« | John 17 | » |
1 Jesus said these things. Then, raising his eyes in prayer, he said: Father, it's time. Display the bright splendor of your Son So the Son in turn may show your bright splendor.
2 You put him in charge of everything human So he might give real and eternal life to all in his charge.
3 And this is the real and eternal life: That they know you, The one and only true God, And Jesus Christ, whom you sent.
4 I glorified you on earth By completing down to the last detail What you assigned me to do.
5 And now, Father, glorify me with your very own splendor, The very splendor I had in your presence Before there was a world.
6 I spelled out your character in detail To the men and women you gave me. They were yours in the first place; Then you gave them to me, And they have now done what you said.
7 They know now, beyond the shadow of a doubt, That everything you gave me is firsthand from you,
8 For the message you gave me, I gave them; And they took it, and were convinced That I came from you. They believed that you sent me.
9 I pray for them. I'm not praying for the God-rejecting world But for those you gave me, For they are yours by right.
10 Everything mine is yours, and yours mine, And my life is on display in them.
11 For I'm no longer going to be visible in the world; They'll continue in the world While I return to you. Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this life That you conferred as a gift through me, So they can be one heart and mind
12 As we are one heart and mind. As long as I was with them, I guarded them In the pursuit of the life you gave through me; I even posted a night watch. And not one of them got away, Except for the rebel bent on destruction (the exception that proved the rule of Scripture).
13 Now I'm returning to you. I'm saying these things in the world's hearing So my people can experience My joy completed in them.
14 I gave them your word; The godless world hated them because of it, Because they didn't join the world's ways,
15 Just as I didn't join the world's ways. I'm not asking that you take them out of the world But that you guard them from the Evil One.
16 They are no more defined by the world Than I am defined by the world.
17 Make them holy--consecrated--with the truth; Your word is consecrating truth.
18 In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.
19 I'm consecrating myself for their sakes So they'll be truth-consecrated in their mission.
20 I'm praying not only for them But also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me.
21 The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind-- Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
22 The same glory you gave me, I gave them, So they'll be as unified and together as we are--
23 I in them and you in me. Then they'll be mature in this oneness, And give the godless world evidence That you've sent me and loved them In the same way you've loved me.
24 Father, I want those you gave me To be with me, right where I am, So they can see my glory, the splendor you gave me, Having loved me Long before there ever was a world.
25 Righteous Father, the world has never known you, But I have known you, and these disciples know That you sent me on this mission.
26 I have made your very being known to them-- Who you are and what you do-- And continue to make it known, So that your love for me Might be in them Exactly as I am in them.
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.