« | 1 Timothy 5 | » |
1 Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but [rather] exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,
2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.
3 Honor widows who are really widows.
4 But if a certain widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety to their own household and to make repayment to their parents; for this is acceptable before God.
5 Now she who is really a widow and having been left alone, has set her hope on God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
6 But she who is living for pleasure is dead while she lives.
7 And these things command, so that they may be blameless.
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his [own] house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 Let a widow be enrolled having become not less than sixty years, [the] wife of one man,
10 having a reputation for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.
11 But refuse [to enroll] the younger widows; for whenever they grow lustful against Christ, they desire to marry,
12 having condemnation because they have set aside their first faith.
13 And besides they learn to be idle, going around from house to house, and not only idle but also gossipy and busybodies, speaking things [which are] not proper.
14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows to marry, to bear children, to manage the house, to give no opportunity to the adversary because of reproach.
15 For already some have turned aside after Satan.
16 If any believing man or believing woman has widows, let [that one] relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.
17 Let the elders having ruled well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox threshing [grain]," and, "The worker is worthy of his wages."
19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder unless on [the basis of] two or three witnesses.
20 Those who are sinning rebuke before all, that the rest also may have fear.
21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.
22 Lay hands on no one hastily, nor share in [the] sins of others; keep yourself pure.
23 No longer drink water [only], but use a little wine on account of your stomach, and your frequent illnesses.
24 The sins of some men are evident beforehand, preceding them to judgment, but some also follow after.
25 Likewise also the good works [of some] are evident beforehand, and those which are otherwise cannot be hidden.
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.