The Message

The New Testament in Contemporary Language

By: Eugene H. Peterson

Narrated by: Kelly Ryan Dolan, Carol Nix

Length: 19 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need to be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life."

Those familiar with any part of the Bible will recognize John 3:16, with a mind-altering difference. The words are fresh, new, and sound like the 21st century. That's because they are from The Message, a presentation of the Word of God crafted for a modern age. Eugene Peterson, translator and editor, learned from his years of teaching and pastoring that most people, through familiarity or frustration with the Bible, were missing the whole message of Scripture: the Word that God uses to create and save us, heal and bless us, judge and rule over us. So he set out to give us that word in language we use every day, a reading Bible that would enable the Word to penetrate our hearts and minds, transforming us day by day into the person God desires us to be.

©2003 Eugene Peterson (P)2003 Oasis Audio LLC, Under Arrangement With NavPress, Publisher Of The Original Book Version

Critic reviews

"Acclaimed biblical language scholar Peterson has paraphrased the original Greek and Hebrew of these most popular books of the Bible into vibrant, easy-to-read modern English." (Ingram)

The BEST story ever told!!

The Truth has set me free! It has set millions free over the course of 2000 years! He’s waiting to set you free! Join us! Peace be with you!

You cannot escape the impact

The narrator is just awesome, even if you just listen for five minutes, you are bound to be impacted. Eugene Paterson has done what the disciples did 2000 years ago in Acts chapter 2, as they changed the level of the use of language for religious matters, i.e. from high Hebrew theological to common street Greek, and other local lannguages and made Jesus and the Message of God for the common folk. This is why the people were surprised as well as called them drunk at the same time.

Unexpected Treasure

I am not a normal reader of Christian literature. But, having moved to rural Georgia and being somewhat ignorant of the Bible compared to my neighbors, I gave this book a try. I won't insult it by waxing philosophical. But I will say I started it as a sceptic and I finished it feeling like I could follow in a flock. I had no idea how revolutionary the historical Christian was.

wonderful reading

I loved it very much. I love to listen to different translations of the Bible because I get more out of the Bible that way..

The Message Bible

I really like this version of the Bible because it's like a story version easy to listen to the narrator is upbeat and easy to listen to as well thanks be to God for his wonderful word!

Heart felt narration

Fresh water for thirsty souls and read with heart felt sincerity. I really enjoyed hearing The Message.

A Contemporary Version of the Bible

This version speaks to me in a way no other version has. A well-performed literary presentation, providing a balanced emotional expression of God's word.

HURRAH FOR EUGENE PETERSON!

Would you listen to The Message again? Why?

This is a modern language poetic New Testament which offers an insightful, interpretive approach to biblical understanding. It is true to the "message" (the heart) of the Bible rather than precise literal word interpretation. I bought it precisely so that I could read it over and over.

What other book might you compare The Message to and why?

Read anything by Eugene Peterson. He has a pastor's heart, a prayerful world view, and is an excellent writer!

What aspect of Kelly Ryan Dolan and Carol Nix ’s performance would you have changed?

I was not particularly impressed by the narrators or the music, but I did not buy this book in order to be entertained but to be immersed in the message.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

It will change your life.

I knew the words but not the message

I was taught the Bible from my childhood.
I had never heard the true message until I read this book. do not read it or listen to it unless you want your life deliberately positively changed for the better.
some of the readers had a soft voice that was hard to understand. otherwise. perfect.

Perfect translation for listening to.

By using current idioms Peterson brings the Bible to the 20th (and 21st) century. But this translation is also very easy on the ear. We should remember the original texts were supposed to be received by listening, not an individual sitting quietly and reading. I have found changing the "input" to the ear and not the eye, has added more meaning to already familiar texts. It is read in an interesting and at times exciting way, which fully captures Petersen's intent. A perfect example of the "change" from past translation: Instead of "Verily, verily I say to you..." is now " Are you listening to this? Really listening?"