This article concludes our look at study Bibles. The purpose of these articles is not to be comprehensive. There is seemingly an endless surplus of various study Bibles available on the web and Christian bookstores. The goal has been simply to encourage Christians to use good study Bibles in order to enhance their biblical and theological understanding. This article will be briefer and takes a glance at 5 more study Bibles bringing our total review to 9. The most recommended study Bibles have been considered in previous articles including The MacArthur Study Bible, The Reformation Study Bible, The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible, and The ESV Study Bible.
Zondervan Life Application Study Bible
The theological reviewers of the content of this study Bible include: Geoffrey Bromily, Gerald Hawthorne, Howard Hendricks, and Grant Osborne. Unique features include multiple Personality Profiles of various people in Scripture. There is also a handy Harmony of the Gospels found at the end of John’s Gospel complete with a listing of 250 events in the life of Christ. Additionally, each book introduction lists Vital Statistics in the margin complete with topics such as purpose, author, key verse, key people, and key places. These are quick access bullet points. There is also a section outlining the “Megathemes” of each book of the Bible. The outline headings of each book are conveniently located within the text itself preventing the reader from having to flip back to the introduction section when reading a particular book. The notations in this study Bible are fairly comprehensive especially in the New Testament.
NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible (2018)
This study Bible is edited by D.A. Carson and was previously published as the NIV Zondervan Study Bible under the same editor. Carson’s associate editors include the likes of T.D. Alexander (Old Testament), Doug Moo (New Testament), and Richard Hess. These men reviewed every article and notation as well as contributed their own comments extensively throughout. Andrew Naselli was the assistant editor providing his own comments along the way, but paying particular attention to the details of the entire project, which was done completely digitally. Different scholars were assigned to provide the notes for each book of Scripture, and the same procedure was followed for the theological articles. A long list of contributors is too lengthy to list but includes Kevin DeYoung, Tim Keller, Moises Silvia, and Greg Gilbert totaling 65 all together. Colorful illustrations are found throughout this Bible designed to follow God’s redemptive plan as it unfolds in Scripture.
Zondervan NASB Study Bible
There are some significant and well-respected scholars who contributed to this study Bible. Ronald Youngblood, George Knight, Robert Mounce, and Leon Morris head the list. Its notes are only somewhat comprehensive depending on the book.
Holman KJV Study Bible
Not as well known, this study Bible has some heavy weight scholars who wrote helpful essays. Some of these men were Andreas Kostenberger, Stanley Porter, Bruce Ware, Stephen Wellum, and Mark Dever. The men providing notations for each book, however, are not of the same theological or scholarly caliber, in my opinion.
The Spurgeon Study Bible (KJV)
This work was published by Holman in the KJV instead of their own translation. Perhaps this was for nostalgic reasons since the English preacher, Charles Spurgeon takes center stage in this work. The study notes are taken directly from the prince of preacher’s sermons. A short bio of Spurgeon is found in the very front, written by Allistair Begg. Also included are 20 lost sermons of Spurgeon taken from the early years of his pulpit ministry.
Conclusion
Regardless of your personally favorite study Bible, it’s important that Christians read the Bible and that they read it seriously. A study Bible is a tool to keep one grounded within the rails of orthodoxy when it comes to interpretation. There is far too much lightweight and superficial teaching in the church today. It would be impossible to read every book and every study Bible. The market is too big. It would not only be expensive, but, in one sense, even dangerous. Not every publisher (even Christian) is soundly orthodox; not every author theologically equal. Not every study Bible is worth your money. Indeed, much of what passes as “Christian” in terms of literature is hardly biblical, and in some cases downright heretical.
But a good study Bible can be a reliable and sturdy foundation for a Christian desiring to grow in the faith. So choose the right study Bible. Read it. Make notes. Ask questions. Search the depths of God’s Word for His inexhaustible glory and your spiritual good.