« | 2 Timothy 2 | » |
1 You therefore, my child, be empowered by the grace which is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things which you have heard from me through many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be competent to teach others also.
3 You therefore endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No one serving as a soldier entangles [himself] in the affairs of [civilian] life, in order that he may please the [one] having enlisted him.
5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
6 It is necessary for the hard-working farmer [to be] first to receive of the fruits.
7 Consider the things I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,
9 in which I endure hardship unto chains as an evildoer; but the word of God is not chained.
10 Because of this, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 Faithful is this word: For if we died with [Him], we shall also live with [Him].
12 If we endure, we shall also reign with [Him]. If we deny [Him], He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to dispute about words, useful for nothing, for the ruin of the hearers.
15 Be diligent to show yourself approved unto God, a worker unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and empty babblings; for they will advance to more ungodliness.
17 And their word will spread like gangrene; of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 who have strayed concerning the truth, asserting that the resurrection has already occurred; and they overturn the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those that are His," and, "Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness."
20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the [latter], he will be a vessel for honor, having been consecrated and useful to the Master, having been prepared for every good work.
22 Flee youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they bring forth fights.
24 And a servant of the Lord ought not to fight, but to be gentle to all, skillful at teaching, forbearing,
25 in meekness instructing those that oppose, if God perhaps may give them repentance, to a full knowledge of the truth,
26 and they regain their senses [and escape] out of the snare of the devil, having been captured alive by him to do his will.
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.