Barclay Newman, a translator on the teams for both the Good News Bible and the Contemporary English Version, translated passages of the New Testament into English and published them in 2014, “in a publication brief enough to be non-threatening, yet long enough to be taken seriously, and interesting enough to appeal to believers and un-believers alike.” The following is the translation of Luke 15:1-7:
A mixed crowd — some politically incorrect
and others simply street scum —
were hanging around, listening to Jesus teach.
A group of religious snobs came up and started griping,
“This guy goes around with the wrong crowd,
and he even eats with them.”
Then Jesus told them this story:
What would you do, if you had a hundred sheep,
and one of them wandered off?
Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine out in the field
and look for the lost sheep, until you found it?
Sure you would, and you’d be so glad when it was found
that you’d throw it on your shoulder and carry it home.
Then you’d say to your friends, “Let’s celebrate!
I’ve found my lost sheep.”
“That’s how it is with God,” declared Jesus.
“God gets more excited over one person
who has a change of heart
than over ninety-nine self-righteous bigots.”
Barclay Newman, a translator on the teams for both the Good News Bible and the Contemporary English Version, translated passages of the New Testament into English and published them in 2014, “in a publication brief enough to be non-threatening, yet long enough to be taken seriously, and interesting enough to appeal to believers and un-believers alike.” The following is the translation of Mark 1:12-13:
At the impulse of God’s Spirit,
Jesus headed into the desert.
For forty days and forty nights, Satan put him to the test,
while Jesus lived among the wild animals
and was watched over by angels.
Barclay Newman, a translator on the teams for both the Good News Bible and the Contemporary English Version, translated passages of the New Testament into English and published them in 2014, “in a publication brief enough to be non-threatening, yet long enough to be taken seriously, and interesting enough to appeal to believers and un-believers alike.” The following is the translation of Luke 22:66-71:
At dawn the politicians, priests, and professors of religion
called a meeting and had Jesus brought in for questioning.
“Are you God’s Chosen One?” they demanded.
“If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me,” replied Jesus.
“And if I asked you a question, you wouldn’t answer.
Soon, however, you’ll see me
at the right side of God All-Powerful.”
“Are you the Son of God?” was their next question.
“You say I am,” answered Jesus.
“He’s said enough to hang himself!” they judged.
Barclay Newman, a translator on the teams for both the Good News Bible and the Contemporary English Version, translated passages of the New Testament into English and published them in 2014, “in a publication brief enough to be non-threatening, yet long enough to be taken seriously, and interesting enough to appeal to believers and un-believers alike.” The following is the translation of Matthew 5:21-26:
y´The Bible says, “Don’t murder!” and “Condemn a murderer!”
But I condemn you for being angry and hating someone
or for calling anyone a worthless nobody —
Do this, and you will be doomed and in danger of hell!
When you kneel to worship God, try to remember —
Is someone angry with you?
If so, forget about worship, until you run and make peace!
Has someone accused you of doing wrong?
Hurry and settle the matter
before you are thrown into prison and impoverished.
Barclay Newman, a translator on the teams for both the Good News Bible and the Contemporary English Version, translated passages of the New Testament into English and published them in 2014, “in a publication brief enough to be non-threatening, yet long enough to be taken seriously, and interesting enough to appeal to believers and un-believers alike.” The following is the translation of Mark 12:28-34:
Jesus had just frustrated a group of theologians,
when a noted biblical scholar asked him,
“What’s the most important teaching in the Bible?”
Jesus answered, “The Bible itself says,
Love God with all your heart!
And the Bible also says,
Love others as much as you love yourself!
No teachings are more important than these.”
“Teacher,” answered the man, “you’re certainly right.
We must love the one and only God with all our heart,
and love others as much as we love ourselves.
To obey these two commands is more important
than offering all kinds of gifts to God.”
Jesus realized the depth of the man’s answer and said,
“You already have one foot in the Ultimate Kingdom.”
After this, no one dared put Jesus to the test.
Barclay Newman, a translator on the teams for both the Good News Bible and the Contemporary English Version, translated passages of the New Testament into English and published them in 2014, “in a publication brief enough to be non-threatening, yet long enough to be taken seriously, and interesting enough to appeal to believers and un-believers alike.” The following is the translation of Matthew 7:1-6:
Condemn others, and God will condemn you.
God will be as hard on you, as you are on others.
Do you know someone with a sin the size of a speck?
If your sin is as large as a log, you’d better roll it away first,
before you attempt to wipe away that tiny speck.
Otherwise, you’re a first-class hypocrite.
Don’t share what is sacred with wild dogs!
They’ll turn and attack.
Don’t decorate pigs with earrings of pearls!
They’ll trample those pearls in the mud.
Barclay Newman, a translator on the teams for both the Good News Bible and the Contemporary English Version, translated passages of the New Testament into English and published them in 2014, “in a publication brief enough to be non-threatening, yet long enough to be taken seriously, and interesting enough to appeal to believers and un-believers alike.” The following is the translation of Luke 15:8-10:
Jesus told the people another story:
What would a woman do if she lost
one of the ten gold coins from her wedding bracelet?
Wouldn’t she light a lamp, sweep the floor,
and crawl on her hands and knees until she found it?
Then she’d call in her friends and neighbors and say,
“Celebrate with me! I’ve found the coin I lost.”
“God is no less excited,” explained Jesus,
“when only one person turns to him.”
Barclay Newman, a translator on the teams for both the Good News Bible and the Contemporary English Version, translated passages of the New Testament into English and published them in 2014, “in a publication brief enough to be non-threatening, yet long enough to be taken seriously, and interesting enough to appeal to believers and un-believers alike.” The following is the translation of Mark 1:14-15:
After John Dipper was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee,
proclaiming the Super Story about God:
“The Ultimate Kingdom soon will appear with power.
Turn to God and believe the Best News Ever!”
