From time to time, the good folks at #BibleGatewayPartner give me the opportunity to review a new product, typically a Bible. I’m a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. They don’t pay me for this, although I am provided a review copy. The opinions I give are strictly my own.
This week I received a copy of the Timeless Truths Bible, published by Thomas Nelson. I am intrigued.
For starters, this is the New English Translation. I’d never seen it. There are beaucoup Bible translations out there, and I’m sure you have a favorite. The New English Translation was copyrighted in 1996 and 2019, and this particular edition was copyrighted this year.
I don’t know that I’d switch to the NET as my preferred translation, but I have definitely thrown it into my study mix. You can read all about how this translation came about at netbible.com/net-bible-preface, but the short version is that a team of more than 25 of the world’s foremost biblical scholars from across several denominations took a swipe at this job. What is so cool is that this group – and their work has been transparent and accessible during the whole translation process – has hit a sweet spot. The Bible does a commendable job of balancing between a strict word-for word translation (which can be stiff and awkward carried to an extreme) or own that is loose and easy to read (which can be so loose as to be a paraphrase.) Both approaches have their adherents, but this translation manages to pull off that balancing act, for the most part.
So that’s the Bible itself. What, then, makes it the Timeless Truths Bible?
Here’s where I got hooked. I don’t fancy myself a theologian, but I am intrigued by what the scholars from decades or even centuries ago had to say about certain biblical passages. To that end, you’ll find explanations from folks like Augustine, Bunyan, Calvin, Clement of Alexandria, Edwards, Spurgeon, Henry, Jerome, Wesley … want me to go on? I could.
Every chapter in the Bible contains a commentary from a genuine giant of the faith. It’s provocative stuff. Insights? You’ll find them by the boatload. The quotes and commentary are found in the generous margins of each page (great for note taking). Those marginal notes include the brief commentary, its source, and who wrote it.
This is totally fresh. There are study Bibles galore available out there, but I’ve never seen one like this.
Other features include book introductions, biographies of men and women transformed by the Gospel, and a whole section of creeds and confessions. Before you blow off that last section – maybe you’re not a creedal type – note that you can see how the church has always valued the word of God. God has worked in His people throughout history, and this section amplifies this.
One other feature that I thoroughly enjoyed: scattered throughout this Bible are selections of sacred art, printed on glossy paper. Those art pieces are drawn from all different eras of church history, by a diverse collection of artists from many different styles and cultures. What a great complement to the commentary! You’ll find a list of the artwork and short interpretations of each scene. This is good.
By now you’ve realized this isn’t a typical study Bible. It isn’t intended to be. Rather, it’s a source of rich commentary on scripture written by those much smarter than me (and possibly you too!)
I recommend this Bible as a worthy addition to your library.
Want a copy? Find it at bit.ly/3RtzaBU or on Amazon at amzn.to/48fTCMB .
For more on the translation itself, visit timelesstruthsbible.com .
Be blessed. Be well!