« | John 2 | » |
1 Two days later there was a wedding in the town of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there,
2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.
3 When the wine had given out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They are out of wine."
4 "You must not tell me what to do," Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come."
5 Jesus' mother then told the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
6 The Jews have rules about ritual washing, and for this purpose six stone water jars were there, each one large enough to hold between twenty and thirty gallons.
7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill these jars with water." They filled them to the brim,
8 and then he told them, "Now draw some water out and take it to the man in charge of the feast." They took him the water,
9 which now had turned into wine, and he tasted it. He did not know where this wine had come from (but, of course, the servants who had drawn out the water knew); so he called the bridegroom
10 and said to him, "Everyone else serves the best wine first, and after the guests have drunk a lot, he serves the ordinary wine. But you have kept the best wine until now!"
11 Jesus performed this first miracle in Cana in Galilee; there he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
12 After this, Jesus and his mother, brothers, and disciples went to Capernaum and stayed there a few days.
13 It was almost time for the Passover Festival, so Jesus went to Jerusalem.
14 There in the Temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and pigeons, and also the moneychangers sitting at their tables.
15 So he made a whip from cords and drove all the animals out of the Temple, both the sheep and the cattle; he overturned the tables of the moneychangers and scattered their coins;
16 and he ordered those who sold the pigeons, "Take them out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!"
17 His disciples remembered that the scripture says, "My devotion to your house, O God, burns in me like a fire."
18 The Jewish authorities came back at him with a question, "What miracle can you perform to show us that you have the right to do this?"
19 Jesus answered, "Tear down this Temple, and in three days I will build it again."
20 "Are you going to build it again in three days?" they asked him. "It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple!"
21 But the temple Jesus was speaking about was his body.
22 So when he was raised from death, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and what Jesus had said.
23 While Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival, many believed in him as they saw the miracles he performed.
24 But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew them all.
25 There was no need for anyone to tell him about them, because he himself knew what was in their hearts.
The Good News Bible (GNB)
The Good News Bible (GNB), also known as the Good News Translation (GNT) in the United States, is an English translation of the Bible that prioritizes readability and accessibility for a diverse audience. First published in 1966 by the American Bible Society, the GNB was originally designed as a translation for people with limited English proficiency, including non-native speakers and those with lower literacy levels. Its straightforward and contemporary language makes it particularly effective for use in educational settings, churches, and personal study.
One of the hallmark features of the Good News Bible is its dynamic equivalence translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the thought and meaning of the original texts rather than adhering strictly to a word-for-word approach. This allows the translators to use idiomatic expressions and familiar language that resonate with modern readers. The GNB aims to present the Bible in a way that is relatable and engaging, making it easier for readers to connect with the biblical stories and teachings without getting bogged down by archaic language or complex theological terminology.
In addition to its clear language, the Good News Bible includes helpful illustrations, maps, and notes that enhance the reader’s understanding of the text. The translation is structured to facilitate comprehension, often breaking up longer passages into shorter paragraphs and sections. This visual organization aids readers in navigating the biblical narrative and understanding the context of various stories and teachings. The GNB also includes helpful footnotes that provide additional information and insights into specific verses, making it a valuable resource for study and reflection.
Despite its strengths, the Good News Bible has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can lead to a loss of nuance and depth present in the original languages. Additionally, some readers express concern that the GNB’s simplified language may not adequately convey the richness of the biblical text. However, the Good News Bible remains a widely used and appreciated translation, particularly for its commitment to making the scriptures accessible to all, allowing readers from various backgrounds to engage with and understand the timeless messages of the Bible.