My most recent Bible review from Crossway is here and I am looking forward to sharing the features unique to this latest offering which is available in both a men’s and women’s version. The ESV Applying the Gospel Study Bible is available to help you live out your faith and see Christ, and the Gospel in all of Scripture through study, devotionals- and heart-felt application.
So how do You apply the gospel to everyday living? Start here: The ESV Applying the Gospel Study Bible (For Women)!
The ESV Applying the Gospel Study Bible (For Women)
My review will focus on the ESV Study Bible for Women. But I wanted to reference the Men’s Study Bible as well, for thse who may be interested. I considered getting it for my husband as a gift- but had already committed to reviewing the Women’s version first. Stay tuned for more about the men’s.
The ESV Applying the Gospel Study Bible For Women comes in three cover designs. The Hardcover – which is a soft, watercolor floral, the TruTone®, Nubuck Caramel, (Tender Branch Design) and the one I chose which is the TruTone®, Blush Rose, (Colossians 3:16 Design). I could not resist the pink cover combined with one of my favorite books in the Bible (Colossians). I don’t have a favorite verse from that short four chapter book, but just love the whole of it! However, I know you want more than the outward aesthetics – but beauty does matter, and serves the purpose of drawing us. It’s the inside that we will be focused on as we look into the Word. But an inviting outside makes one desire to look in. Let’s do that.
The introduction states its main purpose in design is to help women “understand the Bible as the unified message of God’s grace culminating in Jesus Christ ” and how this vision empowers and fuels daily living. A few things to note for Bible Nerds (ahem, present company included, and at your service), is that the study notes within the pages of this Bible are based upon, or built from the ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible. I actually own this Bible, and encouraged our Pastor to look at it, and we shared it (gifted) with a graduate the year it came out. This Bible also utilizes some of the study notes and introductions from that version. However the presentation is completely unique for this Bible. It has it’s own new features which include 365 Devotionals (!) Each of these devotions is meant to be scripture based, Christ focused, heart level, with real-life application. These are written by some of today’s favorite Christian authors, such as Ruth Chou Simons, Joni Eareckson Tada, and Kristen Wetherell and others.
An exceptional feature of this Bible is the Reading Plan included. Each day has its own devotional reading. So if you enjoy following a yearly reading plan as one of your spiritual practices, you will appreciate this format which are available at the back pages. I love the format used: Day #, Daily Reading, Corresponding Devotional, Page #. Simple and concise, easy to follow, and neatly presented.
Also in the back of the Bible in the Articles and Resources section are a number of short essays on Biblical Theology, The Old Testament to the New Testament, The Gospel, Union With Christ, Church, Prayer, Growing in Holiness, Sharing the Gospel.
Additionally, a Topical Index, decent Concordance and 15 full color Maps are included. These resources are more generous than usual and practical for study. As a study resource this is one that seems to check a lot of boxes for me. However I want to add two factors that are potential drawbacks (not dealbreakers but good to know).
Font size matters, but sometimes to get all the good stuff in, something has to give! The font size for the text size of this Bible print is 8.5. Ugh. But on the bright side, I find the typeface to be excellent. So though the font is 8.5, it is exceedingly clear and easy on the eyes all things considered. I am not sure about the study notes -they are very readable even though smaller in size. Overall, it is not hindering me from reading. The pages are a soft white- this is my preference. If you prefer the creamier pages, be aware. However this soft white is excellent. I love it.
Another point to consider, this is a double column layout. Due to the devotions included and the extensive study notes there is no way this would be managable to carry if it was a single column format! However, if that is a deciding factor, now you know.
The typeface is lovely to look at, and the opening chapter of each book has some special design to the first letter starting the paragraph. It’s a very cool detail. Each book intro also has some accompanying artwork – all tastefully laid out and subtle muted colors adorn the pages, matching the artwork to the main color for the introduction headers (pictured below).
One of the greatest features of this Bible is the clear connections it makes throughout scripture of Christ’s positon and presence in all of scripture. If you are someone who has yet to completely see Christ clearly in the Old Testament, the focus of this Bible wll help you get there. It will help you see the fullness of scripture’s connectedness in Christ and through Christ in both Old and New Testament reading.
As much as I think you will love this Bible, and I would love to see the The ESV Applying the Gospel Study Bible for Men– so if I do I will be sure and let you know in a separate review- but I also have to recommend The ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible. I loved that Bible- it’s on loan to a friend. It is a single column Bible and also is a great study Bible. You can have a look at any of these Bibles on Crossway’s website. They often have downloadable samples (though I did not see it for these two new offerings).
Please let me know if you have any specific questions about this Bible. I received it from Crossway in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. Thank you for reading!
Enthusiastically, Dawn
Leave a Reply