« | 2 Corinthians 8 | » |
1 Now we make known to you brothers, the grace of God which has been given to the churches of Macedonia,
2 how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their generosity.
3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,
4 with much appeal, begging us [for] the grace and the fellowship of the ministry to the saints--
5 and not as we hoped, but they first gave their own selves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God,
6 so that we urged Titus, that just as he had begun before, thus he would also finish this grace also in you.
7 But as you abound in everything--in faith, in word, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us--see that you abound in this grace also.
8 I speak not by a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by means of the diligence of others.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet on account of you He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
10 And I give [my] opinion in this: For this is profitable for you, who not only previously began doing [this], but also desired to, since last year.
11 And now also complete doing [it]; that as indeed there [was] the readiness to desire [it], thus also there [may be] the completion from what you have.
12 For if there is first a readiness, it is acceptable according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.
13 For I do not [mean] that others should be relieved and you burdened;
14 but by way of equality, that now at the present time your abundance [may supply] their need, that their abundance also may supply your need, in order that there may be equality.
15 As it is written, "He [who ga]there[d] much did not have too much, and he [who ga]there[d] little had no lack."
16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you in the heart of Titus.
17 Because he accepted my appeal, but being more diligent, he came to you of his own accord.
18 And we sent together with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches,
19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches as our traveling companion with this gift, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and [to show] our readiness--
20 avoiding this, lest anyone should blame us in this abundance which is ministered by us;
21 having regard for honorable things, not only before the Lord, but also before men.
22 And we sent together with them our brother whom we often approved in many things, being diligent, but now [being] much more diligent, by [his] great confidence in you.
23 If [anyone inquires] about Titus, [he is] my partner and fellow worker concerning you; or if our brothers [are inquired about], [they are] messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
24 Therefore show to them the proof of your love, and of our boasting concerning you, before the churches.
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.