« | Ephesians 3 | » |
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles--
2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery, just as I wrote before briefly,
4 with reference to which, when you read, you can understand my insight in the mystery of Christ,
5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
6 that the Gentiles should be joint-heirs, and of the same body, and joint-partakers in His promise in Christ by the gospel,
7 of which I became a minister according to the free gift of the grace of God which was given to me according to the working of His power.
8 To me, the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to enlighten all [as to] what is the administration of the mystery, which had been hidden from the ages in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ;
10 that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenlies,
11 according to the eternal purpose which He made in Christ Jesus our Lord,
12 in whom we have the boldness and the access with confidence through faith in Him.
13 Therefore I beseech [you] not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, which is your glory.
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 from whom every family in heaven and upon earth takes its name,
16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power by His Spirit in the inner man,
17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; being rooted and founded in love,
18 that you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height--
19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly more than all the things which we ask or think, according to the power which is working in us,
21 to Him be glory in the church in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
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.