As a paraphrase, it should be fine. So for devotional purposes or an “alternative” look The Message can be helpful. Do not under any circumstances use it as a primary source for Scripture or theological study.
Eugene Peterson has had at least one serious lapse in thinking about God’s Word, having to do with sexuality. Doesn’t mean everything he has done is wrong, it just means be careful.
< /my 2¢>
Any translation work done by a single person has both the inherent weakness of a lack of perspective to other’s input but lending to a continuity of style that can be pleasing and effective.
A a paraphrase the reader should understand just what that is, the opposite of a literal rendering by intent to accentuate and convey cultural idiomatic, slang and aphorisms into modern parlance.
My favorite single author translation is William Barclay’s New Testament. Same William Barclay of the Daily study Bible series, all the small colored books that were so popular. He had such a great command of both the English and Greek languages that despite some theological differences his translation is really powerful and edifying.
Gotta get the older hardcover vol 1 and 2 as the binding will come apart eventually on the paperback.