The apostle Paul, that tireless traveller, relentless evangelist, and former zealous persecutor of Jewish Christians, understood something fundamental about faith: all people can be justified and reconciled to God through Christ (Rom. 5:1-2; 2 Cor. 5:18-19). Once known as Saul of Tarsus, his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus transformed him into one of most influential leaders of the early Christian church. 

However, his subsequent journeys across the Roman Empire weren’t just about planting churches; they were about translating a message, adapting a narrative, and engaging with worlds vastly different from his own. He met philosophers in Athens, navigated the legal complexities of Roman law, and spoke to the diverse audiences in their own tongues, all in the service of spreading what he knew to be the good news. 

Centuries later, that same spirit of audacious cultural engagement, that unwavering commitment to mission, finds a fascinating, and perhaps to some, a provocative echo in the heart of South Asia. In Pakistan, a nation where the vast majority adheres to the state religion, making Scripture accessible to all language groups is a deliberate act of reaching out, and crossing deeply entrenched cultural and religious divides. 

Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. – 1 Corinthians 9:19-20, NLT

Bible translation teams at the forefront of this effort, understand that for God’s Word to truly resonate, it must speak in the language of the heart. But this isn’t without its complexities, its inherent sensitivities. Pakistan is not a place where gospel sharing is easily embraced, and those involved in such work often face significant challenges and even personal risks. 

Yet, the very act of translating and distributing Scripture, of fostering dialogues about faith and hope in environments that can be openly hostile, speaks volumes about the enduring power of faith and the courage of those who seek to make God’s Word accessible to all. 

In Pakistan today, the translation of Scripture within communities where the state religion is rigorously adhered to, the very act itself is crossing boundaries. But it also holds the belief that the message transcends cultural containers, that the yearning for God’s Word is universal.