Philemon 1 |
1 I, Paul, am a prisoner for the sake of Christ, here with my brother Timothy. I write this letter to you, Philemon, my good friend and companion in this work--
2 also to our sister Apphia, to Archippus, a real trooper, and to the church that meets in your house.
3 God's best to you! Christ's blessings on you!
4 Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, "Oh, thank you, God!
5 " I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other Christians.
6 And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it.
7 Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.
8 In line with all this I have a favor to ask of you. As Christ's ambassador and now a prisoner for him, I wouldn't hesitate to command this if I thought it necessary,
9 but I'd rather make it a personal request.
10 While here in jail, I've fathered a child, so to speak. And here he is, hand-carrying this letter--Onesimus!
11 He was useless to you before; now he's useful to both of us.
12 I'm sending him back to you, but it feels like I'm cutting off my right arm in doing so.
13 I wanted in the worst way to keep him here as your stand-in to help out while I'm in jail for the Message.
14 But I didn't want to do anything behind your back, make you do a good deed that you hadn't willingly agreed to.
15 Maybe it's all for the best that you lost him for a while. You're getting him back now for good--
16 and no mere slave this time, but a true Christian brother! That's what he was to me--he'll be even more than that to you.
17 So if you still consider me a comrade-in-arms, welcome him back as you would me.
18 If he damaged anything or owes you anything, chalk it up to my account.
19 This is my personal signature--Paul--and I stand behind it. (I don't need to remind you, do I, that you owe your very life to me?)
20 Do me this big favor, friend. You'll be doing it for Christ, but it will also do my heart good.
21 I know you well enough to know you will. You'll probably go far beyond what I've written.
22 And by the way, get a room ready for me. Because of your prayers, I fully expect to be your guest again.
23 Epaphras, my cellmate in the cause of Christ, says hello.
24 Also my coworkers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke.
25 All the best to you from the Master, Jesus Christ!
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.