Resources We Find Helpful in Our Personal Bible Study
The folks at Grace have a heart for exploring the words that God has given us in the Bible. But the question is, where do you start when trying to study the Bible? Here are a few resources we use when we spend time searching the Scriptures. |
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Multiple
Bible Translations We find it helpful to have two or more versions of the Bible available, particularly versions that use different translation principles. Some examples are listed below. Word for Word correspondence – English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, New King James Version Dynamic Concept translations – New International Version, New Living Translation Researched Paraphrase – the Message by Eugene Peterson Many different translations are available online through Bible study websites. biblegateway.com bible-researcher.com biblehub.com |
Study Bibles
Also, study Bibles with a good cross reference system and footnotes can be a great resource. Do not confuse a study Bible with the many theme Bibles on the market today. A study Bible will have a good introduction to every book, cross references, and notes which will address questions of meaning and background. Some suggested study Bibles are below. ESV Study Bible An excellent and inexpensive study Bible (around $25) with articles that seek to help the Bible reader with many topics and skills necessary for a well-rounded introduction to Bible study. It is also the longest study Bible currently available. You can see the Bible and some plans at esvbible.org. The Reformation Study Bible Another great study Bible with study notes that stand firmly in the theological tradition of the Reformation. The notes can also be read free online at biblegateway.com. |
Bible Dictionaries
& Bible Commentaries Also, recommended are Bible dictionaries and a one volume Bible commentary. The commentary is a place to check what you have discovered through your own observations. It should confirm if you have understood the text properly. A Bible dictionary will provide summaries of people, places, books, and some concepts in the Bible. A couple of the commentaries and Bible dictionaries we use are listed below. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition Edited by Gordon J. Wenham, J. Alec Motyer, Donald A. Carson and R. T. France New Bible Dictionary: 3rd Edition Edited by I. Howard Marshall, A. R. Millard, J. I. Packer and Donald J. Wiseman |
Understanding the Bible's Big Picture
Its easy to get confused when reading just one verse by itself. Getting a grasp of the overarching message of the Bible and how it connects to Jesus is important. Below are some suggestions to help you along the way.
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The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name
by Sally Lloyd-Jones Probably the best introduction to the redemptive message of the Bible, tied to the best known stories in the Bible. Intended for children. According to Plan:The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible by Graeme Goldsworthy A solid introduction of Biblical Theology. |
The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's Grand Narrative
by Christopher J. H. Wright Covers the span of the Bible with great depth. The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story by Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goheen Surveys the grand narrative of the Bible, demonstrating how the biblical story forms the foundation of a Christian worldview. |
Basic Guides
If you are looking for a "how to" about Bible interpretation, here are some good options.
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Reading the Bible with Heart and Mind
by Tremper Longman A great introduction to the practice of reading with insight into genres by one of the foremost biblical scholars today. Putting the Truth to Work: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Application by Daniel Doriani This work takes you to the next level in applying the Bible. |
Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-on Approach to Reading, Interpreting and Applying the Bible - 3rd Edition
by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays by Zondervan This book will walk you through step by step a simple and clear process for studying a passage of scripture. The contents of the workbook that is sold as a companion are in the book itself. So you are not missing out if you just get the book. |
Intermediate Tools - Introductions, Bible Backgrounds, Commentaries
When you're wanting to go deeper, here are some good options to explore.
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Introductions
These are guides to help you read and study your bible, which go far beyond what is found in a study bible. The IVP Introduction to the Bible Edited by Philip Johnston A good introductions to the Bible with notes on theology, message, and reading hints. How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart Another good introduction to the Bible with notes on theology, message, and reading hints. Exploring the Old Testament, Volume 1: A Guide to the Pentateuch Exploring the Old Testament, Volume 2: A Guide to the Historical Books Exploring the Old Testament, Volume 3: A Guide to the Psalms and Wisdom Literature Exploring the Old Testament, Volume 4: A Guide to the Prophets Exploring the New Testament, Volume 1: A Guide to the Gospels & Acts Exploring the New Testament, Volume 2: A Guide to the Letters & Revelation by InterVarsity Press These are multivolume guides to the reading and study of each book of the Bible. These fine guides go far beyond what is in a study Bible and orient you as you study. They guides have internet resources as well as recommended further reading. These six books in total are of far more value for a serious study of a book than the introductions listed above. These are Pastor Rick's go to place when he begins to teach or preach on a book. Bible Background Tools
This is information you cannot get by just reading the Bible – it combines archeology, language study, culture, and history in a highly accessible form. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament by InterVarsity Press These works are organized by book and follow the flow of chapters and verses. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Set: Old Testament Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Set: New Testament These sets will enrich your understanding of any book of the Bible. This kind of tool is not available on line. Pastor Rick always consults these as he works on a passage of scripture. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery by InterVarsity Press A unique resource that supplies understanding of visual imagery of the Bible. This book will help you understand biblical themes. |
Commentaries, Hermeneutics,
Theological Studies & More These diverse resources will enable you to go deeper in the study of scripture. From word studies that draw on the original languages and modern linguists, to guides to the structure of revelation and commentaries on individual books all will enrich your exploration of the message of scripture. There are thousands of books you could choose from; these are a list of some of the very best. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by D. A. Carson and G. K. Beale A great commentary and guide for understanding how the Old Testament is being used in the New Testament. The Progress of Redemption: The Story of Salvation from Creation to the New Jerusalem by Willem VanGemeren This is seminary level treatment of the redemptive – historical approach to understanding the Bible. A very valuable work. Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics: Foundations and Principles of Evangelical Biblical Interpretation by Graeme Goldsworthy Goldsworthy takes the reader into a deep understanding of how the gospel and Jesus are the focus and center of a proper reading of scripture. He explores how the alternatives approaches of interpreting the bible eclipsed Jesus and the Gospel and why we need to recover them to hear the message of scripture God intends. The Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson The bible is structured by the covenants God has sovereignly initiated. Robertson shows you the organic connections between the covenants of the Old Testament and how they flower into the fullness of the New Covenant which is centered in Jesus. The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis Set by Ed M. Silva This 5 volume set is newly updated and is built around Greek but can be used by those who are less familiar with Greek. This work is the standard. Silva is one of the best scholars on lexical matters living today. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament By R. Laird Harris, Gleason Archer and Bruce Waltke This work is built on Hebrew but can be used by those who are less familiar with it. Index to Strongs numbers. Commentary Sets that are beginning sets, and can be purchased for the desired book of the bible: The Tyndale Commentaries by IVP Academic The Bible Speaks Today Series by IVP Academic NIV Application Commentary Series by Zondervan |