I would never recommend a paraphrase for Scriptural research. For studying, one must use as literal a version as possible, and for this I prefer the Concordant Literal New Testament (www.concordant.org). But when the truth of a passage has been established, a paraphrase can oftentimes put flesh on the bone, allowing the words to strike the modern ear just as they did the ancient ears of those who first heard it.

So let's look at five of our favorite passages from The Message, the paraphrase by Eugene Peterson. This is not a version one consults in the interest of accuracy, but for feeling it's hard to beat. (Where accuracy is compromised, I make the required adjustment.)

The five passages are:

Colossians 1:15-23
Ephesians 1:3-10
Galatians 1:1-16
Colossians 1:8-23
1 Corinthians 15:12-58