The Access Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha [Leather Bound]

Gail R. O'Day (Editor), David Peterson (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1999

Modern readers of the Bible are time travelers visiting a society and culture very different from their own. Strange customs, unfamiliar words and novel concepts encountered in the Bible's pages can make understanding the Word of God a real challenge. The Access Bible is friendly to people who've never studied the Bible before. Yes, it presents the most current scholarship, and it's based on the New Revised Standard Version translation (the new standard of scholarly excellence in Bible versions). But The Access Bible takes an important further step. It's been carefully written and edited so that those new to the world of Bible study can just pick it up - and start reading. A unique feature of The Access Bible is the running commentary which is interspersed with the Bible text. Difficult concepts are clearly explained in terms which everyday readers can easily understand. There's no need to have a dictionary by your side when you're using The Access Bible. When a technical explanation is required, all of the terms are defined right on the page, as well as in a glossary at the back. History, social contexts, religious practices, the beliefs of ancient peoples - all are explained when the Bible text requires it. In addition, this new Bible was designed to contain all the background information needed by believers from a wide spectrum of churches. The Access Bible sets a new standard for ease of understanding. It's truly a companion for life's spiritual journey! The Access Bible is available both with and without the Apocrypha.

Product Details

• Leather Bound: 2105 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195282620
• ISBN-13: 978-0195282627
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.6 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,039,295 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What I have been Looking For - A Superb Bible, July 21, 2001

By 

John L. Warren "Strategic Execution Consultant" (Western USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Access Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha (Leather Bound)

I have been wanting to read the entire Bible (am a Methodist) and wanted a version that reflected all the latest findings without any specific preaching--In other words I wanted to read and make up my own mind. This is it. Plus the notes are excellent and easy to follow along the text (they are not at bottom but interspersed among the relevant text--a big plus) and the maps are great--everything in one volume. I think it is the best and helps one to really study and learn. Do what I did--compare it with others and see which one helps you really understand the context, culture, and what was being said.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Bible for Study, August 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Access Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha (Leather Bound)

This Bible has all the components of a great study Bible. It uses the literal NRSV translation, and includes great notes. It does not assume reader knowledge. Some notes are a little liberal, but you should always be a little careful of what notes you agree with. I give this bible 4 stars.

22 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Touch Too Liberal, March 22, 2002

By 

S Donahue (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Access Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha (Leather Bound)

The Access Bible is a well-made product from Oxford University Press, in the NRSV translation, available with or without the Apocrypha.It is a black-letter edition(words of Christ in black print).I have noticed that on many copies of the Genuine Leather editions, Oxford has 'squared off' the spine of the Bible, so that when it is opened the spine caves in. This is a fault in binding. The print is attractive and easy-to-read. The Bible contains much useful information and well-thought-out annotations. However, those with a traditional/conservative theological outlook will not be happy with many of the annotations, or even with the translation itself, as it employs gender-inclusive language more than any other English version. It also leans more towards the Dynamic Equivalence theory of translation than the original RSV. This edition, as are a majority of NRSV Study Bibles, geared towards those of the mainline denominations who are fairly liberal in their theology. Those who are conservative/fundamental should look elsewhere for a Study Bible.