3 John 1 |
1 THE ELDER, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
2 Beloved, concerning all things I pray you to prosper and to be healthy, just as your soul prospers.
3 For I rejoiced greatly when [the] brothers came and witnessed to the truth which is in you, just as you walk in truth.
4 I have no greater joy than these things, that I hear [that] my children are walking in truth.
5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you work for the brothers and for the strangers,
6 who gave testimony concerning your love before the church, [with reference] to whom you will do well if you send them forth in a manner worthy of God,
7 for on behalf of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the pagans.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, in order that we may become fellow workers with the truth.
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves the preeminence over them, does not receive us.
10 On account of this, if I come, I will call to mind his works which he does, slandering us with evil words. And not being content with that, he does not receive the brothers, and hinders those who desire to, casting them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate the evil, but the good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has a good testimony with everyone, and of the truth itself. And we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink.
14 But I wish to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
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.