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New Testament For Everyone #1- 18
The New Testament for Everyone, Third Edition: A Fresh Translation
A Translation of the Good News for Everyone
If the Bible cannot be understood by everyone, then it is not good news. But from the very first days of the church at Pentecost, the good news of Jesus was translated into languages of everyday people through the power of the Holy Spirit, spreading like wildfire to the ends of the earth. Many modern readers of the New Testament have grown overly familiar with the biblical text, losing sight of the wonder and breadth of its innovative ideas and world-changing teachings about the life and role of Jesus of Nazareth.
The New Testament for Everyone is an updated translation of the New Testament by renowned biblical scholar and author N.T. Wright, which builds upon on the work done in N. T. Wright's The Kingdom New Testament. This updated edition features slight translation revisions from N. T. Wright along with new book introductions - providing a fresh and dynamic translation of the New Testament for the next generation. The language used in this translation seeks to convey the meaning of the original Greek while also being accessible to the modern reader, making it a valuable resource for scholars, pastors, and laypeople alike.
Complete text of the New Testament translated by N. T. Wright
Preface and book introductions by N. T. Wright
Dozens of maps throughout the text
If the Bible cannot be understood by everyone, then it is not good news. But from the very first days of the church at Pentecost, the good news of Jesus was translated into languages of everyday people through the power of the Holy Spirit, spreading like wildfire to the ends of the earth. Many modern readers of the New Testament have grown overly familiar with the biblical text, losing sight of the wonder and breadth of its innovative ideas and world-changing teachings about the life and role of Jesus of Nazareth.
The New Testament for Everyone is an updated translation of the New Testament by renowned biblical scholar and author N.T. Wright, which builds upon on the work done in N. T. Wright's The Kingdom New Testament. This updated edition features slight translation revisions from N. T. Wright along with new book introductions - providing a fresh and dynamic translation of the New Testament for the next generation. The language used in this translation seeks to convey the meaning of the original Greek while also being accessible to the modern reader, making it a valuable resource for scholars, pastors, and laypeople alike.
Complete text of the New Testament translated by N. T. Wright
Preface and book introductions by N. T. Wright
Dozens of maps throughout the text
546 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2011
145 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Tom Wright
119 books243 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
He also publishes under N.T. Wright.
He also publishes under N.T. Wright.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 30, 2025
It's a fairly audacious task to offer a new translation of the New Testament Bible, but that is exactly what N.T. Wright, a British New Testament scholar and Anglican bishop, has done.
As part of my daily discipline, I read one chapter of the New Testament (and one chapter of the Hebrew Scriptures). I finish and start over. It takes almost three years to read the Hebrew Scriptures, but just a little more than eight months to read every chapter of the New Testament. While the New Revised Standard Version is my favorite, having a new and fresh version to read is always a good thing.
Wright succeeds. While it felt like some of my favorite verses were a little jumbled, for the most part I appreciated Wright's ability to make the text clearer and more understandable. (Although even he couldn't do much for the Book of Revelation, but that's not his fault.)
Each Bible chapter begins with a short explanation of the chapter's meaning and history, something I found quite useful and enlightening. This alone is worth the price of the book. An excellent glossary and numerous maps make this an excellent religious resource.
If reading the Bible leaves you confused or bored, you might want to try this new translation that offers more contemporary language.
As part of my daily discipline, I read one chapter of the New Testament (and one chapter of the Hebrew Scriptures). I finish and start over. It takes almost three years to read the Hebrew Scriptures, but just a little more than eight months to read every chapter of the New Testament. While the New Revised Standard Version is my favorite, having a new and fresh version to read is always a good thing.
Wright succeeds. While it felt like some of my favorite verses were a little jumbled, for the most part I appreciated Wright's ability to make the text clearer and more understandable. (Although even he couldn't do much for the Book of Revelation, but that's not his fault.)
Each Bible chapter begins with a short explanation of the chapter's meaning and history, something I found quite useful and enlightening. This alone is worth the price of the book. An excellent glossary and numerous maps make this an excellent religious resource.
If reading the Bible leaves you confused or bored, you might want to try this new translation that offers more contemporary language.
December 13, 2023
“The New Testament for Everyone” is a unique, straightforward translation of the New Testament that is easy to understand. It includes the full text of the New Testament, book introductions, maps, a glossary, and an alphabetical list of the books of the NT.
Personally, I still love the poetic language of the older translations, especially for memorization, but sometimes it’s nice to get a fresh look and taste of the Good News. I think this particular book will be helpful to new or younger Christians that might find the other versions a bit difficult to understand or decipher. Afterall, understanding is key.
I appreciate the wide margins for notetaking, and the introductions for each book are packed with helpful information. It’s a nice bedside book or gift choice for newer Christians. The hardcover choice comes in an attractive sleeve for protection.
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book as a Bible Gateway Partner. Opinions are 100% mine.
“This, you see, is how much God loved the world: enough to give his only, special son, so that everyone who believes in him should not be lost but should share in the life of God’s new age.” John 3:16 NTFE
#BibleGatewayPartner
Personally, I still love the poetic language of the older translations, especially for memorization, but sometimes it’s nice to get a fresh look and taste of the Good News. I think this particular book will be helpful to new or younger Christians that might find the other versions a bit difficult to understand or decipher. Afterall, understanding is key.
I appreciate the wide margins for notetaking, and the introductions for each book are packed with helpful information. It’s a nice bedside book or gift choice for newer Christians. The hardcover choice comes in an attractive sleeve for protection.
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book as a Bible Gateway Partner. Opinions are 100% mine.
“This, you see, is how much God loved the world: enough to give his only, special son, so that everyone who believes in him should not be lost but should share in the life of God’s new age.” John 3:16 NTFE
#BibleGatewayPartner
February 9, 2025
A very accessible yet scholarly New Testament translation. Each book has a very succinct and informative introduction.
December 16, 2024
This Commentary provides personal editorial rather than analysis or facts. He spends long sections on personal stories to explain simple concepts and short sections on analysis and scholarly views of complex concepts. The lack of subtitles made it hard to use as a reference text, with important points hidden in long stories. Wright skips providing context at the beginning of each book.
The author often states opinions as facts without differentiating what is biblical and what is interpretation or opinion. For example, he states as fact that Paul wrote Colossians from prison in Ephesus without disclosing that this is different from the majority of scholars the majority who believe wrote it from prison in Rome. Also, he states as fact that Apphia was Philemon's wife when other scholars show she may be an officer of the church in Colossae.
I noticed inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and misleading statements. For example, he infers a male hierarchal marriage results in fewer divorces, which is statistically proven untrue. He seems to promote wifely submission without mutual submission, even as he says the passage endorses mutual service. He does not recognize that the Bible offers divorce as a valid option when your partner is abusive or abandons their vows. He compares the husband to Jesus, purifying his wife.
He also empathizes with men who feel they are discriminated against for losing their privileges, supporting patriarchy because of its long tradition. While he has gone on public record as saying the Bible "clearly authorizes both women and men to ministry", his commentary says that women must take Complementary roles, not identical roles, and that women must keep their identity as women (above their identity in Christ).
His discussion on Romans contradicts what he says in his recent book on Romans, so he apparently did not update this 20th anniversary edition. While pointing to his 30 years of studying Romans, he says that parts remain a mystery, especially about the coming together of Jews and Gentiles. It appears that N. T. Wright does not fully comprehend what is meant when Paul repeats that God shows no favouritism and that in Christ, our differences in gender, wealth, class, ethnicity, and citizenship mean nothing. Instead, Wright upholds discriminatory treatment of different identities and suggests some are predestined to condemnation. He presents himself on podcasts as an egalitarian. Don't be fooled. I bought this ebook on sale for under C$10 and I'm not sure it was worth it.
The author often states opinions as facts without differentiating what is biblical and what is interpretation or opinion. For example, he states as fact that Paul wrote Colossians from prison in Ephesus without disclosing that this is different from the majority of scholars the majority who believe wrote it from prison in Rome. Also, he states as fact that Apphia was Philemon's wife when other scholars show she may be an officer of the church in Colossae.
I noticed inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and misleading statements. For example, he infers a male hierarchal marriage results in fewer divorces, which is statistically proven untrue. He seems to promote wifely submission without mutual submission, even as he says the passage endorses mutual service. He does not recognize that the Bible offers divorce as a valid option when your partner is abusive or abandons their vows. He compares the husband to Jesus, purifying his wife.
He also empathizes with men who feel they are discriminated against for losing their privileges, supporting patriarchy because of its long tradition. While he has gone on public record as saying the Bible "clearly authorizes both women and men to ministry", his commentary says that women must take Complementary roles, not identical roles, and that women must keep their identity as women (above their identity in Christ).
His discussion on Romans contradicts what he says in his recent book on Romans, so he apparently did not update this 20th anniversary edition. While pointing to his 30 years of studying Romans, he says that parts remain a mystery, especially about the coming together of Jews and Gentiles. It appears that N. T. Wright does not fully comprehend what is meant when Paul repeats that God shows no favouritism and that in Christ, our differences in gender, wealth, class, ethnicity, and citizenship mean nothing. Instead, Wright upholds discriminatory treatment of different identities and suggests some are predestined to condemnation. He presents himself on podcasts as an egalitarian. Don't be fooled. I bought this ebook on sale for under C$10 and I'm not sure it was worth it.
October 5, 2024
While I've not read the entire set (they're commentaries after all), I found the For Everyone series very edifying and accessible as a commentary series designed for laypeople.
The format reminds me a lot of Our Daily Bread. In fact, I'd say the For Everyone series, both OT and NT, could be used as a devotional guide. Each volume goes through a book from the Bible, and each page or two delves into a Bible passage, featuring a paragraph or two with a contemporary story (which at times feels a tad too long), an exposition of said Bible passage, and to bring us back to the present, some concluding thoughts.
I'd highly recommend them to pastors, small group leaders, and the average believer looking for a simple commentary series that they can read on a commute or before bedtime prayers. They're fairly inexpensive and easy to read.
The format reminds me a lot of Our Daily Bread. In fact, I'd say the For Everyone series, both OT and NT, could be used as a devotional guide. Each volume goes through a book from the Bible, and each page or two delves into a Bible passage, featuring a paragraph or two with a contemporary story (which at times feels a tad too long), an exposition of said Bible passage, and to bring us back to the present, some concluding thoughts.
I'd highly recommend them to pastors, small group leaders, and the average believer looking for a simple commentary series that they can read on a commute or before bedtime prayers. They're fairly inexpensive and easy to read.
December 23, 2023
I'm not rating the New Testament...for obvious reasons.
I'm not rating the translation because I'm not equipped to speak with any authority on the original languages (except for the fact that John wasn't camped on Patmos writing in King James English).
I don't give 5 stars because there were more than a few times where it felt like Wright made changes to what previous translators had produced simply to be different (whether to make his stand out or justify the effort and expenditure of a new translation or whatever reason).
I do give it 4 stars because it is perfectly readable as far as an NT translation and it is a wonderful way to understand Wright's theological program (or at least catch glimpses of it). Plus Wright reads the audio if you go that route and it is perfectly pleasant.
I'm not rating the translation because I'm not equipped to speak with any authority on the original languages (except for the fact that John wasn't camped on Patmos writing in King James English).
I don't give 5 stars because there were more than a few times where it felt like Wright made changes to what previous translators had produced simply to be different (whether to make his stand out or justify the effort and expenditure of a new translation or whatever reason).
I do give it 4 stars because it is perfectly readable as far as an NT translation and it is a wonderful way to understand Wright's theological program (or at least catch glimpses of it). Plus Wright reads the audio if you go that route and it is perfectly pleasant.
November 20, 2023
Over the last couple of years, I have studied several of NT Wright's other books. So when I had the opportunity to review The New Testament for Everyone, Third Edition, Hardcover: A Fresh Translation for Bible Gateway Blogger Grid, I jumped at the chance.
The language is clear and easy to understand. For those who like to make notes in the margins, you will be pleased to know that the wide margins leave plenty of room for doing so. The maps are well done with the "right amount" of detail. An added benefit is the glossary at the end of the book.
You can get a copy from The FaithGateway Store or on Amazon
The language is clear and easy to understand. For those who like to make notes in the margins, you will be pleased to know that the wide margins leave plenty of room for doing so. The maps are well done with the "right amount" of detail. An added benefit is the glossary at the end of the book.
You can get a copy from The FaithGateway Store or on Amazon
December 26, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed Tom's translation of the New Testament. I'm usually wary of a translation by an individual rather than a collection of scholars. And while I'm sure there's biases and gaps in Tom's translation, I found it refreshing and heartening. I most appreciated his phraseology of Jesus as "King Jesus" instead of using "Messiah" always. His translation of sticky-words in Romans, the Sermon on the Mount, and the maps included throughout the book of Acts were also highlights for me. Pick up a copy of this if you want to mix up your Bible translations!
March 25, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the more modern retelling of the New Testament. Wright still translates the Bible accurately but into more of our modern English vernacular. Some of the word choices were interesting and helped to hit home the original meaning of the words. Wright also has excellent introductions for each book.
June 18, 2025
It's a fine translation with some fresh ideas, the book introductions are fair, and the introductory thoughts on how to translate are useful. Overall, though, I find no compelling reason to recommend this translation to others and I probably won't revisit it. Primarily, it's just a novelty translation for fans of NT Wright.
January 27, 2025
Helpful translation! Comparable to the NLT or NIV in translation philosophy.
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May 22, 2025I found his translation to be rather wordy and verbose. It was a good exercise to read the New Testament in a new version, but I don’t see myself coming back and using this translation in anyway.
May 22, 2025
A very readable and in some cases memorable translation of the New Testament. Is his name really “N.T.”?! 😀
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews