The Whole Counsel of God

“I never shrank or kept back or fell short from declaring to you the whole purpose and plan and counsel of God.”
Acts 20:27 Amplified Bible

Few Christians have heard of Stephen Langton, but, in fact, we experience his impact every time we read the Bible.

How? It is believed that he was the first person to organize the Bible into chapters.

Born in Lincolnshire, England, around the year 1155 AD, Langton died on this day in 1228. He rose to prominence as a Bible scholar, particularly as a professor at the University of Paris. He believed that the Bible provided guidance for practical matters. Even politics. He was concerned about the excessive power often exercised by kings.

After being named England’s Archbishop of Canterbury by Pope Innocent III in 1207, Langton became a central figure in the tense conflicts involving England’s King John I, the church, and the nation’s landowners.

Angering the king, Langton was banished to France, while John was excommunicated. Within a few years, John began to feel the impact of his excommunication, and sought to be reconciled to the church. Langton was allowed to return to England, where he absolved the king.

After his return, Langton often served as a mediator between the king and his subjects. One result was the signing of the Magna Carta, one of history’s most important documents, limiting the power of the king.

But it is as the man who introduced chapters that we might feel his influence most. Chapters (and later verses) proved to be important tools that aid our study of the Bible. But we need to remember to read and study all of God’s Word, and read it cover to cover.

Today, commit yourself to know all the Bible. Read it. Study it. Meditate on it. And put it into practice. Declare “the whole purpose and plan and counsel of God.”

Prayer: Father, help me to know the whole truth of Your Word. Open my mind and heart. Teach me. Speak to me. I want a more intimate relationship with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.