« | 2 Timothy 2 | » |
1 As for you, my son, be strong through the grace that is ours in union with Christ Jesus.
2 Take the teachings that you heard me proclaim in the presence of many witnesses, and entrust them to reliable people, who will be able to teach others also.
3 Take your part in suffering, as a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 A soldier on active duty wants to please his commanding officer and so does not get mixed up in the affairs of civilian life.
5 An athlete who runs in a race cannot win the prize unless he obeys the rules.
6 The farmer who has done the hard work should have the first share of the harvest.
7 Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will enable you to understand it all.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from death, who was a descendant of David, as is taught in the Good News I preach.
9 Because I preach the Good News, I suffer and I am even chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not in chains,
10 and so I endure everything for the sake of God's chosen people, in order that they too may obtain the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus and brings eternal glory.
11 This is a true saying: "If we have died with him, we shall also live with him.
12 If we continue to endure, we shall also rule with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.
13 If we are not faithful, he remains faithful, because he cannot be false to himself."
14 Remind your people of this, and give them a solemn warning in God's presence not to fight over words. It does no good, but only ruins the people who listen.
15 Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth.
16 Keep away from profane and foolish discussions, which only drive people farther away from God.
17 Such teaching is like an open sore that eats away the flesh. Two men who have taught such things are Hymenaeus and Philetus.
18 They have left the way of truth and are upsetting the faith of some believers by saying that our resurrection has already taken place.
19 But the solid foundation that God has laid cannot be shaken; and on it are written these words: "The Lord knows those who are his" and "Those who say that they belong to the Lord must turn away from wrongdoing."
20 In a large house there are dishes and bowls of all kinds: some are made of silver and gold, others of wood and clay; some are for special occasions, others for ordinary use.
21 Those who make themselves clean from all those evil things, will be used for special purposes, because they are dedicated and useful to their Master, ready to be used for every good deed.
22 Avoid the passions of youth, and strive for righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who with a pure heart call out to the Lord for help.
23 But keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments; you know that they end up in quarrels.
24 As the Lord's servant, you must not quarrel. You must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher,
25 who is gentle as you correct your opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth.
26 And then they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the Devil, who had caught them and made them obey his will.
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.