Paul’s Writing Style and Punctuation in the KJV
Take a close look at the opening four verses of Paul’s letter to Titus below. We are about to analyse his writing style and by the end of this little lesson, you will understand why Paul wrote like this, and the significance of the specific way the King James Bible uses punctuation to help us understand what Paul is saying, as well as provide us with much deeper insight and interpretation of the scriptures. This is an important lesson.
Titus 1:1-4 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; 4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Immediately upon starting to read Titus, one encounters a long, flowing sentence (Titus 1:1-4) that is characteristic of Paul's writing style. Before delving into an in-depth analysis of the letter to Titus, it is important to understand this specific format or style in which Paul writes and also how the King James Bible punctuates these extended, sweeping sentences. This foundational understanding will help you to interpret similar sweeping passages in Paul's other epistles and comprehend how the King James Bible applies punctuation to divide and structure his writing.
