« | 1 Corinthians 16 |
1 Now in regard to the collection for the holy ones, you also should do as I ordered the churches of Galatia.
2 On the first day of the week each of you should set aside and save whatever one can afford, so that collections will not be going on when I come.
3 And when I arrive, I shall send those whom you have approved with letters of recommendation to take your gracious gift to Jerusalem.
4 If it seems fitting that I should go also, they will go with me.
5 I shall come to you after I pass through Macedonia (for I am going to pass through Macedonia),
6 and perhaps I shall stay or even spend the winter with you, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now just in passing, but I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
8 I shall stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,
9 because a door has opened for me wide and productive for work, but there are many opponents.
10 If Timothy comes, see that he is without fear in your company, for he is doing the work of the Lord just as I am.
11 Therefore no one should disdain him. Rather, send him on his way in peace that he may come to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
12 Now in regard to our brother Apollos, I urged him strongly to go to you with the brothers, but it was not at all his will that he go now. He will go when he has an opportunity.
13 Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.
14 Your every act should be done with love.
15 I urge you, brothers-- you know that the household of Stephanas is the firstfruits of Achaia and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the holy ones--
16 be subordinate to such people and to everyone who works and toils with them.
17 I rejoice in the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, because they made up for your absence,
18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. So give recognition to such people.
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca together with the church at their house send you many greetings in the Lord.
20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write you this greeting in my own hand.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be accursed. Marana tha.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU)
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible known for its rigorous adherence to the original languages of Scripture. First published in 1995 by the Lockman Foundation, the NASU is an update of the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which was originally completed in 1971. The NASU seeks to improve upon the NASB by enhancing readability and modernizing the language while maintaining the translation’s reputation for being one of the most literal translations available. This makes the NASU a preferred choice for serious Bible study, preaching, and teaching.
A key feature of the NASU is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation philosophy. The translators aimed to produce a text that is as close as possible to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This approach ensures that the NASU captures the precise meaning and structure of the original texts, providing readers with a highly accurate and reliable representation of the Scriptures. The use of formal equivalence makes the NASU particularly valuable for those who desire a deep and detailed understanding of the Bible, including scholars, theologians, and students of the Word.
In updating the NASB, the NASU made several important changes to improve clarity and readability. While maintaining the accuracy and literalness of the translation, the NASU incorporates modern English expressions and smoother sentence structures. This makes the text more accessible to contemporary readers without compromising the precision that the NASB is known for. The NASU also includes updated cross-references and footnotes, which provide additional context and insights, further aiding in the study and understanding of the biblical text.
Despite its many strengths, the NASU has faced some criticism. Some readers and scholars argue that the translation’s emphasis on literalness can sometimes result in a text that feels stiff or less fluid than more dynamic translations. Additionally, while the NASU’s updated language makes it more accessible, some feel that it could go further in adapting to contemporary usage without losing its accuracy. Nevertheless, the New American Standard Updated Version remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its fidelity to the original texts and its usefulness for in-depth study and precise interpretation of the Bible.