Philippians

Word Come Alive: • is an expanded translation of the New Testament of the Bible by respected editor Martin Manser • supplies linking phrases and background information in italics within the text to help make its message more immediately understandable • aims to express the sense of the original in contemporary, natural English that will have a powerful effect on readers, with a fresh, incisive quality that will make readers sit up and think. Who is behind Word Come Alive? Martin Manser, a professional reference-book editor. He has compiled or edited more than 200 reference books, particularly Bible-reference titles, English-language dictionaries and business-skills books. He is also a Language Trainer and Consultant with national and international companies and organisations. He and his reviewers have worked from and checked his text against United Bible Societies’ 4th edition/26th and 27th editions of Novum Testamentum Graece [Greek New Testament] (Nestle-Aland) as well as other English translations. His reviewers are respected NT authorities: Dr Gervais Angel, formerly NT Greek Examiner for the Church of England and tutor in NT Greek, Trinity College, Bristol, England and Dr Pieter Lalleman, Tutor in Biblical Studies, Spurgeon's College, London, England. Who is ‘Word Come Alive’ aimed at? 1 Christians who are so familiar with the language of the Bible that it has little or no impact on them, but who want to maintain a living relationship with Jesus Christ. I want such readers of the WCA to then go back to their NIV, ESV, NLT, KJV or NKJV to see what that says. 2 Readers without a knowledge of the Bible but who want to understand its message. ‘Word Come Alive’ is written in natural, contemporary informal English, with additional explanatory phrases in italics in the actual text. For example, Philippians 2:2-5: I appeal to you to fill me with joy by all ‘singing from the same hymnsheet’, loving one another, working peacefully together, one in heart and soul and focusing on the good news of Christ. I urge you to examine your motives. Never do anything out of rivalry or arrogant self-interest; don’t be conceited. Instead, be humble, valuing others as more important than yourselves. Don’t keep asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’ all the time; instead also, each one of you, consider the interests of other people. In your relationships with one another, you should always express the same attitude as Christ Jesus had. Philippians 4:10-13: I was immensely delighted in the Lord that your kind concern for me eventually blossomed afresh. I appreciate the fact that you were concerned for me all along, but I realise you lacked the opportunity to express your concern. Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not writing this because I feel hard done by and am in need. No; I’ve learnt the secret of being content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know from experience what it is not to have enough and I know what it is to have more than enough. My contentment doesn’t depend on my circumstances, you see. I’ve come to learn the secret of being content in any – yes, every – situation, whether I’m full to bursting or I’m faint from lack of food, whether I’m living in the lap of luxury or I’ve not got two pennies to rub together. I am content whatever my circumstances and can do all his will through Christ, who gives me his dynamic energy. Christ is the source of my strength: his power equips me to face life’s challenges.