The Message: The New Testament in Contemporary Language

This paraphrase is the first Bible that speaks to my every day real life. It is a Bible that I feel I can actually do, not just read or listen to and try to figure out how do I do that in my everyday life. I'm a PK (preacher's kid) and attended Bible college and reading this is the first time in 40 years that I feel like I'm truly understanding God's word .

This is the finest paraphrase of the Bible that is in existence. Eugene Peterson makes the Bible come to life in our modern times. Highly recommended for Christians and non-Christians alike.

If you don't think of the Bible for "casual listening" or "pleasure listening", this version of "The Message" will challenge that opinion. "The Message" has to be among the best - if not the best - English version for listening. The prose is contemporary and engaging and Eugene Peterson does an exceptional job providing continuity of the text where other, more literal versions do not. He captures the spirit of the text well, unafraid to use emotional terms and colloquial phrases to express the points. I have found myself laughing and smirking on multiple occasions at his choice of words - well-capturing the emotional tone (funny, serious, sarcastic, etc.) of the original authors.

While I would never use "The Message" as my exclusive study Bible, it is exceptional for my lengthy daily commute and I find it easier to track with than the New International Version to which I have listened. And it makes the Bible very approachable to anyone who considers it intimidating or too complicated. Peterson makes it clear in the introduction that he's aiming at a thought/sense translation, not a literal one. He absolutely hits the mark.

Kelly Ryan Dolan's reading is exceptional and nearly right-on; I have found few phrases or sentences that I would have emphasized differently. (He is consistently good with his reading of John Eldredge's "Waking the Dead".)

I would recommend this version to those who have never considered the Bible approachable; this version will change your mind. I can also recommend it to those who have read the Scriptures for years as this version will give you a fresh perspective. And for those who are convinced there is only one "real" version? Please remember that God expressed them through men in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek - not English - and that same Holy Spirit works to interpret the Scriptures for people of all tongues today - even contemporary English! God bless all who seek the truth.

Simply the best modern translation of the Bible in existence. Not for detailed study of the scripture, but the translation was written to be read like a novel, and it succeeds. Many scriptures I'd been confused over became clear with this translation. I'm eagerly awaiting the Old Testament.

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?"

I really enjoyed listening to this version while I am doing mindless chores around the house. Since it is using modern euphemisms, colloquialisms, and slang it is very easy to follow. When terms like self-help, new-age, or even stuff (George Carlin?) are used, I grasp the meaning of His sermon like I have never before. Really worth your while to listen to.

I am a new Christian. I got the King James version and it was good but kept putting me to sleep. The Message on the other hand is so good it's hard to stop listening! The reader narrates with all the enthusiam of Tony Robbins which I think is a good thing. This version of the Bible truely breaths new life into stories and letters I've heard since I was a child. The language is easy to understand without changing the story. It is powerful and wonderful and an absolute joy to listen to! This one will stay on my IPOD for life!!!

The Message is more of a paraphrase than a translation, so it's not meant for serious Bible study. If you just want to pick up something to read, however, it's nicely done.

But we're here to talk about the audiobook: This recording is simply superb! It's like listening to a novel. Great for readers/listeners who are familiar with the New Testament and for those to whom it is brand new.

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.

The Message is truly inspirational and completely catches the listener off guard. Many translations of the Bible leave many people wondering about the understanding or meaning of what they read. The Message brings these difficult understandings and meanings to life in today's vernacular. It speaks in an understanding that allows insight to any individual who opens their heart and mind.