« | 1 Thessalonians 5 |
1 Now, brothers and sisters, we don't need to write to you about times and dates.
2 You know very well that the day when the Lord comes again will be a surprise, like a thief who comes at night.
3 People will say, "We have peace and we are safe." At that time destruction will come to them quickly, like the pains of a woman who is having a baby. And those people will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not living in darkness. And so that day will not surprise you like a thief.
5 You are all people who belong to the light. You belong to the day. We don't belong to the night or to darkness.
6 So we should not be like other people. We should not be sleeping. We should be awake and have self-control.
7 People who sleep, sleep at night. People who drink too much, drink at night.
8 But we belong to the day, so we should control ourselves. We should wear faith and love to protect us. And the hope of salvation should be our helmet.
9 God did not choose us to suffer his anger. God chose us to have salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
10 Jesus died for us so that we can live together with him. It is not important if we are alive or dead when Jesus comes.
11 So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing.
12 Now brothers and sisters, we ask you to recognize the value of those who work hard among you—those who, as followers of the Lord, care for you and tell you how to live.
13 Show them the highest respect and love because of the work they do. Live in peace with each other.
14 We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who will not work. Encourage those who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
15 Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people.
16 Always be full of joy.
17 Never stop praying.
18 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus.
19 Don't stop the work of the Holy Spirit.
20 Don't treat prophecy like something that is not important.
21 But test everything. Keep what is good,
22 and stay away from everything that is evil.
23 We pray that God himself, the God of peace, will make you pure—belonging only to him. We pray that your whole self—spirit, soul, and body—will be kept safe and be blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes.
24 The one who calls you will do that for you. You can trust him.
25 Brothers and sisters, please pray for us.
26 Give all the brothers and sisters the special greeting of God's people.
27 I tell you by the authority of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV) is a Bible translation specifically designed to be accessible and comprehensible for people with limited reading skills or those for whom English is a second language. Originally published in 1987 by the World Bible Translation Center, the ERV was initially developed to serve the deaf community, using a simplified vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures. The goal of the ERV is to make the scriptures understandable to a wide range of readers, ensuring that everyone can grasp the essential messages of the Bible without being hindered by complex language or archaic terms.
One of the defining characteristics of the ERV is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators employed a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, focusing on conveying the meaning of the original texts in plain, everyday English. This approach ensures that readers can easily comprehend the Bible’s teachings and narratives, making it a valuable resource for children, new Christians, and those with limited literacy skills. The ERV avoids technical theological terms and instead uses language that is commonly spoken, making it accessible for personal study and public reading alike.
The ERV also pays careful attention to the cultural and contextual nuances of the original manuscripts. The translators sought to present the Bible’s messages in a way that is relevant and meaningful to contemporary readers while maintaining faithfulness to the original texts. This cultural sensitivity helps bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and modern readers, allowing them to connect more deeply with the biblical stories and teachings. Additionally, the ERV includes helpful footnotes and cross-references that provide further explanation and context, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the ERV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the simplified language and thought-for-thought approach can sometimes result in a loss of depth and richness found in the original texts. Some theologians believe that the ERV’s emphasis on accessibility may lead to oversimplification of complex theological concepts. Nonetheless, the Easy-To-Read Version remains a highly valuable translation for its target audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps people of all backgrounds engage with and understand the scriptures.