Question: Does translating the Bible into every language fulfill the Great Commission?
I will go out on a limb here and say no. Why? Take a look at what Jesus said:
Think about it in our own culture. Even though we have numerous translations, do you think there would still be as many believers as there are today if no one taught the Bible or evangelized? If no one had ever taught me, I would probably be trying to live by the law and think I had to somehow make myself acceptable to God. I would have no clue about the Tri-unity of God or how the whole Jewish system foreshadowed Christ. All these doctrines are present in the Bible, but how would I have the ability to put all the pieces together on my own and come up with the correct interpretation? It would take some determination. Call me cynical, but it sounds like more of a task than your average subsistence farmer is likely to do.
In the book of Acts, we have a record of the beginnings of the church. Paul didn't have to translate the Scriptures. He was making disciples in various cities throughout the Roman Empire. In some places, such as Ephesus, he apparently spent a lot of time and effort. There didn't seem to be churches randomly 'springing up'. Church planting was one of his main goals, because he wrote a letter to instruct his co-worker, Titus, on the matter:
I could be wrong about this, but my perception is that many people are very interested in Bible translation. This can be a good thing, but we must not forget that the goal is making disciples and planting mature churches.
So, what is it that attracts the modern Christian to Bible translation?
Feel free to comment!