« | John 16 | » |
1 "I've told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead.
2 They are going to throw you out of the meeting places. There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think he's doing God a favor.
3 They will do these things because they never really understood the Father.
4 I've told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, you'll be well-warned and ready for them. "I didn't tell you this earlier because I was with you every day.
5 But now I am on my way to the One who sent me. Not one of you has asked, 'Where are you going?'
6 Instead, the longer I've talked, the sadder you've become.
7 So let me say it again, this truth: It's better for you that I leave. If I don't leave, the Friend won't come. But if I go, I'll send him to you.
8 "When he comes, he'll expose the error of the godless world's view of sin, righteousness, and judgment:
9 He'll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin;
10 that righteousness comes from above, where I am with the Father, out of their sight and control;
11 that judgment takes place as the ruler of this godless world is brought to trial and convicted.
12 "I still have many things to tell you, but you can't handle them now.
13 But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won't draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said.
14 He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver it to you.
15 Everything the Father has is also mine. That is why I've said, 'He takes from me and delivers to you.'
16 "In a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me."
17 That stirred up a hornet's nest of questions among the disciples: "What's he talking about: 'In a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me'? And, 'Because I'm on my way to the Father'?
18 What is this 'day or so'? We don't know what he's talking about."
19 Jesus knew they were dying to ask him what he meant, so he said, "Are you trying to figure out among yourselves what I meant when I said, 'In a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me'?
20 Then fix this firmly in your minds: You're going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You'll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness.
21 "When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there's no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain.
22 The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you.
23 You'll no longer be so full of questions. "This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you.
24 Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!
25 "I've used figures of speech in telling you these things. Soon I'll drop the figures and tell you about the Father in plain language.
26 Then you can make your requests directly to him in relation to this life I've revealed to you. I won't continue making requests of the Father on your behalf.
27 I won't need to. Because you've gone out on a limb, committed yourselves to love and trust in me, believing I came directly from the Father, the Father loves you directly.
28 First, I left the Father and arrived in the world; now I leave the world and travel to the Father."
29 His disciples said, "Finally! You're giving it to us straight, in plain talk--no more figures of speech.
30 Now we know that you know everything--it all comes together in you. You won't have to put up with our questions anymore. We're convinced you came from God."
31 Jesus answered them, "Do you finally believe?
32 In fact, you're about to make a run for it--saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I'm not abandoned. The Father is with me.
33 I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.