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The Word of Promise™ Scripted NKJV New Testament

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Enhance your The Word of Promise® New Testament Audio Bible listening experience! An accurate representation of the trusted New King James Version, The Word of Promise® Scripted NKJV New Testament is presented in script format, complete with sound effects direction and music notes. This engaging screenplay format enables you to experience the power and drama of the New Testament in a fresh, meaningful way. Listen to The Word of Promise® New Testament and read along! 9-point print size

518 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1979

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Phil.
127 reviews
February 3, 2025
An excellent audio Bible

Update: I've read this audio Bible 5 times! I'll always love hearing Cash read this to me.
Profile Image for Beauregard Bottomley.
1,221 reviews835 followers
August 31, 2016
I think this is the best deal on Audible. I'm not a believer whatsoever, but I always appreciate opening up my world to different viewpoints.

I read a lot of books on atheism (and theology) and they really don't put the whole of the New Testament in proper context when they criticize Christianity because they often look at the pieces that make up the whole instead of the whole being explained by the pieces (before you can understand a sentence you first must understand the words and to understand the words you must first understand the sentence). This audio book gave me a chance to understand the whole because it was so easy to listen to and I got to finish the New Testament in about a week on my daily bike rides (I ride a lot of miles on my bike every week).

Science is indeterminate. A basic statement that is shown to be factually wrong doesn't mean that the whole edifice is incorrect. It just means that within the whole edifice there is a misunderstanding somewhere within the web of belief ('epistemic holism'). For example, within Quantum physics there is no cause and effect, superposition and duality exist (particle is both a wave and particle at the same time). Each of these are against the fundamental laws of logic, but it doesn't mean that all of physics is wrong. It just means there is a misunderstanding somewhere.

I started with the Old Testament but that was sort of a mistake. I found it tedious beyond belief and gave up on this audio book. In the mean time, I read "On the Nature of Things" (written slightly before Jesus) and that made me want to listen to the book of Ecclesiastics (by far my favorite book in the Old Testament) and that made me realize how pleasant this audio book could really be.

The Acts of the Apostles is probably the most important book in the bible for its historicity (at least that's my opinion, and I suspect Wiki would say so too). The story as spoken really flows beautifully. I never really picked up on that as I had previously would just randomly read pieces of the New Testament but never really read it cover to cover as it really needs to be in order to fully understood. I never realized how intelligent The Book of Hebrews was (I would say it's the most intelligently written of the New Testament books, and Wiki seemed to support that too).

My only point is that by listening to this version of the Bible one really gets to understand the Bible as a whole and gets a feeling for why it's such an interesting book. Reading it never gave me that perspective the way listening to this has (when I read I take the feeling out, but listening puts it back in for me).

Paul seemed to have gotten repetitive in his Epistles. He seemed mostly to talk about what he believed not necessarily what he thought was truth as such. He doesn't seem to think women are the equal of men, slavery seems to be okay, a whole lot of people are "deserving of death" (fornicators, drunkards (too bad for me), idolators, and others). A lot of his arguments appeal to the Old Testament truth of Adam and Eve. There is definitely a belief in prophecies (don't go to Jerusalem or you'll be arrested warned a person and they took it seriously), and the Holy Spirit can kill if you lie about holding back money while giving to the Church (or Peter and James).

Everyone who believes has their strong beliefs about the bible. I don't believe therefore I don't have a strong opinion regarding the bible one way or another, but I really enjoyed this version of the Bible because I got a peek into why it means almost nothing to me except for helping me to better understand Western Civilization since it had such a large role in forming our civilization and who we became. Also, I would recommend this audio version for any one including believers as well as non-believers because it flows beautifully together as a whole and allows one to listen fairly fast thus helping understand the book as a whole not in pieces as often happens when one reads the Bible on ones own.
Profile Image for Joel Curtiss.
34 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2009
I find that this edition helps many better understand the New Testament truths from the Majority Text Greek to more modern English.
Profile Image for Robyn.
313 reviews
June 6, 2011
I love reading about what Jesus did while he was on the earth; his insights, wisdom and ability to not let the Pharisees & Saducees 'push his buttons' in inspiring, to say the least...
Profile Image for JD'.
332 reviews39 followers
June 11, 2024
This is the best audiobook I've ever listened to, with an epic "Lord of the Rings" soundtrack, incredible "Braveheart" sound effects of horses, swords and battle.
There were also the voices of over 600 famous actors from films like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Forrest Gump, Ghostbusters, Dukes of Hazard, and Superman.
Plus the words of Jesus by Jim Caviezel, who gives the absolute greatest performance of a lifetime, speaks out to love everyone, go the extra mile and to preserve under trials.
Profile Image for Trey Kennedy.
538 reviews10 followers
November 21, 2017
This is a helpful resource for looking through the Greek New Testament quickly. A good start before more rigorous scholarly work. It also has the NKJV translation, although that’s not what the word by word translation with the Greek text is exactly.
Profile Image for Stephen Escalera.
66 reviews9 followers
December 21, 2010
It seems that lately there are more and more audio Bibles available. When I was growing up, perhaps the best or at least the best-known version was the one read by Alexander Scourby. His deep voice and precise pronunciation in reading the King James Version still resonates in my head.

In The Word of Promise: New Testament (NKJV) , Thomas Nelson's addition to the audio Bible offerings is unique and well done. Instead of relying on a sole narrator, the Bible is read by a cast of members, giving the listener a sense of hearing actual conversations. But it isn't simply a straight reading, but more a dramatization of the New Testament. In many of the characters, you can hear at least some of the emotion experienced. You can hear the fear in the voices of the disciples as their boat was rocked in a late night storm or the sorrow of the father whose child is dying but begs Jesus to heal her. Additionally, whether it's the sounds of a marketplace, the winds of a storm, or the scratching of a pen (quill?) against paper, the background noises contribute a great deal to making the Bible come alive.

There are a few things worth mentioning specifically that stuck out to me while listening. The part of Jesus was read by Jim Caviezel, the same actor who also portrayed Jesus in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. However, it felt like his dramatization lacked the proper emotion in many passages. In some passages, he sounded flat, monotone and quite bored while in other passages, he sounded like he was trying too hard to convey "meek and gentle." This is disappointing considering the centrality of Jesus to all of Scripture.

The most disappointing readings were the Book of Acts and Hebrews performed by Michael York. I was surprised when the Book of Acts started that it was not read by Chris McDonald, who also did the voice of Luke. But then, in some parts of the book, he did read, only to have the narration switch back to York. It was confusing since the entire book was written by Luke, but McDonald only read those parts that can be explicitly linked to Luke. Although this change in narration for Acts can be excusable, York's reading of Hebrews, however, was simply horrible. York sounds very much like a parent reading a bedtime story to children and does not convey the seriousness and wonder that is the book of Hebrews.

The highlight of the recording was most definitely the reading done by Stacy Keach as the voice of Paul the Apostle. From the first word of Romans to the last of Philemon, Keach has an incredible command of the tone of Paul's letter. He is compassionate, rebuking, authoritative and kind - in a word, pastoral. While there are other great readers (Lou Gossett Jr. reads the Apostle John quite well), it is Keach's performance as Paul that carries much of the work.

For anyone looking to purchase an audio version of the New Testament (NKJV), you simply can't do better than The Word of Promise. I would highly recommend it.

(Thanks to Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze program for providing a review copy of this audio Bible.)
Profile Image for Becky.
609 reviews30 followers
January 18, 2016
Get Ready for Something Amazing

READ THIS ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2016/01/17/...

Have the adventure of hearing the entire New Testament as a radio theater experience. As nice as books on disc or tape are, those usually have one reader who uses different voice intonations for the various characters. Sound effects usually don't amount to much, if they exist at all. The Word of Promise takes things a giant leap forward. Think of a really good radio drama, complete with separate well-known actors for different characters, along with amazing sound effects.

Can you picture it, rather hear it?

Because that is what Thomas Nelson has put together for your listening pleasure, something that you will listen to, but also "see" in your mind. Just a few of the well-known cast members includes:

Richard Dreyfuss
Louis Gossett, Jr.
Stacy Keach
John Schneider
Michael W. Smith

Enjoy this amazingly low priced product from the comfort of your home. However, since it comes in a portable form, it can be taken with you as you travel, while out and about locally, or when doing everyday chores. It can be listened to alone, or incorporated as part of a family time, listening to it together. The ways this can be used has no end.

The only thing I would have changed would be the case. Although it looks really nice, and has "pages" that turn allowing the different discs to be easily seen, the actual removal of the discs can be difficult. There isn't a center button to push to remove them.

Take this adventure!

From the opening words, you will be transported to the New Testament times, and it will come alive for you. This is an outstanding, 5-star experience. Everyone should have the opportunity to encounter the Bible in this way. If you have never listened to audio theater, you have been missing out, and owe it to yourself to try it. This is an especially great example of the genre, really well-done. I highly recommend this to everyone.

Thomas Nelson Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Word of Promise New Testament Audio NKJV Audio Bible for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Sally.
344 reviews
January 8, 2016
This Bible comes alive with the voices of many star-studded actors/actresses. The music and sound effects are definitely theater-quality. It is powerful and dramatic.

I usually shy away from audio Bibles, but since receiving a copy of this one, I have compared it to several others and find this one, in my opinion, is the best. I think this is superbly done. It will appeal to the person who is a non-reader but would enjoy hearing God’s Word also for those who live a busy life-style and find it hard to fit in time to read the Bible, and I could see this being a tremendous blessing to the visually impaired or those in a nursing home. This is easy to carry with you since it comes in its own carrying case. It is easy to pop into the CD player in your car and listen while you drive. Maybe if enough people were listening to this while driving there would be less road rage…at least we could hope! The different voices and background music is sure to keep you interested. The first time I listened to it, I listened to the whole book of Matthew before I realized it was finished! Although I am a KJV fan, I would not hesitate to recommend this audio New Testament.

Thank you Thomas Nelson, for allowing me the pleasure of listening and reviewing this audio Bible. Hopefully there is an Old Testament version in the works??

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this audio Bible by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through BookLook Bloggers, blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Amanda.
364 reviews11 followers
July 11, 2011
I'm currently listening to the New King James Version of the New Testament, narated by...Johnny Cash! And frankly, I really really like it! He has the most pleasant and earnest reading voice. Reading the whole New Testament has been a goal of mine for a long time, so it is quite pleasant to find this narration of same by a man I admire who I am wishing had narrated more while he was still with us.

Update -- I got sidetracked with a bunch of library books and summer, and Johnny's rendition of the NKJV of the New Testament got set aside while I caught up. Will be re-loading it to the ipod this weekend.

1/31/11 Update -- Very much enjoyed Matthew, Mark and Luke - starting in on John etc and this actually is a different version than the Johnny Cash one, tho his is most excellent. The version currently loaded on the ipod is the NIV Dramatized version, which I am enjoying as well, and finding that the audio version is very successfully reinforcing what I have read over the years.

3/28/11 Update -- Up to Ephesians - have switched to a full-cast audio NIV, which is quite good.

7/8/11 Update -- FINISHED. And frankly, this was really a very well done audio version of the Good Book. The background music could be a wee bit distracting at times, but overall, a very solid version that I enjoyed and learned from.
Profile Image for Renee.
Author 17 books31 followers
December 10, 2012
What a wonderful 20-CD collection of the NKJV of the Holy Bible. As I listened to the books of the Bible brought together by over one hundred actors, I could literally hear the amount of work that went into this project. I believe that the Bible is brought to life by the Holy Spirit and not man...with this being said, I believe that the Holy Spirit has definitely blessed this undertaking and those involved.

I've listened to a few audio Bibles and this rank within the best of them. The words spoken were very clear to understand and the theatrical sounds in the background brought emphasis on the subject at hand. This was particularly evident as I listened to the book of Revelation.

I particularly appreciated the small carrying zipper case the Cds came in. I'm able to listen to it as I travel in my car and not have it take up a lot of space. I applaud everyone who participated in this mission. It is a joy to see works produced that glorify God and aid in spreading the Gospel to all nations (Mark 16:15).

This product, the Words of Promise: New Testament, was provided as a complimentary copy by Thomas Nelson Publishers for review.
Profile Image for Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library).
4,891 reviews85 followers
July 11, 2013
Many people either read the Bible in a monotone voice, or have heard it read that way. I never have liked that; I've always felt that, whether it's stories, prophecies, poems, or letters, there was emotion behind what was said and written in the Good Book. Not only does "The Word of Promise" do a great job of dramatizing the New King James Version of the Bible, but it is also a very helpful Bible study tool. To hear each and every word said clearly makes you notice things that you probably wouldn't while reading it to yourself. "The Word of Promise" also has the voices of several well-known actors and actresses: Michael York, Marisa Tomei, Jim Caviezel, Stacy Keach, Louis Gossett, Jr., Richard Dreyfuss, and many others. If you're looking for a audio New Testament that makes God's Word come alive, than this is for you.

P.S. I'll be praying for all the other reviewers who have plagued this page with snarky anti-Christian comments.
38 reviews
August 5, 2009
Although this is the most important single book in the history of the world, you cannot ignore the obvious historical problems associated with it. For example, in Mark and John, Jesus is executed on 2 different days entirely. Or in the OT, how some guy tried to protect a traveling stranger from being raped by offering his own daughter who he choppped up and sent to the vaious lands of Israel. How is it not obvious hese are all just tales from a ancient Israel that were put in book form, and they are NOT, in fact, a covnenant with God? I am troubled that religious people are not more troubled by the obvious problems with this book. But they will bend themselves into a pretzel trying to explain them.
1,169 reviews15 followers
January 7, 2016
If you are looking for an audio book of the New Testament ~ This is wonderful! There are 20 CD's in a sturdy plastic case. This reading of the New Testament is by numerous well known actors as the readers. Jim Caviezel, Lou Gossett, Jr., and Richard Dreyfuss are just a few. I loved the wonderful background effects. I found it very clear and the readers did a wonderful job of reading the New Testament. I have had other readings but this is my favorite. . .
* I received this set free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are totally my own.
Profile Image for Jason.
45 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2014
Absolutely awesome audio Bible. Very professional product. Sound effects and music are well done and complement the spoken Word, not overpower it. It really gives you the feeling of "being there". I found a few of the actor's voices to be perfect for the part they were playing, especially Stacy Keach as the Apostle Paul and of course Jim Caviezel as Jesus. If you have any interest in an audio Bible, this is absolutely the one to get.
Profile Image for John.
53 reviews
May 27, 2016
Outstanding audio production. I'm trying to get through the entire bible (for literature/culture/history reasons) and this radio production carries me through it (finished the new testament, trying to get through the old--still very good!).

There are really detailed sound effects: birds, rain, doors opening, the sound of flesh being pounded by stones during stonings, heads dropping after beheadings, and also excellent music.

Profile Image for Dominique.
186 reviews13 followers
March 29, 2011
I have now read the NT in a week and am now re-reading it. Powerful way to read the Bible. The book of Revelation totally blew me away.

I have now added this audio/CD version into my daily schedule and it has become my 'daily reading'.

I highly recommend it.

Now off to buy the OT to go with it!
Profile Image for Jim.
19 reviews
March 18, 2018
What better way to endure a long commute than filling your heart and mind with God's word! Production value is above par - better than most radio plays. It really puts you in the moment as if you were there. If only you could drive with your eyes closed (do not attempt this- drive was on closed test road) so as to let your mind totally visualize it more!
Profile Image for Nancy Graham.
395 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2015
Would give this audio theater version 4 1/2 stars. At points: brilliant performances with solid audio sweetening. On occasion: stilted performances that sound-too-much-like-affected-reading with disruptive orchestration. On the whole, the best audio version I've heard. I especially like Lou Diamond Philips's performance of Mark.
Profile Image for Nick.
743 reviews131 followers
August 11, 2010
Any time you can experience the Scriptures in a fresh way is a good thing. The sound effects really draw you into the story and the book of Revelation was made for a surround sound system. There were moments where I was overcome with emotion. I'm looking forward to getting the OT release.
18 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2011
What a wonderful resource for learning about the life of the Savior and the works of his apostles!

The Book of Revelation needs to be read carefully and probably more than once to understand all of the imagery, but it is worth the effort.
Profile Image for Andrew.
215 reviews
December 8, 2013
I really liked the music that worked really well with this edition. The one thing I didn't like was a little too much dead air between sections. It was nice to read the Word of God right after a questioning book such as "Zealot".
Profile Image for Sydney Young.
1,231 reviews98 followers
May 15, 2016
Ok. It's the New Testament and Johnny Cash is reading it. So of course it's wonderful. But I struggled with this edition (New King James) through the gospels. I didn't think it made much difference otherwise. Glad I picked it back up. Great way to re-encounter scripture.
Profile Image for Rich Thornton.
293 reviews
February 1, 2025
I like how the person who narrates Jesus in the Gospels also narrated Jesus in the rest of the New Testament as well. It was especially helpful to me in Revelation to hear the Jesus narrator that I had already heard earlier.
Profile Image for Penelope.
48 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2015
Actually I'm listening to the NKJV Word of Promise Complete Audio Bible
It seems to be a stunning audio play of the bible and it's really gripping. PS
Profile Image for Jean.
22 reviews
October 14, 2012
i cannot read greek
otherwise i m certain i would give it 5 stars
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