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NASB | Acts 28:2 The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 28:2 And the natives showed us extraordinary kindness and hospitality; for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, since it had begun to rain and was cold. |
Subject: Is Allah the God of Israel? |
Bible Note: Dear MJH, This is basically a very good post. I agree with all of what you write, I have no ax to grind for Islam; I was just fascinated whilst on vacation this summer to come across Maltese Christians using the word Allah for God in their language. The only problem with your post is it needs backing up with some proofs. What is the etymology of the word Allah? It boils down to whether Allah is the personal name of a Arabic demon or simply their word for theos. If you can give proof that Allah is a personal name like Beelzebub then the case in closed; the Maltese Evangelicals are in error. I understand that the Maltese were under the rule of Islam in the medieval period, perhaps the word Allah wrongly came into their language at this time. If they were using it at the time of Paul's visit and right back to Babel then it is a true generic and totally legitimate. Paul perhaps encountered it when he engaged these people of 'barbarous' tongue on his missionary visitation. I seem to recall hearing that the Bible Societies whose job is to translate Scripture into hundreds of languages sometimes have problems with finding a word for theos; some ethnic groups may only know demonic personal names and have no word for God available. Going back to part 2 of my question, are you not of the opinion those non-Christians who speak of God and understand this to mean the Creator ARE referring to Yahweh. Surely even atheists who deny there is a Creator/God are denying the Christian God. Mankind's generic concept 'God' is Yahweh. The Maltese Christians are certainly using the word Allah to translate theos, here is proof: http://www.fgpc.org.mt/bible.htm Robin |