Amping It Up A Little Bit

Today we will explore John 16 by using the Amplified Bible. “The Amplified Bible attempts to take both word meaning and context into account in order to accurately translate the original text from one language into another. The Amplified Bible does this through the use of explanatory alternate readings and amplifications to assist the reader in understanding what Scripture really says. Multiple English word equivalents to each key Hebrew and Greek word clarify and amplify meanings that may otherwise have been concealed by the traditional translation method.”
 
First read the John 16:4-11 using the NIV.  Then read the text below with its amplifications.
 

John 16:4-11 Amplified Bible (AMP)

I have told you these things [now], so that when their time comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not say these things to you at the beginning, because I was with you.
“But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts [and taken complete possession of them]. But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. And He, when He comes, will convict the world about [the guilt of] sin [and the need for a Savior], and about righteousness, and about judgment: about sin [and the true nature of it], because they do not believe in Me [and My message]; about righteousness [personal integrity and godly character], because I am going to My Father and you will no longer see Me; about judgment [the certainty of it], because the ruler of this world (Satan) has been judged and condemned.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• In what ways did you find the ‘amplification’ of scripture helpful?
• Where did amplification enliven the text or create an image that could be carried throughout the day?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• List the names for the Holy Spirit found in the ‘amplification’. 
• What can you add to the list from your understanding and experience?

PRAYER
Holy Spirit, God’s breath within us, keep us awake to your presence.  You are the richness of life, the power within the soul…the incarnation and the resurrection. Be praised, sweet whisper, gentle wind, booming thunder! Amen.