[Editor’s note: This is certainly a book well worth reviewing! The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) announced on March 19th, 2009, the winners of the 2009 Christian Book Awards during the 2009 Christian Book Expo (CBE) in Dallas. For the first time in the award’s 30-year history, a study Bible was named Christian Book of the Year, the ESV (English Standard Version) Study Bible. Many of you have copies of this new Bible translation, first published in October, 2008. As the version that Pastor Larry uses in study and preaching, it has become a common fixture around Elim. But why a study Bible of this translation? Let’s look into Scott Norman’s Q&A files to see why!]
Question: Why own a study Bible?
Answer: Colossians 1:9-10: And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. You can only be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding as you study His Word!
2 Timothy 3:14-17: But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. God’s Word, applied in your life, is the prescription for every need in life.
Question: Can’t we get this information in church?
Answer: Yes, but Acts 17:11 is true: Now these Jews [in Berea] were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. We are to examine the Scriptures, discerning what we hear in church.
Question: What about Sola Scriptura, meaning the Bible alone as the source of God’s wisdom? Critics claim that interpretations could be misleading.
Answer: Actually this is an excellent method of analogia Scriptura, meaning the Scriptures are the best commentary on Scripture! A study Bible’s notes and cross references are near to the text for instant examination as opposed to an author’s interpretation in a separate, discreet book.
Question: I already own a library of Christian books. Why do I need another?
Answer: A study Bible is portable. You get the texts, references, maps, charts and lots more wrapped up in one binder!
Question: So, what’s actually in the ESV Study Bible?
Answer:
- Intros, prefaces and an overview of the history of salvation.
- The Old Testament proper, including O.T. theology, timeline, calendar, introduction to the Pentateuch (first 5 books), poetry, wisdom and prophetic literature including cross references and notes.
- Background to the New Testament including the Intertestamental (time between the Old and New Testaments) rulers, timeline, dynasties and Jewish groups.
- The New Testament proper including N.T. theology, timeline, overviews of the Gospels, Acts and the Epistles including notes and cross references.
- A resource section including an overview of doctrine: theology, revelations, the Trinity, Cristology, salvation, anthropology, sin, the Church, eschatology, ethics, interpretation, study methods, language study, history, other “religions” and cults, a concordance and more color maps than I have ever seen in a study Bible.
Question: Why choose the ESV?
Answer: The Bible was written as superintended by God 1,900 to 3,600 years ago. The authors of the ESV have brought the Word into a close, intimate study that is affordable, durable and understandable.
Posted on April 1st, 2009 by Scott
Filed under: From the Church Library