Recommended Bibles
Why so many Bibles?
As an Old Testament professor, I am constantly asked what Bible I recommend. I always respond in one of two ways. (1) I recommend any bible you will actually read. (2) I recommend the below list of books for anyone striving for a deeper understanding of scripture. Please keep in mind that I recommend numerous translation depending upon the person I'm talking to. I truly believe each translation has its appropriate purpose and person.
Since I daily teach / preach from my Bible, I found that I needed a premium bible. If you are not aware, premium bibles come with much higher quality paper, leather, and most importantly binding. In my first decade in ministry I wore out a dozen or so bibles (probably one every year) just because the parts were not of true durable quality. I began trying premium bibles via Crossway's Premium line, then I tried Allen Bibles, but found that for me the Schuyler PSQ is the perfect size to hold in one hand and to read (though not a true large print). Schuyler has their own propriatary font which is much more legible though the font size seems very low. In fact, anyone who has looked at mine has stated it was easier to read than the Crossway largeprint thinline. Like chefs have one high quality expensive knife they know they can trust, I suggest pastors / ministers have a high quality bible.
The first study bible I recommend is always the NIV study bible. I am not recommending it solely for the translation, but also for the notes and quality maps contained herein. If you are new to reading Scripture, or desire some more depth to grasp scripture this is my "one" study bible to recommend.
Lets face it, there are more Christians outside the US and Europe than inside, yet the majority of Christians do not know how the majority of the world reads the Bible. In this study bible "Each book of the Bible begins with an introduction, followed by a unique, insightful description of the overarching message of the book. The Bible also features a set of articles by Christian leaders around the world who apply the Bible to global issues, such as the role of government, the nature of the church, world religions, social ethics, and missions and evangelism." This study bible is eye opening for those who grew up only in one cultural context.
Moving into specialty bibles, I first begin with the Cultural Study bible for as Sandy Ricther puts it, "God used their culture and their language to express who he was." This Bible introduces you and gives glimpses into that very culture and language. Personally, I believe cultural backgrounds brings Scripture most to life. The majority of my academic career and training is built around cultural background studies of the biblical Text.
If you don't have a problem finding books or passages in the Bible, you will with this Bible. A chronological bible is a must have when considering the prophetic texts, for a chronolgical bible places the prophets in the context of Samuel-Kings so that their messages make more sense. I find the chronological Study bible to also be very helpful in the New Testament for it puts the gospels in order, and places the epistles into their respective time spots within Acts. For me Chronological Study gave me a huge "A-Ha!"
The relation between Christianity and Judaism is one of the most misunderstood in the history of thought. Christianity is often considered to be diametrically opposed to Judaism, to be a rejection of the Judaic worldview. Indeed, prominent thinkers in the history of Christianity, such as Martin Luther, have reinforced this position. Yet Christianity was originally a development within Judaism, a sect, so to speak, of Judaism. The earliest Christians were Jewish followers of a Jewish leader and conceived of themselves as faithful Jews. This study bible is composed with notes from Messianic Christian Jews. I especially recommend this study bible when one is looking into the Jewish festivals and rituals (especially surrounding the megillot).
Like the previous study Bible, This study bible introduces the Jewish Background to the New Testament. DISCLAIMER: The notes contained herein are written by non-messianic aka Orthodox Jews who are striving to paint Judaism (both ancient and modern) as sufficient means of salvation. Numerous of the articles, however, are absolutely on point and very useful when one considers Paul, John, and Peter.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, Imagine what pictures may do for the words of Scripture!? I wish I could take everyone to Israel to see the Holy Land, alas some just can't ever make the voyage. CSB in this study Bible have pulled together wonderful pictures and illustrations of the very places and things Scripture is talking about at the moment in each passage. Get a copy to keep on your coffee table, You'll thank me!
The last study Bible I recommend is the NET Full notes, because these notes are concerning the translation process not just context / background / spiritual application. As a Hebrew Professor, I have a great appreciation for this study bible because the processes and rational of translation committees is often a mystery to us reading the final product. NET's full notes unveils the debates and the rationale of not only their committee but other popular translation's committees.
