ESV Archaeology Study Bible (Black Letter Edition)

I love using this resource for my background studies when studying the Bible. Helps me get some reliable context to passages and chapters. Gives cool insight.

Would 100% recommend for both personal study and for preparing sermons/teachings

This is a good ESV Bible, but not an exhaustive study Bible\\n\\n1. Definitely not the most detailed study Bible (does not cover all bible verses), this resource focuses on the historical and archeological aspects of bible passages. I'd recommend this as a bible that supplements a more extensive/wider covering study Bible (which most study Bibles try to cover; historical/cultural, context, biblical exegesis, connections to big topics/biblical theology themes and systematic connections). \\n\\nFont is clear, black letter text, with clear (usual ESV font) headings, pages are a little see-through, in some pages (it was surprising especially for thicker pages [36gsm] than a normal study bible [between 30-32gsm]), study notes, though not as many and articles are helpful, going deeper into the historical culture and archeology behind texts. \\n\\n2. I enjoy referring to this study bible, when there are gaps in other study bible resources, especially when I am looking for a little more information on historical or cultural aspects. I've been thinking through the last couple of years on who I'd recommend this to. Usually I refer this Bible to Christians who are intrigued with history, or those feeling less equipped with the historical confidence of the Bible, students thinking about Bible college or Bible study leaders. But this may also be for intellectual adults that are yet to believe Christ and are interested in the historical times and cultural context of the scriptures.

This is a Crossway publication, they have cornered the market with study bibles making it something of a small cottage industry in there publishing arm. The intro says that the contributors are all trained archaeologists and epigraphers with dirt under their fingernails - impressive. There are no liberals here all are orthodox evagelical scholars so they adhere to a high view of scripture. The page layout is clear and well designed the esv biblical text is found in 2 columns, as are the notes on the bottom of the page in smaller font with imbedded colour maps, large digital photos of landscapes and artifacts, seperated by the cross referancing in even smaller font spanning the width of the page. I think the maps where the same ones as in the esv study bible (esvsb). I prefer the esvsb but purchased this one also. Crossway recommends me to purchase the esv bible atlas to have the trilogy though there is overlap.

I once belonged to a large church where the pastor regularly warned against Study Bibles which he felt represented an unfortunate mixing of human opinions with God's Word. Perhaps that is true of those by a single author with a peculiar theological axe to grind, but I have personally found that Study Bibles prepared by teams of responsible scholars can be a terrific aid to one's study of Scripture. \\r\\n\\r\\nMy home library contains quite a few, but the Archaeology Study Bible from Crossway has quickly become a personal favourite due to its beautiful presentation and helpful content. The clarity and readability of the ESV text is combined with helpful footnotes, thematic essays, sidebars and tables. The attractive photographs of ancient artefacts, archaeological diggings, maps, and coloured illustrations make this Bible a sheer pleasure to read. It is obvious that the editorial team has devoted much thought and effort to this venture. \\r\\n\\r\\nAny serious Christian of any background would benefit from this Study Bible, but it would also be a nice gift for someone who is wavering or feeling the weight of postmodern scepticism towards Scripture. Even a cursory exposure to the Archaeology Study Bible leaves the reader with a sense of just how deeply grounded in historically verifiable reality the Christian faith is. \\r\\n\\r\\nI wouldn't recommend taking it to church though as it is too easy to become engrossed in the footnotes during sermons. My former pastor would have…