Dang. I lost my NIV New Testament (1978) version on the bus here in Jersey City, so I ordered a few new ones. I have to say, that after a quick read of Ephesians 1, I'm not impressed. I have the NIV bible 1984 also, and here are a few verses to compare with the 2011 version. 2011 Eph. 1:9-10 "he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment - to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ." 1984 Eph. 1:9-10 "And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment - to bring all things in heaven and on earth under one head, even Christ". 2011 Eph. 1:19-20: "... That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead ..." 1984 Eph. 1:19-20: "... That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead ..." The 2011 version just does not move me the same way. I doesn't seem to have the beauty of the 1984.
Look at the big picture. All versions are similar; The Bible is not for children. There are far too many killings/wars. There are strange events like people being able to survive in a big fish stomach for 3 days etc etc Children and even adults will be confused with Nakba, and land to be given to the Jews. Children and even adults will not be able to understand when incest and murder are acceptable.
I have several translations. When I read a passage in one of the 4 books of the gospel which I wish to understand better I will read the same passage in each translation. Jesus said we have only one teacher the Holy Spirit. That is don't let man (lower knowledge of this world) teach you about God, let God the Heavenly Father, teach you about His heart. If I am unclear on the spiritual meaning I ask in prayer. The answer will come - sometimes it takes a while. For the last year, I have been reading and re-reading the book of John- slowly carefully making notes on passages that resonate and those I am unclear on. New understandings come. Remember: "The words I speak are spiritual" (J6:63) and "God is Spirit." (J4:24) and "Let those who have ears to hear listen." and "I speak what the Father tells me to say." J14:24 Note this process is for Jesus's words = the Son of God (- not for Saul/Paul's words = a man) ------- It is the Spirit which gives life. The flesh will not help you. The things which I have told you are spiritual and are life. JB Phillips (biblegateway) and James Moffat are good translations as well as NIV.
Right, the nonsense holy spirit and fraudulent jesus and the jewish cultish idol god will teach you, just like they teach all christians and jews with a zillion different theories, denominations, cliques. The fraudulent bible made by man but miraculously "from god", ohhh yeahhhh. Keep drinking the koolade horse shit. Keep it up!