Philemon 1 |
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow worker,
2 to Apphia the beloved, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church at your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God, always making mention of you in my prayers,
5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,
6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective in full knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.
7 For we have much thanksgiving and encouragement over your love, because the affections of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
8 Therefore, having much boldness in Christ to command you what is fitting,
9 rather on account of love I appeal to you--being such a one as Paul, the elder, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ--
10 I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I begot in my bonds,
11 who once was unprofitable to you, but now is useful to you and to me,
12 whom I am sending back. You then receive him, that is, my very heart;
13 whom I wished to keep with myself, in order that on your behalf he might serve me in the bonds of the gospel.
14 But I wished to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good might not be by necessity, but by [being] voluntary.
15 For perhaps he was taken away for a time on account of this, in order that you might keep him eternally,
16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave--a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as me.
18 But if he has wronged you or owes [anything], charge this to me.
19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay--lest I say to you that even yourself you owe to me!
20 Yes, brother, may I have profit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.
21 Having been persuaded of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.
22 But meanwhile, also prepare for me a guestroom, for I hope that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow captive in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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.