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Study Bibles are some of the most useful and valuable tools in studying God’s Word. From footnotes to cross-references, I can guarantee you’ll find something that will deepen your understanding of its contents. If you’re looking for a good study Bible, I highly recommend you read further and find out three things to look for before you make that purchase.
When looking for a study Bible, watch for unbiased, timeless study notes. These notes will be relevant for any time in your life. It’s a similar concept to taking notes during your Bible study time; you need those notes to be your friend, even years down the road when you may need it again. Whether it’s an encouraging thought, a contextual clue, or even a simple cross-reference, study notes are extremely helpful and highly valuable.
Good study Bibles also have maps. Maps give us clues into the geographical context of the passage we might be reading. When we study a map, it may even provide insight into the surrounding cultures. For example, some maps are very specific about the timeline; take the apostle Paul for instance. Paul traveled all around the world of that time, and a map can tell us a lot about the culture simply by looking at location. Paul’s missionary journey maps will reveal that he was surrounded by paganism and budding local churches. The Archaeology Study Bible is a very good resource for maps, geographical context, and surrounding cultural context.
One other thing you may want to look for in a good study Bible, although not necessary, is a reading plan. Some Bibles have a reading plan at the back, but if you prefer an external plan to print out or if you have a devotional plan, that’s perfectly fine. Reading plans keep you accountable and organized, and the Bible reveals a lot, even about itself, when we read with a specific goal. Most of these reading plans are “read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year”, but it’s completely worth it knowing that you’re spending time with the God who loves you.
Do you have a study Bible? If so, what are your favorite features within its pages?
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