The Essential Bible Companion: Key Insights for Reading God's Word (Essential Bible Companion Series)

I am so glad I purchased "The Essential Bible Companion: Key Insights for Reading God's Word". I recently began a Bible Challenge where we are to read the whole bible in a year. This little book (just 140 pages) is amazingly helpful. I read it at the beginning of each book for the brief, thorough overview that it gives, which helps me understand the setting. Most books of the bible have two pages dedicated to them; in the Old Testament they include: Key Concepts, Key Terms, Key Teachings about God, a timeline and colorful maps. In the New Testament, the Gospels include a Summary Overview, Key Themes, Information about the Purpose, Author and Key Recipients, again with colored maps.This is certainly a book that could stand alone and be read for the knowledge of the Bible but when used as a tool to reading and understanding the Bible, I am finding it invaluable. I recommend it highly.

I keep having to give this book away. Dr. Walton is one of the very top Old Testament scholars and he has done a superb job with this book. It isn't just a simple old rehashing of facts about a book. The insights given are so helpful to the understanding of the book as a whole. I've given it to brand new believers and received great feedback. I've also given it to Bible Study leaders and have heard many comments about how useful it is . I actually need to go buy it again because I gave my last copy away. It's hard to say if the simple summaries and key ideas and time charts are the best, or if what he writes about the book is most helpful. This book is superb! If I ever find it super cheap, I'll buy 10.

The script is way too small

This book was written as an optional resource companion to the "Read the Bible in 90 Days" program. As with the program itself, it is not an in-depth volume, but it gives a brief look at each book of the Bible--key concepts, terms, teachings, verses, persons, timeline, and purpose--not to mention photos of very interesting artifacts. It is well done and is in beautiful color; it has an index and an extensive glossary. Even apart from the study for which it was intended, it gives a great overview of the books of the Bible

This book was not as in depth as I thought it would be but it still helped.

This is EXACTLY what I wanted! I’m SUPERRR excited about this book! If you want to analyze and study the Bible more, PLEASE don’t hesitate to get this book! It is jam packed full of essential information! You won’t regret it.

Taking on the challenge of reading the Bible in 90 Days, I have found The Essential Bible Companion to be a simple and concise overview of each book of the Bible as I read. For those looking for a more indepth presentation, you will not find it here. I enjoy the summary and the timeline. It will also serve as a helpful resource for the future when I want to go back and remember what each book is about.

I already had the book, but ordered several for members in my church small group.

Straightforward and clear companion to bible study for those with little previous knowledge of Judaeo-Christian Scripture. This volume sets each book in its historical,geographical and literary contexts as a basis for introductory study. .

My second Bible companion, prefer the version by Barbara Callamari.

This was purchased to complete a Biblical Studies Course and was most helpful in a general sense. Could have been a little more detailed with rate known facts about life in each time but found over all was good.

The Essential Bible Companion, gives more detailed information of each chapter. Very easy to read and understand.