We Proclaim Him

I have chosen not to spend any time blogging lately because I just can’t take the time from other work. I’m making an exception to talk a bit about the new ESV Study Bible. Some of you know that I have been talking about this for a while. Well, the wait is over, and it is every bit as awesome as the early reviews claimed!

Yes, here are some unboxing photos followed by a few comments.

The ESV

I’ve touted the greatness of the ESV as a translation for almost the whole life of our young church. The ESV is what is known as an “essentially literal” translation, meaning that the translators made every effort to translate word for word from the Greek and Hebrew Manuscripts. With that as the basic translation philosophy, the team also paid special attention to beauty of language, and readability. It strikes an almost perfect balance between literal accuracy and readability. Whereas the NIV is extremely readable, it often sacrifices precision. I have also noted in the past that the New International Version (NIV) makes questionable translation decisions that can have an effect on the interpretation of certain important texts–the absence of the word “propitiation” from 1 John 4:10, and Romans 3:21-26 are a couple of glaring examples. The New American Standard Bible (NASB) preserves accuracy, but seems to sacrifice readability for precision. The English Standard Version (ESV) was masterfully produced to be both readable and precise. As J. I. Packer, who was the General Editor over the translation team, said the goal of the team was to produce something that could in essence serve as the new King James for the 20th century.

The Problem
So, I’ve been encouraging all of our people at Savior and all of my students at the AGBI and now at Nyack College to use the ESV. A lot of people have hesitated because of the lack of a good study Bible that uses the ESV text. A study bible of course is a Bible with a running commentary along the bottom of the page that helps the reader understand the text better. Until now there was only one study Bible that used the ESV text, the Reformation Study Bible. It is great, but the title gives away the fact that it is written from a strongly Calvinist perspective. You know I love Calvin, and that I’m a closet Calvinist in the AG, but the truth is, its theological bent wasn’t in line with our church and movement in the Assemblies of God. Moreover, it simply did not match the quality of what most people were using–the NIV Study Bible.
The NIV Study Bible has been recognized by many as the standard for excellence in Study Bibles. It’s editorial team and contributers were first rate. It is solidly evangelical, but didn’t seem to grind any theological axes in the notes (as far as I ever noticed). The NIV Study Bible really only had one flaw–the NIV! (NOTE: I think the NIV is great, but the existence of the ESV leaves me no reason to put up with its shortcomings, so don’t think I’m hating on it. I just don’t see a reason to continue to use it when we have something far better available.)
So, now that the ESV Study BIble is here, that problem is more than taken care of. Furthermore, from what I’ve seen in the articles, notes, maps, timelines etc., the ESV Study Bible surpasses the NIV Study BIble in quality. Again, I’m not beefing with the NIV or those who love it. I’m just offering my pastoral perspective on what would benefit your spiritual life more.

My Review

Awesome. It is a comprehensive resource for Bible Study.

In the time I’ve spent flipping through, looking at articles, and looking at the notes of some of my favorite passages, I’ve been very impressed. The articles at the back of the BIble cover everything from the reliability of the Bible to an overview of Christian ethics, to an overview of Christian Doctrine. My early impression is that we truly do have the best all-in-one Bible resource ever produced.

Those who have gone through the Savior Core Course know that I recommend that every Christian have 4 books: a good study bible, a Bible Dictionary (IVP’s New Bible Dictionary, 3rd edition is always my recommendation), a single volume Bible commentary, and a book on Theology. I would say that this study Bible relieves the need for two of those: the commentary and the book on Theology. The notes and book introductions are so extensive that it matches what you would get in most 1 volume Bible commentaries. The articles in the back are so well written (particularly on Doctrine and Ethics) that they would meet most people’s needs. Of course, better to have more books than less. I’m just trying to make the point that this book will fill a huge gap in your personal Bible Study library all by itself.

If this sounds like a commercial, you got it right! I do want you to buy it, not because I make money off it (I certainly do not-this blog is not monetized at all!), but because as your pastor I want you to have one! You can get a hard cover for $30 from ChristianBook.com. I went for hardcover because I don’t think I would carry it around.

Here are just a couple of endorsements from their site:

“The ESV is a dream come true for me. The rightful heir to a great line of historic translations, it provides the continuity and modern accuracy I longed for. Now the scope and theological faithfulness of the ESV Study Bible study notes is breathtaking. Oh how precious is the written Word of God.”

John Piper, Pastor for Preaching and Vision, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN

“The ESV Study Bible is the most important resource that has been given to the emerging generation of Bible students and teachers. The ESV Study Bible is the best. Period.”

Mark Driscoll, Preaching Pastor, Mars Hill Church, Seattle, WA; President, Acts 29 Church Planting Network

Whole Text Online

When you purchase an ESV Study Bible you get a code that unlocks the online version. The online Study Bible has everything that the print Bible has and allows you to keep personal notes. I think this is the way I will be using it most of the time.

Try it Free Online

You can demo the online Study Bible here. They have allowed access to the entire book of Matthew for the public. (As I said, you need to purchase a hard copy to get a code to use the full online version.) Check it out.

Cons?

Only con I can come up with is pure hugeness. The thing is giant, though not as big as I feared from the early advertisements. You’re not going to want to have one in your backpack or briefcase. The web version does work on my iPhone, but it isn’t optimized for mobile browsing. All of this would be made up for if they release an iPhone version–we can pray!