« | 2 Corinthians 2 | » |
1 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow.
2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad if not the [one] which is made sorrowful by me?
3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest when I came, I should have sorrow from those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is [the joy] of you all.
4 For out of much affliction and distress of heart I wrote to you, through many tears, not that you might be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly towards you.
5 Now if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but in part--lest I burden you all.
6 Sufficient to such a person is this punishment which was [inflicted] by the majority,
7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest somehow such a person be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
8 Therefore I appeal to you to reaffirm [your] love towards him.
9 For to this end I also wrote, so that I might put you to the test, [to see] if you are obedient in all things.
10 And to whom you forgive anything, I also [forgive]; for if indeed I have forgiven anything, [the] one whom I have forgiven, [I have done so] for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
11 lest we be taken advantage of by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
12 Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but saying farewell to them, I departed for Macedonia.
14 Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and making known through us the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
15 For we are the fragrance of Christ to God among those being saved, and among those perishing.
16 To some we are the fragrance of death [leading] to death, but to others the fragrance of life [leading] to life. And who is sufficient for these things?
17 For we are not as the rest, corrupting the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.
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.