This Study Bible, based on the ESV text first published in 2001, has been created by a team of 95 evangelical scholars and is intended to help people gain a better and deeper understanding of the Word of God.
Explanatory notes are provided below the biblical text. There are also short section summaries and relevant maps, illustrations and diagrams included in these explanatory notes. Each Bible book has an introduction (addressing such matters as date, authorship, key themes and literary features) with a detailed structural outline. There are also introductions to the major forms of biblical literature such as historical books, poetry and wisdom, prophetic books and epistles.
There are a number of articles located either adjacent to the most relevant biblical text or in a section at the back. These include: introductions to the two testaments; a mini systematic theology; an overview of biblical ethics (including sections on homosexuality, environmental stewardship, euthanasia, racial discrimination); help on how to read and interpret the Bible; the reliability of Bible manuscripts; biblical archaeology; and the Bible and other religions. There is also a concordance and a daily Bible reading plan.
The theology represents classic evangelical orthodoxy. Where there is evangelical diversity, on subjects such as baptism, the future of ethnic Israel, and the timing and sequencing of events surrounding Christ’s return, these are explained and the alternative views compared. There is a concern throughout to demonstrate the single storyline of the Scriptures, centred on the work of redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ.
This is a very well-produced and attractive resource, containing the fruit of conservative evangelical scholarship in a single volume. It will be of immense help to any person desiring to understand the Bible better and to grasp and apply its key teachings.
An online edition is available free to all who purchase a copy of the print edition.
