« | Galatians 4 | » |
1 Now I say, for as much time as the heir is a minor, he does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all,
2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.
3 Even so we, when we were minors, were enslaved by the elements of the world.
4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5 so that He might redeem those under the law, so that we might receive the adoption.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"
7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, also an heir of God through Christ.
8 But at one time indeed, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature were not gods.
9 But now, having known God, or rather, having been known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which once again you wish to be slaves?
10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.
11 I am afraid for you, lest somehow I have worked hard for you in vain.
12 Brothers, I beseech you, become as I am, because I also [am] as you [are]. You have not wronged me at all.
13 You know that because of weakness in the flesh I preached the gospel to you the former [time].
14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise nor disdain, but as an angel of God you received me, even as Christ Jesus.
15 What then was your blessing? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have torn out your own eyes and given them to me!
16 Have I therefore become your enemy by speaking the truth to you?
17 They are zealous about you in the wrong way; but they wish to shut you out, so that you will be zealous about them.
18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you.
19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you!
20 And I wanted to be present with you just now and to change my tone; because I am uncertain about you.
21 Tell me, you who wish to be under the law, do you not hear the law?
22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by the servant girl, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the servant girl was born according to the flesh, and he of the free woman through the promise,
24 which things are symbolic. For these are two covenants: one in fact from Mount Sinai, bearing children into slavery, which is Hagar--
25 for Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, and is in slavery with her children--
26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27 For it is written: "Rejoice, O barren, who does not give birth; break forth and shout, who does not have birth pangs; because the children of the desolate are many more than those of her who has a husband."
28 But we, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.
29 But just as then the [one] who was born according to the flesh persecuted the [one born] according to the Spirit, so it is also now.
30 But what does the Scripture say? "Cast out the servant girl and her son, for the son of the servant girl will certainly not inherit with the son of the free woman."
31 So then, brothers, we are not children of the servant girl, but of the free [woman].
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.