How would the Bible be different if it was written by Constantine?

The Bible is one of the most important books in human history, and it has had a profound impact on the development of Western civilization. However, many people wonder what the Bible would be like if it had been written by someone else. One such person is Constantine, the Roman emperor who converted to Christianity in the 4th century. If Constantine had written the Bible, it would have been a very different book indeed.

Firstly, the Bible as we know it today would not exist. Constantine would have been writing at a time when the canon of scripture was still being established, and he would have had a significant influence on which books were included. He may have chosen to include different books than those that were ultimately selected, and the order and arrangement of those books would have been different as well.

Secondly, if Constantine had written the Bible, it would have been heavily influenced by his political and social agenda. As a Roman emperor, Constantine was deeply concerned with consolidating his power and maintaining stability within the empire. His version of the Bible would likely have emphasized the importance of obedience to authority and the preservation of social order.

Thirdly, Constantine's Bible would have been more focused on the role of the state in religious affairs. He saw himself as the protector and defender of the Christian faith, and his version of the Bible would likely have reflected this perspective. It may have emphasized the importance of state-sponsored religion and the subordination of the church to the civil authorities.

Finally, Constantine's Bible would have placed a greater emphasis on the divinity of Jesus Christ. As a Christian convert, Constantine was deeply committed to the belief that Jesus was the Son of God. His version of the Bible would have reflected this belief and may have included additional texts or passages that emphasized the divine nature of Christ.

Subscribe to Bible Analysis

Sign up now to get access to the library of members-only issues.
Jamie Larson
Subscribe