3 John 1 |
1 I, a ruler in the church, send word to the well loved Gaius, for whom I have true love.
2 My loved one, it is my prayer that you may do well in all things, and be healthy in body, even as your soul does well.
3 For it gave me great joy when some of the brothers came and gave witness that you had the true faith and were walking in the true way.
4 I have no greater joy than to have news that my children are walking in the true way.
5 My loved one, you are doing a good work in being kind to those brothers who come from other places;
6 Who have given witness to the church of your love for them: and you will do well to send them on their way well cared for, as is right for servants of God:
7 For they went out for love of the Name, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
8 So it is right for us to take in such men as guests, so that we may take our part in the work of the true faith.
9 I sent a letter to the church, but Diotrephes, whose desire is ever to have the first place among them, will not have us there.
10 So if I come, I will keep in mind the things he does, talking against us with evil words: and as if this was not enough, he does not take the brothers into his house, and those who are ready to take them in, he keeps from doing so, putting them out of the church if they do.
11 My loved one, do not be copying what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God: he who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has the approval of all men and of what is true: and we give the same witness, and you are certain that our witness is true.
13 I had much to say to you, but it is not my purpose to put it all down with ink and pen:
14 But I am hoping to see you in a short time, and to have talk with you face to face. May you have peace. Your friends here send you their love. Give my love to our friends by name.
The Bible in Basic English (BBE)
The Bible in Basic English (BBE) is a translation of the Bible that aims to make the scriptures accessible to people with limited English proficiency. Completed in 1941 by Professor Samuel Henry Hooke and a team of scholars, the BBE utilizes a simplified vocabulary of approximately 1,000 basic English words, along with additional words necessary to maintain the integrity of the biblical text. This approach ensures that the translation is easily understandable while still conveying the core messages and teachings of the Bible.
One of the defining features of the BBE is its commitment to simplicity and clarity. By using a restricted vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures, the BBE makes it easier for readers to grasp the fundamental ideas of the scriptures without being hindered by complex language. This makes the BBE particularly valuable for non-native English speakers, children, and individuals with limited literacy skills. The translation aims to break down language barriers, allowing a broader audience to engage with Bible teachings.
Despite its simplified language, the BBE strives to remain faithful to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. The translators worked carefully to ensure that the essential meanings and theological concepts were preserved, even as they adapted the language to be more accessible. This balance of simplicity and fidelity to the original texts helps maintain the Bible’ s depth and spiritual richness while making it more approachable. The BBE’ s emphasis on clarity without sacrificing essential meaning has made it a useful tool for teaching and evangelism.
However, the BBE has faced some criticism, particularly from scholars and theologians who argue that the simplification process may lead to the loss of some nuances and deeper meanings present in the original languages. Some feel that the restricted vocabulary can oversimplify complex theological concepts, potentially limiting the reader’ s understanding of the full depth of the scriptures. Despite these criticisms, the Bible in Basic English remains a valuable resource for those seeking an easily understandable version of the Bible, providing a bridge for many to access the timeless messages contained within the holy scriptures.