Abbreviations (Scripture References)

1. In text, spell out references to whole books or whole chapters of the Bible.
e. g. The opening chapters of Ephesians . . .
Genesis records the creation of the world in the first two chapters.

2. Scripture references should always include a Scripture version in the first reference in the article. It may be omitted in further references if all the references come from the same version. If they differ, then each Scripture reference must include the Scripture version. Abbreviate the Scripture version in references (use the abbreviations as in biblegateway.com).

3. Biblical references may be abbreviated when enclosed in parentheses/brackets. We normally use abbreviations from The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style, as follows:

4. The abbreviation for verse is v. and for verses, vv.

5. Use Arabic numerals for all references. If the reference begins a sentence, however, spell out the number.
e.g.  . . . in 1 John . . .
First John 3:16 says . . .