In today’s world, it’s easy to take a red-letter Bible for granted—a Bible where the words of Jesus are set in red, a color that stands out with a powerful significance. But this was not always the norm. Over a century ago, Louis Klopsch, editor of Christian Herald magazine, decided to mark the words of Jesus in red ink, making the first red-letter Bible in 1901. His goal was not just to create a visually distinct Bible, but to inspire a deep love for Scripture and to spotlight Jesus as the heart of the biblical message.
The Story Behind Red-Letter Bibles
One day, as Klopsch read Luke 22:20, where Jesus speaks about the new covenant “in my blood,” an idea sparked in his mind: to print all of Jesus’s words in red to signify the importance and sacrifice tied to His teachings. This red ink, he believed, would help readers recognize the central figure of Scripture—Jesus Christ—and understand how His words, life, and sacrifice connect all of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Klopsch’s vision wasn’t just about a new color for text; it was about inviting people to understand the Bible with new clarity and purpose.
With help from prominent Bible scholars, Klopsch undertook the immense task of identifying every word spoken by Jesus, even marking Old Testament passages Jesus referenced. He wanted readers to easily trace Jesus’s influence throughout the Bible, understanding that His life and words were the central, unifying element in the entire narrative of Scripture. This wasn’t merely a change in font; it was a way of encouraging people to see Jesus as the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy, law, poetry, and history—a “scarlet thread” of hope woven throughout.
Why Red Letters Matter
Reading a red-letter Bible can add a new layer of depth to Bible study. When you flip through its pages, the red text draws your eyes immediately to Jesus’s words, almost as if He were speaking directly to you. The words take on a life of their own, urging readers to reflect deeply on His teachings and to discover the transformative power that lies within.
For young people especially, this can be a powerful tool. The clarity of Jesus’s voice in a red-letter Bible provides a direct, accessible way to start understanding His message. If you’re looking for guidance, inspiration, or just a closer connection to God, reading His words in red can remind you that Jesus’s teachings are the very foundation of faith and life itself.
The Central Figure: Why Jesus’s Words Are Worth Reading
In the Bible, Jesus is not just a character among others; He is the heart of the message, the Savior who came to fulfill a promise that goes back to the very beginning. Red letters make it easy to see how often He confirmed the truth of the Old Testament, how He guided His followers, and how His life exemplified love, sacrifice, and redemption. When we read His words in red, we’re reminded that His teachings are not just historical records—they’re living words meant to guide us today.
Reading the Bible this way encourages us to focus on the example Jesus set: loving others, forgiving freely, and standing for truth. Klopsch’s red-letter innovation wasn’t just a visual addition but a spiritual tool, helping us see Jesus’s voice as a constant, clear guide amid the Bible’s pages. As Klopsch wrote, “Modern Christianity is striving zealously to draw nearer to the great Founder of the Faith.” By highlighting His words, we can better focus on the wisdom, courage, and compassion of Christ.
The Invitation to Young Readers
If you’ve ever found the Bible hard to read or disconnected from modern life, a red-letter Bible can offer a fresh perspective. Picture it as a conversation with Jesus. His words in red can serve as anchors, helping you understand the purpose behind each story, prophecy, and law. They reveal His compassion, His challenge to love even our enemies, and His call to live with faith and integrity. This isn’t just about reading; it’s about drawing closer to Jesus and letting His words impact how you live every day.
With so many voices competing for attention in today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But when we open a Bible and see His words in red, it’s like being reminded of the truth that has stood the test of time. So, whether you’re facing big decisions, struggling with doubts, or just trying to find some peace in a busy world, take time to read those red-letter words and let them speak directly to you.
Following the “Scarlet Thread”
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is centered on Jesus—He is the “scarlet thread” that connects every verse, every story, and every promise. Klopsch’s red-letter Bible helps us see that thread, guiding us through centuries of wisdom with the unchanging message of God’s love and salvation. So, if you’re looking for a meaningful way to start exploring the Bible, pick up a red-letter edition and follow that scarlet thread. It might just lead you to insights and understanding that will stay with you for a lifetime.
In a world where everything changes rapidly, let the words in red be a constant reminder of the love, guidance, and hope that Jesus offers to every reader.
