« | 1 Thessalonians 5 |
1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
16 Be joyful always;
17 pray continually;
18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire;
20 do not treat prophecies with contempt.
21 Test everything. Hold on to the good.
22 Avoid every kind of evil.
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The New International Version (NIV)
The New International Version (NIV) is one of the most widely read and respected modern English translations of the Bible. First published in 1978 by the International Bible Society, the NIV was created by a diverse team of over 100 evangelical scholars from various denominations. The goal of the NIV was to produce a Bible translation that balanced readability, accuracy, and faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. This makes the NIV an ideal choice for both personal study and public worship, appealing to a broad audience across different Christian traditions.
A key feature of the NIV is its use of a balanced translation philosophy known as "optimal equivalence." This approach combines aspects of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) to provide a translation that is both accurate and easily understandable. The translators carefully considered the context and meaning of the original texts, striving to convey their messages in clear, contemporary English. This balance ensures that the NIV remains faithful to the original languages while being accessible to modern readers, making it a versatile and widely accepted translation.
The NIV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of the Bible. These include comprehensive cross-references, footnotes, and introductions to each book that provide historical and cultural context. Additionally, the NIV is available in numerous editions and formats, including study Bibles, devotional Bibles, and children’s Bibles, catering to different needs and preferences. The widespread availability and extensive resources associated with the NIV make it a valuable tool for both individual study and group teaching.
Despite its popularity and widespread use, the NIV has faced some criticism. Some traditionalists and scholars prefer more literal translations, arguing that the NIV’s approach to dynamic equivalence can sometimes result in interpretive bias or a loss of subtle nuances present in the original texts. Additionally, debates have arisen over the NIV’s use of gender-inclusive language in its 2011 update, with some critics feeling that it strays too far from the original wording. Nonetheless, the New International Version remains a highly esteemed and influential translation, recognized for its readability, accuracy, and broad appeal across the Christian community.