« | Matthew 28 |
1 After the Sabbath, as Sunday morning was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake; an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled the stone away, and sat on it.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
4 The guards were so afraid that they trembled and became like dead men.
5 The angel spoke to the women. "You must not be afraid," he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6 He is not here; he has been raised, just as he said. Come here and see the place where he was lying.
7 Go quickly now, and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from death, and now he is going to Galilee ahead of you; there you will see him!' Remember what I have told you."
8 So they left the tomb in a hurry, afraid and yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Peace be with you." They came up to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.
10 "Do not be afraid," Jesus said to them. "Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."
11 While the women went on their way, some of the soldiers guarding the tomb went back to the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened.
12 The chief priests met with the elders and made their plan; they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers
13 and said, "You are to say that his disciples came during the night and stole his body while you were asleep.
14 And if the Governor should hear of this, we will convince him that you are innocent, and you will have nothing to worry about."
15 The guards took the money and did what they were told to do. And so that is the report spread around by the Jews to this very day.
16 The eleven disciples went to the hill in Galilee where Jesus had told them to go.
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, even though some of them doubted.
18 Jesus drew near and said to them, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
19 Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
20 and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age."
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.