In 1899, a significant innovation in biblical literature was introduced by Louis Klopsch, a Prussian-born American journalist and editor. Klopsch, inspired after reading a passage from the Bible, began the tradition of printing Jesus Christ's words in red, altering the presentation of the New Testament forever.

According to the Christian Post, Louis Klopsch first published the New Testament with Jesus' words in red in 1899, sparking a lasting tradition in Evangelical Christianity.

Early Life and Career of Louis Klopsch

Born on March 7, 1852, in Prussia, Louis Klopsch moved to the United States in 1854 after the death of his mother. He grew up in New York, where he was educated and started his career in journalism. His career trajectory saw him becoming the editor and then the owner of The Christian Herald, a publication that would gain significant influence under his leadership.

The Christian Herald expanded its reach significantly during Klopsch's tenure, eventually garnering a readership of nearly 250,000 across various denominations. This wide readership was partly due to Klopsch’s commitment to inclusive and humanitarian journalism, which resonated with a broad audience.

Klopsch was not only known for his editorial prowess but also for his considerable humanitarian efforts. Through The Christian Herald, he organized aid for multiple international crises, leveraging his platform to effect positive change worldwide.

The Inspiration Behind Red Letter Edition Bibles

On June 19, 1899, while working on an editorial, Klopsch was inspired by the biblical passage Luke 22:20, where Jesus refers to the New Testament in his blood. The imagery of blood led him to the novel idea of printing Jesus' words in the color red. Recognizing the potential impact of his idea, Klopsch discussed it with his advisors, who encouraged him to pursue this innovation.

Later that same year, The Christian Herald published its first red-letter New Testament. Klopsch had an initial print run of 60,000 copies, all highlighting the words of Jesus in red, which marked a significant moment in religious publishing. He believed this feature would assist all types of Bible readers, particularly those seeking a deeper understanding of the teachings of Christ.

Klopsch expressed his conviction in the value of the red letter editions, stating, "The Red Letter Bible has been prepared and issued in the full conviction that it will meet the needs of the student, the worker, and the searchers after truth everywhere."

Adoption and Impact of Red Letter Bibles

Following the success of the initial run, The Christian Herald went on to publish the first full red letter Bible in 1901. This new format quickly gained popularity, with various Bible publishers adopting the red letter printing style. It became a significant tradition within Evangelical Christianity, considered an innovative practice at the turn of the 20th century.

The idea of using red ink to highlight the words of Jesus grew to include not just the Gospels but also other parts of the New Testament, and even Revelation in some editions. Publishers made varying editorial decisions on which verses to highlight, reflecting different theological interpretations and preferences.

The Christian Herald itself changed, being renamed simply as The Christian Herald in 1901, a testament to its broadened scope and increased readership under Klopsch’s guidance.

Klopsch’s Legacy and Contribution to Biblical Literature

Louis Klopsch passed away in 1910 in New York, leaving behind a profoundly influential legacy through the introduction of red letter Bibles. His innovation not only changed the physical appearance of the Bible but also enhanced the spiritual engagement of its readers. Red letter editions are now a staple in many Christian communities, helping believers focus on the direct teachings of Jesus Christ.

As the Bible continues to be a central text in global Christianity, the red letters serve as a vivid reminder of the words spoken by Jesus, enhancing both personal devotion and scholarly study. Klopsch's work remains a meaningful part of Christian tradition, demonstrating the lasting impact of his vision and dedication.

The enduring popularity of red letter Bibles underscores their accepted role in providing clarity and focus to the teachings of Jesus, reinforcing Klopsch's initial intention to aid all searchers after truth. His vision for a more accessible biblical text continues to influence generations of readers and will likely continue to do so for many years to come.