« | Ephesians 6 |
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise:
3 "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."
4 And fathers, do not provoke your children, but bring them up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.
5 Slaves, obey your masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling, in simplicity of heart, as to Christ;
6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God wholeheartedly,
7 with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
8 knowing that whatever good thing anyone does, the same he shall receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
9 And masters, do the same things towards them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
10 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the stratagems of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual [forces] of evil in the heavenlies.
13 Because of this, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having accomplished all things, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 through every prayer and petition, praying in every season in the Spirit, being watchful to this same thing with all perseverance and petition concerning all the saints--
19 and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, in the opening of my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for the sake of which I serve as an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I must speak.
21 But that you also may know my circumstances, and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make all things known to you;
22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our situation, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. 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.