Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(50)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Just received my Reformation Study Bible, edited by R.C. Sproul and using the English Standard Version. The many notes on Reformation theology are crisp and to the point, with more than sufficient Scriptural backing for each issue.

Now, a confession: I'm a Zondervan fan, and have both their NIV and KJV Study Bibles, and use them constantly. But since I discovered the ESV, I've been looking for a good study Bible that is both faithful to the Reformation (as Zondervan's study notes are) yet based on the better ESV translation (more on what "better" means to me below).

The ESV sets the new standard for clarity to the modern reader without sacrificing accuracy of translation. Although the NIV may be a smoother read to the modern eye, it must always be a little suspect as to the unintended personal biases that are bound to have crept in as a result of the points of view of the translators. After all, a "thought-for-thought" translation, which the NIV is, has to be colored by the thoughts of the translator. Nothing sinister here; just human nature.

As for the KJV, it remains my favorite for its poetry, and for conveying the mighty and brave faith shown by the original translators in the early 17th century. That said, its English language usage is, of course, dated to the point of being archaic. As a result, clarity of meaning sometimes suffers. With the ESV, I have the same confidence in the overall accuracy as I do with the KJV -- but with much greater ease of understanding.

The ESV Reformation Study Bible has rock-solid exegesis of the basic elements of the Reformed faith. I would commend it for any who would call themselves "Protestant." This is not to say that other versions are not worthy -- just that the ESV is now the best modern update of what has been the gold standard for God's Word in English -- the King James Version.

I've given it 5 stars, although I do have a few points that could improve any future editions. First would be to improve the quality of the book as a book. The leather, the binding, and the paper in this Ligonier Ministries Bible are not quite up to what I've come to expect. I would also prefer the words of Christ in red (they are not in this version). These amount to quibbles, and are insignificant in comparison with the Reformation Study Bible's Word in readable and accurate English, combined with an impeccable Reformation understanding of God's message of salvation.

I have waited for the ESV Reformation Study Bible for over 30 Years and didn't know until I bought mine in June of 2005. I have looked for a good study Bible all of my Christian life, but until now (in my opinion) there hasn't been one without misleading personal doctrinal errors. It stays with "The Truth" of the Holy Scriptures, the Gospels and the Letters of the Apostles.
The ESV Study Bible is timely because it comes now when there is so much confusion about "The GOD" of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. God has not changed!!! But to read and listen to 89% of the writers today, He has. It is very refreshing to have something so Biblically sound that takes us back to our roots. I LOVE IT!!!
I love this ESV translation because it stays with the rhythm of my old King James, but with alot more understanding. I have no credentials, but who needs them this English Translation is "The Word of God" that has always been.
Jim Cunningham

The binding, though "genuine leather", does not look or feel very well made. The craftmanship is more of an award Bible with a genuine leather cover, unlike Bibles you would buy from, say, Oxford University Press or Zondervan.

I love the ESV, I love most of the notes that I have read so far. The leather on this bible is not of top quality, marginal at best. There are no color maps in the back of the Bible. Words of Christ are not in red. The paper quality is average. Overall I would wait for the second edition of this Bible to come out or wait for another ESV study bible to come out. I wish it was of better quality, my Bible gets heavy use and I can not afford to mark one up and memorize where passages and notes are only to have it fall apart in a few years, which is my fear with the quality of this bible.

This is, in my view, the best study Bible on the market for those who are looking for a Bible containing accessible same page commentary and expository notes that reflect up-to-date rigorous scholarship from Reformed Evangelical perspectives. The editorial team of theologians and pastors who contributed to this work have demonstrated a high view of holy Scripture, sound grasp of church history and depth of biblical scholarship, yet written in a way relevant and edifying for most lay people living here and now in the 21st century. The big bonus is that this edition has been adapted for use with the English Standard Version: a modern translation in the tradition of the King James Bible that combines accuracy of text, with beauty, clarity and dignity of expression. Given the decent size of wording and clarity of lettering, plus attractive leatherbound treatment, this is all excellent value at an excellent price. A great investment and money well spent!

Until changes are made at Crossway in regards to quality, its best NOT to spend a lot on these bibles. I have the genuine leather edition..No red letter editions. Notes are good but not extensive. Paper quality is thin and I would not highlite due to bleed through. Any prolonged finger contact(20 seconds or more) Smudges the print..this continually irritates me. In fact I would not be even writing this review except for this continually annoyance that I can't get away from. Condordance is a joke especially for a study bible and NO Maps!! Cheap..
I love the translation and feel its the best. It keeps the poetic power of the KJV but its clarity is such a blessing. I only wish Crossway would either up their quality or let others make their Bibles. Hope this helps you...JB

The ESV Reformation Study Bible offered here is a very big improvement over the shoddy and ill made Crossway ESVs that we had to endure when the ESV first came out. This edition does have a better binding and the pages are sewn in signature sections and not single sheets. Also the Black Leather cover (while rather stiff and unsupple for an $80 dollar price tag) does look like it will stand up to prolonged use.

However, the paper quality of this edition leaves something left to be desired. Weighed in comparison to the Oxford Scofield III ESV the paper quality in this Bible is found to be wanting. The pages have an annoying glare or sheen when used in a brightly lit room (a dead giveaway of cheap paper). This can be very distracting to the reader and has been mentioned in other reviews of this Bible. Why Lingonier Ministries went cheap on the paper quality is obvious - cost. I guess they felt they needed to make more of a profit and skimped on the paper quality. Unfortunate.

Also, can you believe that there are NO MAPS in the back of the Bible??? I find that rather chintsy for the price that the publishers asked for this edition. Someone dropped the ball here on this one. Again, I think they just got cheap on us like they did with the paper quality.

All in all this Bible is a HIT AND MISS project. The ESV Reformation Study Bible is still better made than the cheap Bibles put out by Thomas Nelson and Zondervan - so that is a factor to consider if you like a Bible that will last more than a year of prolonged use. The study notes and commentary are on a par with those found in the Macarthur Study Bible. They do make for more useful study and exegesis of the text.

The only other ESV worth buying out there is the Oxford Scofield III Edition but the Scofield has fewer notes than the Reformation Bible.


Note on the ESV translation: The ESV is an evangelical revision of the RSV(Revised Standard Version) that corrects the non-Christian interpretations of the RSV in the Old Testament and improves the accuracy throughout with more literal renderings. It also updates the language somewhat. An example is provided below:


RSV

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a YOUNG WOMAN shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.


ESV

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the VIRGIN shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.