There’s so much that needlessly divides our Christian community that it is difficult to write this sort of post. But, this is not politics or secondary theological concerns like whether women should be pastors, what applications the gifts of the spirit have today or even whether salvation can be lost. There is a time and place for friendly and loving conversations regarding those matters, and they are important conversations to have. We, however, are united in the essential marrow of our faith – in our possession of the truth which is the Word of God (John 17:17). The authority of Scripture is a hill where we draw lines, not in the sand, but in the cement. The value, priority and care put into understanding, interpreting and applying God’s word correctly is, and must remain, our greatest conviction. Thus, any assault or manipulation, whether malicious or simply careless, must be addressed.

It is for this reason, that with a heavy heart, I am compelled to write again about a “version” of the Bible which is increasing in popularity. I am referring to The Passion Translation (TPT), a work by Brian Simmons which, at best is misleading, and at worst is dangerous. If you are unfamiliar with Simmons, his work or his theological framework, I would suggest reading through my previous posts on The New Apostolic Reformation. I also want to say upfront, that I don’t take joy or delight in writing this post. I don’t approach it lightly, but rather with much prayer. I would rather ignore the influence of its growing popularity, an alternative that would certainly be the easier road for me personally. However, I am convicted by the words of Paul which clearly teach: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). As Christians, our lives are shaped and our doctrine is founded on God’s word. So new thoughts, movements and revelations that assert authority and new spiritual insights must highlighted, tested and when appropriate, exposed.

So, what is the problem with The Passion Translation? There are more problems with this work than can be addressed here (again, see another previous post). However, here’s a short-list of significant issues:

1. Simmons lack the language training for this task, and works without a team of fellow translators.

2. Perhaps the above reality is due to the fact that Simmons has claimed special “downloads” from Heaven in order to accomplish this task. See the video below to listen to his own words regarding this work. (a)

3. Simmons takes immense liberty in adding words into Scripture which are not found in the original manuscripts. Is this merely audacious arrogance or simple carelessness? Since much of this added language is rhetoric of New Apostolic Reformation teaching the motive seems incredibly intentional. (b)

Here’s the bottom line: Simmons’s version of the Bible is simply that, his own creation. It is not a translation at all, and yet that is how it is being presented. It’s also growing in popularity. Three years ago, when after many years of studying and researching the doctrine of The New Apostolic Reformation, hardly anyone knew of the Passion Translation. Simmons, at that time, was just beginning his work of producing his version of Scripture. Now, it is quoted on NAR Facebook pages such as The Call, Bethel Church and Jesus Culture. It is endorsed by Hillsong, and it is offered as an official translation on the YouVersion Bible App and on BibleGateway. Within NAR circles it is even used from the pulpit. It is also not uncommon to see Christians, especially youth, carrying this version into classrooms, Bible studies and churches.

Fellow believers, we need to inform ourselves on the theological framework that has produced this alleged version of God’s word. Whether, we are academic or not. Whether we like Bethel music or not. Whether we are interested or not, we must be informed so that we are not “carried away by all kinds of strange teachings (Hebrews 13:9). Just as we, as orthodox Christians, would never accept the revelations of Joseph Smith or the New World Translation of the Jehovah’s Witnesses as Scripture, we must test and rightly discern this new work which claims success in “revealing the deep mysteries of the Scriptures in the love language of God” (thepassiontranslation.com).

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(a) Brian Simmons interviews with Sid Roth on the show, It’s Supernatural. I suggest watching the clip in its entirety to get a feel for Simmons, but you can begin just before minute 14:00 for the specifics regarding the TPT.
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(b) In the comparison below, I’ve added the red highlights to point out the subtle integration of NAR theological language in his work. Adding the language used by the prophets and apostles in the NAR adds validity to many of their unorthodox teachings. I’d like to add here, that even if you are from a Pentecostal tradition like the Assemblies of God, that denomination has written several position papers denouncing and distancing itself from this sort of theology. For more information visit here.