Direct Answer
Bercot argues that early Protestant Bibles often did not simply present Scripture alone, because they included marginal notes that interpreted and sometimes polemicized the text for readers. This challenges the idea that early Protestantism merely let the Bible “speak for itself.”
Support from Transcript
- Bercot says Tyndale’s translation was “strong with marginal notes that add interpretations and polemical remarks to the texts of Scripture.” - Beside 1 Corinthians 14:2, Tyndale interpreted speaking in tongues as speaking in a way “others understand not,” comparing it to priests saying their service. - On Revelation 7, Tyndale wrote that “prophets, preachers, and the prelates of the Church are called angels.” - Bercot says the Geneva Bible was “strong throughout with marginal notes that added human interpretations to God’s word.” - On 1 Corinthians 14:1, the Geneva note defined “prophesy” as “to expound the word of God to the edification of the Church.” - On Revelation 9:1, the Geneva Bible identified the fallen star as “bishops and ministers” who become “angels of darkness.”
Discussion Follow-ups
Bercot says his point is not whether those interpretations are right or wrong, but that the notes show readers were being guided by human commentary.