« | Romans 12 | » |
1 Therefore, brothers, I exhort you through the compassions of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, well pleasing to God, [which is] your intelligent service.
2 And do not fashion yourselves after this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and well pleasing and perfect will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself too highly, beyond what you should think, but to think soberly, as God has imparted to each one a measure of faith.
4 For just as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace having been given to us, [let us use them]: whether prophecy, [let us prophecy] according to the proportion of faith;
7 whether ministry, [let us use it] in our ministry; whether teaching; in the teaching;
8 whether exhorting, in the exhortation; whether sharing, with simplicity; whether leading, with diligence; whether showing mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 [Let] love [be] without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.
10 Be warmly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, enduring in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 sharing in the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality.
14 Bless those that persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those that rejoice, and weep with those that weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Not minding the high things, but associating with the humble. Do not become wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil; providing that which is good before all men.
18 If possible, as much as depends on you, keeping peace with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
20 Therefore "If your enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him drink; for [by] doing this you will heap coals of fire upon his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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.