Review: The New Testament for Everyone

Bible Gateway has once again given me the opportunity to review a complimentary copy of another Zondervan product, N.T. Wright's Bible interpretation, The New Testament for Everyone. The edition I received is available to purchase from Faith Gateway and on Amazon, for $25-$30. 

Before I review the copy itself, let me start by saying, The New Testament for Everyone appears to be an updated, rebranded version of Wright's Kingdom New Testament. This edition states it is "a fresh translation." In the preface to the first and second editions (this is a third edition) it asks if Wright's work is a translation or paraphrase. The answer it gives is as follows:

It's a translation, not a paraphrase. I have tried to stick closely to the original. But, as with all translations, even within closely related modern European languages, there are always going to be places where you simply can't do it word by word. To do so would be 'correct' at one level and deeply incorrect at another. There is no 'safe' option: all translation is risky, but it's a risk we have to take.

I am not a language scholar, nor am I a Bible expert. I have not read this text cover to cover, so I leave it for you to decide what or how you feel about Wright's work. What I can tell you is, I would use The New Testament for Everyone (NTFE) for Bible reading and possibly, for perspective when studying. Some of Wright's language with regard to his past projects and biblical concepts does seem to hint at a departure from traditional terminology --terminology some feel is essential when discussing Scripture. However, I don't always consider that to be a bad thing. (If I told you some of the texts or teachings that brought me to Jesus, you might be shocked: point being, God can use anything, and if we are aware, prayerfully reading and studying, seeking discernment, we might learn something.) It can provide us with the perspective humanity is looking for and progressive Christian thought is taking that we might effectively teach biblical truths with special insight. By way of example, in his introduction to NTFE, Wright says of the Gospels, They also portray Jesus as constantly redefining what that (His) 'kingdom' would look like, through stories and acted symbols... The issue here is Wright's use of the word "redefine" which means, according to Merriam-Webster, to reformulate; to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change. Some could assume Jesus was rethinking, remodeling, tweaking the specifics of His kingdom as He went along rather than merely unpacking the full plan a little at a time or from a different perspective, refining our understanding, perhaps. It's little things like that that can unknowingly plant big misconceptions.

So, that's that. On to my humble opinion of the book. My copy is hardcover, single column, printed in an easy-to-read font. It is almost 7x10 inches in size and weighs less than two pounds --great for carrying wherever you go. Wright has written each book introduction and included maps within the text. I find this useful for gaining perspective and organizing my thoughts particularly when reading about Paul's missionary journeys --visual information right there in the written account! Honestly, while casually reading, I'd probably not take the time to turn to the back of my Bible where maps are typically located; I'd wonder Just how far was that?, or Where is Thessalonica in relation to Athens?, but I'd forego the legwork. This makes it much more compelling to take the moment and strengthen my understanding. There is a glossary in the back, but don't look for one-word definitions. Wright explains the words found there, even giving historical background and linking what the term means with regard to New Testament teaching and Jesus' ministry. 

I'd be happy to wow you with lots of beautiful pictures, but that's not what this book is about. There are no fancy colors, no words of Jesus in red, no supplemental helps or cross-references. This is simple, written in simple and flowing language, a New Testament everyone can understand but not necessarily one that would benefit all.