Today’s English Version (1966): Good News for Modern Man

On September 15, 1966, the American Bible Society released the New Testament in Today’s English Version (TEV), quickly known as Good News for Modern Man. Issued from the Society’s work centered in New York City, this publication aimed to place the words of Christ within reach of everyday readers—especially young people, first-time Bible readers, and those learning English—without changing the message the apostles preached.

The TEV pursued clear, natural language so readers would not stumble over unfamiliar expressions and miss the point of the gospel. Its guiding conviction echoed a long biblical pattern: God’s Word is meant to be understood and believed. “So they read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Nehemiah 8:8).

Robert G. Bratcher and a Servant-Hearted Labor

Chief translator Robert G. Bratcher led an intensive two-year effort marked by discipline, prayerful seriousness, and care for the church’s mission. The work demanded humility: the translator must serve the text, not display himself. It also required quiet courage, because any widely distributed translation invites scrutiny from scholars, pastors, and ordinary believers alike.

Bratcher and the team labored to express biblical truths plainly—sin and grace, judgment and mercy, the cross and resurrection—so the meaning would land with clarity. This kind of work reflects a steady Christian heroism: not dramatic risk, but persistent faithfulness, line by line, so that Christ’s saving words could be heard. “Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

Legacy and the Good News Bible (1976)

The 1966 New Testament prepared the way for the complete Good News Bible, published in 1976. Together, these editions strengthened Scripture distribution in schools, homes, prisons, hospitals, and mission fields, helping many readers meet the Lord Jesus in a language they could readily grasp. The continuing legacy is simple and enduring: when the Bible is understood, it is read more; when it is read, hearts are confronted and comforted; and when Christ is trusted, lives are changed.