The translation done by Brian Simmons, 1 called The Passion (TPT), is not a faithful translation of the original. It is very much fraught with misleading words Simmons adds into the text (…”it is at least 50% longer than the original”). Good Christians should want to go to more accurate translations, and not ever use this deviant version. It has been so adulterated that it is not God’s Word.
TPT is not a Bible, and any church that treats it as such and receives it as canon will, by that very action, turn itself into an unorthodox sect. If the translation had been packaged as a commentary on Scripture I would not have needed to write this review; but to package it as Scripture is an offence against God. – Andrew G. Shead in a peer-reviewed theological journal
Listen to several experts in the field, dependable believers who have examined the translation and found it falling short of standard practices for Bible translation. Hear the lies Simmons claims as true – but how he is refuted by experts in-the-know.
About The Passion translation (a free resource at BibleGateway)
Here are several commentaries (and YouTubes at the end of this article) about The Passion translation,
“one of the most dangerous developments in the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)…, endorsed by some of the movement’s most influential apostles and prophets, including Bill Johnson (of Bethel Church in Redding, Calif.)….”
In a recent international, evangelical, peer-reviewed theological journal, Andrew G. Shead describes TPT as:
…abandoning all interest in textual accuracy, playing fast and loose with the original languages, and inserting so much new material into the text that it is at least 50% longer than the original. The result is a strongly sectarian translation that no longer counts as Scripture; by masquerading as a Bible it threatens to bind entire churches in thrall to a false god.
to package it
as Scripture
is an offense against God.
– Andrew G. Shead
NAR leader Brian Simmons reveals a new chapter of the Bible Published August 19th, 2016 on the site, www.spiritoferror.org, by Biola University graduate Holly Pivec — the co-author of A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement and God’s Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement. She has a master’s degree in Christian apologetics from Biola University. 2
Also note NAR leader Brian Simmons writes a new chapter of the Bible, quoting Holly Pivec. This article title is misleading by saying “writes”, since he merely “reveals” its existence. The page she refers to is “NAR leader Brian Simmons reveals a new chapter of the Bible”. See paragraph above. 3 Posted on bereanresearch.org by Marsha West. Also note her: False Teacher Alert, New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). *Isolated quotes:
* I’ve written a series of posts about Brian Simmons because I consider his new “translation” of the Bible, the Passion Translation, to be one of the most dangerous developments in the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).
* …this new translation of the Bible is not something that’s on the radical fringes of the NAR. It’s been endorsed by some of the movement’s most influential apostles and prophets, including Bill Johnson (of Bethel Church in Redding, Calif.), Che Ahn (formerly of HRock Church in Pasadena, Calif.), and James Goll (Encounters Network). And it’s selling very well. It needs to be on your radar. And if you know anyone who’s thinking about using it, warn them to run. I’ll show you why.
* Simmons claims to have received new, divine revelation that has given him special authority and insight to translate the Bible and to reveal new Scripture in the coming days.
* The apostolic-prophetic movement promotes modern-day “apostles” and “prophets” who claim to wield unlimited authority and give new doctrinal revelation in addition to Scripture. It’s teachings have historically been considered outside orthodox Christianity.
Note about NAR: Well-known “apostles” and “prophets” behind the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) include: founder Lou Engle, C. Peter Wagner, Che Ahn (formerly of HRock Church in Pasadena, Calif.), Rick Joyner, Bill Hamon, Cindy Jacobs, Chuck Pierce, Dutch Sheets, Bill Johnson (of Bethel Church in Redding, CA), James Goll (Encounters Network), and more.
Why You Should Not Use The Passion Translation
Published on …by Larry Overton of larryoverton.com * Isolated quotes
* By his account, several years ago Jesus Christ came into his room and breathed on him and commissioned him to write a new translation. He also says that God promised that he would make him understand “secrets of the Hebrew”. And that he “immediately began receiving downloads”.
* At any rate, God breathed on Simmons, gave him downloads and special insight into the original languages and he was thus commissioned to complete this project. And, along the way, he has greatly exaggerated his credentials as a translator. Alone, these things are very concerning. But these aren’t the only reasons why I think Christians should avoid this “translation”. The work itself is why I think this one is bad.
* There are too many issues to mention and still keep this a single post. And others have done a wonderful job of showing the problems with The Passion Translation.
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- Andrew Shead published an excellent and accurate review of the Psalms for the journal, Themelios.
- Andrew Wilson has published some clear criticisms of the work on his blog.
- And Mike Winger has done a fantastic job outlining some concerns with his hour-long YouTube video [:My Concerns About The Passion Translation and Brian Simmons (See more Winger videos at end of this article.)]
* Added to those is
If you are interested in comprehensiveness, those are good places to begin.
* Simmons also doesn’t appear to have any formal instruction in the biblical languages. Has he achieved proficiency in the languages in some other way? Perhaps self study? Or is he relying on special revelation and divine downloads to translate from ancient languages into contemporary English?
* He also claims to have translated the New Testament into a tribal language in Panama. However, that is disputed by others who worked with him at the time. Indeed, he was in Panama as a church-planter for a few years, but he didn’t participate in the NT translation.
* Simmons claims qualifications for the very technical work of Bible translation, but they are questionable at best. His training in linguistics was through New Tribes Mission (now Ethnos360) back in the 1970’s*. At that time, NTM’s linguistic training was a one-year course that focused on language and cultural acquisition, not translation. NTM does have training beyond this for linguists and Bible translators, but my understanding is that Simmons didn’t take that training.
A Cautionary Word on the Passion Translation of the Bible – Part 1
February 11, 2020 by Freddy Davis. *Isolated quotes:
* It seems that Simmons desired to utilize some of the skills he used in translating Scripture into new languages to make a new, easy to read English version. That sounds good, but there is a subtle danger when an individual, or even an unqualified or biased committee (eg,: the NWT), proceed to create a free-language colloquial version. The problem is that the author inevitably lets his or her theological bias slip into the translation of the text.
* Brian Simmons is a major figure in a charismatic Christian movement called the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).
* The TPT in numerous places demonstrates a bias that favors the views of the NAR. English blogger Andrew Wilson lists several issues he considers crucial. I will summarize a few of them. (To see Wilson’s critique go to: https://thinktheology.co.uk/blog/article/whats_wrong_with_the_passion_translation)
One comment: more evidence that Brian Simmons may not be translating from Greek. Andrew Chapman on
Here’s Why Christians Should Be Concerned About The Passion Translation of the Bible
Published 6/25/2018. By The Alisa Childers Podcast. *Isolated quotes:
* Have you ever been tempted to change a word of the Bible to make it communicate something you wish it said? Ever been inclined to leave out certain verses that make you uneasy … or add ones that make you feel a little more comfortable? That’s exactly what Old Testament scholar and NIV Translation Committee member Dr. Andrew Shead believes has happened with The Passion Translation (TPT) of the Psalms. In a recent international, evangelical, Shead describes TPT as:
…abandoning all interest in textual accuracy, playing fast and loose with the original languages, and inserting so much new material into the text that it is at least 50% longer than the original. The result is a strongly sectarian translation that no longer counts as Scripture; by masquerading as a Bible it threatens to bind entire churches in thrall to a false god.
* Here are three quick points:
1. TPT was not translated by credible scholars who have a command of the biblical languages.
2. TPT adds to the text or changes the meaning.
3. The manuscript sources are sketchy.
* Andrew Shead sums it up, “The Passion Translation shows little understanding, either of the process of textual criticism, or of the textual sources themselves.”
TPT is not just a new translation; it is a new text, and its authority derives solely from its creator. Like Joseph Smith and The Book of Mormon, Brian Simmons has created a new scripture with the potential to rule as canon over a new sect….
TPT is not a Bible, and any church that treats it as such and receives it as canon will, by that very action, turn itself into an unorthodox sect. If the translation had been packaged as a commentary on Scripture I would not have needed to write this review; but to package it as Scripture is an offence against God.
* The Word of God is perfect and doesn’t need any embellishments, changes, or added emotional flourish. In the original languages, the Scriptures are exactly what God communicated to us, and our translations should endeavor to convey His words as faithfully and honestly as possible. TPT fails to capture the purity, intended meaning, and tone of the biblical texts, and therefore it should not be called a “translation,” nor should it be used as such.
YouTube videos by Mike Winger – about TPT:
* Is Brian Simmons Qualified to Make The Passion Translation? – Mike Winger on YouTube
* Before You Use The Passion Translation Watch THIS – Mike Winger on YouTube
* My Concerns About The Passion Translation and Brian Simmons – Mike Winger on YouTube (Sep 18, 2018)
* Exposing the Agenda and Origins of “The Passion Translation” – Mike Winger on YouTube (Oct 9, 2018)
Words used by Simmons in the TPT, differing with instances in real translations (ESV/NKJV/NIV/NASB):
*
FOR MORE:
Jesus is all man, and all God, for all time
Why might many charismatics not be saved?
About Being Apostate… following “another gospel”
Footnotes
- Comments from an article about the TPT:
Edmond 2 years ago · Comment: About Brian SimmonsMike Winger did some research into Brian Simmons and he’s not even who he claims to be. While he did work with New Tribes, they have essentially said he did nothing in terms of translating scriptures, at best he was involved in a quality control function, but did none of the actual translation work. He also lacks any translation credentials.
So of course he had to ‘receive inspiration from God’ because he certainly doesn’t have the understanding to write a translation from the preserved manuscripts.
He also claimed he handed the people a New Testament when he left in the late 80s, which is amazing considering New Tribes said the translation was not even done until 1995.
The guy is a modern day Joseph Smith, he’s creating a false religion. It probably won’t be long before he introduces special ‘rights’ of those that ‘teach’ his heresy, like all cults eventually do.
2 Corinthians 11:12-15.
“12 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” - Comments by Holly Pivec on a website:
He [Brian Simmons] originally released his translation in installments, so the answer depends on which book of the Bible the verse appears in. [The original wording appeared in “Letters From Heaven by the Apostle Paul,” published in 2013] I know he made a significant change to his translation of Galatians 6:6.
Originally his translation read “And those who are taught the Word will receive an impartation from their teacher; a transference of anointing takes place between them.”
Now it reads “And those who are taught the Word must share all good things with their teacher; a sharing of wealth takes place between them.”
Editor adds: Galatians 6:6 in the Amplified Bible reads: 6 The one who is taught the word [of God] is to share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his spiritual and material support].
- Simmons says he went to Heaven and saw this “new chapter”, but did not bring it back to earth with him. He still has not gone back to Heaven a second time to get that chapter. But — it’s there, he says.
I don’t believe Simmons has been translating at all – I am pretty sure he works from English versions, along with looking up a few Hebrew, Greek and maybe Aramaic words in lexicons. See eg: https://theriveroflife.com/2017/12/07/john-1-10-in-the-passion-translation-more-evidence-that-brian-simmons-may-not-be-translating-from-greek/