The message stays the same
The Bible does not use the modern phrase cultural translation, but it shows the principle often. The gospel centres on Jesus Christ, his death for sins, his burial, and his resurrection. Those are not details a church can swap out to become more acceptable or familiar (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Yet the same gospel entered many languages, nations, and ways of life from the beginning. At Pentecost, people gathered in Jerusalem heard the message in languages they knew. God was not asking every person to become culturally Jewish before hearing him (Acts 2:6-10).
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Paul met people where they were
Paul is a clear example. Writing to the Corinthian church, he explained that he willingly adjusted his approach among Jews, Gentiles, and those with different levels of understanding. His aim was that more people might hear the good news. He did not treat his own customs as the centre of faith (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
In Athens, Paul began with an altar the Athenians already knew and spoke about their search for God. He referred to one of their poets, then pointed them to the Creator and to the risen Jesus (Acts 17:22-23, Acts 17:28, Acts 17:30-31). That is cultural translation: starting with what people recognise, then speaking truthfully about Christ.
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
What can change, and what cannot
Christians may translate Scripture into local languages, use familiar music, explain biblical ideas with local illustrations, or gather in ways that suit their setting. A farmer, a university student, and a new migrant may all need different examples before a Bible passage becomes clear. The goal is understanding, not novelty.
But cultural translation has boundaries. Paul warned against accepting a different gospel, even when it came with impressive claims (Galatians 1:8-9). A culture may challenge Christian beliefs about God, Jesus, forgiveness, money, sexuality, power, or the worth of vulnerable people. In those moments, love calls for patience and humility, but it does not require hiding what Scripture teaches.
A shared faith with many expressions
The early church had to work through cultural differences in a very practical way. Some Jewish believers expected Gentile Christians to adopt Jewish customs. The apostles recognised that Gentiles were welcomed by God's grace, while also giving wise guidance for life together in a mixed church (Acts 15:19-20).
So cultural translation is not watering faith down. It is helping real people hear and live the same gospel in their own place. Revelation pictures a vast worshipping people from every nation, kindred, people, and tongue, united before God without becoming identical (Revelation 7:9). When considering a new expression of church or ministry, ask: does this make Jesus clearer, honour Scripture, and help people obey him?
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;