An Evangelical review of the Evangelical Study Bible!

[@midnightdoxology]

Brother, you have the best way of reviewing study Bibles. You show no partiality when reviewing something like this vs. something like the Wesleyan study bible. I can always appreciate that.

[@SaneNoMore]

As a Conservative, Dispensational-ish, Complimentarian, Literalist, Baptist, I obviously line right up with nearly everything in this study Bible. There is though one massive divergence that has become so common in current literature it is really starting to grind on me. For 40 years I’ve retained a traditional soteriology that has been and still is held by the majority of Christians, but it seems in the last 10-15 years specifically that nearly all literature produced among conservative evangelicals has drifted to Calvinism. It has dominated Baptist educators and Pastors in particular and now many in these positions will only hire other Calvinist. All 4 of the Pastors in my church are Calvinist despite many in the congregation not holding to that view. In fact all 9 Baptist churches in my city are Calvinist (two verging on hyper-Calvinism). I’m beginning to feel like my entire realm has been indoctrinated and it’s gotten to the point I just don’t want to discuss the issue anymore. The response I get if the issue comes up is generally that I just need to study the Bible better. Honestly it makes me sad and nostalgic for my younger years when my fellow Baptists cried out “Whosoever will”.

[@connordkrauss]

Young people are looking for tradition and structure. Some find it in Calvinism, others in high church Protestantism, Romanism, or Eastern Orthodoxy. While I'm none of those things, I have great respect for them. Nothing is quite as beautiful and compelling as the Puritans, the Books of Homilies, the Summa, or the sayings of the Desert Fathers. I recommend a renewal of biblical tradition and mysticism if churches want to attract the right sort of people.

[@MO-bo2du]

I agree that there has been a massive shift in Christian academia on these topics in the last generation. I think most people are soteriologically "Calvinish" (4 pointers and whatnot), but the term "Calvinist" has become so loaded that non-Reformed folks prefer not to be associated with all its connotations. I am also generally dispensational and frequently feel under attack in the scholarly world these days. Some academics have decided to sound its death knell although I personally feel like they are prematurely claiming the victory lol. But that's another discussion I suppose...

[@jeremyyap1714]

i think this is what Leighton Flowers has been talking about.

[@rosieds4996]

Amen! I’m not baptist but I too see Calvinism infiltrating the church today and I believe it’s unscriptural

[@whoavadis1984]

Calvinist, Saulist, what's the difference? Here's what Jesus and his real Apostles taught: 1 John 3:7-8 (CSB): Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8 The one who commits sin is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.

[@daltonburroughs3811]

Not sure if people usually request a Bible review but I would like to see you review The Open Bible. I love how detailed your reviews are and how you go over the content of the Bibles as well as how it looks.

[@DarrenWalley]

I am 54 years old & I have just started reading the Bible & I am new to your channel. It is brilliant & thank you very much for your research & clear presentation. Many thanks from Stoke-on-Trent in England. 🙏

[@iprimap]

Good review. I have this study Bible in my collection. I rarely refer to it. Being Catholic, obviously I take a different view than most Evangelicals, but I do like some Protestant study Bibles. The Evangelical Study Bible isn't bad, but your suggestion of re-titling it as Liberty University Study Bible is appropriate.

[@stephenyoung8069]

Best place for saying what is actually in the Bible, not just how it looks.

[@HebrewGreekKnowledge]

1. I really don’t think the quote in Ephesians 1 is meant to be Calvinistic. I understand it as saying God chose those who would believe. It does not say that God chose them to believe. 2. Yes I was surprised to see it get named Evangelical, as your right that it’s broad. The whole “nobody believed this form of eschatology before the 1800s" is an unfair and uninformed jab. There are have been different people in church history who have held to many of the major tenets of dispensational premillennialism, and this is is how it is with many of the major eschatological systems. I really recommend that you check out the work that just came out called “Discovering Dispensationalism”, the whole Darby invented Dispensation Premillenialism talking point is seriously flawed because it's not really true. An excellent book I read on what is truly means to be Evangelical is the book “Gospel People”

[@DiscipleDojo]

I have been studying and teaching on eschatology for 20 years and am unaware of anyone before Darby teaching that hermeneutic. The most Dispensationalists have been able to produce are quotes here and there which only tangentially fit within Darby/Scofield's system (i.e. Pseudo-Ephraim). Dispensationalism is indeed a relatively recent theological invention, regardless of whether or not it is actually true. This is why many Dispensationalists themselves have claimed that it was "lost" and only in these last days "rediscovered."

[@HebrewGreekKnowledge]

@@DiscipleDojo I recommend you actually take a closer look at this. I also would challenge you that what your really saying is "yeah there are parts of some of the points that fit, but not the entire system" to which my reply would be that most of the major eschatological systems we see today are not entirely represented in church history either. Can you find someone in church history before 1800 that holds to your exact eschatological system? Or if you applied the same critique and standard of proof to dispensationalism, would your own system actually stand? What I know is that we see in church history clear examples before 1800s of people who -Saw a distinction between Israel and the Church -Believed in a literal future antichrist (such as Irenaus) -Believed in a tribulation period (for example I believe Irenaus did, but I think he may have held to a 3.5 year view) -Believed in a 1000 year physical kingdom Those are what really are the core of the system. Now if you're charge is that because you can't point to a single person with all of those distinctions at the same time, then I would ask if you think you can really find all the major points of whatever system you hold to in one person. If you applied the same standards to your system that you are to dispensationalism, would your own system stand?

[@MO-bo2du]

Haven't finished the video yet, but it looks like it's basicslly the KJV SB in NKJV. I really love that one so this looks great!!

[@JJFrance]

Very helpful. God bless your ministry.

[@tigger55100]

Great review of this and other study bibles. I really enjoy your honest and straightforward reviews.

[@HeyItsBryan]

Learned alot just from a bible review great vid!

[@tigger55100]

By the way, you look great with the beard. It gives you a scholarly look, just to give you a compliment, but I truly enjoy your reviews, I will also look into your disciple dojo courses. You do a great job in teaching. I come from a Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition, seeking truth and good teaching regarding the scriptures. Thank you.

[@robertshirley624]

I may be wrong, but the note on Ephesians 1 does not say that God predestined certain folks to believe and saved. It says that God predestined that all believers would be adopted to be sons. It was the results and blessings of those who would believe which was predestined, not the coming to salvation itself. Am I reading the note incorrectly? This review was excellent. Well done as usual. Thank you.

[@HebrewGreekKnowledge]

This was also my thought.

[@gezaszemok7942]

I am a life-long (and card-carrying) Calvinist and I have no words to express my gratitude for your work and your channel. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Warm greetings from the not-so-warm Canada.

[@ejr821]

Another great review as always. In your opinion what would you suggest or recommend as a good evangelical study bible that is not reformed or calvinistic. TIA.

[@DiscipleDojo]

Life Application Study Bible, Baker Illustrated Study Bible, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, NLT Illustrated Study Bible, Faithlife Study Bible, NIV Study Bible, Zondervan Archaeological Study Bible

[@joshhoobler5769]

I so appreciate your respectful approach to traditions other than your own

[@BrendaBoykin-qz5dj]

Thank you,JM.🌹⭐🌞⭐🌹

[@nolanevans7360]

Just found your channel and am enjoying it VERY much. Have found the Bible reviews to be excellent in assisting my selection of study materials.

[@MM-jf1me]

Thanks for another great review! Looks like the ESV is still the best "evangelical" study Bible, even if it has its own biases. It's too bad the people behind the Evangelical Study Bible lean so strongly into premillenial dispensationalism that they feel compelled to redefine "apocalyptic" -- that went beyond having a strong viewpoint; it's deceptive and will mislead readers who may decide to read more widely or may want to read older historical Christian perspectives. Looks like a nicely put together Bible and I'm glad for those who've been looking for such an edition.

[@tomcox5063]

Brother you really nailed this review while showing great personal knowledge! Thanks for clarifying the theological views within this commentary.

[@joanhamilton1412]

Thank you for sharing. I am trying to read my Bible in a year. Just subcribed!!!

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

Loved this .

[@1334cass]

Another wonderful review. Thank you! And the new camera is super sweet! I could zoom in and it was nice and crisp.

[@carmencampeanu7810]

Great video, I would love this giveaway!

[@rogerlau4932]

Well done and well-explained. I feel the ESV Study Bible is a more theologically developed version of this bible. I checked the ESV Study Bible on Isa. 7:14, and it explained how translating the Hebrew word "almah" as "virgin" (and not "young woman") was the only possible conclusion one could come to, yet other evangelical translations (NET bible) assert that "young woman" is an acceptable translation. Also, in 1 Tim. 2:12, for the Greek verb "authenteo," (NIV 2011 translates it "assume authority" and ESV translates it "exercise authority") the ESV Study Bible says it isn't even possible to come up with the idea of "assuming authority"-as though the problem were women commandeering a position of authority in a church that they weren't given permission to do. Yet the best NT Greek lexicon, the BDAG, does say that "assuming authority" CAN be a possible translation. How does the ESV Study Bible get away with such a big oversight? Simple. Theological preference for one viewpoint and ignoring the others, same as what the Evangelical Study Bible does.

[@SaneNoMore]

It “gets away” with it by not caving to modern liberalism and constant the re-interpretations provided by that schools so-called scholars in an attempt to make the Bible more palatable to modern society.

[@katielouise3924]

Great review, as always, JM. I guess I have only Life Appl., Archaeological, Cultural SB’s & not a denominational type yet because I’m still reading the Bible from cover to cover. I grew up in a church with conservative views on some things but preached God will give ALL the chance for salvation (I remember the preaching on 1st, 2nd & 3rd Resurrection which always boggled my mind). My views lean toward Methodist, but I’m going to wait to buy a more doctrinal SB until later.

[@abc123fhdi]

this looks to be in line with the MacArthur Study Bible theologically but with full color and archeological photographs. So this is the Liberty University Study Bible and that is the Masters Seminary Study Bible.

[@flowerlass]

I am thankful I have found your channel. I don't hear enough of what you said at the end---America has put evangelicalism in a small box. We aren't all ultra conservatives.

[@JohnDinChrist]

Fine review, as usual. You quoted this Bible as reflecting "conservative Christian scholarship." I like this, understanding it is what it is and is labeled such. Then one can consult other study Bibles to get different perspectives.

[@jsharp3165]

Yeah, I wish everyone would just declare their philosophy up front.

[@sadusattack2628]

SOLD!! This is definitely for me. It's only $28 on amazon.

[@JohnDinChrist]

Interesting that Amazon price is $10 less than Christianbook. Don't see that very often.

[@MO-bo2du]

Agreed, this looks awesome!

[@Yaas_ok123]

Give your take on free grace theology. Thanks.

[@shirleygoss1988]

I enjoyed this review. My time in an Evangelical setting was entirely from an IFB, KJVO background.For that reason I don't understand all types of the Evangelical worldview. The notes would be of use, but I'm not sure if trusting them implicitly would be a good thing.

[@SaneNoMore]

The biggest theological divergence in ‘’evangelicalism” comes more from liberal vs conservative views on scripture. Many today are willing to reject clear and traditional interpretations so that they may adopt a more palatable viewpoint to modern society. They are willing to “spiritualize” away the plain readings of the text (especially in eschatology) to align scripture to their own preferences. While I am certainly no KJVO I would say most of the doctrinal positions of the IFB churches are spot on.

[@lucindaschafer]

Thanks for the thorough review. I decided to order it, since I didn't win your copy. 😉 You're right that it's pretty much Southern Baptist. I am not Calvinist (although there are Reformed Baptist Churches out there). I recommend further research about what we really believe about God's Sovereignty versus Free Will. We are firmly in the middle of the two.

[@DiscipleDojo]

Yes, Geisler, Stanley, Erickson and many others argue for a mediating position and Baptists are divided on the issue.

[@whoavadis1984]

Well until you go to the free will side, you're incorrect. God called his creation very good, he even told Cain he could master sin, he even came down to die once for all as an immediate salvific remedy for us each time we sin and repent with a true heart. Calvinism takes all of that and DEFECATES all over it.

[@lucindaschafer]

@@whoavadis1984 Calvinism and Free Will take the extreme stances while ignoring evidence of the other. Until you reconcile ALL the verses to each other, you will be incorrect.

[@wereldatlas]

WatStudy Bible which is truely Evangelical would you reccomend?

[@DiscipleDojo]

Baker Illustrated Study Bible, NLT Illustrated Study Bible, Life Application Study BIble, Zondervan Archaeological Study Bible, NET Bible Full Notes Edition, CSB Study Bible, Faithlife Study Bible, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, NIV Study Bible, ESV Study Bible

[@wereldatlas]

@@DiscipleDojo what's the difference between the NIV Study Bible and the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible?

[@hightide1500]

I just subscribed!

[@joestfrancois]

Good review. JM, your reviews are always very good, thanks. I don't want anything associated with Jerry Falwell so I will steer clear of this. I will need something to help explain some cultural references, but I don't think this study bible is what I am looking for.

[@abc123fhdi]

You should compare this to the other NKJV Thomas Nelson study bible or the Holman Study Bible to see if they are Calvinist or they present multiple viewpoints like the ESV Study Bible does.

[@matthaeusprime6343]

I've been going through a bunch of your videos. I am learning a lot about the differences between protestant sects. I guess my only question is how can you all consider each other Christian when you have so many different ideas of what to believe as a Christian?

[@DiscipleDojo]

Because on the core creedal issues we agree. For more on this see C.S. Lewis' classic "Mere Christianity." Christianity is the house...denominations are like rooms in that house.

[@brotherarn]

Who is it that decides "called to teach by God"

[@cecilly59]

Very helpful review. I’m curious, is there a study Bible out there that doesn’t have a dispensational, Calvinistic, and complimentarian bias?

[@DiscipleDojo]

Yes. See my Top 7 list here on the channel.

[@cecilly59]

Thank you, will do.@@DiscipleDojo

[@djlclopez128]

Hmm 🤔 I think you have to be conservative to be Christian...I don't consider 'liberal' Christians to be actual followers of Christ. Great review 👍✝️🎉

[@abc123fhdi]

would be better if they put the cross references at the bottom so the columns could be wider especially with the large print edition (not sure if they have a standard print edition). Or like the ESV study bible with the cross references in the gutter and a single column.

[@trevortroutbeck1939]

In your response to some comments, you've mentioned a few different study bibles. What would be your order of preference for the mentioned study bibles?

[@DiscipleDojo]

See the Top 7 recommended Study Bibles here on the channel.

[@chrisazure1624]

I was about to get this, but it is only in NKJV.

[@mamamia5130]

Does Liberty mean Calvinist?

[@SaneNoMore]

It seems to now days.

[@DarrenWalley]

What word are you using in 31 minutes......'Escanological...?" I dont know the word & I cant find the meaning. 😢

[@jocelynbenton1957]

I heard that too, but I think he means to say eschatological given the context of when he uses the word.

[@jeremycompton3010]

l thought you were fair. Thanks. l wont be purchasing it.

[@Kens1966]

Boy I’d like a bible. I’m a big Bible nerd lol.

[@Bbbd4184]

Nice tweed hat

[@deanalley_thebaptist878]

Bought it. Thank you

[@raymondsamuel4795]

Hi! My name is Raymond ,im reside in South Africa,i cannot afford a study bible nor the shipping thereoff,i can only ask if there is a follower out there who would like to donate a study bible to a pensioner who is a brother christian,God Bless You All

[@yunusmoosa]

Hi Raymond. I am also from SA. If you email me your details I can arrange for you to get a study bible

[@sophrapsune]

A communal understanding of Scripture? Hmmmm…. sounds a lot like tradition. 🤔

[@Terrylb285]

I get frustrated when study bibles take a favorable young earth view ,and the in the commentary say on day 4 God created the Sun ,create is only used 3 times in creation week , day 1 ,all physical matter , day 5 creatures ,day 6 male and female.

[@jacobshepard654]

i do not care what denomination or which sect of judaism you come from. 4:00-4:10 is downright Godly Biblical teaching. remember what God said? “lean not on your own understanding.” aka ask God first man second (literally what the evangelical bible said) wisdom was at the dawn of creation. (proverbs 8:22-23 and proverbs 3: 5-6) if wisdom is not from the Lord, then what is wisdom? James 1:5: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

[@jacobshepard654]

i will say heres one way to look at the New Testament, a commentary on the old testament. Paul is a Jew so technically everything he says is a jewish commentary on the gospels and the old testament

[@edengardenlabs7773]

Anybody who gets their theology from a guy with half his wall dedicated to the world and holywood and half to God deserves to be self deceived

[@seeqr9]

Is he supposed to h e a bunch of Jesus and apostles action figures? That’s just silly.

[@Lynn-r8h]

Was he teaching theology?

[@DiscipleDojo]

You're REALLY not gonna like our SuperheroSeminary playlist, in that case. ;)

[@RevDavidReyes]

@@DiscipleDojodon’t listen to this dude 👍🏼

[@SaneNoMore]

That SuperheroSeminary thing seems silly to me, but I still can’t agree the initial post. A few action figures doesn’t make a guy an apostate.

[@adriancarreira243]

Just one month left for that monetary equivalence to be outdated 🫡 God bless your ministry