Simultaneously, I recently read through these two newer translations of the New Testament. I believe that both were translated well. The styles of translation are starkly different.
The New Testament for Everyone, translated by Tom Wright is similar to the NIV in style.
The Second Testament: A New Translation, by Scot McKnight is a different style than most other translations. Scot keeps the translation closer to the Greek sentence structure. He tries to use English words that break away from words that carry a lot of religious baggage. This makes you slow down in reading the passages. It clearly shows the different writing styles found in the different books of the Bible.
If you have read the New Testament several times and the words are becoming rote and boring to you, I would suggest trying to read Scot McKnight’s translation. If you find you like this freshness, you can continue in the Old Testament with The First Testament: A New Translation by John Goldingay.
If you haven’t read the New Testament much, I would recommend Tom Wright’s translation. I think it is better than the NIV. The Message by Eugene Peterson is still my overall recommended translation.
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