« | Philippians 3 | » |
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not troublesome, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the [false] circumcision!
3 For we are the [true] circumcision, worshipping by the Spirit of God, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and having no confidence in the flesh,
4 although I also [am] having confidence in the flesh. If any other [person] thinks to have confidence in the flesh, I even more:
5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; with respect to the law, a Pharisee;
6 with respect to zeal, persecuting the church; with respect to righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But such things as were gain to me, these I have considered loss for the sake of Christ.
8 More than that I also consider all things to be loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have sustained the loss of all things, and I consider them to be rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through [the] faith of Christ, the righteousness [which is] from God by faith;
10 [so as] to know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
11 if in some way I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained, or have already been made perfect; but I press on, if also I may lay hold of that for which I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 Brothers, I do not count myself to have laid hold; but one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Therefore, as many as are mature, let us think this way; and if in anything you think otherwise, even this God will reveal to you.
16 Nevertheless, to what we have attained, let us walk by the same rule, [being] of the same mind.
17 Be fellow imitators of me, brothers, and look out for those walking this way, just as you have us for a pattern.
18 For many walk, of whom often I was speaking to you, and now even weeping I tell you, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who are mindful of earthly things.
20 For our citizenship exists in heaven, from which also we eagerly await for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body, that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subject all things to Himself.
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.