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Retrato de Samuel Joseph Isaac Schereschewsky em contexto missionário na China

Samuel Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky - The Bishop Translator Who Converted the Bible into Chinese

A converted Jew who became Anglican Bishop of Shanghai (1877-1883), Samuel Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky devoted his life to translating the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer into Mandarin and Wenli Chinese, and to founding St. John's University in Shanghai.

Life and Education

Samuel Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky was born on May 6, 1831 in Tauroggen, Russian Lithuania, the son of Jewish parents. In his youth, he traveled to Germany with the intention of studying for the rabbinate, but during his studies he converted to Christianity. This spiritual transformation would deeply shape the course of his life.

After his conversion, he emigrated to the United States, where he decided to train for the Christian priesthood. He attended General Theological Seminary in Manhattan, New York, between October 1858 and May 1859. During his seminary studies, Schereschewsky felt an irresistible call to mission work in China, deciding to devote his entire life to that missionary endeavor.

Ordination and Arrival in China

He was ordained deacon on July 7, 1859 at St. George's Church, New York, by Bishop William Jones Boone, the first Missionary Bishop of Shanghai. Only six days later, on July 13, 1859, he sailed for China. During the long sea voyage, he took the opportunity to begin learning how to write Chinese. He was ordained priest on October 28, 1860 in China.

Ministry and Translation Work

After his ordination to the priesthood, Schereschewsky was transferred to Beijing, where he began his most significant work: translating the Bible into Chinese. From 1862 to 1875, he devoted himself intensely to this monumental task, beginning with the Psalms and later translating the New Testament into Mandarin. He also translated parts of the Book of Common Prayer into Chinese.

During his time in Beijing, he showed deep interest in the Chinese Jewish community. In late 1867, he bought a Buddhist temple outside the city's West Gate, restored it, and turned it into a chapel, where he preached regularly for seven years. After meeting Chinese Jews in Beijing, he traveled approximately 450 miles to Kaifeng to visit the small Jewish community there.

Election as Bishop

In October 1875, a special meeting of the House of Bishops elected Schereschewsky as Bishop of China. Considering himself "completely unqualified" for the position, he declined the election. Fellow missionaries agreed that his gifts and calling lay in translation, not in the administrative leadership of other missionaries.

He returned to the United States for health reasons, but in October 1876 the House of Bishops elected him again. This time, they sent a delegation of three men he deeply respected to persuade him to accept. After great hesitation and many doubts, Schereschewsky finally agreed to serve as Bishop.

He was consecrated Bishop of Shanghai on October 31, 1877 at Grace Church, New York. The consecration was performed by several bishops, including Bosworth Smith, Henry Potter, Bedell, Stevens, Kerfoot, and Lyman. He received his Doctor of Divinity degree from Kenyon University in 1876 and from Columbia University in 1877.

Founding of St. John's University

Schereschewsky had planned the founding of an educational institution since his arrival in China. After his consecration as bishop, the House of Bishops expressed full support for the plan. Fifty thousand dollars were raised for the new institution. The Schereschewsky family departed for China in April 1878.

His institutional masterpiece was the founding of St. John's University, which opened its doors on September 1, 1879 in Shanghai. This institution became an important center of Christian education in China, and its legacy continues to this day, having later moved to Taiwan.

Translation into Wenli and Declining Health

As bishop, Schereschewsky served from 1877 to 1883 (some records indicate until 1884). During his episcopate, he began translating the Bible into wenli, the formal classical Chinese used by missionaries. This was an even more challenging task than translating into Mandarin.

However, his health began to deteriorate significantly. He suffered a stroke in 1881, which left him partially disabled. He also developed Parkinson's disease, which progressively paralyzed him. Because of these health conditions, he resigned his position as Bishop of Shanghai.

Final Years and Legacy

Despite his progressive paralysis, Schereschewsky did not abandon his vocation as a translator. With extraordinary determination, he continued his wenli translation work, typing the last 2,000 pages with only one finger that he could still move. This unwavering dedication to his calling reflects deeply his faith and commitment.

In 1897, Schereschewsky moved to Tokyo, Japan, where he remained until his death. He died on October 15, 1906, at the age of 75, leaving an extraordinary legacy of Bible translation and Christian education in Asia.

Reflecting on his life, Schereschewsky declared:

"I have been sitting in this chair for more than twenty years. It seemed very hard at first. But God knew best. He kept me for the work to which I am best suited."

Legacy and Recognition

Samuel Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky is remembered as one of the great Bible translators in Christian history. His translations of the New Testament into Mandarin and the complete Bible into wenli were fundamental to the spread of Christianity in China. The St. John's University he founded became a prominent educational institution.

His life exemplifies extraordinary dedication in the face of physical adversity. A convert from Judaism, tireless missionary, reluctant bishop, brilliant translator, and visionary educator, Schereschewsky left indelible marks on the history of the Anglican Church and the Christian mission in Asia. He is commemorated in the Anglican liturgical calendar, and his feast day is celebrated on October 15.

Birth

Date: May 6, 1831
Place: Tauroggen, Russian Lithuania

Death

Date: October 15, 1906
Place: Tokyo, Japan

Liturgical Feast

October 15

Patronage

  • Translators
  • Missionaries
  • Christian educators

Writings

  • Mandarin Bible Translation (1862-1875) - Complete translation of the New Testament and parts of the Old Testament into Mandarin Chinese, the first Old Testament translation in this language
  • Wenli Bible Translation (1875-1906) - Complete translation of the Bible into classical Chinese (wenli), carried out even after his progressive paralysis
  • Book of Common Prayer in Chinese (1862-1875) - Translation of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer into Mandarin Chinese

Recommended Books

To deepen your knowledge about this person, we recommend:

  • Samuel Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky: Missionary Bishop and Bible Translator - Various authors (historical records of the Episcopal Church)
    Official historical documentation of the Episcopal Church on Schereschewsky's life and work

Sources and References

This article was prepared based on the following sources: