The New Testament for Everyone [Hardcover]

As a reader of the "For Everyone" series by Rev. Dr. Wright, I was greatly anticipating this compilation of the translations from that series. I am not in the least disappointed.

While I have not completed reading the entire New Testament translation, I am very pleased with the flow and ease of understanding of what I have read so far: Matthew, Mark, Acts, Romans, 1 & 2 Timothy, and James.

I admit a prejudice for NOT using "Christ" as the surname of Jesus of Nazareth, so I definitely like the use of Messiah instead. Also, the many references to Jesus as King, perhaps more easily understood in Great Britain, is a refreshing reminder of Who is in charge and the level of His authority.

Having not that long ago opened my parcel, digested (metaphorically) its contents I can now offer my review of the translation (to be referred to as NTFE). Of course this is not a long considered review based on continued usage; I do however feel it captures the strengths and some of the weaknesses of Tom Wright's translation.

Presentation.
Unusually chunky, hardback in a very 'trad' package (this is SPCK after all), the dust jacket in the 'everyone' commentary style. The book has one ribbon page marker.
No footnotes whether textual, or translation alternatives anywhere. Although there are two extra endings in Mark with a reference to the foreword. The text look is pretty basic but perhaps not Spartan. Ordinary paper which of course makes it 'chunky'. A 6 page foreword is helpful but some more comments would have been so helpful at key points. In the foreword he explains the difficulty of translating dikaiosyne in Romans (traditionally 'righteousness') which of course is a hinge point of the 'new perspective' on Paul of which Tom Wright is one of the champions and chief populariser at least in the Evangelical world ( I would recommend his 'Justification if you wish to find out more). His comments are an example of brevity and succinctness. He states that he views his work as a translation and not a paraphrase and adequately explains why 'literal' is not necessarily better or more accurate.
Passages regarded as poetry are indented e.g. Php 2v6-11
The volume includes 39 maps and diagrams in plain black line on white, simple, effective, useful but plain, almost all of them are in Acts.
The book of Jude (called Judah) occupies two sides. Titus occupies two and a half sides.

Distinctives
Messiah often instead of Christ with Christ being translated as King sometimes, the HCSB probably pioneered the way for 'messiah' and the new NIV has included it as well; I think on balance this is helpful. A very pacy, energetic style with none of the 'and Jesus said to them' traditional style. Judah not Jude. Some predictable but helpful changes in Romans 3, 4 and 5.

Comments.
Like any translation that shortens words (he emphasises this in his comments), it isn't poetic like the NIV and because I often sing scripture spontaneously it is like the message, HCSB, NCV and others, pretty unsingable. I appreciate this is a drawback that wouldn't rate with most of you reading this!
I use the NCV because of its simplicity ( I believe using a literal type bible such as the ESV or NASB in an evangelistic or public context is probably congregation abuse!) the NTFE is a bit like the NCV but probably would qualify as a bit more 'formal' on the scale.
I checked out all the key Christological passages and found his renderings usually helpful. The only begotten God in John 1v18 I'm sure will raise questions, reminder to self...'check out what Wright says in his commentary! In John 20v28 I was puzzled by 'My Lord' replied Thomas 'and my God' rather than 'My Lord and my God'.
His non capitalisation of 'holy spirit' and 'spirit' will I'm sure cause some kind of a stir or irritation with some readers. This 'innovation' I think is unique in commonly available translations.
TNTFE will undoubtedly be compared with J B Phillips translation after WW2. There are remarkable comparisons but JBP wins out in Romans 12v2 'Don't let the world squeeze you into its own mould' TNTFE 'What's more don't let yourselves be squeezed into the shape dictated by the present age..' .

I looked at passages which may betray his churchmanship but not his scholarship. I was pleasantly surprised but also disappointed.
'breaking bread'(see Acts 2v42 and 20v7 is translated as such and not as communion or Eucharist. 'diakonos' literally servant often transliterated (such a lazy device) as deacon, is often translated as 'ministers' se Php 1v1. Mmmm a bit suspect but not too alarming. In Php 1v2 episkopos and diakonos are translated 'Overseers and ministers'; this will probably be misleading to most and will cause Anglicans to think 'ministers' are local Vicars and Rectors! It does get worse though In Titus 1v6-7 where Paul provides us information that equates 'episkopoi with presbuteroi (overseers and elders) TNTFE translates Elders (from presbuteroi) Overseer (from episkopos) but in 1 Tim 3v2 episkopos becomes Bishop not overseer and I believe this is a serious flaw and does seem to indicate that his churchmanship in this instance has trumped his scholarship. The use of Bishop these days as a translation of episkopos is VERY unusual! Also in ch 3 'diakonos' in v8 is translated as deacon not ministers...sigh, I appreciate it isn't a 'literal' translation but these are very important words that need some careful handling. The good bishop I believe gets it wrong here most definitely.
I loved his 'continued in discussion' in Acts 20v7 (translating dialegomai often misleadingly translated as preaching) which is one in the eye for advocates of non-interrupted sermons being the main role of Christian leadership!

Suitability
In public reading I would rate this highly as I would for private devotion, as a secondary in closer study it would be excellent but if a user is capable with original language references and resources then it would easily serve as a main translation for study.
It would be excellent for youth but it is too big for easy usage (larger than most entire bible versions!)
TNTFE has its 'memorable' moments but I still think the NIV is the best modern version for memory work.TNTFE is better than the NLT in the 'memorable' department.
I'm not sure if other versions of this translation will be produced e.g. waterproof divers version (Ok I'm joking I'm joking!), but it would lend itself to some kind of reference version with comments supplied by NTW himself.
To my mind, this version is eminently more suitable for regular use than 'The Message' version is. I've seen people using the message as if each flowery comment by Peterson somehow is reliable and as word accurate as the original. Rather than using its occasional descriptive and powerful turn of phrase to highlight a verse in a more formal translation it has unfortunately become many peoples regular bible. I would encourage users of The Message to make the switch!!

I will be using TNTFE regularly; I may uncover some further inconsistencies or find some more jewels. On balance though even with a few reservations I think this version should join the valued translations of every Christian in the country. I hope my words now, stand the test of usage in speaking, with youth, for memory work, in polemics and apologetics, and in pastoral work.

Tom Wright has done a good job here presenting a translation with informal, accessible language, but holding fast to the original text. Great for casual reading and useful for a comparison when engaging with deeper study. At this price it should be a part of every Bible student's library.