« | 1 Peter 3 | » |
1 Wives, likewise, subject yourselves to your own husbands, so that even if some are disobedient to the word, [that] by the conduct of their wives, without a word, they shall be gained [for Christ],
2 when they observe your chaste conduct with fear.
3 Of whom let it not be the outward adorning of braiding of hair, and wearing of gold, or of putting on of [fine] clothes,
4 rather [let it be] the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible [attitude] of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious before God.
5 For thus formerly, the holy women who hoped on God also adorned themselves, subjecting themselves to their own husbands,
6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, of whom you became children, when you do good and are not afraid of any terror.
7 Husbands, likewise, live together according to knowledge as with a weaker vessel, with the wife, showing her honor as also a fellow heir of the grace of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered.
8 Finally, all [of you] be like-minded, sympathetic, loving the brothers, compassionate, friendly,
9 not rendering evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called for this purpose, that you may inherit a blessing.
10 For "He that desires to love life and see good days, let him stop his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile.
11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and His ears [open] to their prayer; but the face of the LORD is against those doing evil."
13 And who is he that shall injure you if you become imitators of that which is good?
14 But even if you should suffer on account of righteousness, [you are] blessed. "But do not fear their threats, nor be troubled."
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be prepared with a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
16 having a good conscience, so that in what they speak against you as evildoers, those reviling your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.
17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is the will of God, than [for] doing evil.
18 For Christ also suffered once to atone for sins, [the] just for [the] unjust, that He might bring you to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit,
19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison,
20 who formerly disobeyed, when the longsuffering of God was waiting in the days of Noah, when the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water;
21 which [as] an antitype, baptism now also saves us-(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but an appeal to God [for] a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22 who having gone into heaven, is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers being subjected to Him.
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.