About Us

For 38 of the last 40 years I have deeply loved the Bible and have tried to understand it and communicate it to others. I have been working off and on with ‘A Life of Jesus’ for about 7 years. To begin with I never dreamed of putting it on the internet. But here it is ! It is still a ‘work in progress,’ given now in this draft form, in the hope that the people like you, will spot errors, suggest improvements and make comments. Over the next 12 months it is my intention to revise the work on this site several times as I am able. And if it seems right, the work may be published in book form. How would you like to use it ?

In ‘A Life of Jesus’ I have aimed to produce a direct, accurate, simple translation, that is easy to read and understand.

I have tried to include only once, every detail of the life and teachings of Jesus, as they are recorded by one or more of the four gospel writers. A few teachings have been repeated twice because they were given in different situations.

I am not a Greek scholar. During most of my writing about 10 versions of the New Testament were open on the table in front of me. Another 10 were there and consulted from time to time, as was W.E. Vine’s “An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words” © 1983 by Thomas Nelson Inc. Several harmonies of the gospels were consulted. The one I found most helpful was by F. LaGard Smith in the “Narrated Bible in Chronological Order,” by Harvest House Publishers© 1984.

Capital letters have been used for the names, titles and pronouns referring to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Greek text often uses masculine pronouns where both men and women are indicated. This text uses inclusive language.

( ) Words in rounded brackets are to be found in the original gospel texts or give Bible references from the Old Testament.
[ ] Words in square brackets are my words to help make something clear.

The notes have been designed to bring some helpful explanations of the text, to indicate some of the Bible versions I have consulted, to indicate a freer paraphrase than I would normally use or to show some difference between gospel accounts.

I call this “a New Zealand Version” so if you quote from it, the abbreviation aNZV (pronounced ann’s-vee) may be used where appropriate. I want to improve the accuracy of the translation and to increase the liveliness of the language. An easy English edition is also in the process of development. I call this “a New Zealand easy English Version. The abbreviation aNZeeV (pronounced ann’s-ee-vee} may be used if you quote from it. At present there are few differences between the two versions. ANZeeV has some shorter sentences and uses a vocabulary that is about 150 words smaller than the aNZV. My aim over time is to continue to simplify the aNZeeV to make it even easier to understand for new readers and for readers of English as a second language.

With all my heart I thank all family and friends who have helped and encouraged me with this project.

Dear reader, as you and I consider the life of Jesus, may we experience Him more and more.

“A Life of Jesus" in two versions :

A New Zealand Version (aNZV) and
A New Zealand easy English Version (aNZeeV)

by David Campbell

You may freely copy all or parts of “A Life of Jesus” but it may not be sold to make money for an individual or group.

Read, copy, adapt, enjoy, go for it !!!