Enthusiastically, Dawn

In my last Bible review for 2025, I am sharing The Systematic Theology Study Bible, a beautiful, hardbound version, perfect for students of God’s Word who want to study the foundational truths of the Christian faith, and understand more about the doctrines which shape their beliefs, as revealed in scripture.

Let’s dive in!

First Impressions

I want to start with my first impressions, and then I will get into the details of this Bible. Although it does come in a TruTone®, Chestnut option, I was sent the Cloth over Board, Ochre version. I have to admit this Bible is stunning, with the gold embellished spine and cover. I know this is just the external, but it just reminds me of days past when books were made with more decorative features. The look is classic and elegant. The pages are white, and the font at 8-point, surprisingly clear and readable. There is a presentation page in the front with the tree image and ESV insignia from the cover for dedications, and gifting.

The Deets

This Bible is English Standard Bible version and begins with a general overview of the whole overarching narrative of Scripture. Each testament (Old and New) begins with the theology, significant dates, outline and timeline overview. Each book has it’s own introduction and stated key themes. This version draws from and expands upon the excellent ESV Student Study Bible notes. It includes over 400 doctrinal sidebars which appear throughout the book as themes arise in scripture. I am pleased to add that there is a helpful index to help navigate the themes of each of the 25 articles and for the canonical and thematic sidebars. This is a well organized reformed study Bible. The presentation of doctrine’s importance and a brief history of canonical and thematic development are given. There are over 12,000 study notes, cross references and footnotes available.

This is a double-columned format and includes one ribbon marker. There is an index for all charts and diagrams! I love the way the organization of these details makes for much easier study without time shuffling through pages when one wants to refer to these visual aids. The map supplement is noteworthy. There are 15 maps referenced. The maps section includes The Middle East today, The Tribal Allotments, Palestine Under Roman Rule, just naming a few.

Each of the sidebars are categorized into ten areas: the attributes of God, revelation, mankind, sin, Jesus Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, church life, The Christian Life, the end times. The goal of the chosen areas is to emphasize the historic doctrines of the Christian faith, while respecting views on secondary issues such as baptism, spiritual gifts and details concerning last things. (bold quote taken from introduction). Glossaries for terms, and weights and measures are included. There is also a suggested reading plan. The reading plan is broken down into daily reading across the whole of scripture ( I love this!). Each day includes the following readings: Psalms and Wisdom Literature, The Pentateuch and History of Israel, Chronicles and Prophets, Gospels and Epistles. In general I find this kind of “read through” extremely satisfying. It is amazing to me how themes and connections between old and new testaments become so clear when side by side as one reads, as opposed to going straight through Genesis to Revelation.

Conclusion

I have reviewed a number of Study Bibles this past year (and beyond) and I have also had access to many I did not review. I have to say that this particular Study Bible is possibly the best one I have had the pleasure of perusing. I think it would be a great tool for discipling new believers, and also for Bible Study- either with a group, or by oneself. I think the framework used throughout this well ordered study Bible will allow for a deeper understanding of sound Christian Doctrine, and increase one’s faith.

If you are looking for a Study Bible for next year, I’d say this is an excellent choice – especially if you still have unanswered question about some of the basics of Christianity.

Here are some other Bibles I have reviewed:

Timeless Truths Bible Review

NASB Wide Margin Bible Review

Artist Series: ESV Journaling Study Bible

The Clear Focus Bible Review

Review of Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men

My Thoughts and Review of The Bible Study Bible (Thomas Nelson, 2023)

Journal the Word Bible Review

Premier Collection Bible Review: NKJV Large Print, Goatskin Leather, Personal Size, End-of-Verse Reference Bible-Yes, It’s All That!

My Thoughts and Review of the Evangelical Study Bible (Thomas Nelson Bibles, 2023)

Rejoicing with you that we have God’s Word available to us and abundantly available! Thank you to Crossway for publishing the best Christian resources and for providing this Bible for review. As always opinions are mine, but Crossway just continues to provide the most excellent tools for Bible Study, and Christian growth.

Thank you for reading!

Enthusiastically, Dawn