1 Timothy 1 | » |
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
2 To Timothy, a genuine child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 Just as I urged you to remain in Ephesus as I traveled into Macedonia, that you should command certain [people] not to teach differently,
4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
5 Now the goal of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to futile talk,
7 desiring to be teachers of the law, not understanding either what they say or what they affirm.
8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully,
9 knowing this: that the law is not laid down for the righteous, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for killers of fathers and killers of mothers, for murderers,
10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is opposed to sound doctrine,
11 according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, [with] which I was entrusted.
12 And I give thanks to the [One] who empowers me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He considered me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
13 I, who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I was shown mercy because, being ignorant, I did it in unbelief,
14 and the grace of our Lord superabounded with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 Faithful is this word, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first.
16 However, because of this I was shown mercy, so that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, as a pattern for those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
17 Now to the King of the Ages, immortal, invisible, [the] only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
18 This charge I commit to you, [my] son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that you may war by them the good warfare,
19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,
20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
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.