« | 2 Thessalonians 3 |
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, just as [it is] with you,
2 and that we may be delivered from evil and wicked men; for not all have faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and will guard you from the evil one.
4 And we trust in the Lord concerning you, that the things which we command to you, you are both doing, and will do [them].
5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
6 But we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother living in idleness, and not according the tradition which they received from us.
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;
8 nor did we eat bread from anyone without paying, but in labor and hardship, working night and day, so as not to be a burden to any of you,
9 not because we do not have authority, but in order that we may give ourselves as a pattern to you, so that you might follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat!
11 For we hear [that] some are walking among you in a disorderly way, not working at all, but being busybodies.
12 And to such [people] we command and urge by our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
13 But as for you, brothers, do not lose heart [in] doing good.
14 Now if anyone does not obey our word in this letter, take note of him, and do not associate with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet do not consider him as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.
16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
17 The greeting of Paul by my own hand, which is a sign in every letter; so I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
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.