« | 1 Corinthians 8 | » |
1 Now concerning the things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he has come to know nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if anyone loves God, this one has been known by Him.
4 Therefore concerning the eating of the things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.
5 For even if they are being called "gods" whether in heaven or on earth (just as there are many gods and many lords),
6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all things, and through whom we [live].
7 However, this knowledge is not in all [people]; rather some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as [something] offered to idols; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat do we have more, nor if we do not eat do we lack.
9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.
10 For if anyone should see you who has knowledge dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, being weak, be strengthened so that they eat foods offered to idols?
11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for the sake of whom Christ died?
12 But when you thus sin against the brothers, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will by no means eat meat, lest I cause my brother to stumble.
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.