BIBLE RECOMMENDATIONS

I often get the question about what bibles I recommend for people to purchase. There are so many translations and study bible options complete with notes and questions and comments for a plethora of interests. I think it's good to have a strong, literal translation study bible with scholarly notes and good maps and articles with intros to each book and then to supplement with other faithful paraphrases or versions, print or electronic.

My recommendation for study bibles:

Harper Collins NRSV

Oxford Annotated NRSV

New Interpreters' Study Bible NRSV

Lutheran Study Bible NRSV (I like the concept of this one but find the format a bit less user friendly) There's also many good study bibles with other translations. Their study notes will come from more of a conservative, evangelical perspective while the NRSV has more of a liberal protestant and catholic bent. I do like the NIV Study Bible as well. NRSV is the translation we use in worship at Hope.

Then, in terms of expanding your understanding of the text, being able to compare a particular passage in its literal translation with a contemporary English paraphrase that is faithful to the text can be extremely enlightening. For this, I highly recommend the Message by Eugene Peterson, which can be purchased all over the place.

For on the go: get the You Version Bible App

For online: www.biblegateway.com which has all sorts of translations just not NRSV...even has the Message.

To learn more and supplement your reading: www.enterthebible.org which is a free online resource by Luther Seminary.

Hope this helps!