I received The New Testament for Everyone free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. I am providing an honest and unbiased review.
The New Testament for Everyone is a fresh translation of the New Testament by theologian and Bible scholar N.T. Wright. It’s presented as readable for a modern audience while maintaining the depth and the meaning of traditional New Testament Bible translations.
First Impressions of The New Testament for Everyone
The first thing I did after looking through this New Testament Bible and appreciating the layout, maps, illustrations, and book introductions was to start reading from the beginning.
Launching from Matthew 1:1, I began reading through the Gospels. What I found was a reading experience that was surprisingly pleasant. With N.T. Wright involved, I did expect to find a sound translation, but not necessarily perfect.
While there are a few translation nuances that I would prefer presented more accurately, reading through the Gospels in The New Testament for Everyone was refreshing. The text didn’t stray so far from Scripture that it becomes a paraphrase, yet it felt modern.
After the Gospels, I turned to familiar territory and read through Philippians and James. Again, the text was reliable and relatable. After that I read through parts of Paul’s letter to the Romans and again found a reliable translation of the text. This was a relief because Romans contains teaching that could be condemned as socially unacceptable, so I was pleased to see that N.T. Wright didn’t completely water down or even avoid that text.
Read a sample from The New Testament for Everyone
Features You’ll Enjoy in The New Testament for Everyone
The copy I received from BibleGateway is a hardcover with a cardboard sleeve. The book is nicely made and feels durable. The cover and sleeve are both presented with attractive illustrations of a rising sun against a dark blue background. In fact, the colors on the inside of this New Testament in the headings and illustrations are as attractive as the color palette used outside.
The maps and diagrams are well illustrated and extensive, while book introductions are written in the expected N.T. Wright instructional yet conversational style for better understanding of each book in the New Testament.
The font is comfortable at 11 points and the text is laid out in single column which lends to it’s book-like readability. The smyth-sewn hardcover gives this volume durability and also allows you to open to any page and it easily remains open and flat. You’ll also find a glossary in the back which should help you understand some of the cultural aspects of the references you’ll encounter while reading through the New Testament.
The New Testament For Everyone is lightweight and comfortable in the hands as well as on the eyes. Overall, this allows you to read the New Testament like you would read your favorite book.
Who Benefits Most from The New Testament for Everyone?
Honestly, I expected to find a fresh translation of the New Testament that would be reliable and modern enough to recommend for new readers of the Bible or for those who struggle with reading through Scripture. However, what I found was a very approachable copy of the New Testament that everyone can enjoy.
The text doesn’t stray from the depth of God’s Word and flows nicely. I can see small Bible study groups benefiting very well from this edition as well as individuals or couples reading for better understanding and life application of God’s Word. The New Testament for Everyone is a book you’ll appreciate finding your favorite comfortable place and reading as well as purchasing as a gift for someone.
