Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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What is the best English translation of the Bible for understanding the Gospel narratives?

In this fascinating discussion, renowned New Testament scholar Dennis R. MacDonald explains why the answer may not be as simple as choosing a popular translation. Instead, he argues that understanding the narrative structure of the Gospels requires seeing how Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts interact with one another as distinct literary works.

MacDonald discusses why many modern translations and harmonized Gospel presentations can obscure important differences between the texts, and why a more literal approach may reveal the rich diversity of early Christian storytelling.

He also shares his thoughts on the widely used New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and explains why it remains a common choice in academic settings despite its limitations.


Sign up here for Dennis MacDonald's course "Reading The Gospels With One Eye on Greek Poetry - mythvisionpodcast.com/homeric-mimesis

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