ESV Global Study Bible Hardcover – Illustrated, May 31, 2018

Amazon Verified PurchaseI have been a big fan of the ESV when it originally came out. This new ESV Global Study Bible is a great addition to the study Bibles put out by Crossway. For what reasons you might ask why this study bible is worth your money?1. Each book of the Bible is introduced by a Global Message section in which one of the editors draws us into the storyline of the particular book but also to the global message. We get a sense here of larger themes that Christians from every continent can hold onto, understand, and think through. Secondly, this section helps us focus in on the main themes of the book with a witness to God's overarching purposes in the story of redemption.2. Throughout the study notes, there is small boxes that indicate FACT points that the editor is trying to make that enhance our understanding. Often, these are plot details, cultural customs or key historical events. These fact boxes help the reader narrow in on some important features that we might otherwise miss in the text.3. There is a whole host of articles in the back of the Bible written by international evangelical scholars such as Ajith Fernando and Harold Netland. These articles range from Biblical Ethics, World Religions, Government, Human Life, Mission and Evangelism and others. The articles are excellent, bringing together keen insights into the global landscape of Christianity with an eye towards God's unfolding story. Of particular note is Fernando's article on Mission and Evangelism in which he a very strong view of evangelism that is tied to the church and its role in proclaiming the gospel.4. The geographical features incorporated into the biblical books help the read understand a bit of history and culture that was taking place in the centuries that the Bible was written.5. This sounds like a cosmetic thing but I really liked the compact size of the Bible, the easy reading font and layout of the text and presentation of the writing.I hope you enjoy the ESV Global Study Bible as much as I have.

This study Bible has allowed me to understand things I never understood in the past. From geography to ways of life of people during the time when the Bible was written.

I am constantly recommending study Bibles to fellow believers, and because of that, I am thrilled with this new option. When the original ESV Study Bible came out, I felt that the exhaustive collection of notes was overkill for the general Christian. (I picked one up, but I'm also a theology nut.) Plus, it was pricey and (at least until the Personal Size edition) unwieldy. The Student Study Bible came next, and while I was relieved to see the number of notes pared down to the essentials, I also knew that most adults would feel uncomfortable with its name. Sure, it's not nearly as ludicrous as the Extreme Teen Bible, but it's still sorta embarrassing, and it implies a substandard level of understanding (rather than what it actually entails: a sub-seminary need for understanding).Recently, I saw this new item, the Global Study Bible, pop up on Amazon and on Crossway's site. My first assumption was that it was merely another watered-down gimmick Bible with some photos and quotes from missionaries--and no accompanying substance. There are certainly plenty of fluff Bibles available, and with the recent release of the Student Study Bible, I was not expecting another edition so soon on that level. Well, upon checking out the GSB, I discovered that it was essentially a rebranding of the SSB with a new set of internationally-themed articles to replace those found in the previous two editions. While that news might turn off some buyers, it had me thrilled. "Global" certainly had a more pleasing connotation than "Student" on a Bible cover, and the study notes were still as superb as ever!Even better, the Global Study Bible offers dual incentives on the monetary front, allowing you to save a few pennies and perform a charitable act at the same time (as contradictory as that sounds). This volume is less expensive than either its parent or its sibling, which makes it an even more appealing choice for people on a budget or for those who are looking to stuff some stockings this Christmas. Even better, Crossway has decided to make a digital copy of the GSB available for free to someone in need for every purchase. In other words, you're not just buying a Bible for yourself or a loved one: you're buying one for someone across the world as well! And here you thought that you'd never have an opportunity to do mission work!The ESV Global Study Bible is easily the best option that Crossway has to offer. With notes sufficient for the average Christian (you know, the one who feels that three pages on the various interpretations of Revelation 20 is a bit much), a wallet-friendly price, and a program to help you spread the Word where it's most desperately needed, the GSB is truly a blessing...and a must-buy.

Great content, I just wish I could read it. The font for the main text is very small and the subtext even smaller. To matters worse, the very thin paper allows the text from the other side to bleed through, making it even harder to read. You will get access to an online version of the same book, free with signup but only for 30 days. I will keep it and donate it to my church.

I've always been curious about this Bible when I would see it in bookstores (because of the unique title/cover), but I didn't want to buy it at full price because I hadn't heard my about it. When I found it on Amazon for a lower price, I bought a paperback version just to see what it had to offer. It is now one of my favorite Bibles for several reasons:- The ESV is my favorite translation. It retains the "dignity" of the King James Bible while still providing a clear, literal, version in modern English.- The study notes are wonderful. They're very similar to the ESV Student Study Bible, but not quite as extensive.- It has the great ESV concordance.- The articles by Christians all over the world are interesting and put thing in perspective regarding the global church.Along with these great features, there are many more. I loved it so much that I bought another one for my mother. She, too, loves it and has been asking if Crossways puts out a leather-bound copy. Great buy. Would pay full price if I had to buy another one.