Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Bible Review: NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible By Craig S. Keener & John H. Walton, General Editors Published by Zondervan





  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • Print Length: 2400 pages
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
  • Publisher: Zondervan; Special ed. edition (Aug. 23 2016)
  • Sold by: Zondervan CA (CA SOR)
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B01863JQLQ


Book Description


Context Changes Everything

You’ve heard many Bible stories hundreds of times, but how many behind-the-scenes details are you missing? Sometimes a little context is all you need to discover the rich meaning behind the stories of Scripture.

That’s what the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible provides. Every page is packed with expert insight into the customs, culture, and literature of Bible times. These fascinating explanations will serve to clarify your study of the Scriptures, reinforcing your confidence and bringing difficult passages of Scripture into sharp focus.

Discover new dimensions of insight to even the most familiar Bible passages as you take a behind-the-scenes tour into the ancient world.

The Bible was originally written to an ancient people removed from us by thousands of years and thousands of miles. The Scriptures include subtle culturally based nuances, undertones, and references to ancient events, literature and customs that were intuitively understood by those who first heard the Scriptures read. For us to hear the Scriptures as they did, we need a window into their world.
The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, with notes from Dr. John H. Walton (Wheaton College) in the Old Testament and Dr. Craig S. Keener (Asbury Theological Seminary) in the New Testament, brings to life the ancient world of Scripture for modern readers.

Features: • The full text of the NIV • Targeted book introductions explain the context in which each book of the Bible was written • Insightful and informative verse-by-verse study notes reveal new dimensions of insight to even the most familiar passages • Key Old Testament (Hebrew) and New Testament terms are explained and expanded upon in two helpful reference features • Over 300 in-depth articles on key contextual topics • 375 full-color photos, illustrations, and images from around the world • Dozens of charts, maps, and diagrams in vivid color • Words of Jesus in red • Additional study Bible tools: cross references, a concordance, indexes and other helps

“How I wish someone had put a book like this into my hands 50 years ago.” - N.T. Wright, Research Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, University of St. Andrews, Scotland

“I cannot recommend a study Bible any more than this one: Five stars!” - Scot McKnight, Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary



My Review

I am reviewing the hardcover edition. This bible is also available as an ebook.

The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible By Craig S. Keener & John H. Walton, General Editors which is published by Zondervan is an excellent resource. It would be an incredible help for seminary students but I know that it will also be so helpful for the bible studies that I belong to. I prefer study bibles because they take away the guesswork when studying scripture and allow the reader to get more out of what they are studying. I love the notes, illustrations, introductions, charts and the maps. I love all the color! Colorful illustrations including the maps and illustrations are so helpful to reader. There is a great timeline at the beginning of the Old and New Testaments that are in color and are very informative.

At the beginning of the Old Testament there is a section on Major Background Issues from the Ancient Near East. I think that once a reader has the historical background, social, political and economic, they can interpret what is happening in the portion of the Bible they are reading and have a much greater understanding. There is an interesting section providing an introduction to the Torah.

At the beginning of the New Testament there is a section on Hearing the Gospels as First Century Hearers Heard Them. As a historian, I find that I have a much greater understanding of the books of the Bible once I understand the historical context. There are some excellent maps at the end of the Bible as well.

Overall, I find the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible to an excellent addition to my bible study library. I know that I will refer to it over and over. The NIV translation is my favorite translation so it is a winner right off the bat. I am a proud owner of this newly published bible and highly recommend it.


Features:

  • The full text of the NIV

  • Targeted book introductions explain the context in which each book of the Bible was written

  • Insightful and informative verse-by-verse study notes reveal new dimensions of insight to even the most familiar passages

  • Key Old Testament (Hebrew) and New Testament terms are explained and expanded upon in two helpful reference features

  • Over 300 in-depth articles on key contextual topics

  • 375 full-color photos, illustrations, and images from around the world

  • Dozens of charts, maps, and diagrams in vivid color

  • Words of Jesus in red

  • Additional study Bible tools: cross references, a concordance, indexes and other helps

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