« | 1 Timothy 3 | » |
1 This is a true saying: If a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work.
2 A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife, be sober, self-controlled, and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach;
3 he must not be a drunkard or a violent man, but gentle and peaceful; he must not love money;
4 he must be able to manage his own family well and make his children obey him with all respect.
5 For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God?
6 He must be mature in the faith, so that he will not swell up with pride and be condemned, as the Devil was.
7 He should be a man who is respected by the people outside the church, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the Devil's trap.
8 Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money;
9 they should hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience.
10 They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve.
11 Their wives also must be of good character and must not gossip; they must be sober and honest in everything.
12 A church helper must have only one wife, and be able to manage his children and family well.
13 Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.
14 As I write this letter to you, I hope to come and see you soon.
15 But if I delay, this letter will let you know how we should conduct ourselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
16 No one can deny how great is the secret of our religion: He appeared in human form, was shown to be right by the Spirit, and was seen by angels. He was preached among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, and was taken up to heaven.
The Good News Bible (GNB)
The Good News Bible (GNB), also known as the Good News Translation (GNT) in the United States, is an English translation of the Bible that prioritizes readability and accessibility for a diverse audience. First published in 1966 by the American Bible Society, the GNB was originally designed as a translation for people with limited English proficiency, including non-native speakers and those with lower literacy levels. Its straightforward and contemporary language makes it particularly effective for use in educational settings, churches, and personal study.
One of the hallmark features of the Good News Bible is its dynamic equivalence translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the thought and meaning of the original texts rather than adhering strictly to a word-for-word approach. This allows the translators to use idiomatic expressions and familiar language that resonate with modern readers. The GNB aims to present the Bible in a way that is relatable and engaging, making it easier for readers to connect with the biblical stories and teachings without getting bogged down by archaic language or complex theological terminology.
In addition to its clear language, the Good News Bible includes helpful illustrations, maps, and notes that enhance the reader’s understanding of the text. The translation is structured to facilitate comprehension, often breaking up longer passages into shorter paragraphs and sections. This visual organization aids readers in navigating the biblical narrative and understanding the context of various stories and teachings. The GNB also includes helpful footnotes that provide additional information and insights into specific verses, making it a valuable resource for study and reflection.
Despite its strengths, the Good News Bible has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can lead to a loss of nuance and depth present in the original languages. Additionally, some readers express concern that the GNB’s simplified language may not adequately convey the richness of the biblical text. However, the Good News Bible remains a widely used and appreciated translation, particularly for its commitment to making the scriptures accessible to all, allowing readers from various backgrounds to engage with and understand the timeless messages of the Bible.