Rating: 
Summary: A hidden treasure in Christian literature
Review: Besides being crisp, snappy, and non "religious" in its verbiage, the main contribution of the Phillips translation is that it conveys the emotional impact of scripture. So it is especially good in "The Letters", (traditionally called the epistles) which are full of passionate zeal that often gets lost in other translations. Most translations aim at passing the scrutiny of a committee of scholars, so they often end up being "designed by committee", and as a result perhaps a little bland at times--using a deliberate process of compromise. As well, a word-for-word approach--if you think about it--is a poor technique if what you want is truly a translation from the original. What about the meaning of the sentences? What of the weep of the paragraphs? What about the emotional tone? Since the Phillips was written, several new translations like the New International Version (NIV), the New King James (NKJ), and the New American Standard (NAS) have been completed which are much more readable and accurate than what was available back when Phillips made his translation. But, in our opinion, none can beat the Phillips for being fun to read, using words and concepts consistently, and for conveying the sheer thrill of God's Word! See if you don't agree. If you have never CRAVED reading God's word, buy the J. B. Phillips right now. If you do, we have a full "guided tour" of the J.B. Phillips online, but you will have to search it out yourself.
Rating:
Summary: A hidden treasure in Christian literature
Review: Besides being crisp, snappy, and non "religious" in its verbiage, the main contribution of the Phillips translation is that it conveys the emotional impact of scripture. So it is especially good in "The Letters", (traditionally called the epistles) which are full of passionate zeal that often gets lost in other translations. Most translations aim at passing the scrutiny of a committee of scholars, so they often end up being "designed by committee", and as a result perhaps a little bland at times--using a deliberate process of compromise. As well, a word-for-word approach--if you think about it--is a poor technique if what you want is truly a translation from the original. What about the meaning of the sentences? What of the weep of the paragraphs? What about the emotional tone? Since the Phillips was written, several new translations like the New International Version (NIV), the New King James (NKJ), and the New American Standard (NAS) have been completed which are much more readable and accurate than what was available back when Phillips made his translation. But, in our opinion, none can beat the Phillips for being fun to read, using words and concepts consistently, and for conveying the sheer thrill of God's Word! See if you don't agree. If you have never CRAVED reading God's word, buy the J. B. Phillips right now. If you do, we have a full "guided tour" of the J.B. Phillips online, but you will have to search it out yourself.
Rating:
Summary: I wish it came leather bound.
Review: Great work. This is a true translation that offers insight into the meaning that may be lost on the modern ear in many previous translations. It doesn't have the same feel as those that came after (viz., NIV, NKJV, etc.), where a very formal language is preferred, but it's held up over time. I think it's the informality that gives it its special charm. It also helps to know that Philips was not only a skilled translator, but a mature Christian. I think the text will please on levels that others don't approach. Best description: it's kind of folksy. My Dad gave this to me when I was 9. I've been reading it off and on for about 30 years. If it was the only translation available, it would be more than adequate. I only wish Phillips had finished more of the Old Testament before he died.
Rating:
Summary: I wish it came leather bound.
Review: Great work. This is a true translation that offers insight into the meaning that may be lost on the modern ear in many previous translations. It doesn't have the same feel as those that came after (viz., NIV, NKJV, etc.), where a very formal language is preferred, but it's held up over time. I think it's the informality that gives it its special charm. It also helps to know that Philips was not only a skilled translator, but a mature Christian. I think the text will please on levels that others don't approach. Best description: it's kind of folksy. My Dad gave this to me when I was 9. I've been reading it off and on for about 30 years. If it was the only translation available, it would be more than adequate. I only wish Phillips had finished more of the Old Testament before he died.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Read
Review: I can't comment on the accuracy of the translation but I liked the easy to read style and the supplemental maps that helped place events and travels in context.
Rating:
Summary: Not just 'literature'.
Review: I have been enlightened, informed and comforted by this translation for many years. This interpretation, some call a paraphrase, flows gently upon the reader. It is a step back from "modern" English to a simpler, less-complicated, and inviting version of the Gospel. When I need assurance, solace, open words, I turn to this book.
Rating:
Summary: Speaks Loudly in a Whisper
Review: I have been enlightened, informed and comforted by this translation for many years. This interpretation, some call a paraphrase, flows gently upon the reader. It is a step back from "modern" English to a simpler, less-complicated, and inviting version of the Gospel. When I need assurance, solace, open words, I turn to this book.
Rating:
Summary: Speaks Loudly in a Whisper
Review: I have been enlightened, informed and comforted by this translation for many years. This interpretation, some call a paraphrase, flows gently upon the reader. It is a step back from "modern" English to a simpler, less-complicated, and inviting version of the Gospel. When I need assurance, solace, open words, I turn to this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Good alternative Bible reading
Review: If you're a long time Bible reader, this paraphrase will awaken you to new perspectives on familiar Scriptures. When I read it, I find myself thinking, "Oh, I never thought of it that way," or "Well, I don't think I agree with his take on that verse." Either way, I enjoy this straight-forward reading of Scripture a little more than the NIV. Honest.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Read
Review: If you're looking for a more 'updated' translation of the New Testament, this book is definitely worth a look. I agree with a prior reviewer who mentioned that in reading this book your mind will undoubtedly compare and contrast this translation with others that you've read in the past. It's really quite an enjoyable exercise! I must also say a few words about issues raised in a previous post as they relate to this book. First off, it was J B Phillips' intention to follow this work up with a similar translation of the Old Testament, but unfortunately he never had the chance. Neither he nor any other Christians that I come into contact with desire to clip Jews and their history out of God's redemptive plan. Quite to the contrary - the Christian church is and will continue to be a bastion of Jewish support. Secondly, the knock on the New Testament as 'a collection of pawns in a cosmic chess match between good and evil' reflects a pretty poor understanding of the material contained therein. Furthermore, to say that the book's central character, Jesus Christ, is a vindictive man who only sees black and white again misses the point. Jesus was very much about forgiveness, and on numerous occasions rebuffed people for their unbending interpretation of sin and punishment.
| 
