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1 What then [is] the superiority of the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?
2 Much in every way! First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.
3 For what if some did not believe? [Surely] their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God?
4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar, just as it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words, and You may overcome when You are judged."
5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Surely] God, the [One] inflicting wrath is not unrighteous, is [He]? (I speak as a man.)
6 Certainly not! For otherwise how shall God judge the world?
7 For if by my lie the truth of God has abounded to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?
8 And why not say, "Let us do evil so that good may come"?--just as we are slandered, and just as some affirm that we say. [The] judgment of whom is just.
9 What then? Are we [any] better? Not at all. For we previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
10 Just as it is written: "There is none righteous, no not one,
11 There is none who understands; there is none who seeks God.
12 All [have] turned aside; together they became unprofitable; there is not [one] doing kindness, there is not so much as one."
13 "Their throat is an opened grave; with their tongues they deceived"; " [the] poison of asps is under their lips";
14 "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 Ruin and misery are in their ways;
17 And the way of peace they did not know.
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes."
19 Now we know that as many things as the law says, it speaks to those under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by works of the law no flesh shall be justified in His sight, for through the law [comes] [the] knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law has been revealed, being witnessed to by the Law and the Prophets,
22 even the righteousness of God, through [the] faithfulness of Jesus Christ, to all and upon all those that believe. For there is no distinction;
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus,
25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness through the passing over of the sins having previously occurred, in the forbearance of God,
26 for a demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of he who is of [the] faith of Jesus.
27 Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. Through what law? Of works? No, but through the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? But is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, also of Gentiles,
30 since there is one God who will justify [the] circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.
31 Therefore do we nullify the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish [the] law.
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.