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Have you ever taken the time to read the four Gospels in the New Testament? What did Jesus really say in the Bible?  What do the red letters in the Bible mean? In some Bibles, Jesus’ words are in red letters.

What do the red letters in the bible mean? Fresh insight into a relationship with a loving God who wants to spend time with you! Share on X

What Do the Red Letters in the Bible Mean?

If you pick up your Bible and begin reading the four Gospels in the New Testament you will see that some of the letters are in red.

But, what do the red letters in the Bible mean?

Those words are important, we must pay attention to the red letters, which are the very words of Jesus Christ himself.

“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” Luke 24:15, 27 NIV

Related Post: What is a Red Letter Bible?

What Do Red Letters Mean?

Maybe like many of my readers, you have questions about the red letters of Scripture.  I will try to answer some of them for you here.

Perhaps the words of Christ are printed in red to make them stand out but you have to ask yourself, “what does red symbolize in Christianity?  The blood of Christ.  That precious blood He poured out on Calvary’s cross was red.  Red is a beautiful color in our faith.

What Bible has Jesus’ words in red? The King James Version and some of the newer translations can be purchased with red-letter editions.

Are The Old Testament words of God in red?  No, though that would be amazing.  God spoke, in abundance in the Old Testament and even beyond the 4 Gospels, but those words are not in red.  To find them I suggest a daily quiet time!

Related Post: How To Have A Consistent Quiet Time with God

 

The 4 Gospels Are Full of Red Letter Bible Verses

What books of the Bible have red letters?

Most of the red Bible verses are in the 4 Gospels.  The Gospels consist of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Your blessing will come as you slow down and soak in the red letters!

Let me give you a little background on each of the authors who were inspired by God to write these books. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Matthew

  • Jewish Tax collector, also known as Levi
  • Written before A.D. 70
  • Presented Jesus Christ as King Messiah
  • Tells us what Jesus said
  • He quotes the Old Testament the most of the four Gospels

Mark

  • Known as John Mark a Jewish Christian (Messianic Jew)
  • Secretary for Peter
  • Written between A.D. 55-65
  • Presented Christ as Servant
  • Tells us what Jesus did

Luke

  • Doctor
  • Also wrote the book of Acts
  • Written before 64 AD
  • Presented Christ as God, Son of Man
  • Tells us what Jesus felt

John

  • Fisherman
  • Youngest disciple
  • Written after A.D. 70-90
  • Presented Christ as Man, Son of God
  • Tells us who Jesus is

Why Read The Red Letters in The Gospels?

The Gospels suggest knowing Jesus is an ever-growing experience.  While reading the Gospels, filled with all the words of Jesus you will be forced to think more deeply of many questions.

  • Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior?
  • Are you seeking answers to secret questions on the meaning of life?
  • Do you struggle with knowing your purpose?

Perhaps you feel in a “rut” with life and are seeking guidance for a new refreshing outlook. The Word of God will provide the answers to your questions if you are willing to seek the Lord with all of your heart, mind, and soul.

Related Post: How to Read The Bible Daily Consistently

Fresh Insights For Your Soul

As you meditate on the Word of God, your heart is diligently searching for fresh insights, encouragement, and hope.

“I meditate within my heart, and my spirit is diligently searching for fresh insights.” (Psalm 77:6 NKJV)

By reading the Scriptures we are depositing “good treasure” within our own inner being.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45 NKJV)

Planting the Word of God in your heart and life will displace the evil with good and help you be more Christlike.

Will You Begin Reading The Red Letters in Scripture?

Reading God’s Word is essential for finding His path for your life.  You must take time every day to get to know Him more.

  • Find a quiet place where you can have thirty minutes or more alone with God.
  • Only take your Bible and maybe a glass of water or cup of coffee to this quiet place.
  • Leave anything and everything that will distract you in another room to help you focus.

Begin each day with a prayer similar to this before you begin reading the Bible:

Dear God, You have written the Bible and You said in Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Lord, I want to know you better and I need Your blessings. Speak to me as I read Your words. Help me to hear what You are saying and I will listen.  Amen!

What do the red letters in the bible mean?  Fresh insight into a relationship with a loving God who wants to spend time with you!

Be encouraged! God is faithful and He will speak to You as you seek Him through Scriptures.

To God be the Glory,

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I’d love to hear your God story. Leave a comment below.

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Jayme Hull

Author Jayme Hull

Jayme a Spiritual Direction Coach. Mentor, Author, and Podcast Host is passionate about moving Christian Women forward to God's direction for their life through Scripture and prayer. Join the Spiritual Direction Coaching Today Facebook private page or connect with her on Instagram.

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