How iPhones Have Helped Distribute The Bible To Over 500 Million People
By Movieguide® Contributor
Did you know the popularity of the iPhone has boosted the readership of the Bible by more than 500 million?
One of the first apps available in the App Store when the iPhone launched was the free YouVersion Bible App.
Today, more than 500 million people have downloaded the app, which offers users 2,760 Bible versions in 1,831 languages for free, and without advertising.
Bobby Gruenewald, the founder of the YouVersion Bible App, said he was “super grateful” for the cell phone because it allowed him to connect people with the Bible in a new way.
“We saw the technology had potential to reach people with the Gospel,” he shared. “But we had no idea, though, how God could use it in such a powerful way to reach people in every single country and territory with his word and we’ve been able to be a really incredible witness to what God has done.”
He continued, “I was just trying to figure out how to use technology to help people read the Bible more consistently. And just had enough faith to start, to try something, and of course, what we’ve seen God do is incredible. Our faith has grown, but in the very beginning had no idea what it was going to become.”
Shannon Bennett, the Museum of the Bible’s chief marketing officer, agreed, saying, “We can really look at YouVersion as a continuation of Guttenberg’s tradition of getting the Bible into the hands of everyone around the world. Maybe you can’t download the Bible app in North Korea but if you bring your phone in that has the Bible on it already, there it is in a country that bans the Bible.”
Movieguide® previously reported on the popularity of the YouVersion Bible App:
YouVersion, the popular online and mobile Bible application, recently reached 500 million installations.
“It started as a question,” a recent press release stated. “‘What if people could have access to the Bible wherever they go?’ In 2008, it turned into YouVersion—one of the first 200 free apps on the App Store.”
The platform thanked users for helping them reach the half-billion mark and noted how God had blessed their ministry.
“What began as a desire to make Scripture accessible to everyone has now become a global movement of people committed to seeking God every day through His Word,” their website read. “It’s a movement you’re a part of… A movement that’s now been installed on half a billion devices. A movement made possible because the Bible is alive. God is actively at work through YouVersion—and hundreds of millions of people are a part of it.”
“Every time someone installs YouVersion, they’re getting instant access to a Community centered around the Bible. A Community that’s inviting God to shape their lives through Scripture, Bible Plans, and Prayer,” they added.
Despite their achievement, YouVersion said they are excited for what God will do next.
“Today we’re celebrating 500 million installs … but we’re not just reflecting on what God has done, we’re looking forward to what He’ll do next,” the website read. “Imagine a day in the near future when 1 billion people have installed YouVersion.”
“There are millions of people still waiting to be transformed by the Bible, and you are perfectly positioned to reach some of them. Allow God to actively work through you by inviting others to discover that The Bible is Alive,” the concluded.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
