The Open Bible was first released in 1975. Through the years it has been updated and reprinted. New articles were added. Others were replaced. Now, in this latest printing, Thomas Nelson Publishers have aimed to bring back and include as many original articles as possible, making sure that all are updated and ready for today’s Bible readers.
When I was first offered the opportunity to review The Open Bible, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What did they mean by Open Bible? Well, in means what it sounds like. Its purpose is to make Bible reading easy and enjoyable for readers.
Appearance
The Open Bible comes in a variety of cover options: hardcover, cloth over board, Leathersoft, and leather. Depending on which version you choose, you can get it in brown, black, burgandy, green, or grey.
I love Leathersoft. It has the look of leather but is considerably more economical to purchase. It’s my go-to choice whenever available.
Features
- Topical index to the Bible featuring over 8,000 people, places, events, and doctrine
- Visual survey of the Bible with easy-to-understand diagrams
- Chain-referenced studies on Christian doctrines
- Christian’s guide to the new life
- Book instroductions
- Word studies
- Charts, maps, and illustrations
- Harmony of the Gospels
- Articles
- Overviews of the Jewish calendar and religious feasts
- Table of monies, weights, and measures
- Messianic prophecies fulfilled in Jesus
- Teachings and illustrations of Jesus
- Interesting facts about the Bible
- Laws in the Bible
- Two Bible reading plans
Review
Bible publishers are constantly looking for new ways to package the Bible to appeal to different readers. Some are trendy. Others more traditional. The Open Bible is more traditional. It’s been around for fifty years for a reason. It’s simple, easy-to-use, and non gimicky. It’s just a good, solid Bible, especially useful to those who want to engage in Bible study, but may not know where to begin.
I like that the pages are white and the test is white. I know that sounds logical, but so many of the newer Bibles, especially those geared for women, tend to be thin, off-white paper with lighter text. It makes it harder to read, so it’s always nice to find a Bible that’s readable.
I like that the features don’t overpower the Scripture. The pages are primarily Scripture with the features interspersed. Many pages are just straight Scripture.
A lot of Bibles include introductions to the books, but this Bible does this better than usual. Instead of just an usual overview, it includes information about the author, the time it was written, seeing Christ in that book, keys to understanding the book, and a general overview.
Bibles tend to fall into two categories: Bibles for study at home and Bibles to take to church. This Bible actually works for both. It’s a pretty big Bible, but not so much that you can’t carry it with you. And you can read the Scripture without being overwhelmed by all the extra features.
The Open Bible comes in KJV, NKJV, and NIV, so you can select your preference. Whichever one you go with, you’ll have a solid Bible for everyday that will have lasting value.
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Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
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