The Message Devotional Bible (Hardcover): Featuring Notes and Reflections from Eugene H. Peterson

The Message has always been my favorite translation and these extra little devotionals throughout every chapter make it even better. They really help you understand the context of everything you’re reading.

I've always enjoyed the Message translation (and, no, it's not a paraphrase: it is an idiomatic translation). Still, when it comes to more in-depth bible study, I usually turn to the Oxford Annotated edition of the NRSV or REB. This edition of the Message, though, is not a study bible per se. It's a devotional bible, loaded with Eugene Peterson's insights into the text and questions to ask yourself as you read. I think, between those insights and the dynamic, bracing nature of the translation, the Message Devotional Bible makes an excellent daily devotional companion. The font is easy to read, the format is well organized and clear, and the design of the cover is really attractive. Eugene Peterson's decades as a pastor show in this wise, warm, and spiritually nourishing edition of the Message.

This is a nice little bible however, it could have been great. The content is really, really good. As someone who considers himself an apprentice of Peterson I really enjoy the notes, reflections, etc...throughout the bible. CONS - print is too small, size is too small, paper is too thin, the black and white photographs are terrible.It needs to be bigger overall including page size and print and it should have come in a genuine leather cover with bright white pages with places for notes on the side and color photographs. This will be used a great deal but in spite of Tyndale dropping the ball on this one big time.

I bought the Kindle edition. When i clicked on the box containing the the Notes and Comments, it brought me to the end of the book! Unless you take note of your location before clicking on the box, there is no easy way to find your way back. The publisher could improve the Kindle version by expanding the Commentaries right in the exact same location, rather than grouping all the Commentaries at the back of the book. It appears that the last 10 percent of the Bible contains Commentaries, which are devotional materials. In contrast, in the physical book, the Commentaries and Notes are imbedded in the text itself in the same location! Not at the back of the Bible. Does the publisher have any comment on this matter?

Although this calls itself an "idiomatic translation", I find this very much lacking and can only call it a paraphrase at best. In the OT, rather than "LORD", this author uses only "GOD". As I read, I am comparing as I go to KJV, NASB, and NIV, and refer to MacArthur's Commentary as I read. I find discrepancies with the Message. I am reading it cover to cover as a daily read with a friend at her request. That's the only reason I am continuing. On the other hand, this means I am also reading other translations because I don't trust the Message , so that is a benefit to me. I feel there may be author's thoughts put forth in how certain passages are presented. It is written in more than a casual style, making conversations between people and between God and people almost ridiculous at times. Example: when Abram requests Sarai to say she is his sister, in the Message he says "hey do me a favor." Really? There are "Pauses" every few chapters and I will say they do ask thought-provoking questions. The "Insights" here and there as well make you ponder, although in a few places I'm unsure of the theology.. where they came up with it.There is no beauty in this writing. It feels disrespectful to our Lord.The book itself is well bound and sturdy. Pages are good. Easy to read.

I love this Bible. I still love my other versions, too, but this really explains things in today’s language. I use this Bible mainly to help me to understand things I hadn’t understood before.

I purchased the paperback version. It’s very good quality and the cover is really cool. I’m really enjoying this special edition devotional Bible.

I was hesitant to buy this at first; it isn’t a well-known translation like the NIV, NLT, RSV, NAB,ESV, or KJV. The Message Bible is also sometimes sold without including the Old Testament; this one has both, along with insights and introductions to each book. I do have to say that this edition does not include the Deuterocanonical books, and for that I use my Didache or NLT Catholic Reader’s Edition. Eugene H Peterson was both a scholar and a pastor and translates the Bible into beautiful but common English, without using slang phrases. This would be a good Bible to introduce new Christians, or to assist with Bible study (I use Didache, NLT, NIV and Harper Collins Study Bible to get different perspectives)! So I do personally use this in addition to other translations for study and meditation purposes.Also I did buy the paperback edition, with a matte finish. Due to the bulk of having both Testaments I did not want the additional weight of the hardcover. It was shipped in great condition, no tears or bent corners of any pages. The only thing that would make this better is if it came in a compact size!

Though I've loved the Lord as long as I can remember, I'd never loved reading His Word. It was difficult for me to see reading my Bible as more than anything than doing it because that was what you were supposed to do. And for the longest time I felt so bad for not enjoying the Bible in NIV and NLT. Anyway, now at 23 years of age, I told myself it's ok because at the end of the day I think God cares more about how we're engaging with His Word, how it moves us and challenges us, inspires us, disciplines us, rather than the formatting of the wording.I think there's something beautiful about *all* translations, and if this gets you to read the Bible, THAT'S OK. It's all the same content, just different styles of delivery. Just like a sermon by two people can be the exact same content, you are more than guaranteed to have 2 different deliveries, 2 different reactions.

Very pleased with this easy to read version of the Bible. I now have an understanding of events that were hard to grasp.

Like the bible but the print wasn't large enough for me, and that was why I got it. I probably need extra large print .

As with other reviews - this has come in less than perfect condition despite buying 'new'. The cover has a few dents/creases in it. Don't think it wont happen to your order! Ok for personal use but if buying as a gift definitely not acceptable (and for that reason it should be a little bit cheaper than it is). That is the only reason it's lost stars.Also - when purchasing, I couldn't see anywhere that font size was indicated, which as a middle-ager was a bit of a concern, but it's fine.

Very modern with helpful explanations