Though we don’t want to become totally dependent on study Bibles, this is one of the best.

A generally solid study Bible. Often puts various interpretations on the table without arguing for one in particular.

This is a short, accessible text that equips us to study and understand the Bible on our own.

Excellent tool for sharpening Biblical interpretation; brief, readable, but occasionally technical

More thorough (and challenging) than God’s Big Picture (below). Examines how God planned for the diverse parts of the Bible to fit together. Strengthens our ability to speak the gospel, as well as interpret and apply Scripture to everyday c…

Addresses both basic and more complex questions that arise as we try to understand Scripture

Best introductory tool for understanding the broad storyline of the Bible. Does most of what Goldsworthy does, but briefer & simpler.

Not widely known, but really helpful for getting the bird’s-eye-view of Scripture. Much less detailed than a study Bible, focusing more on the broader themes of Scripture. It won’t answer all your questions, but it will answer others that y…

A solid mid-level introduction to the difficult but do-able work of understanding what the Bible means and how it applies today