Speaking of Jesus in more Arabic ways

arabic-crucifixionI have been finding it interesting to explore how the greetings and affirmations of the New Testament authors sound when phrased in a more Arabic ways. Consider these examples:

Salam to all of you who are in al-Masih (1 Peter 5:14)

Mercy and salam to you from Allah our Father and from Ar-Rabb Isa al-Masih. (Romans 1:7)

For the law was given through Musa; mercy and truth came through Isa al-Masih. (John 1:17)

Accept one another, then, just as al-Masih accepted you, in order to bring praise to Allah. (Romans 15:7)

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Ar-Rabb Isa al-Masih must not show favoritism. (James 2:1)

But we preach al-Masih crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to the nations. (1 Corinthians 1:23)

But Allah demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, al-Masih died for us. (Romans 5:8)

If you are insulted because of the name of al Masih, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of Allah rests on you. (1 Peter 4:14)

Praise be to the Allah and Father of our Ar-Rabb Isa al-Masih! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Isa al-Masih from the dead (1 Peter 1:3)

But in your hearts revere al Masih as Ar-Rabb. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15)

Yet for us there is but one Allah, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Ar-Rabb, Isa al-Masih, through whom all things came and through whom we live. (1 Corinthians 8:6)

Maybe you find this language confronting? Maybe you find it thought provoking? Maybe you struggle to connect with it? Whatever your response, please share.

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