Published by Thomas Nelson, who kindly sent me a copy
to review, The Wiersbe Study Bible brings us, “Preaching Outlines,” cross-references,
maps, an ample concordance, “BE Transformed” devotionals, and the comfort print
text of the NKJV, New King James Version
of the Bible.
What makes this particular edition unique, however,
are over 7,800 footnotes, comprehensive
book introductions and extensive notes from Dr. Warren Wiersbe, who’s well-known
for his “BE series” and “Back to the Bible” radio ministry.
In sidebar features entitled “Catalyst,” Dr. Wiersbe
calls attention to Bible themes and characters then connects them with our
lives today. For example, in 2 Kings 6:16, Elisha prays for God to open his
servant’s eyes to see the Army of God surrounding them. Then, in this “Eyes to
See” catalyst, Dr. Wiersbe comments:
“Centuries after
God opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant, the apostle Paul wrote that we should
prepare ourselves with God’s protection, ‘for we do not wrestle against flesh
and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of
the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly
places’ (Eph. 6:12). That verse also reminds us that we have invisible allies
in spiritual warfare. We may never be able to see God’s protection the same way
Elisha’s servant saw it, but we can be confident that God is watching over us.
We are surrounded by God’s faithfulness and love.”
Then, turning to one of my favorite passages in the
New Testament, John 17, which is often referred to as “The High Priestly Prayer
of Jesus,” we find these notes for the opening verses:
“Jesus was
preparing Himself for the sufferings that lay ahead. As He contemplated the
glory that the Father promised Him, He would receive new strength for His
sacrifice (Heb. 12:1-3). But He also had His disciples in mind (John 17:13).
What an encouragement this prayer should have been to them! He prayed about their
security, their joy, their unity, and their future glory! He also prayed it for
us today, so that we would know all He has done for us and given to us, and all
that He will do for us when we get to heaven.”
Such excellent reminders and helpful features make
this an outstanding choice to study at home or take to a Bible discussion
group, which, Lord willing, I’ll do tomorrow.
Mary Harwell
Sayler, ©2019, poet-writer, reviewer
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