« | 2 Corinthians 6 | » |
1 And working together [with Him], we also urge that you not receive the grace of God in vain.
2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
3 We give no occasion for offense in anything, lest the ministry be blamed,
4 but in everything commending ourselves as ministers of God: in much endurance, in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses,
5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in disturbances, in labors, in sleepless nights, in fastings;
6 in purity, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love,
7 through the word of truth, through the power of God, through the weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left hand,
8 by honor and dishonor, by ill repute and good repute; as deceivers, and yet true;
9 as being unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as being disciplined, and not being put to death;
10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart has been opened wide.
12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.
13 Now in return for the same--I speak as to children--you also be opened wide.
14 Do not become unequally yoked with unbelievers; for what participation is there for righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion is there for light with darkness?
15 And what agreement is there for Christ with Belial? Or what part is there for a believer with an infidel?
16 And what union is there for the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God, just as God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."
17 Therefore "Come out from the midst of them and be separated," says the Lord. "Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you."
18 "I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty."
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.