Passion wanes for Passion ‘translation’

High-profile support for The Passion Translation (TPT) is waning, following mounting concerns about the book and its author, Brian Simmons.

And the publisher, BroadStreet Publishing (London) is reportedly “conducting an expanded scholarly review of the text”. Bible Gateway has now removed TPT from its offerings.

TPT, a particular favourite of the hyper-charismatic movement, was written by Brian Simmons. For several years he has made several claims about it, apparently including claiming to have been commissioned directly by Jesus to translate the Bible, and to have visited a library in heaven where Jesus promised him an “extra” chapter of the Gospel of John.

He also claimed to have been a co-translator with Wycliffe Bible Translators in translating the Paya-Kuna New Testament. Wycliffe last year disputed his claim saying he had no input on the final translation.

Many critics, including Mike Winger (who runs the online ministry BibleThinker) have published in-depth critiques of Simmons’ claims and TPT. His latest YouTube video – co-published with the channel, Minor Prophets – is a detailed 4.5-hour exposé of alleged corruption and plagiarism uncovered by several experts.

Notably, the controversial US based Bethel Church Redding – which once published a special edition – has also paused sales of TPT pending the review. TPT is still offered by Logos Bible Software, but the listing cautions that it is “aware of the ongoing conversations regarding this resource”.

The YouVersion Bible App also lists TPT, however a spokesperson for YouVersion told en: “We take concerns about the integrity of God’s Word seriously, and we’re doing our best to approach this situation thoughtfully. While we navigate the concerns raised, The Passion Translation has been marked ‘In Review’ in the Bible App, which users will see as their app updates.” They added: “BroadStreet Publishing is currently conducting an expanded scholarly review of the text. They plan to share further details about their review process in the coming weeks.

“In addition to that review, we will require that TPT undergo an independent, third-party review of the entire updated text. TPT’s status within the app will not be updated until that process is complete.”

BroadStreet Publishing did not respond to en’s requests for comment.