« | 1 Peter 2 | » |
1 So then, rid yourselves of all evil, all lying, hypocrisy, jealousy, and evil speech.
2 As newborn babies want milk, you should want the pure and simple teaching. By it you can grow up and be saved,
3 because you have already examined and seen how good the Lord is.
4 Come to the Lord Jesus, the "stone" that lives. The people of the world did not want this stone, but he was the stone God chose, and he was precious.
5 You also are like living stones, so let yourselves be used to build a spiritual temple -- to be holy priests who offer spiritual sacrifices to God. He will accept those sacrifices through Jesus Christ.
6 The Scripture says: "I will put a stone in the ground in Jerusalem. Everything will be built on this important and precious rock. Anyone who trusts in him will never be disappointed."
7 This stone is worth much to you who believe. But to the people who do not believe, "the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."
8 Also, he is "a stone that causes people to stumble, a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they do not obey what God says, which is what God planned to happen to them.
9 But you are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
10 At one time you were not a people, but now you are God's people. In the past you had never received mercy, but now you have received God's mercy.
11 Dear friends, you are like foreigners and strangers in this world. I beg you to avoid the evil things your bodies want to do that fight against your soul.
12 People who do not believe are living all around you and might say that you are doing wrong. Live such good lives that they will see the good things you do and will give glory to God on the day when Christ comes again.
13 For the Lord's sake, yield to the people who have authority in this world: the king, who is the highest authority,
14 and the leaders who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.
15 It is God's desire that by doing good you should stop foolish people from saying stupid things about you.
16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as servants of God.
17 Show respect for all people: Love the brothers and sisters of God's family, respect God, honor the king.
18 Slaves, yield to the authority of your masters with all respect, not only those who are good and kind, but also those who are dishonest.
19 A person might have to suffer even when it is unfair, but if he thinks of God and stands the pain, God is pleased.
20 If you are beaten for doing wrong, there is no reason to praise you for being patient in your punishment. But if you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased.
21 This is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and gave you an example to follow. So you should do as he did.
22 "He had never sinned, and he had never lied."
23 People insulted Christ, but he did not insult them in return. Christ suffered, but he did not threaten. He let God, the One who judges rightly, take care of him.
24 Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross so we would stop living for sin and start living for what is right. And you are healed because of his wounds.
25 You were like sheep that wandered away, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Protector of your souls.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.