« | 2 Corinthians 9 | » |
1 Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you;
2 for I know your readiness, about which I boast concerning you to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has provoked the majority.
3 And I have sent the brothers, lest our boasting about you lose its justification in this matter, that just as I said, you may be prepared,
4 lest perhaps if [some] Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.
5 Therefore I thought it necessary to urge the brothers, that they should go before [me] to you, and should arrange in advance your generous gift, which you had previously promised, [that] this would be ready, thus as a blessing and not as grudgingly given.
6 But this I say: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 Let each [one give] just as he decides in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that in everything always having all sufficiency, you may abound for every good work,
9 just as it is written: "He has dispersed, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever."
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness;
11 in everything being made rich to all generosity, which produces thanksgiving through us to God.
12 Because the ministry of this service not only is supplying the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,
13 while through the approved character of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and [for the] generosity of your sharing toward them and toward all,
14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
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.