« | Hebrews 11 | » |
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained witness.
3 By faith we understand that time [itself] was framed by a word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying concerning his gifts; and through it, although he died, he still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was translated [so as] not to see death, "and he was not found, because God translated him"; for before his translation he had obtained witness that he was pleasing to God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please [God], for it is necessary [for] the [one] approaching God to believe that He is, and that He becomes a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
7 By faith Noah, having being warned [By God] concerning the things not yet seen, being reverent, prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, through which he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go forth to the place which he was about to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
9 By faith he migrated into a land of promise as [in] a foreign [land], dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the fellow heirs of the same promise;
10 for he waited for the city having foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 By faith Sarah herself also received power for conception of seed, and she bore a child past the normal age, because she regarded [Him] faithful who had promised.
12 Therefore even from one [man] they were begotten, and him as good as dead, just as the stars of the sky in multitude, and innumerable as the sand by the seashore.
13 These all died according to faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off and welcoming [them], and confessing that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For those saying such things make evident that they seek a fatherland.
15 And indeed if they had remembered that land from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to turn back.
16 But now they desire a better [land], that is, a heavenly [one]. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, had offered up Isaac, and he that received the promises offered up his only begotten [son],
18 of whom it was spoken, "In Isaac your seed shall be called,"
19 considering that even from the dead, God [was] able to raise [him up], from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshipped, [leaning] on the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, remembered concerning the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw a beautiful child; and they did not fear the edict of the king.
24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called a son of Pharaoh's daughter,
25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to have the temporary pleasure of sin,
26 regarding the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.
27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king; for he endured as seeing the Unseen [One].
28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as through dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, having been encircled for seven days.
31 By faith the prositute Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
32 And what more should I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, both Barak and Samson and Jephthah, both David and Samuel and the prophets:
33 who through faith overcame kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became mighty in battle, turned to flight the armies of foreigners.
35 Women received their dead [back] by resurrection. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection.
36 Still others took a trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and of prison.
37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tried, they were slain, being murdered with the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, being in want, being afflicted, being ill treated,
38 of whom the world was not worthy, wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth.
39 And all these, having obtained witness through their faith, did not receive the promise,
40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
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.