The Message by Eugene Peterson (2005, Hardcover)

I did not grow up in a Christian home and was introduced to Jesus in jail about 7 years ago. This was the first Bible I ever read. It was easy to read and hard to put down. I had struggled to read the Bible once I got saved but I found this version very down to earth. At the time, I read it with several other inmates who also loved it because it made sense. Today, I STUDY the Bible with the New King James version. I would not recommend The Message for a study Bible. The Message is NOT a word for word translation, it is a PARAPHRASE. It makes the message of the Bible come alive with common every day English (and sometimes slang!) which is why it is so easy to understand. Great for first-time readers!

With this Translation the first time reader of the bible one can understand . We often become confused with all the thee's and thou's . It brakes it down to a common understanding. The word of God is the greatest book to read. This just makes it easier.

I love this translation of the Bible. This is a perfect companion bible for understanding terminology in other translations that baffled you before!

I decided to buy this one so I could have it as a handy resource and purchased another one as a gift for my sister.

Whether you are a first time Bible Reader or an established student, I highly recommend this!!!!

I like the way the writer describes things in this version of the Bible. Very down to earth and easy to understand.

I was skeptical at first about this translation. I was afraid it would try to jazz-up the old familiar stories or make them "hip" to the new generation. But after reading Peterson's intentions in his foreword, I was pleased to learn that he studied Hebrew, Greek, etc. in order to accurately write this edition. He also notes that this book should not replace Bible reading in its original form, but be used to generate interest in the stories by better understanding them. I have found no interpretive conflicts between this Bible and my MacArthur or Stanley Bibles.
I am reading it cover to cover for my daily reading and find it quite enjoyable. We often use it to more fully understand passages during devotions.

This edition is the numbered edition in which the numbers correspond to the verse numbers in your regular Bible rather than just story form. I definately recommend this edition for that reason. In order to use it to its full potential you need the verse numbers.
Although it is nice to read the Bible in more of a story-form, we must not turn it into a story of fiction in the process. Peterson handles this challenge quite successfully.

I was looking for the Message Bible, and I wanted a hard back, simple looking, and with numbered verses, and a good savings, this one fit the bill.

It came in excellent shape--like brand new--I love it.

Not that I enjoy carrying two Bibles to church, but I really like being able to compare my NIV to The Message. The Message rephrases the traditional Bible translations into an easier to understand format/context. This one that I bought is great because it's not just the most popular books...it's the WHOLE Bible. Great gift for new or long time believers. Reads more like a book, so it's good for trips or even easy reading.

PURCHASED THIS BIBLE FOR MY CHILD...EASY FOR THEM AND MYSELF TO READ AND UNDERSTAND...IT ALLOWS YOUNGER PEOPLE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE.

The Message is more a commentary on the scriptures than a translation. Peterson sounds modern (occasionally hip?), and uses sometimes too-timely images and turns of phrase, which may make it feel out of date in a few years. Yet for a reader or Bible study group that enjoys a fresh take, it is useful, even fun, to see how Peterson says it. He has some astonishing insights, This should not be the only or even first Bible a reader uses, but it is a great add-on. The only real criticisms I've heard (three of them) are not from people who are studying the Bible message but those who miss the cadences of traditional translations. I bought it for my daughter, who grew up on the Bible but hasn't read it for awhile. I think she'll enjoy it.

Quality merchandise for a good price. Arrived quickly and packed well. Book was accurately described and everything that I expected. Communication from seller was excellent.

No one can say any more that the BIBLE is too difficult to understand! But even if it were true that the Bible is difficult people seem to forget that only the saved are allowed to understand it because of the Holy Spirit and even then only when He thinks we are ready or is waiting for us to ask. i.e. we have not because we ask not.

I've bought just about every update of Eugene Petersons "The Message" since it came out. This numbered verson makes it so easy to find and compare it to other translations. Great investment.

The time between purchase and delivery was great. Along with my purchase I got more info about other items of similar topics.

Eugene Peterson's Modern translation of the Bible - God's Words to us.
It was a reasonable price for the single most important book in history.

The Message Bible is an awesome translation, that really does make the Bible read like a book. It has been very encouraging to me. I am 18 years old, and this translation definetly speaks to my generation. Altogether, The Word of God is EXTREMELY important to being grounded and reflecting the enemies' lies. Praise Jesus!

I bought this Bible for my husband as a gift.
We were very pleased with this purchase.
A Bible that is easy to understand. I would recommend it for anyone, who is seeking a closer walk with the Lord.

I like the fact that it is very easy to understand. I bought a copy because my friend had one and she told me how much she enjoys it.

Great value in perfect condition. About half the price if purchased in a book store. The bible written in everyday language which makes the reading and studying a lot easier.

I bought The Message on recommendation from a friend after talking about how hard some Bibles are to understand. The Message is so easy to read and understand not like the King James or other versions of the Bible.

I PURCHASED THE MESSAGE BIBLE TO SEE THE WORD OF GOD PUT IN TODAYS WRITING. IT IS WONDERFUL. THE TRANSLATION IS VERY VERY GOOD. ONE CAN READ IT AND APPLY IT TO TODAY'S PROBLEMS AND THEY WILL RECEIVE THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL AT THE SAME TIME. WHAT A WONDERFUL INSPIRATION OF HOPE NEEDED FOR TODAY.

Book in GREAT shape, NEW, good price and delivered on time as promised. Will look forward to doing business again with seller.

The Message is written in simple plain English. I find it very helpful to read The Message when I'm having trouble with a passage from the King James or even the NIV.