In the biblical sense, Christianity is neither a doctrinal concept nor a system of religious “dos and don’ts.” In the core of its meaning there lies a personal relationship of man with Christ, the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Similarly, in terms of religious studies biblical Christianity is not a religion because, according to the definition from this field of science, religion is a system of beliefs and rituals man ought to practice in order to gain favors with the worshiped deity in the form of the blessing which is eternal life or other expected and desired benefits. Biblical Christianity does not deal with that subject. It focuses on communicating that, which the only God, the True Lord and the Eternal Ruler of Heaven and Earth had sovereignly and autonomously accomplished in Jesus Christ to allow man an eternal fellowship with Himself. Therefore, it speaks of Holy God’s actions towards fallen men who are incapable of closing the gap that separates them from the Almighty. NPD Editorial Team hopes that this new dynamic edition of the Bible will further improve understanding of God’s work and help readers enter into a personal relationship with Christ which will continue to strengthen. We did our best to ensure that the NPD text was not only faithful to the essence of the content found in the original languages of the Scripture, which included Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, but also easily understood by modern readers who do not have exegetical or theological preparation. Clearly, we are fully aware that without God’s Spirit and His sanctification our work will not bear any spiritual fruit, and so we pray that the Holy Ghost or the Spirit of Christ would personally speak to each reader of the NPD version and lead him or her to the full understanding of God’s will and acting on it. The entire Bible is one great testimony to Jesus Christ. The Old Testament records God’s prophecies on Jesus’ coming and prepares men for that very event. The New Testament, or in fact “The Good News about the Rescue in Christ,” is in turn the record of Jesus’ life, mission and teaching here on earth and how the news of his work has been spread by His messengers and disciples to all the nations of this planet. We tried to pay special attention to these things in our commentaries and editorial notes.

NPD Editorial Team

This translation was completed using dynamic equivalence method based on Novum Testamentum Graece 1975 and 1993 (German Bible Society, Stuttgart) with additions from The Greek New Testament (United Bible Society, New York 1975). It also incorporates extracts from selected Byzantine manuscripts.

This work is not a result of one translator’s efforts. Rather it is an editorial collaboration on selected materials using a wide spectrum of sources which included etymological interlinear translations and numerous Bible dictionaries or commentaries.

Edited by:

NPD Editorial Team

Translated by:

Andrzej Czopek

Text Composition:

Fixpoint Krzysztof Rudnik

Editor-in-Chief:

Piotr Wacławik

Copyright © 2017 by Wydawnictwo NPD (NPD Publishers) All rights reserved.

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Quoting “New Dynamic Translation of the Bible” is allowed within the limitations and under the conditions of the Polish and international laws.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Letter to Colossians

NPD Commentary

The way of salvation (the process of saving)

Slave

Redemption

Assurance of salvation in Christ

Abiding in Christ

Crucifixion (as a form of Roman execution)

Salvation

Methodological explication NPD

The beginning of the translation process

Sources and auxiliary literature

The title

Translation method

Targumic style

Contextuality of the Bible

Dating in NPD

Semantics of the translation

List of abbreviations

List of tables

Footnotes

Wszystkie rozdziały dostępne w pełnej wersji książki.

INTRODUCTION

Dear Reader,

We are placing into your hands a translation of the “New Testament” which is intended for persons who are not under any pastoral care and therefore it is somewhat unusual for the Polish culture. Although it is called “New Dynamic Translation of the Bible,” in essence, due to the use of three different dynamic criteria (semantic, factual and contextual) it could easily be dubbed a dynamic translation of triple nature. What’s more, when editing the text, we employed the targumic translation style which is absolutely unique within the field of Polish biblical translation studies. You will find more information on this translation method, its form, and style at the end of this publication in the section called NPD Methodological Explanations.

The concept for publishing God’s Word in this particular version came from contacts with regular people who have expressed the desire to own a translation of the Bible that communicates its message more clearly, one that would be understood by an average person, and not just by biblical scholars. For many people the language and style of contemporary Bible translations is still a serious obstacle in grasping the essence of the Bible message. Another difficulty for many readers of traditional translations is a rather common focus on cultivating religiosity. But, in its original form, Christianity is not a religion, and so it should not have to be burdened with the rituals and ceremonies typical for religious systems. Worshiping God should be done in “truth and spirit,” as Jesus taught, for “these are the worshipers the Father wants to have” (John 4:23). Christian life should be a personal relationship with the risen Christ which is cultivated daily in simplicity and sincerity rather than a system which caters to ritualistic ceremonialism. In other words, it should be the kind of life in which the human spirit is submitted to God’s Spirit of Sanctification, and the human soul is submitted to the Truth of God’s Word which was revealed to this world in the person of Christ (cf. John 1:14). This is the kind of life Jesus wants for us and we should pursue it to do God’s will. Being aware of the potential dangers, we did our best to steer away from the Old Testament concept of religiousness which could have a negative impact on the clarity of the New Testament translation. Therefore, we made every effort to avoid interpreting the teachings of Jesus and His Apostles through the prism of religious ceremonialism, as Jesus himself never encouraged anyone to do that.

We hope that the New Dynamic Translation of the New Testament, which we have called “The Good News about the Rescue in Christ,” with its rich, insightful and non-denominational commentary given in contemporary language and modern form, will become a great source of your personal journey to know God and His will.

NPD Editorial Team

Letter to Colossians

Author of the letter

Paul of Tarsus (Apostle Paul may have been around 53-55 years old at the time.)

Date of the letter

Around AD 61–62, or approximately 24–25 years after Paul’s conversion.

Place it was written

Most likely in Rome during Paul’s home arrest.

Written to

A fellowship of believers in Christ from Colossae, which is currently an area in western Turkey.

Context

The Good News about the rescue in Christ traveled quickly to Phrygia, a prosperous region of Asia Minor (nowadays Anatolia in Turkey). Because these areas were situated at the crossroads of major trade routes, people there had the most diverse worldviews and confessed various religions. Strong pagan traditions existed there as well. The mixture of all these influences created a society which subscribed to the idea of religious syncretism (e.g. combining many different beliefs into one system, one subsequent concept). Therefore, people who had trusted Christ had to face challenges and views coming from these numerous philosophies and religions every day. Those who did not hold fast to God’s Word got into spiritual trouble. Their faith was weakening and there was a clear danger that they would be attracted by the glamor of other religions or beliefs and leave Christ. This letter is parallel to the Letter to Ephesians. Both of them were not only sent at the same time, but constructed in a similar way. This is why each of these letters is a perfect complement of the other. They are both able to explain one another’s less clear parts. However, the goals for writing the two letters were different. While in the Letter to Ephesians Paul presented God’s way of salvation in Christ, in the Letter to Colossians he focused on warning Christians against religious syncretism.

Goal of the letter

To warn against religious syncretism, or combining various philosophies and religions into one system which does not agree with the Good News about the rescue available in Christ (cf. Col. 2:4-6). Apostle Paul began to receive signals of spiritual dangers that emerged in the region of Phrygia and that is why he decided to write a letter reminding believers of the unique position of Christ in God’s plan of salvation. He wanted to not only protect them from the destructive influence of false teachers, but most of all to strengthen them in the LORD by telling them that in Christ they will find both the answers to all of their questions and the explanations for all of God’s mysteries.

Subject of the Letter

Christ is the essence of God’s plan of salvation. All things come from Him and in Him all things find their sense and purpose. All of the religions and theories which try to explain the order of this world, its logic or supposed progress, have lacked the proper discernment of truth and, inescapably, deal only with shadows of true reality of which Christ is the essence.

Key verse

In Him He also revealed His nature and that is why He is the only image of the invisible God, the original cause of all the creation. For it is in Him that all things that were created came into existence both in the Heavens and on earth; visible beings and invisible beings, thrones, reigns, authorities and powers. All things have been done through Him and for Him. That is why HE IS before all things and all things have purpose, sense and place only in Him.

Col. 1:15-17 (NPD)

Plan of the letter

I. Address, greeting and thanksgiving – Col. 1:1-8

II. Christ, the only reconciliation between man and God – Col. 1:9-22

III. Ministry of reconciliation – Col. 1:21-29

IV. Revelation of mystery placed in Christ – Col. 2:1-12

V. Freedom in Christ – Col. 2:13-23

VI. New life in Christ – Col. 3:1-4:1

VII. Counsel and final greetings – Col. 4:2-18

Address, greeting and thanksgiving

1 1 I, Paul, by God’s will the Apostle^1 of Christ Jesus, along with brother in faith Timothy^2 address this letter 2 to the brothers and sisters in Colossae, that is to those who through faithful endurance in Christ are part of the holy peoples^3 of God. May the grace and peace from God our Father always be around you.

3 Be aware that we constantly give thanks for you in our prayers to God, Father of our LORD Jesus Christ. 4 That is because we hear about your trust in Christ Jesus and the attitude of God’s love which you show to all the brothers and sisters in faith 5 on account of the hope which has been laid up for you in the Heavens. It is this hope that you have learned about from the Word of Truth or the Good News 6 of God’s graciousness in Christ which had been proclaimed to you. Just as in the whole world this message is bringing fruit and growing, so it has also been bringing fruit and growing among you from the first day you heard and received it. 7 You learned it well from the beloved Epaphras who, just like me, is totally devoted^4 to Christ.

8 It was precisely him who communicated to us that the attitude of God’s love^5 so beautifully took root in your spirit.

Christ is the only way to reconcile man with God

9 For this reason, from the day we heard about you, we have not stopped asking God in our prayers to let you discover His will in the fullness of all wisdom and spiritual understanding. 10 The thing is, you should learn how to live in the way worthy of the LORD, which means that while you are trying to please Him, you would bring spiritual fruit^6 in every situation, which is your growth in faith and a deeper personal knowledge of God. 11 Looking intensely at His power and glory, be fruitful in your endurance and patience as well as 12 giving thanks with joy to the Father who enabled you to receive your share in the promised inheritance in the light. 13 Be aware that it was God who snatched us out of the power of darkness and moved us under the rule^7 of the beloved Son, 14 in whom He had achieved our redemption^8 and deliverance from the power of sin^9. 15 In Him He also revealed His nature and that is why He is the only image^10 of the invisible God, the original cause of all the creation^11. 16 For it is in Him that all things that were created came into existence both in the Heavens and on earth; visible beings and invisible beings, thrones, reigns, authorities and powers. All things have been done through Him and for Him. 17 That is why HE IS^12 before all things and all things have purpose, sense and place only in Him. 18 And it is He who is the Head of the Church or the living fellowship of believers which is His Body^13, because He Himself originated it. Because it was He who was born among spiritually dead people and then became the first^14 among those who were born of God’s Spirit^15. 19 It was in no one else but Him that God decided to fully reveal Himself 20 and decided that in Him He would also reconcile everything to Himself – both what is on earth and in the Heavens – sealing this peace with blood which Christ shed on the cross.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

21 God personally had decided that this would be the way in which everyone - including you all, who at one point were strangers to Him and His enemies because of the wickedness of your thoughts and deeds – 22 could be reconciled with Him again. And He Himself accomplished it through death which Jesus experienced in His human body^16, so that in Him you could become holy, blameless and faultless^17, 23 as long as you continue^18 trusting Him, who is the immovable foundation of your faith^19, and don’t allow yourselves to be robbed of the hope which brought you the Good News about the rescue in Christ! And you have heard it because it has been spread all over the world to all creation! That is the very task to which also I, Paul, have completely committed myself.

24 Be aware of the fact, dear brothers and sisters, that although I experience persecutions because of the ministry that I carry out among you, I am filled with great joy as I know that by doing this, despite many shortcomings, I follow in Jesus’ footsteps in my temporal nature^20. It is Him that I pattern^21 myself on when it comes to patient suffering for the benefit of all believers – that is, for His Body^22. 25 This is the very community whose servant I have become according to the task given to me by God, so that I can reveal to all His decree – 26 that great mystery, which had been veiled for ages and generations, and was revealed only now to the people who belong to Him^23. 27 Because God wanted to finally make known this mystery of His immeasurable abundance of His glory, also among non-Jews. And that is Christ in you^24 - the only hope of the future glory!25 28 It is Him that we proclaim persuading everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom to become mature^26 in Christ. 29 This is why I work hard and struggle using His power, which works through me in a mighty way.

Revealing the Mystery Given in Christ

2 1 Dear brothers and sisters, I would like you to know that the battle I am fighting is not only for you and the community of believers in Laodicea, but for all the people, whether or not I have had the chance to meet them personally. 2 That is because I want everyone’s heart to experience the full encouragement and unity in the attitude of God’s love^27, in the course of studying and understanding more deeply the richness of God’s mystery which had been given in Christ. 3 For in Him are contained all of the treasures of God’s wisdom and the knowledge of the Highest. 4 I am writing this so that no one – with their seemingly wise, but essentially deceptive speeches – takes away your reason! 5 For though I am not present among you in person, my spirit is always with you, and I rejoice hearing of the orderliness you keep among yourselves and of the fact that you are strengthening your trust in Christ!

6 And since you have submitted yourselves to Christ Jesus as your LORD, act accordingly! 7 Let your roots grow down into Him and build on His foundation, strengthening your faith in Him according to the received instruction – that is, in the fullness of thanksgiving! 8 Always be cautious and pay attention, so that no one deceives^28 you through some crafty philosophy and seemingly wise reasoning! You will recognize this kind of deception by the fact that it is based on human traditions or the worldly way of thinking^29 rather than Christ 9 in whose human flesh all the fullness of God had taken residence^30. 10 For it is in Him that the inexhaustible abundance of everything^31 that is needed for Life is found, because He is the One who rules over all authority and every sovereignty. 11 In Him also your true circumcision takes place, the spiritual one rather than the one done by hand on a physical body^32. Because Christ’s circumcision is an act which is carried out on the heart, it is about rejecting sinful desires of the old, fleshly nature^33. 12 It is fulfilled at the time when – being immersed^34 in Him^35 – with Him we bury our old, sinful nature^36, trusting that in the same way we will be raised to Life^37 again with Him^38, by God’s power^39 which He revealed during His resurrection^40.

Freedom in Christ

13 Brothers and sisters, in Him we have been called to eternal and everlasting Life. And though before – when we were under the power of Death – our unclean, sinful nature^41 kept us in bondage of its unbridled desires, God in Christ freed us from the punishment for all of our offences and sins!42. 14 In Him, our debt^43 ordinance which was evidence against us, has been annulled^44. This debt note was invalidated and destroyed by being nailed to the cross. 15 In this way, through Christ, God has stripped all the powers and authorities of their might to publicly triumph^45 over them and their claims!

16 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, do not worry when people condemn you on account of what you eat or drink^46, or if someone criticizes you because you don’t celebrate different kinds of astrological holidays or Sabbaths. 17 These traditions and customs are only shadows of the future things^47, and Christ is the true light^48. 18 Don’t worry when those who enjoy mortifying their flesh, worshiping angels, indulging in all kinds of emotional thrills or cultivating religious notions which are born out of their sinful nature^49, try to judge and disqualify^50 you. 19 Such people’s opinion does not matter, because those people do not hold fast to Christ, who is the Head of the Body which is the community of believers^51. Now, it is known that it is from the head that each body – thanks to its internal connections and bonds^52 – draws all the vital information needed for proper functioning. Only then can it grow in the way consistent with God’s purpose and plan.

20 If indeed you have decided to be dead in Christ to this way of thinking which is of the world, then why do you continue to act according to the principles of this world^53? Why do you still keep to some religious rules like: 21 ”Do not touch this!, Do not eat that!, Stay away from this!”54? 22 Since all material things are destined for destruction through use, it is clear that the said rules - which you so fervently obey – are nothing but human inventions. 23 And although they have the appearance of wisdom, in their essence they are a crafty deception which has its course in rituals and false humility. People who act in such a way focus excessively on their old nature^55 which is prone to sin. As a result, rather than accept the fact that their nature’s weaknesses will keep vexing them in this life, they tend to mortify their physical bodies^56 with no justification whatsoever.

New Life in Christ

3 1 But, if you have indeed been risen in Christ to new Life, you should consciously pursue things that are above, that higher and better reality in which Christ sits in the fullness of glory and power of the Divine Majesty^57. 2 Focus on what is in the Heavens, and not on what is on earth, 3 because you have decided to be dead^58 in Jesus to the things of this world, and your new lifestyle^59 with Christ has been united with God in a special way^60. 4 And so, when Christ – He who is your Life – is revealed in the fullness of His glory, then you also will be placed in the radiance of His Majesty.

5 Therefore, may the following earthly things remain dead to you: pornography and sexual promiscuity^61, all kinds of uncleanness, passionate desires of evil things^62, greedy self-indulgence and unrestrained desire to get richer^63, which is idolatry! 6 It is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of rebellion^64. 7 You know who I am writing about because you – having done the same – once belonged to that group. 8 But now that you have abandoned their company, also turn away from that old way of doing things. Leave behind your anger, quick temper, malice, mutual insults and every kind of wicked talk. 9 Do not deceive one another! Take off that old style of behavior called “the old man” with its sinful deeds^65, 10 and put on the new kind of life in which, as new creatures, you must continually renew yourselves according to the image of your Creator. 11 And remember that in the newness of creation it totally does not matter whether one is a Jew or not; whether one is physically circumcised or not. Neither does it matter what level of education one has or how high or low one is in the social hierarchy^66! The only thing that counts in the new nature is the fact that Christ is everything in each one of us!67

12 And so, as God’s people, holy and beloved, be filled with genuine compassion, gentleness, humility, meekness and patience. 13 Support and forgive one another, in case one of you resents a brother in faith. Just like the LORD forgave you, so you should also forgive others their iniquities. 14 Most importantly, persevere in the mutual attitude of God’s love, 68 because it is that love which causes everything I talked about before to be perfectly harmonious and this is the testimony of true spiritual maturity^69. 15 Let the Peace of Christ^70 to which you have been called, you who form His living Body^71, always guide your choices. Do not forget to cultivate in yourselves the attitude of thanksgiving! 16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you with all its richness^72, so that you can grow in wisdom and ability to correct yourselves^73. For the same purpose and out of the depths of your spirit, sing songs, psalms and other hymns that praise God^74. 17 Whatever you undertake both in words or deeds, do it to represent Jesus, our LORD, in the worthy manner. In Him also give your thanks to God, who is your Father^75.

18 Wives, submit to the decisions of your husbands, as it is fitting for women who trust the LORD^76. 19 And you, husbands, love your wives and do not abuse the leadership position which was given to you in the marriage relation^77.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, because it pleases the LORD^78. 21 And you, fathers, do not let your actions provoke your children to anger or bitterness, which would be a threat to their spirit^79.

22 Subordinates, be reliable towards your superiors^80 in everything you do. Do not work for the show only pretending to be involved as is the case with hypocrites seeking other people’s favor, but perform the work given to you with full dedication, in the simplicity of your heart, abiding in the fear of the LORD. 23 Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as for the LORD, and not for men, 24 knowing that it is the LORD who will reward you for everything, when you, His dedicated servants^81, will find yourselves in His heritage!

25 And remember that everyone who does evil while performing the duties entrusted to them will receive the same on the Recompense Day^82, because the LORD does not make exceptions.

4 1 That is why you, who work as superiors, treat your subordinates with fairness and impartiality knowing that you also have your Head in the Heavens^83.

Recommendations and Final Greetings

2 Dear brothers and sisters, persevere steadfastly in prayers always remembering to be thankful! 3 In your requests to the LORD do not forget also about me! Pray that – despite my imprisonment – God would open for me the doors to proclaim His Word and give me the ability for a clear presentation of the mystery which has been laid in Christ. 4 Because it is my desire to do it in a clear and proper way.

5 Act wisely toward unbelievers taking good advantage of the time given to you. 6 Whatever words you direct at them, let them always be full of kindness and seasoned with wisdom. Consider carefully how you should answer everyone.

7 Tychicus^84, my beloved brother in faith who serves the LORD with full dedication^85 as I do, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you not only for the purpose of telling you about what is new with me, but also so that your hearts can be encouraged. 9 He will visit you together with the faithful and dear brother in Christ, Onesimus^86, who came from among you. These two will tell you about everything that is going on here.

10 Aristarchus^87, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings, as does Mark^88, the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received the instruction to receive Barnabas when he visits you. 11 Jesus who is called Justus also sends his greetings. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God who come from among Jews. This is why they are a great comfort to me. 12 Epaphras^89, who is your fellow-citizen and completely devoted^90 to Christ, also greets you. He is always fighting through prayer for you to keep growing in spiritual maturity and to do the will of the Highest with all submission. 13 I want to take this opportunity to testify that Epaphras is not only working hard on your matters, but also on the matters of the brothers from Laodicea and Hierapolis^91. 14 Receive also greetings from Luke^92, the dear physician, and Demas^93.

15 Greet the brothers from Laodicea^94, and especially Nymphasand the fellowship of believers who gather in his house. 16 When this letter has been read among you, make sure it is also read among the fellowship in Laodicea, and the one from Laodicea^95, among you. 17 Tell Archippus^96: “Watch how you carry out the ministry which you have taken upon yourself in the LORD!”

18 Finally, I, Paul, with my own hand^97 write my own greeting. Remember my chains^98.

May God’s grace always surround you.