If you’ve ever shared your faith, you’ve probably used the phrase “The Bible says…” at least a few times. It’s a common way to reference Scripture’s authority, but there’s a twist you may not have considered. Technically, the Bible doesn’t actually “say” anything—it’s a collection of ancient writings. But beyond that, our go-to phrase “The Bible says” may not always help us connect with others. Let’s dive into why, and explore what we could say instead to make sharing Jesus more effective.
1. The Bible Is More Than One Book—It’s a Collection of Voices
The Bible isn’t a single monolithic book; it’s actually a library of books that span many centuries, authors, and cultures. Each book has its own unique perspective and style, offering readers various viewpoints on who God is, who we are, God’s plan for humanity, how we’re meant to live, and what comes after this life.
When we say “The Bible says…,” we’re summarizing all of these voices into a single statement. But recognizing that different authors contributed to Scripture can make the Bible feel more relatable, inviting, and, in some cases, more accessible to people who may otherwise feel intimidated by it.
2. “The Bible” Can Be a Loaded Term
The word Bible sometimes comes with a bit of baggage, especially for people who’ve had negative experiences with religion. For some, the phrase “The Bible says…” immediately brings up defenses. The goal isn’t to draw people toward a book as an object—it’s to lead them to Jesus. So, when we place the emphasis on the authors—whether it’s Moses, Paul, or John—we allow the message to breathe through their unique experiences and perspectives, which can feel less like a directive and more like a conversation.
3. How Focusing on Specific Authors Makes the Message Personal
Instead of saying, “The Bible says we should love our neighbors,” we might say, “Jesus taught us to love our neighbors.” It’s a subtle shift, but it reminds people that this teaching comes directly from the life and message of Jesus, the person we follow, rather than a book with historical connotations. This approach grounds the message in real lives, real people, and the historical context of each author.
Some alternative phrases you could use include:
• “Moses wrote…”
• “Paul explained in one of his letters…”
• “Matthew shares in his gospel…”
4. Highlighting the Voices of Scripture Engages People’s Curiosity
By highlighting individual voices and perspectives, we create a natural curiosity about who these people were, what they experienced, and why they shared the stories they did. Saying “Paul says in his letter…” piques curiosity in a way that “The Bible says” may not, especially for someone who might otherwise feel distanced from Scripture. It opens the door for people to ask questions, which can lead to deeper discussions.
5. Leading with Jesus as the Message
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to convert people to a “book” but to introduce them to the person at the center of the story—Jesus. Saying “The Bible says” might feel authoritative to believers, but it can also put up barriers for people who don’t share that same reverence. Leading with phrases like “Matthew tells us about Jesus’ teachings on love…” or “John’s gospel introduces us to…” puts the focus where it belongs: on Jesus and the life-changing message He brought to the world.
So, What Should We Say Instead of “The Bible Says”?
If you’re looking to share Scripture in a way that feels welcoming and approachable, here are a few alternative ways to phrase it:
1. “Moses wrote about…”
- Especially when discussing the history of God’s people and early laws, mentioning Moses creates a personal touch.
2. “Paul explained to the early Christians that…”
- When talking about church life or doctrinal issues, quoting Paul gives insight into the life of early believers.
3. “In his gospel, John shows us…”
- Highlighting John or other gospel writers places the focus on their accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings.
By shifting our language just a little, we can create a more inviting approach for those who may feel distant from, or even intimidated by, the Bible. Instead of focusing on a “book” as the authority, we can focus on the individuals who contributed their stories, letters, and experiences to this collection we now call Scripture. The Bible is a powerful, multifaceted work that reveals the truth of Jesus through the eyes of many voices. And by highlighting those voices, we bring the message closer to the hearts of those we hope to reach.
Remember: The Bible’s goal is to lead us to Jesus, not just to gain reverence for a book. Let’s make Him the center of our message.
Ready to share your faith in a fresh way? Next time, try saying “John wrote…” or “Paul explained…” and watch the difference it makes.
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