sure it is faithful to Catholic doctrine.

Practical Guide on Reading the Holy Bible Humbly

For over two thousand years, the Catholic Church has stood firm in her mission to teach the truth. Christ gave His authority to Peter (Matthew 16:18), saying, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” He also told the apostles, “He who hears you hears Me” (Luke 10:16). This is why the saints and martyrs throughout history were willing to die for the Church and her teachings. They knew that to follow Christ was to remain faithful to His Church.

We are not the first to receive God’s message

As we read the Bible, we must remember that we are not the first to receive God’s message. Many generations of believers, saints, and martyrs came before us. The Bible is not something we interpret however we want. We must approach it with humility, always guided by the Church Christ gave us. Without this guidance, it is easy to fall into confusion or false teachings.

The Bible was never meant to be interpreted alone

The Bible was never meant to be interpreted alone. Saint Paul warned that even if an angel from heaven were to preach a different gospel, we must reject it (Galatians 1:8). This shows us the importance of staying united with the Church’s teachings. Scripture can be twisted and misused if taken out of the Church’s context.

The Bible is not a quick solution for every problem

It is also important to understand that the Bible is not a quick solution for every problem. While it is a source of life and wisdom, it must be read carefully and with understanding. Biblical exegesis, which is the careful study of the original meaning and context of the texts, helps us understand the deeper truths that may not be obvious at first glance. Some parts of the Bible were written for specific people in specific situations, and they require study and explanation by those trained in the faith.

The full revelation of God was made known in Jesus Christ

God revealed Himself slowly throughout history. He spoke to His people from the time of Abraham, through the prophets, and finally through His Son. The full revelation of God was made known in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God (John 1:1, Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus then gave His teachings to the apostles, who in turn passed them down through the Church.

This is why the Bible must always be read with the Church, not apart from it. The Old Testament was not written in isolation. It points forward to Jesus. From the beginning, God’s plan centered on Christ and His work of salvation. The Psalms and the writings of Isaiah are full of references to the coming of the Messiah. When we read the Old Testament with faith in Christ, we see how God’s promises are fulfilled.

The essential teachings of our faith are not hidden

The essential teachings of our faith are not hidden. They are made clear through the guidance of the Church. In 2 Peter 3:16, we are reminded that some parts of Scripture are hard to understand, and that some people twist them to their own destruction. One example of this is the teaching on baptism.

In the Old Testament, infant boys were circumcised as a sign of the covenant (Genesis 17:12). In the New Testament, baptism is the new sign of the covenant. Saint Paul explains in Colossians 2:11-12 that baptism is a form of spiritual circumcision. This supports the Catholic practice of baptizing infants. Nowhere in Scripture is infant baptism forbidden. Rather, it continues the pattern of including children in the covenant family of God.

Read Scripture regularly, patiently, and prayerfully

The Bible contains more than thirty-one thousand verses. It is not always helpful to start with the most difficult parts or to read randomly. Instead, we should read Scripture regularly, patiently, and prayerfully. When we do this, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us through the teaching of the Church, we grow in faith and understanding. Over time, our relationship with God deepens, and we gain the wisdom we need to live as true disciples of Christ.

The Bible is truly a gift from God. But it is a gift given to the Church, not just to individuals. When we read it with the Church, we can be sure that we are hearing the same voice of Christ that spoke through the apostles, that guided the early Christians, and that continues to guide us today.