« | 2 Timothy 2 | » |
1 So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ.
2 Pass on what you heard from me--the whole congregation saying Amen!--to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others.
3 When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did.
4 A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders.
5 An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere.
6 It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce.
7 Think it over. God will make it all plain.
8 Fix this picture firmly in your mind: Jesus, descended from the line of David, raised from the dead. It's what you've heard from me all along.
9 It's what I'm sitting in jail for right now--but God's Word isn't in jail!
10 That's why I stick it out here--so that everyone God calls will get in on the salvation of Christ in all its glory.
11 This is a sure thing: If we die with him, we'll live with him;
12 If we stick it out with him, we'll rule with him; If we turn our backs on him, he'll turn his back on us;
13 If we give up on him, he does not give up-- for there's no way he can be false to himself.
14 Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God's people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out.
15 Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple.
16 Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know. If they're not backed by a godly life,
17 they accumulate as poison in the soul. Hymenaeus and Philetus are examples,
18 throwing believers off stride and missing the truth by a mile by saying the resurrection is over and done with.
19 Meanwhile, God's firm foundation is as firm as ever, these sentences engraved on the stones: GOD KNOWS WHO BELONGS TO HIM. SPURN EVIL, ALL YOU WHO NAME GOD AS GOD.
20 In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets--some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage.
21 Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.
22 Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness--faith, love, peace--joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God.
23 Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights.
24 God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool,
25 working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth,
26 enabling them to escape the Devil's trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
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.