« | Luke 21 | » |
1 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box.
2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
3 "I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.
4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has."
5 Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said,
6 "The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!"
7 "Teacher," they asked, "when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?"
8 He replied, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and saying, 'The time has come!' But don't believe them.
9 And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don't panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won't follow immediately."
10 Then he added, "Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.
12 "But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers.
13 But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.
14 So don't worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you,
15 for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!
16 Even those closest to you-- your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends-- will betray you. They will even kill some of you.
17 And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.
18 But not a hair of your head will perish!
19 By standing firm, you will win your souls.
20 "And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived.
21 Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Those in Jerusalem must get out, and those out in the country should not return to the city.
22 For those will be days of God's vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled.
23 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. For there will be disaster in the land and great anger against this people.
24 They will be killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end.
25 "And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides.
26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.
28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!"
29 Then he gave them this illustration: "Notice the fig tree, or any other tree.
30 When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near.
31 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near.
32 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place.
33 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
34 "Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware,
35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth.
36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man."
37 Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives.
38 The crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him.
The New Living Translation (NLT)
The New Living Translation (NLT) is a modern English translation of the Bible that aims to make the Scriptures accessible and engaging for contemporary readers. First published in 1996 by Tyndale House Publishers, the NLT was conceived as an effort to create a translation that combines both accuracy and readability. Unlike many other translations that focus on a word-for-word rendering of the original texts, the NLT employs a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, also known as dynamic equivalence. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and message of the original texts in a way that is natural and understandable in modern English.
One of the defining features of the NLT is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators, a team of over 90 evangelical scholars, aimed to create a text that would be approachable for a wide audience, including those who may find traditional translations challenging to read. The NLT’s language is contemporary and conversational, making it particularly effective for public reading, teaching, and personal study. This emphasis on readability helps ensure that the profound messages of the Bible are easily grasped and retained by readers from various backgrounds and levels of biblical knowledge.
The NLT also incorporates a rich array of study aids designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These include book introductions, footnotes, cross-references, and explanatory notes that provide historical, cultural, and theological context. These features are particularly useful for readers who seek a deeper comprehension of the Scriptures and their application to modern life. The translation also includes clear and concise headings that help guide readers through the narrative and thematic structure of each book, making it easier to follow and comprehend the overall message.
Despite its many strengths, the New Living Translation has faced some criticism, particularly from those who favor more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach, while making the text more readable, can sometimes result in a loss of the precise nuances and literary qualities of the original languages. Some scholars believe that certain theological concepts might be oversimplified in the process of making the text more accessible. Nevertheless, the NLT remains one of the most popular and widely used translations today, valued for its readability, clarity, and ability to convey the timeless truths of the Bible in a way that resonates with contemporary readers.