« | 1 Corinthians 12 | » |
1 Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.
2 You know that when you were Gentiles, how you were led, being carried away to these speechless idols.
3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say that Jesus [is] Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are varieties of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are varieties of ministries, but the same Lord.
6 And there are varieties of activities, but the same God works all in all.
7 But to each [one] the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the profit [of all).
8 For to one is given a word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another a word of knowledge according to the same Spirit,
9 and to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another discerning of spirits, and to another [different] kinds of tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
12 For just as the body is one and has many parts, but all the parts of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and we were all given to drink into one Spirit.
14 For in fact the body is not one part but many.
15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body [were] an eye, where [would be] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [would be] the smelling?
18 But now God has set the parts, each one of them, in the body just as He desired.
19 And if all [parts] were one part, where [would be] the body?
20 But now indeed there [are] many parts, but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."
22 But to a greater degree the parts of the body which seem weaker are necessary.
23 And [the parts] of the body which we consider to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater propriety.
24 But our presentable [parts] have no need. But God united the body, giving greater honor to the [part] being inferior,
25 lest there be divisions in the body, but the parts care the same for one another.
26 And if one part suffers, all the parts suffer together; or if one part is honored, all the parts rejoice together.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
28 And [those] whom God has appointed in the church [are]: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, kinds of tongues.
29 All [are] not apostles, [are they]? All [are] not prophets, [are they]? Are all teachers? [Are] all [workers of] miracles?
30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
31 But strive for the better gifts. And yet I make known a more excellent way.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.