« | 2 Timothy 2 | » |
1 SO YOU, my son, be strong (strengthened inwardly) in the grace (spiritual blessing) that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus.
2 And the [instructions] which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust [as a deposit] to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also.
3 Take [with me] your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first-class) soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him.
5 And if anyone enters competitive games, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully (fairly, according to the rules laid down).
6 [It is] the hard-working farmer [who labors to produce] who must be the first partaker of the fruits.
7 Think over these things I am saying [understand them and grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you full insight and understanding in everything.
8 Constantly keep in mind Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] risen from the dead, [as the prophesied King] descended from David, according to the good news (the Gospel) that I preach. [Ps. 16:10.]
9 For that [Gospel] I am suffering affliction and even wearing chains like a criminal. But the Word of God is not chained or imprisoned!
10 Therefore I [am ready to] persevere and stand my ground with patience and endure everything for the sake of the elect [God's chosen], so that they too may obtain [the] salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with [the reward of] eternal glory.
11 The saying is sure and worthy of confidence: If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him.
12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny and disown and reject Him, He will also deny and disown and reject us.
13 If we are faithless [do not believe and are untrue to Him], He remains true (faithful to His Word and His righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself.
14 Remind [the people] of these facts and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers.
15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
16 But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.
17 And their teaching [will devour; it] will eat its way like cancer or spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 Who have missed the mark and swerved from the truth by arguing that the resurrection has already taken place. They are undermining the faith of some.
19 But the firm foundation of (laid by) God stands, sure and unshaken, bearing this seal (inscription): The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let everyone who names [himself by] the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it. [Num. 16:5; Isa. 26:13.]
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also [utensils] of wood and earthenware, and some for honorable and noble [use] and some for menial and ignoble [use].
21 So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.
22 Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness (all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed); [and aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace (harmony and concord with others) in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But refuse (shut your mind against, have nothing to do with) trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong.
25 He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth [that they will perceive and recognize and become accurately acquainted with and acknowledge it],
26 And that they may come to their senses [and] escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, [henceforth] to do His [God's] will.
The Amplified Bible (AMP)
The Amplified Bible (AMP) is a unique translation of the Bible that aims to provide a richer and deeper understanding of the scriptures by incorporating various shades of meaning found in the original languages. First published in 1965, the AMP was developed by The Lockman Foundation and its team of scholars, who sought to expand on the text by including additional words and phrases within brackets and parentheses. These amplifications are intended to clarify and explain the nuances of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words, offering readers a more comprehensive view of the biblical text.
One of the defining features of the Amplified Bible is its use of multiple English words to translate single Hebrew or Greek terms. This approach acknowledges that no single English word can fully capture the breadth of meaning contained in the original languages. By providing synonyms and explanatory phrases, the AMP helps readers grasp the fuller implications of the text, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the scriptures. This makes the AMP particularly valuable for in-depth Bible study, as it opens up the text in a way that more concise translations might not.
The Amplified Bible also pays careful attention to the context in which words are used. The amplifications often reflect the cultural, historical, and theological background of the passages, offering insights into how the original audience might have understood the text. This contextual sensitivity helps modern readers bridge the gap between the ancient world and contemporary times, making the Bible messages more relatable and accessible. The comprehensive approach of AMP is especially helpful for those new to biblical studies, as well as for seasoned scholars looking for a fresh perspective.
While the Amplified Bible is widely appreciated for its depth and clarity, it has faced some criticism for its interpretive nature. Some readers and scholars argue that the extensive use of amplifications can lead to a cluttered and sometimes overwhelming reading experience. Additionally, there is a concern that the interpretive additions might sway readers toward particular theological viewpoints. Despite these critiques, the Amplified Bible remains a popular and respected translation, valued for its ability to enrich the reader in understanding of the scriptures and to illuminate the multifaceted meanings contained within the biblical text.