I can't figure out how the books contained in the Bible were codified by the Council of Carthage in 397 AD when the Bible didn't exist??? What were people using before 1611?
The Geneva Bible, of course.
I can't figure out how the books contained in the Bible were codified by the Council of Carthage in 397 AD when the Bible didn't exist??? What were people using before 1611?
I'm sorry I was not clear. My statement is in regards to formatting, layout, etc. Of course there were bibles, or at least collections or scriptures that could be reviewed. I dont' think that God would hide his word from us between 397 AD and 1611 (which also shows I have problems accepting several of the teachings of more cultic modern day churches who claim they are the "true, restored church")
As others point out, there were the Geneva and Tyndale Bibles (just to mention a few). Some were poor, some very good. All though worked to fulfill the command Jesus gave (witness ...unto the uttermost part of the earth.).
My statement is just that if you take just about any bible off the shelf and compare it, they will look more like a King James in layout, style and format, than they would to the Geneva or other earlier Bibles.
The king James Bible set many standards that had not been in Bibles before it, many which are still followed today.