Gospels For Hearers

The Gospels for Hearers is a fresh, engaging new translation described by prominent theologian and historian, Paul W. Barnett as “A significant achievement that deserves widespread application and use”. Every aspect of the book, from the translation to the presentation, supports one fundamental idea – that this book will be read out loud, in a public forum. Public readings were, of course the only way that anyone could hear the Gospels at the time they were written, and for the following eighteen hundred years, except for the privileged few that could both read, and get access to a manuscript. This translation reaches back, as transparently as possible to those first public readings, capturing the urgency, passion and earthy humanity of the original Greek texts. The experience of hearing it is almost always described as both familiar and surprising; with an uncommon clarity that regularly prompts the listener to say they have heard, or realised something new. While it is different from the traditional translations, it is academically sound, theologically neutral and tested against leading commentaries. It is not designed to replace existing translations, but to complement them, providing insights and perspectives that help deepen one’s experience of the words and stories of Jesus. It is the work of one person, unfettered by committees, dogma or political correctness; the result of 60 years of study, translation and public reading. The translation is literal, rather than a paraphrase, delivering the words of the original texts as simply and clearly as possible, even where the resulting text is ambiguous, emotionally confronting or indelicate. It is testimony to the translator’s skill that the end product is so very readable; providing such clarity and engagement with the subject matter. The Gospels for Hearers is a faithful and engaging translation, bringing fresh perspective on familiar material, encouraging greater engagement with the texts and providing surprising insights. Read it aloud at your church, study group or just to a friend. Read large slabs of it, in fact, read whole books and let the life-changing words of the Gospels envelop, inspire and carry you along. These are the words and stories of Jesus, delivered with honesty, courage and passion – The Gospels for Hearers is a gift for anyone searching for an authentic, uncluttered and captivating translation of the ancient manuscripts.