NIV First-Century Study Bible {A Review}

 I received a free copy of NIV First-Century Study Bible from Family Christian in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

I have always enjoyed learning about the past. When I studied Anthropology in college, I knew that I wanted it to be my concentration. And I have been known to spend many, many hours working on tracing my genealogy at the library, on the computer, and in the field. Learning about where I've come from, where my ancestors trod, is a true delight to me.

And I often wonder what it was like to walk with Jesus. To see his face. To live in the world that he lived in. If I could step back in time and be with him, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Of late it seems the good Lord has been bringing more of the past to light for me. In my studies with the kids, in my Sunday School class, in the sermons on Sundays, I'm finding a new closeness to the scripture. It brings so much understanding to me to have insight into the daily life and culture of the Biblical times.

After reading Matthew 17: 24-27,

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?"

"Yes, he does," he replied.

When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes-from their own children or from others?"

"From others," Peter answered.

"Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. But so that we many not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it them for my tax and yours."

I was delighted to learn there is a tilapia found in the Sea of Galilee that carried its small young in its mouth, picked up small pebbles in its mouth, and was attracted to shiny objects. The fishermen of that time, like Peter, would have known that those fish did just that. Life was breathed into that passage for me.

I recently read that Winston Churchill was quoted as saying, "The greatest advances in human civilization have come when we recovered what we had lost; when we learned the lessons of history."

Isn’t that so true. Understanding the past, helps us understand the present. That is why I'm so excited to have the opportunity to review the NIV First-Century Study Bible. It is packed with information that gives me perspective on the people, the times, and the culture into which God chose to breathe his word for all times.

We are at a unique time in human history. We have the benefit of a compilation of sources that provide information about the past in a way that has never been before. And while the scriptures in the original context and culture do not change, our understandings of them can be much, much deeper.

While our lack of understanding the culture and times of Biblical events never will stop God, in his goodness, from revealing himself to us from the scriptures in a way that is unique and personal to each of us when we delve in his word, we now have the opportunity to study the scripture with a new depth of knowledge.

Do you ever feel like you are missing something? That there is a gap in the context of the scripture with what you are taking away from your study? Do you want to know more?

You can get your very own copy of NIV First-Century Study Bible: Experience Scripture Through the Eyes of a First-Century Disciple here. 

NIV First-Century Study Bible has color pictures,

word study,

maps,

charts,

models,

textual articles,

day in the life articles, 

explanation of ancient texts,

chronology time lines,

detailed introductions,

and study notes.

In our homeschool, we have begun using the NIV First-Century Study Bible for reference with Ceesa's Bible readings. She has started reading through the Bible one book at a time. Before she begins a new book, we will read about the book together, look at the maps, and use the information to get deeper knowledge of the book, culture, time, and people.

Family Christian has generously offered to giveaway one for free to our readers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be randomly picked by Rafflecopter and will be notified by Bethany from Little Homeschool Blessings via email and posted here. Entrants must be 18 years or older and reside within the United States. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest, tumblr, Instagram, or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The prize will be issued by Family Christian. By entering this giveaway you are also acknowledging that you have read and agree to all of the Rafflecopter terms & conditions.

Wishing you homeschool blessings,


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