Important facts about The Passion Translation — Holly Pivec  🔗 **Source:** [Important facts about The Passion Translation — Holly Pivec](https://www.hollypivec.com/blog/2018/06/important-facts-about-the-passion-translation/7962) > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: [biblical-translation, new-apostolic-reformation, religious-criticism] > author: Holly Pivec > source: Holly Pivec Blog > reference: https://www.hollypivec.com/blog/2018/06/important-facts-about-the-passion-translation/7962 > date created: {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}} {{time:HH:mm}} > > # 🏷️ Title: Important facts about The Passion Translation > <!-- deep-read:sections start --> ## 🧭 Table of Contents - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#️-notes) - [📚 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#️-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#-deib-assessment) - [✅ Logical Validity](#-logical-validity) - [🛡️ DARVO Analysis](#-darvo-analysis) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) ## 📝 Summary - **What happened**: Brian Simmons created The Passion Translation, claiming Jesus personally commissioned him and gave him "revelation downloads" to translate the Bible with minimal language training. - **Why it matters**: This translation is gaining popularity in charismatic churches and mainstream Bible apps, potentially spreading doctrinally biased interpretations to wider evangelical circles. - **Key stakeholders**: NAR leaders (endorsing), mainstream evangelicals (potentially affected), pastors and church leaders (decision makers). - **Risks and tradeoffs**: Risk of doctrinal drift through biased translation versus claims of enhanced spiritual intimacy; lack of scholarly oversight versus alleged divine inspiration. - **Bottom line**: The Passion Translation lacks standard scholarly credentials, shows evidence of New Apostolic Reformation bias, and relies on questionable mystical claims rather than established translation methodology. ## 📖 Main Content The Passion Translation represents a controversial Bible translation project led by Brian Simmons, who claims divine commissioning but lacks traditional translation qualifications. Simmons, an "apostle" within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) network, admits to having "minimal background in biblical languages" yet claims Jesus personally visited him in 2009, breathed on him, and gave him "revelation downloads" to enable translation work. The translation shows several concerning characteristics: reliance on later Aramaic manuscripts instead of earlier Greek texts, insertion of NAR-friendly theological concepts, and removal of biblical commands for correction and rebuke. For example, 2 Timothy 4:2's instruction to "reprove, rebuke" becomes "preach in the full expression of the Holy Spirit," fundamentally altering the text's meaning. Simmons maintains secrecy about his editorial team while claiming scholarly review, and has revised controversial passages after criticism without explanation. The translation gains credibility through endorsements from prominent NAR leaders like Bill Johnson and Ché Ahn, and availability on mainstream platforms like BibleGateway and YouVersion extends its reach beyond NAR circles. ## 🗒️ Notes - Simmons founded Stairway Ministries and works as an apostle under Ché Ahn's Harvest International Ministry network - Original publisher "5 Fold Media" references NAR's fivefold ministry teaching - Wagner Leadership Institute/University is NAR-oriented rather than traditional seminary - Claims Jesus showed him "John 22," a supposed future chapter about coming revival - Translation described as restoring Bible's "potency, unfiltered and unveiled" - Consistently ranks among best-selling Christian books on Amazon - Critics have dubbed it the "NAR Bible" due to doctrinal bias patterns ## 📚 References - [Holly Pivec Blog](https://www.hollypivec.com) - [Spirit of Error blog series](https://www.spiritoferror.org) - [Themelios journal review by Andrew G. Shead](https://themelios.thegospelcoalition.org) - [Andrew Wilson's critique on THINK blog](https://thinktheology.co.uk) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase Holly Pivec examines The Passion Translation, a controversial Bible version created by Brian Simmons who claims minimal language training but divine commissioning. Despite lacking traditional scholarly qualifications, Simmons asserts Jesus personally visited him and provided supernatural translation abilities through "revelation downloads." The resulting translation shows systematic bias toward New Apostolic Reformation doctrines, altering passages about correction/rebuke and inserting references to Holy Spirit experiences not present in original texts. While popular among charismatic circles and endorsed by NAR leaders, the translation raises serious concerns about textual integrity and scholarly accountability. ## 📰 Newsletter **Translation Troubles: When Divine Claims Meet Biblical Text** The WordPress community values open source principles and transparent development processes. This week's spotlight examines similar concerns in biblical translation work. The Passion Translation illustrates what happens when claimed divine inspiration replaces traditional scholarly accountability—much like how WordPress maintains quality through peer review, established translation projects rely on academic oversight and collaborative expertise. Key takeaways for community leaders: transparency in credentials matters, editorial processes benefit from open review, and bold claims require proportional evidence. Whether you're managing plugin reviews or translation projects, maintaining standards protects end users. **Resources**: Academic translation principles mirror good development practices. Check out biblical language learning resources and translation methodology guides for insights into rigorous textual work. ## ✅ Action Items #### DevRel - Education: Create workshop comparing translation methodologies to software development quality assurance processes - Developer experience: Document how peer review systems maintain integrity in open source projects - Community management: Establish protocols for evaluating extraordinary claims in technical contexts #### Community - Contributors: Develop guidelines for assessing credentials and qualifications in community leadership - Sponsors: Create transparency standards for funding relationships and endorsement practices - Ecosystem: Design review processes that balance innovation with established best practices #### WordPress - Training: Develop lesson plans on evaluating source credibility and avoiding bias in content - Documentation: Create guides for identifying and addressing systematic bias in content management - Community: Establish mentorship programs pairing experienced reviewers with newcomers ## 🧪 Hypotheses - Religious translations claiming divine inspiration correlate with reduced scholarly accountability - NAR-affiliated translations systematically alter passages conflicting with movement doctrines - Mystical commissioning narratives increase among religious leaders lacking traditional credentials - Popular Bible apps inadvertently amplify biased translations by treating all versions equally - Endorsement networks within religious movements create echo chambers that bypass scholarly review ### 📊 Methodology - Content analysis comparing Passion Translation renderings with standard translations across NAR-relevant passages - Survey data on translation usage patterns in charismatic versus mainstream evangelical churches - Citation analysis of scholarly reviews versus popular endorsements for various Bible translations - Network analysis mapping endorsement patterns within NAR leadership circles ### ❓ Questions - How do mainstream Bible software platforms vet translations before inclusion? - What percentage of churches use multiple translations for cross-reference verification? - Do users distinguish between translations and paraphrases when selecting Bible versions? - How effectively do denominational guidelines address translation evaluation criteria? ### 🔮 Future Research - Longitudinal study tracking doctrinal shifts in churches adopting non-standard translations - Comparative analysis of translation methodologies across religious movements claiming ongoing revelation - Investigation of digital platform policies regarding religious text authenticity verification - Assessment of seminary curricula addressing contemporary translation controversies ### 💡 Implications - **Practice**: Churches need clear policies for evaluating new Bible translations beyond popularity metrics - **Policy**: Religious education institutions should address translation methodology in core curricula - **Security**: Digital platforms hosting religious texts may need authentication standards for traditional versus innovative versions - **Education**: Biblical literacy programs must include translation evaluation skills alongside reading comprehension - **Funding**: Donors supporting Bible translation projects should understand the difference between traditional scholarship and claimed revelation ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment - **Reading level estimate**: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 11.5 (college-level complexity with specialized theological vocabulary) #### 👀 Visual learners - **Present**: Comparative translation charts, timeline of Simmons' claims, NAR network diagrams - **Improve**: Side-by-side biblical text comparisons, flowchart of translation process standards, credential verification infographics #### 🔊 Aural learners - **Present**: Referenced podcast interviews with Simmons, linked video testimonials - **Improve**: Audio commentary on translation differences, recorded expert interviews on translation standards #### 🗣️ Verbal learners - **Present**: Clear definitions of translation terminology, analogies comparing translation to software development - **Improve**: Glossary expansion, more detailed explanations of scholarly review processes #### 🧩 Kinesthetic learners - **Present**: Step-by-step analysis of specific verse translations, actionable evaluation criteria - **Improve**: Interactive translation comparison tools, hands-on exercises for identifying bias #### 🧠 Logical learners - **Present**: Systematic comparison charts, logical progression of problems identified - **Improve**: Decision trees for translation evaluation, quantitative analysis of textual changes #### 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social learners - **Present**: Discussion prompts about church translation policies, collaborative evaluation frameworks - **Improve**: Group study guides, community review processes for translation assessment #### 🧘‍♀️ Solitary learners - **Present**: Self-assessment questions about personal Bible study practices - **Improve**: Individual research protocols, personal translation evaluation checklists #### 🌿 Naturalistic learners - **Present**: Organic development metaphors for how translations evolve - **Improve**: Ecosystem thinking about how translations affect broader religious communities ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment #### Screen reader semantics - **Present**: Clear headings, structured lists, meaningful link text - **Improve**: Enhanced alt text for comparison charts, more descriptive anchor text for biblical references #### Keyboard navigation - **Present**: Standard web navigation, logical tab order - **Improve**: Skip links for lengthy quotations, keyboard shortcuts for section navigation #### Contrast and readability - **Present**: Standard black text on white background - **Improve**: Highlighted text distinctions for biblical quotations, consistent formatting for different Bible versions #### Text resizing and reflow - **Present**: Responsive text scaling - **Improve**: Maintained readability of comparison charts at high zoom levels #### Media and captions - **Present**: Text-based content with linked audio/video resources - **Improve**: Transcriptions for referenced podcast segments, captions for any embedded videos ### 🌍 DEIB Assessment #### Cultural breadth - **Present**: Focus on American evangelical context - **Improve**: Global perspectives on Bible translation controversies, international translation standards #### Inclusive language - **Present**: Technical theological terms defined in context - **Improve**: Plain-language alternatives for academic jargon, broader denominational perspectives #### Neurodiversity support - **Present**: Structured format with clear sections - **Improve**: Executive summaries, bullet-point highlights of key concepts #### Representation - **Present**: Academic and religious authority voices - **Improve**: Diverse theological perspectives, voices from affected communities #### Psychological safety - **Present**: Respectful treatment of religious beliefs - **Improve**: Content warnings for faith-challenging material, balanced presentation of controversy ### ✅ Logical Validity #### Strong reasoning - **Deductive strength**: Clear documentation of translation differences with specific textual examples (verses cited) - **Inductive strength**: Pattern recognition across multiple biblical passages showing consistent NAR bias - **Causal reasoning**: Direct connection between Simmons' NAR affiliations and translation choices #### Fallacies - **Ad hominem potential**: Criticism focuses appropriately on credentials and methodology rather than personal attack - **Genetic fallacy avoidance**: Arguments address translation quality independent of source movement - **Appeal to authority**: Appropriately cites scholarly credentials while questioning claimed divine authority #### Tone of voice - **Academic critical**: "These include: A lack of qualifications of the lead [sole] translator" - **Warning/cautionary**: "people need to beware of its growing use in churches" - **Factual documentation**: "This is a direct quote from Simmons about his qualifications" ### 🛡️ DARVO Analysis No DARVO patterns detected in this source material. The article presents straightforward criticism of translation methodology without defensive rhetorical strategies. Simmons' responses (when available) acknowledge limitations rather than deflecting responsibility. ## 🎯 Conclusion The Passion Translation exemplifies how religious authority claims can circumvent traditional scholarly accountability in biblical translation work. While claiming divine commissioning, the translation systematically alters biblical texts to support New Apostolic Reformation doctrines, removes corrective elements, and relies on later manuscripts rather than earlier, more reliable sources. Its growing popularity in mainstream Bible applications extends potentially biased interpretations beyond their original charismatic context. For church leaders and serious Bible students, this case underscores the importance of understanding translation methodology, verifying translator credentials, and comparing multiple versions when studying Scripture. The controversy illustrates broader tensions between claimed ongoing revelation and established textual scholarship in contemporary Christianity. <!-- deep-read:sections end --> ## Highlights - Criticism focuses appropriately on credentials and methodology rather than personal attack - Note: 🔍 Fallacy: Ad Hominem #fallacy/ad-hominem - Appropriately cites scholarly credentials while questioning claimed divine authority - Note: 🔍 Fallacy: Appeal to Authority #fallacy/appeal-to-authority ## New Highlights added 2026-05-29 at 10:32 PM - Brian Simmons is the founder of [Stairway Ministries](https://stairwayministries.org/) in Wichita, Kansas. He’s also an “apostle,” working under the apostle Ché Ahn, with [Harvest International Ministry](http://harvestim.org/leadership/), an apostolic network of 25,000 churches and organizations in 65 nations. He spent eight years [working with New Tribes Mission](https://www.thepassiontranslation.com/about/) in the rain forest of Panama as a church planter, Bible translator and consultant. He’s now the lead translator for the [Passion Translation](https://www.thepassiontranslation.com/about/). To date, he’s translated and released his translation of the entire New Testament, plus Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of Songs. He earned his doctorate with the Wagner Leadership Institute (now called [Wagner University](http://wagner.university/)) with a specialization on prayer. [Take note that the Wagner Leadership Institute is not a standard, accredited seminary or Bible College that offers academic courses on the Bible and theology. Rather it was founded to [serve](https://ministrytodaymag.com/leadership/higher-education/536-are-seminaries-making-the-grade) the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Non-traditional courses teach people about NAR and how to be apostles and prophets and work miracles.] ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ksvakmeh5t4nj8rgd628gf09)) - Note: The credentialing context: Simmons' doctorate is from Wagner Leadership Institute, which Pivec notes (in brackets) is an NAR-purpose institution, not an accredited seminary. His apostolic placement under Ché Ahn at Harvest International (25k churches, 65 nations) anchors him structurally inside NAR even when he publicly distances himself from the label. - Tags: che-ahn, credentialing, nar-apostle-structure, atom/literature/h2, wagner-leadership-institute - On a 2015 television [program](https://sidroth.org/television/tv-archives/brian-simmons/), Simmons claimed that, in 2009, Jesus Christ literally visited him in his room, breathed on him, and commissioned him to write a new translation of the Bible. Simmons says, “It felt like Heaven's wind. The rock, the breath, the wind of God came upon me. And he spoke to me and said, ‘I'm commissioning you to translate the Bible into the translation project that I'm giving you to do.’ And he promised that he would help me, and he promised me that he would give me secrets of the Hebrew language.”Simmons claims that, by blowing on him, Jesus gave him "the spirit of revelation." In no way, he says, would he compare this "breathing" on him to that experienced by the original writers of Scripture. [Take note that he doesn't say how it was any different.] He says: "he breathed on me so that I would do the project, and I felt downloads coming, instantly. I received downloads. It was like, I got a chip put inside of me. I got a connection inside of me to hear him better, to understand the scriptures better and hopefully to translate."During this same TV program, Simmons claimed Jesus revealed to him a new chapter of the Bible. This happened when he was translated to the library of heaven where he saw more books than you can imagine. One stood out called John 22. It told about the greatest revival the world is yet to see. God promised Simmons that one day He’ll bring Simmons back to heaven and give him this book. [Source](https://sidroth.org/television/tv-archives/brian-simmons/) (21:00)Some have described The Passion Bible as a paraphrase, similar to the Message Bible. But Simmons is adamant that it’s not merely a paraphrase, but rather a bona fide translation. [Source](http://podcast.weltonacademyonline.com/podcast/brian-simmons-the-man-behind-the-passion-translation/) (17:00) ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ksvak4848hq72kxdzstf3cvh)) - Note: The full founding-vision claim Pivec sources to Simmons' own 2015 Sid Roth TV appearance: Jesus visited, breathed on him, gave him "downloads" + "a chip put inside" + access to "library of heaven" + a future "John 22" chapter. Bracketed editorial inserts ("[Take note that he doesn't say how it was any different.]") are Pivec's. This is the primary-source testimony every other TPT critique cites — the audit trail back to Simmons' own words. - Tags: bible-gateway-context, founding-vision, sid-roth-tv, revelation-downloads, john-22, atom/literature/h1 - “proclaim the Word of God and stand upon it no matter what! Rise to the occasion and preach when it is convenient and when it is not. Preach in the full expression of the Holy Spirit[a]—with wisdom and patience as you instruct and teach the people.” ([TPT](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A2&version=TPT)) ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ksvak93gn75kj7sd3j4m6tss)) - Note: The actual TPT rendering of 2 Tim 4:2 with "reprove, rebuke" replaced by "Preach in the full expression of the Holy Spirit." This is the textual smoking-gun: a passage about correction-by-Scripture rewritten into one about Spirit-empowered preaching. Pair this in your reading with the ESV rendering immediately above it in the article (paragraph 19) for the direct comparison. - Tags: theological-insertion, rebuke-removed, 2-timothy-4-2, tpt-text-sample, atom/literature/h1 - Brian Simmons, like some other leaders in the New Apostolic Reformation, [denies](https://www.thepassiontranslation.com/faqs/) being a part of this movement. Yet the core teaching of the New Apostolic Reformation is the necessity of the present-day governing *offices* of apostle and prophet along with their new, authoritative revelations. Simmons holds the governing office of apostle with Harvest International Ministry, and works closely with many New Apostolic Reformation leaders. His translation is endorsed almost only (if not exclusively) by NAR leaders. His translation shows significant evidence of NAR doctrinal bias. For these reasons, critics of this translation have dubbed it the “NAR Bible.” ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ksvaktx9ptreyas2esnd5w3r)) - Note: The motte-and-bailey pattern Pivec names: Simmons publicly denies NAR membership (motte) while holding the apostolic office that NAR theologically requires (bailey). Combined with NAR-exclusive endorsement + documented doctrinal bias, this is the case for the "NAR Bible" nickname. Useful structural critique frame applicable beyond TPT. - Tags: nar-bible, motte-and-bailey, name-coinage, atom/literature/h1, denial-vs-office-held