Titus 1 | » |
1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to [the] faith of the elect of God and [the] full knowledge of [the] truth which is according to godliness,
2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time [itself],
3 but has in due time manifested His word in a proclamation, [with] which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior;
4 To Titus, a genuine child according to [our] common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God [the] Father and [the] Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
5 For this reason I left you behind in Crete, so that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and you should appoint elders in every city as I commanded you:
6 if a man is unimpeachable, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or [who are] insubordinate.
7 For a bishop must be unimpeachable, as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,
8 but hospitable, loving good, prudent, just, holy, temperate,
9 holding fast to the faithful word as he was taught, that he may be able to exhort by sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it.
10 For there are also many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 whom it is necessary to shut [their] mouths, who overturn whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
12 There said a certain one of them, a prophet of their own, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, idle gluttons."
13 This testimony is true; for which cause rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
14 not giving heed to Jewish myths and to commands of men turning away from the truth.
15 All things indeed are pure to the pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience have been defiled.
16 They profess to know God, but in their works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
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.