« | Colossians 3 | » |
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at [the] right [hand] of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For you died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God.
4 Whenever Christ [who is] our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5 Therefore put to death your members on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.
6 Because of which things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience,
7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all [these]: wrath, anger, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have stripped off the old man with his practices,
10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in full knowledge according to the image of Him who created it,
11 where there is not Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience;
13 forbearing one another and forgiving yourselves, if anyone should have a complaint against any; just as Christ forgave you, so you also [do].
14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatever you may do in word or deed, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
18 Wives, subject yourselves to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing in the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
22 Bondservants, obey your masters according to the flesh in all things, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
23 And whatever you may do, work [it] from your soul, as to the Lord and not to men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. For you serve the Lord Christ.
25 But the [one] doing wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is not partiality.
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.