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1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, everyone who judges, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself, for you who judge are practicing the same things.
2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth upon those practicing such things.
3 But do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things yet doing them, that you will escape the judgment of God?
4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, and forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
5 But according to your hardness and impenitent heart you are storing up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God,
6 who will recompense to each one according to his works:
7 to those who by the endurance of good works are seeking glory and honor and incorruption--eternal life.
8 But to those who are contentious, and who disobey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath,
9 tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that works evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;
10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone that works good, both to the Jew first and to the Greek.
11 For there is no partiality with God.
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law
13 (for not the hearers of the law are righteous with God, but the doers of the law shall be justified;
14 for whenever Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law unto themselves,
15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience witnessing with [them], and among themselves their thoughts accuse or even defend [them]),
16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men according to my gospel through Jesus Christ.
17 Behold, you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and boast in God,
18 and know His will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law,
19 and are persuaded that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those in darkness,
20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?
22 You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you commit sacrilege?
23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God through the transgression of the law?
24 For "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you," just as it is written.
25 For indeed circumcision profits if you keep the law; but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
26 Therefore, if a Gentile keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, who fulfills the law, judge you along with your written [code] and circumcision, a transgressor of the law?
28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in flesh;
29 but he [is] a Jew that [is one] inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, in spirit, not in letter, whose praise is not of men but of God.
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.