The Message

The New Testament in Contemporary Language

By: Eugene H. Peterson

Narrated by: Kelly Ryan Dolan, Carol Nix

"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 Message

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.

Excellent!

I disagree with some of the other reviewers. I think they have missed the point. This is an excellent translation that would be a great part of any bible study series. King James, on the other hand, is excellent poetry. I have gotten much more spiritual enlightenment from this document than I ever could from a more formal version. I find it hard to believe that Jesus or Paul actually spoke as formally as King James, but I find it quite plausible for them to speak in the manner found in The Message. Anyone could benefit from this book. Lighten up guys.

Excellent narration

I have read through the Bible before. I have usually used the NIV version, sometimes New King James Version, but this version was refreshing and easy to understand. I would highly recommend it whether you are new to the Bible or a seasoned Bible reader.

great work

Always wanted to read the Bible and finish it this gentleman went through it changed all the old antiquated terms and put them into modern language which allows someone like me to be able to listen to it

I loved this version!

What did you love best about The Message?

This was actually told like a story and each section was summarized so that we were told what was going on in that time. I loved it

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

Enjoy Reading the Bible