The Message

In comparing the King James version of the new testament with the new testament book of "The Message" by Eugene H. Patterson, it is difficult to discern which verses are which since they are not numbered, but it can be done. I've took some time in distinguishing these verses, but it wasn't easy.
I have never seen the adding to and taking away from scripture that I've witnessed since studying ,"The Message". I have underlined at some points, the differences and omitted areas and where original scripture has been added to.
I bought "The Message" out of curiosity after I had heard a pastor read from it, knowing that I would need it to start this page with. If one opens up "The Message", they will immediately notice vast differences. No need to take a lot of time in finding the error.

Contents, (Quotes) on the back cover of "The Message" Bible:
"It is commonly assumed that a book dealing with a Holy God should sound elevated, stately, and ceremonial. If this is how you've always viewed the New Testament, you're about to make a surprising discovery.
One of the most striking features of the New Testament is that it was written in the street language of the day. The idiom of the playground and marketplace---- not the formal lofty language of government decrees and historical documents. Written in the rhythms and idiom of contemporary language---the way you'd talk with friends, write a letter, or discuss politics--- The Message brings out the expressive, earthly flavor of the New Testament. Which means that, whether you've been reading the Bible for years or are exploring it for the first time, The Message will startle and surprise you, And it will allow you to experience firsthand the same power and directness that motivated it's original readers to change the course of history many centuries ago." (End of Quote)

I do know that some if not many in evangelical circles have touted The Message lately.

On Jesus, The Light of the World: John Chapter 1 verse 4&5
The Message:
4: What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by.
King James:
4: In Him was Life; and the life was the light of men.
The Message:
5: the Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn't put it out.
King James:
5: And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

On Faith and Power to Become the Sons of God: John Chapter 1 Verse 12
The Message:
But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves.
King James:
But as many a received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
*Note- This one stumped me as their "child of God selves" seems strange rather than stated plainly, "sons of God" in the King James...

On Jesus Christ's Revelation to John in Chapter 1 Verse 8 of Revelation:

The Message:
The Master declares, "I'm A to Z. I'm the God who is, the God who was, and the God about to arrive. I'm the Sovereign-Strong."
King James:
I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Paul addressing women speaking in the church, etc:
1 Corinthians;14:36-40
Verse 36:
The Message:
Do You--Both women and men--imagine that you're a sacred oracle determining what's right and wrong? Do you think everything revolves around you?
King James:
What? Came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

Verse 37-39:
The Message:
37: If any one of you thinks God has something for you to say or has inspired you to do something, pay close attention to what I have written. This is the way the Master wants it. If you won't play by these rules, God can't use you. Sorry.
King James:
Verse 37: If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

Note *
Notice the passage in verse 37 of "The Message", "God can't use you. Sorry". Nothing like this is stated in that verse in the King James, Paul is simply reminding the church that if they think themselves to be spiritual and if they are spiritual at all, they will know that what he states is the commandments of the Lord

Verse 38:
The Message:
38-40: Three things then, to sum this up: When you speak forth God's truth, speak your heart out. Don't tell people how they should or shouldn't pray when they're praying in tongues that you don't understand. 40: Be courteous and considerate in everything.
King James:
38: But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39: Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40: Let all things be done decently and in order.

Paul addressing God's faithfulness and nature: 2 Timothy 2:12&13
The Message:
12:If we stick it out with him, we'll rule with him. If we turn our backs on him, he'll turn his back on us.
King James:
12: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. if we deny him, he also will deny us:
The Message:
13: If we give up on him, he does not give up--for there is no way he can be false to himself.
King James:
13: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

On Food sacrificed to idols and consideration of other's beliefs:
1 Corinthians 10:33:
The Message:
I try my best to be considerate of everyone's feelings in all these matters; I hope you will be, too.
King James:
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

All those that know the truth and love the truth: 2 John 1: Verse 1
The Message:
My dear congregation, I your pastor, love you in very truth. And I'm not alone--everyone who knows the truth that has taken up permanent residence in us loves us.
King James:
The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth: and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth:

Confirmation of the prophetic word : 2 Peter 1 Verse 19:
The Message:
We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard--God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. Its the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts.
King James:
We also have a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Note*
Morning star in The message, and day star in the King James version...

On Loving Your Enemies: Matthew 5; 42
The Message:
No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
King James:
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not away.

Loving your enemies, praying for your enemies: Matthew 5: 44&45
The Message:
*I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time,respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves.
King James:
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you. do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despite fully use you, and persecute you:
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

*Puzzling*

Apostles and Prophets and the Mystery of the Ages: Ephesians 3: 5
The Message:
None of our Ancestors understood this, Only in our time has it been made clear by God's spirit through his holy apostles and prophets of this new order.
King James:
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.

Faith and Healing: Matthew 9;29
The Message:
He touched their eyes and said, "Become what you believe."
King James:
Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

Some may believe these to be trivial additions to the Word of God and shouldn't be addressed. I believe otherwise. I take it to heart when our Lord says in Revelation 22, verse 18&19:

18) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

19) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Updated on September 17, 2004

Decided to do a little search to see how many times certain (and very important) keywords were omitted from "The Message" version

A little comparison with the King James Version... NEW TESTAMENT ONLY OF BOTH THE MESSAGE AND KING JAMES VERSION BIBLE.

The results so far are as follows:

Search for exact word: "Gospel"

MESSAGE- 1

KJV- 91

Search for exact word: "Doctrine"

MESSAGE- 2

KJV- 40

Search for exact word: "Holy Spirit"

MESSAGE- 91

KJV- 4

Search for exact word: "Sprit"

MESSAGE- 298

KJV- 287

Search for exact word: "Truth"

MESSAGE- 125

KJV- 182

Search for exact word: "Abide"

MESSAGE- 0

KJV- 45

Search for exact word: "Comforter"

MESSAGE- 0

KJV- 4

Search for exact word: "Sex"

MESSAGE- 18

KJV- 0

Search for exact word: "Pride"

MESSAGE- 7

KJV- 46

I will leave you with this. This is a direct warning from God and as it appears KJV in the 21st chapter of Revelation

KJV: 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Read more in depth about The Message from Watch Unto Prayer