Every serious student of the Bible endeavors to gain the original thought that was given as holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (The original Word given by God!) II Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (KJV) This is the only way in which an individual can truly know the will of God with the boldness and confidence to say "Thus sayeth the Lord." To get to that original Word of God, many things must be considered. The Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic text must be explored. In addition, the figures of speech, orientalisms and secular references must be known. Once all of these fields of knowledge and disciplines are harnessed into a research team, then the work begins. Under the leadership and spiritual oversight of Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille, a research team joined heads and hearts to be workmen of the Word of God. This research primarily focused on the seven church epistles. (Those books written directly to and for the body of believers in the Grace Administration). These books were Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Thessalonians. The research team involved various individuals over a time span of about ten years, while Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille's research was almost forty-five years in duration. Many books have been written as a result of this research. One of the results of this time in study is the "Literal According To Usage." Definition of "Literal According To Usage": A translation which reproduces the thoughts and meanings of the original based on the words in the original in relation to the verse, the context, the remoter context and to whom it's written. FOREWORD This work is being presented to help the individual understand the seven church epistles. It is to aide the workman of the Word in order to stand approved before God. II Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV) This is by no means the final edition. As additional work is uncovered, there will be updates. PLEASE NOTE: The left column is the KJV and the right column is the corresponding "Literal according to usage."
