« | Colossians 4 |
1 Masters, provide to your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in [the] heavens.
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
3 praying at the same time also for us, that God would open a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, because of which I am also in chains,
4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
6 Let your word always be with grace, having been seasoned with salt, to know how you ought to answer each [one].
7 Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all things about me.
8 I am sending him to you for this very thing, that he may know your circumstances, and he may encourage your hearts,
9 with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all the things [happening] here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, receive him),
11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These alone are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.
12 Epaphras greets you, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, always struggling for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and complete in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him witness that he has much zeal for you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, also Demas.
15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church in his house.
16 And whenever this letter is read before you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the [one] from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you received in the Lord, that you fulfill it."
18 This greeting [is] by my [own] hand--Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
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.