Review of The Good Book: Volume 1. The Gospel Story of Jesus and Acts of the Apostles by Paul S. Williamson

 

This book is a new way of presenting the New Testament, in current English that bring Jesus' words and actions to life.  It enables you to understand the essence of each area of Jesus' life.

As I read each passage, I recognized the scripture but had more insight as to the meaning. It's an easy way to get more in-depth knowledge of the intention of Jesus and his mission on Earth. It brought a new interest to the New Testament and helped me relate it to the traditions of the Old Testament before the new commandments of Christ and the church.

The Good Book is for anyone struggling to understand the Bible and wants a clearer understanding.  Studying scripture can help you realize Jesus' love for you and enable you to apply God's wisdom to daily living.

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*I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Interior Pages of the Book

FROM THE AUTHOR

Why did I write this book?

My idea for the book, The Good Book: An Interpretive Reading of the Christian Scriptures, followed my translating the entire Greek New Testament after graduate school. I wanted to experience in detail what the authors were trying to tell us with such passion. While working on this project, I read a book on Shakespeare’s plays explaining the meaning of his archaic language and the cultural differences which clarified the obscurity of the plays. I realized that is exactly what the Bible needs. 

What is new and unique about this New Testament translation is its exciting new format. No more rereading of the older chapter and verse, book by book formats. For instance, repetition of the same story in several Gospels is eliminated by combining them into one. No need to pick up a difficult commentary to understand what it means, the text is accompanied by thought-provoking explanations. 

The tone is intellectually grounded yet accessible for the average reader, bridging sound, orthodox biblical scholarship with everyday relevance. The theological jargon found in most Bibles is avoided or defined. I am a Biblical scholar with a Protestant seminary background and a PhD (ABD) in theology and Biblical languages from a Catholic university. I am also a family physician whose career included private practice, serving as professor for two medical schools, and directing a family practice residency program. My background in both biblical studies and medicine gives me a unique perspective on the human condition and what is required for spiritual healing.