Ring of Truth: A Translator's Testimony

This remains a classic which, for a very good reason, more people should read. When it was written, many people in my 'tradition' actually questioned whether anyone had any good reason to even translate the Bible. (If the KJV was good enough for Paul....) Today the majority of people don't question who, what, or why about any translation. This book doesn't directly address any of those issues, but it does expose the heart of a true Bible scholar, and that is a sufficient reason to read it.

J. B. Philips hits the nail on the head with this book. If you are a Christian or a Bible fan I strongly recommend you read this gem. The author spent years translating the Bible from the original Hebrew & Greek and as a result has some incredible and crystal clear insights into scripture and what is wrong with the church today.

This is a wonderful little book. Phillips describes how, as a translator, he had to engage deeply and thoughtfully with the original Greek text of the NT. Not only does he find the text to be historically accurate on a wide range of details, he finds that the stories "ring true." Jesus comes across not as a deified philosopher, but as a real, complex, and powerful personality--a human being who was gentle and caring with children and social outcasts, but strong, courageous, and confrontive in challenging the hypocrisy of the highly revered religious powers that be. Phillips specifically lists a number of places where the close attention required by translating brought him face to face with suprising, sometimes shocking, new ideas about Jesus, God, and humanity. This book is well worth every penny you will invest in it, and every moment of time you will spend reading it and thinking about what it says.

This book has become a favorite of mine.. I have extremely high regard for J. B. Phillips who did a brilliant translation of the New Testament in spite of an awful struggle with chronic depression.. For me, his life and work remain powerful sharing from a most encouraging faith.

I bought this book for a gift, and did not read it myself. I'm rating it on other works of JB Phillips with which I am familiar, and his excellent and insightful translation of the New Testament. In other words I trust the author.

J. B Phillips is an excellent writer, which is estremely important since he is dealing with scripture. No 'copy-cat" following what so many translators do. He searches the original language to discern and understand what those Greek words are really saying. Dangerous at times, of course, because a good many translators and theologians do not like that. So, thank you, Mr. Phillips, for you careful work. What a pleasure, and what a blessing.

Within this book is the amazing account of Rev J B philips and his encounter with the deceased CS Lewis . The impeccable reputation and academic standing of Rev Philips has been known for years Buy this book for the chapter alone. About Life After Death : A Clergymans understanding From 50 Years Of Ministry

This is a lovely hardbound copy with a beautiful dust cover. Exactly as advertised. I am thrilled to own such a fine copy of this wonderful book. I would recommend the book as well as seller 100%.

Unusual perspective … that of a translator … but excellent book.

J.B. Phillips is famous for translating "The New Testament in Modern English" - the first modern paraphrase (1958), and certainly the most enduring with its rich, vibrant language. Very much a companion work to his translation, this is a powerful apologetic tool - but in a refreshingly different way. Phillips relates how his translation work produced a strong conviction of the truth of the New Testament witness to Jesus Christ. The deeper he dug, the more unexpected and delightful the results. This is no tortuous, unimaginative read. Rigid apologetic works abound today, whose authors are at pains to defend 'inerrancy' at all costs. Except that the reader is often left feeling not only somewhat flat, but also stretched to the point of incredulity. For seasoned believers who have perhaps lost that sense of wonder concerning the Gospel (as well as for new believers) Phillips will guide you on an uplifting journey that will thrill your soul. Succinct, well written - and in a large readable type - this book can be read in two or three visits. Phillips wrote it in the 1960's, so it is sufficiently detached from today's evangelical merry-go-round to enable the reader to take a step back and absorb the impact that translating the New Testament had on the author's faith. Can't recommend it enough!

I am really enjoying this book. A Christian book written by J B Phillips It arrived well on time and as described. Thanks

I haven't read it all yet, but so far it's excellent. Clear and concise writing, down to earth, no frills and fancies, and his work really makes you think more deeply. I'm sure there'll be lots more personal revelations in this book.

Excellent understanding of the Christian message