The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version Hardcover 2nd Ed w/Maps [Hardcover]

Published by Ligonier Ministries (Author), General Editor: R. C. Sproul (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1994 pages
• Publisher: P & R Publishing; 2nd Edition with maps edition (October 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596381361
• ISBN-13: 978-1596381360
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.9 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (72 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,437 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

145 of 150 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent translation, faithful notes..., April 5, 2005

By 

Marcus (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reformation Study Bible-ESV (Black) (Leather Bound)

I have looked forward to this edition for months as I have been completely dissatisfied with Crossway's now legendary poor quality editions of the ESV. Here we have, arguably, the finest modern translation wedded to the very best notes and helps, now presented in a usable format.

P&R did an excellent job with the layout and general typography. The font chosen is legible and of a sufficient size for easy reading, much nicer than the small, thin one chosen for the previous RSB (NKJV). Also, the binding appears to be Smyth-sewn, a definite improvement over Crossway's processes. This Bible should last awhile and it is a pleasure to read and study.

There are a few minor disappointments. The choice of paper was unfortunate. It is a common bible paper used these days and must represent savings to Bible publishers. (Only Cambridge, Oxford, and Foundation Publications can be relied upon to use a decent bible paper.) It has a bit of a glossy sheen to it when read under an artificial light and I find it necessary to work to angle the book so as to avoid glare off the page. This is a human factors issue that I wish more publishers would take notice of. Where there is glare there is eyestrain...even for those not sensitive to the problem. But, I am able to avoid the glare through reading at a proper angle. Also, the absence of colored maps at the back of the bible is disappointing. There are in-text maps, but it is much easier to consult maps when they are placed together. I, too, would vote for the inclusion of the Westminster Confession along with the catechisms in future editions.

All in all, my minor quibbles are really insignificant in comparison to the joy of having the Reformed Study Bible in the English Standard Version, presented in an edition of substantial quality. My thanks to Ligonier and P&R Publishing for this wonderful edition of the RSB.

98 of 100 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am pleased, June 26, 2005

By 

John Stebbe (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reformation Study Bible-ESV (Burgundy) (Leather Bound)

I have read Dr. Sproul's books for years, and was happy to learn that he was overseeing the publishing of a new Study Bible. The theological articles are very helpful, especially when they touch on issues relating to Reformed theology.

I like the font-size of the Scripture text. It is appropriately bigger than the study notes. The Scripture font is more (for lack of a better word) majestic than the more pedestrian font used for the notes, which helps to delineate the difference between the Scripture and the notes.

I also like the fact that the ESV is more of a word-for-word translation than the NIV. I have used an NIV Study Bible for almost twenty years, and it finally fell apart, which caused me to shop for a new Bible. The NIV Study Bible gave me a rich experience of interacting with the study notes and helps. I grew in my faith because of this Bible. However, over the years I did notice that, when verses which could favor Reformed theology were referenced, the study notes usually steered the reader away from a full-orbed 5-point Calvinism to a more moderate position. As I have become more familiar with Reformed theology, I have noticed this more and more. This is not really a criticism, since no one can write study notes in an absolutely impartial manner -- we're all only human, after all.

But I suppose I began to think that, well, if I'm going to be getting a point-of-view in the study notes of my next Bible, that point-of-view may as well be the Reformed view, which is the view I share.

I began life as a Lutheran, and when my wife and I married, we joined a Presbyterian church (she had been Methodist, and we sort of split the difference!). But as I spent time with Presbyterian and Reformed authors over the next several years, I became convinced that the Reformed view of salvation really is true to Biblical faith. So I moved from being a Presbyterian by convenience to being a Presbyterian by conviction. Dr. Sproul's book "Chosen By God" was especially helpful to me in this regard.

This would be an excellent Study Bible for any Christian, Reformed or not. But do be advised that you will be getting the unvarnished, unapologetic Calvinist view of all things Biblical.

My one criticism is that, in the notes in Genesis 1, the author of the notes appear to favor the framework hypothesis over the young-earth view or the day-age view. They don't come out and say so, but it is apparent. The framework hypothesis is a rather recent innovation, and is not a vital part of Reformed theology, at least not historically. Calvin himself believed in creation over 6 24-hour days.

Overall, I am pleased with this purchase. The price was quite reasonable as well.

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Study Notes, Key information presented, September 1, 2005

By 

Pastor Chris - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reformation Study Bible-ESV (Burgundy) (Leather Bound)

The English Standard Version of the Bible is without a doubt the most readable of word for word translations available. The text retains the beauty of the most poetic elements of the English language while having been updated in such a way that one need not keep a dictionary "at the ready" while reading.

R.C. Sproul is a profound theologian. His influence over the study notes makes me excited to use them. The other contributing scholars are no less capable as theologians; the line up of contributing scholars is impressive.

The reference notes at the bottom of the page and the theological notes which are sprinkled through out the Bible are unabashedly reformed, or Calvinistic. This may be a problem for someone who does not at least appreciate the position of reformed theology. On the topic of baptism, Dr. Sproul presents a very fair treatment to the Baptist position, while not undermining his own.

My only disappointment with the Bible is minor, the binding is not all that it could be, but it is tight. The paper & leather aspect of the Bible is a little disappointing if you are a fan, like me, of beautiful Biblical Binding craftsmanship. It is acceptable and durable. 8 out of 10 points in that area.

Excellent study tool. The ESV is an outstanding version, I can not say enough about it. I have been waiting for an ESV study Bible for a couple of years and it is finally here.

Must have for any reformed Seminary Student, Pastor, Sunday School teacher, Lay Leader, or any other serious student of the Bible from a reformed theological persuasion.