« | 1 Timothy 3 | » |
1 If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good!
2 But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he's talking about,
3 not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry.
4 He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect.
5 For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God's church?
6 He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up.
7 Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.
8 The same goes for those who want to be servants in the church: serious, not deceitful, not too free with the bottle, not in it for what they can get out of it.
9 They must be reverent before the mystery of the faith, not using their position to try to run things.
10 Let them prove themselves first. If they show they can do it, take them on.
11 No exceptions are to be made for women--same qualifications: serious, dependable, not sharp-tongued, not overfond of wine.
12 Servants in the church are to be committed to their spouses, attentive to their own children, and diligent in looking after their own affairs.
13 Those who do this servant work will come to be highly respected, a real credit to this Jesus-faith.
14 I hope to visit you soon, but just in case I'm delayed, I'm writing this letter so
15 you'll know how things ought to go in God's household, this God-alive church, bastion of truth.
16 This Christian life is a great mystery, far exceeding our understanding, but some things are clear enough: He appeared in a human body, was proved right by the invisible Spirit, was seen by angels. He was proclaimed among all kinds of peoples, believed in all over the world, taken up into heavenly glory.
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.