An illustrated history of the Bible provides detailed coverage of the Old and New Testaments, from the patriarchs to the epistles of Paul, and includes timelines and informational sidebars.

"Essential Bible Backgrounds" presents an introduction to each book of the Bible with additional chapters designed to answer questions and provide readers with information they need to read and study the Bible. Most of the material is factual; some is devotional; and some is just for fun. The chapters on Bible trivia and humor in the Bible will make you smile. One chapter is devoted to answering the most asked questions about the Bible. The author shows how each book of the Bible points to God's Promised One, Jesus. With each book of the Bible consideration is given to the author, date of writing, purpose, theme, theology and basic message (outline). "Essential Bible Background" is the capstone of the author's forty-year career as a Bible teacher. This resource is designed both for general reading and as a reference work when studying the Bible.

From the customs of religious life to common domestic and social practices, The Essential Companion to Life in Bible Times is your quick and reliable guide to the cultural backgrounds that formed the backdrop of biblical writings. Unlike many similar works, this Bible companion is organized thematically, making it easier to scan over broad subjects at one go. Topics include: The family—describes what the Bible says about children and childbirth, education, the different roles performed by men and women; as well as topics like sex, marriage, divorce, old age, death, and burial. The household—from house architecture and furniture to topics of everyday survival, such as food and its preparation, water access, and how illnesses were handled. Work life—discusses major Old Testament occupations and trades, from livestock and woodworking to commerce. Social life—includes explanations of population, the calendar, economics, crafts, travel and trade, dress, and music. Government—how different aspects of governance were handled in towns, larger cities, and the state, including the roles of the king, elders, and officials. Israel's religious life—from the use of high places and altars, to the importance of the tabernacle and the temple, to the role of priests and Levites. Between the brief introductions you might find in a study Bible and the overwhelming amount of detail in an exhaustive reference handbook, Essential Companion to Life in Bible Times strikes the perfect balance of manageable information, giving any student of Scripture the keys to unlock commonly misunderstood passages as well as deepen your appreciation of even the most familiar Bible stories.

This up-to-date, highly selective bibliography is designed to acquaint students and ministers with major works, significant publishers and prominent scholars in biblical studies. It is the perfect guide for beginning a research project or building a ministerial library. References are included based on the following considerations: (1) usefulness for the theological interpretation of the Bible within the context of the faith of the church; (2) significance in the history of interpretation; and (3) representation of evangelical and especially evangelical Wesleyan scholarship.

Provides the general public and undergraduates with an introductory level text in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament.

At your fingertips: the most vital information you need for reading and truly understanding the Bible. The Essential Bible Companion is a unique, easy-to-use reference guide that gives you clear, crisp insights into the Bible, book by book. Developed by two world-class Bible scholars and the creator of The Bible in 90 Days curriculum, this compact reference tool visually lays out the key details for each book of the Bible, including: Essential background information, such as the underlying purpose, the key terms and concepts, and the key teachings about God in that book. An easy-to-reference timeline of the book with callouts for notable events. Important people to know. Key verses, maps, and historical introductions. Between the brief introductions you might find in a study Bible and the overwhelming amount of detail in an exhaustive reference handbook or commentary, The Essential Bible Companion strikes the perfect balance of manageable information that doesn't distract or detract from Scripture itself. This richly informative volume will assist you on your journey toward a well-grounded biblical faith.

Contains the complete text of a contemporary English translation of the bible, complemented by user-friendly information tailored to the needs of serious students, in a volume that features such resources as color-coded time lines, key historical and cultural background information, and web references for further research. 20,000 first printing.