{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Church Around the World","title":"Is the NLT Just a Paraphrase? An NLT Scholar Sets the Record Straight.","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2924,"description":"What does it actually take to translate the Bible — and is the New Living Translation really just a paraphrase? If you've ever heard that criticism, this conversation is for you.In this episode of Church Around the World, Dan Ehrman sits down with Dr. Andrew Abernethy — professor of Old Testament and assistant dean at Wheaton College's Divinity School, and a member of the New Living Translation Bible committee — to pull back the curtain on the NLT translation process and what it means to make Scripture genuinely accessible without sacrificing accuracy.Three takeaways for church leaders:The NLT is not a paraphrase. It comes from a team of top evangelical scholars wrestling simultaneously with original-language accuracy and understandable English — a rigorous, two-stage process most readers never see.Translation is always interpretation. From the word \"redeemer\" in Ruth to a contested phrase in Matthew 1, every translation choice involves asking: what would this have meant then, and how do we communicate that clearly today?Scripture transforms whole families. Dr. Abernethy's own story — from a basketball family with no Bible background to an NLT committee member — is a reminder that God works powerfully through faithful engagement with His Word.\"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.\" — Psalm 119:105 (NLT)This episode is a rich resource for any pastor or ministry leader who wants to understand — and confidently recommend — the New Living Translation Bible to their congregation.Learn more about Dr. Abernethy and the NLT:Dr. Andrew Abernethy - Wheaton CollegeNew Living TranslationNLT ScholarsGod's Messiah in the Old TestamentAndrew Abernethy - LinkedInChurch ConnectChurch Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/Exw0ZdwppXFAXYnfyTwvqwZRr1HesQEv1m-43Ps9pbQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hOTdi/NjhlOTBhZjAxNzBi/MzU2ZTlmYzZlY2E0/ZTgxNC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}