« | 2 Corinthians 8 | » |
1 Now, friends, I want to report on the surprising and generous ways in which God is working in the churches in Macedonia province.
2 Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts.
3 I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could--far more than they could afford!--
4 pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians.
5 This was totally spontaneous, entirely their own idea, and caught us completely off guard. What explains it was that they had first given themselves unreservedly to God and to us. The other giving simply flowed out of the purposes of God working in their lives.
6 That's what prompted us to ask Titus to bring the relief offering to your attention, so that what was so well begun could be finished up.
7 You do so well in so many things--you trust God, you're articulate, you're insightful, you're passionate, you love us--now, do your best in this, too.
8 I'm not trying to order you around against your will. But by bringing in the Macedonians' enthusiasm as a stimulus to your love, I am hoping to bring the best out of you.
9 You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us--in one stroke he became poor and we became rich.
10 So here's what I think: The best thing you can do right now is to finish what you started last year and not let those good intentions grow stale.
11 Your heart's been in the right place all along. You've got what it takes to finish it up, so go to it.
12 Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can't. The heart regulates the hands.
13 This isn't so others can take it easy while you sweat it out. No, you're shoulder to shoulder with them all the way,
14 your surplus matching their deficit, their surplus matching your deficit. In the end you come out even.
15 As it is written, Nothing left over to the one with the most, Nothing lacking to the one with the least.
16 I thank God for giving Titus the same devoted concern for you that I have.
17 He was most considerate of how we felt, but his eagerness to go to you and help out with this relief offering is his own idea.
18 We're sending a companion along with him, someone very popular in the churches for his preaching of the Message.
19 But there's far more to him than popularity. He's rock-solid trustworthy. The churches handpicked him to go with us as we travel about doing this work of sharing God's gifts to honor God as well as we can,
20 taking every precaution against scandal. We don't want anyone suspecting us of taking one penny of this money for ourselves.
21 We're being as careful in our reputation with the public as in our reputation with God.
22 That's why we're sending another trusted friend along. He's proved his dependability many times over, and carries on as energetically as the day he started. He's heard much about you, and liked what he's heard--so much so that he can't wait to get there.
23 I don't need to say anything further about Titus. We've been close associates in this work of serving you for a long time. The brothers who travel with him are delegates from churches, a real credit to Christ.
24 Show them what you're made of, the love I've been talking up in the churches. Let them see it for themselves!
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.