Adventuring Through the Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to the Entire Bible

Adventuring Through the Bible

by Ray C. Stedman

The Old and New Testaments come together in a unique and captivating way to show how all parts of God's Word fit together.

Genres: Christian, Reference, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, Spirituality

832 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Raymond Charles Stedman was an evangelical Christian pastor and author. He was a long-time pastor of Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California, and author of several books.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not deep enough in parts to provide me with the study I was expecting, Stedman’s ‘Adventuring Through The Bible’ still gave me a fantastic preview of each book in the bible. Where I was expecting an in-depth look at each chapter, I instead got a summary outline for each of the 66 books. However, I appreciated having an overview of the time in which the events were occurring, the people involved in each chapter, and a timeline that allowed me to see what was happening before, at the same time, and after the events, I was going to study. It was important for me to have references to Bible era places with modern-day equivalents so that I could easily synchronize what I was reading with the geographical knowledge I already possessed. Likewise, I appreciated the insights into the religious and social customs of bible days. Of importance to me were the maps, timelines, illustrations because they enhanced my experience. I learned a lot about the Old Testament and the New Testament and how they complimented each other. Steadman is gifted in explaining the connections.

While not a one-stop-shop resource, this non-technical guide is a great resource for anyone starting to study the bible. The reading plans are some of the best I’ve seen and can be adjusted to a 2-year plan if readers are wanting to go at a slower pace.

I was gifted this advance copy by Ray C. Stedman, Our Daily Bread Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Flora · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 full stars because of the following:
1) First of all, it makes me want to get my Bible and read it! Why not – with sentences like this that stirs your curiosity and intrigue: “The book of Joshua tells the story of your life and mine. If you cannot find the parts of your life in the book of Joshua, you are not looking closely enough, because they’re all there.” I’m going to go through the book and see how many “That’s me, That’s me!” I can write in the margins;
2) It stirs up a sense of wonder. For example, the first sentence on the chapter on Exodus says: “When God wants to do something big, He starts with a baby.” I have never thought of it that way. It would be great to search the Bible to see where else He started with a baby. Christmas comes to mind immediately of course. In Exodus, it was Moses;
3) It is very easy reading, so much so that you can read it from cover to cover. The author often uses stories to illustrate a point, such as the one about his visit to a factory where everything seemed to be a chaotic mess, until someone gives you a guided tour. He said Leviticus is like that. No wonder I could never read Leviticus without scratching my head!
4) All the chapters are presented in a fixed format: First a timeline, then an overview of the whole book, then discussion questions, personal application and suggested further reading. All these are interspersed with pictures, a window with the chapter objectives, and a window showing the major themes of the books and the relevant references;
5) This will be a great companion for when you want to read the Bible through the year and want to have a good overview before you go into each book;
6) Because of the discussion and personal application questions at the back of each chapter, it will make for a good Bible study group guide.
I have not read through the whole book (it is over 900 pages long!) but I look forward to taking more time to find all the gems and gold nuggets that is in there!

[Retha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure!

Adventuring through the Bible is a great adventure through the greatest book ever written, the Bible.

Adventuring through the Bible does not replace the Bible, but is the perfect study aid for individuals and groups to be used alongside the Bible.

Revised (Revised edition 1 October 2012)
New resources and study helps are included with the revision of this helpful aid. This revised edition had greater readability and accuracy. Included is:
• Bible reading plans for one years, two years and in chronological order
• Timelines of the Biblical calendar events
• Lists, for example, 10 Gates of Jerusalem, Spiritual Gifts
• Study and discussion guide for every Bible book
• Personal Application
• Images, maps and charts

9 Parts
The titles of the 9 Parts of the Overview of the Bible inspire one to immediately go on this wonderful adventure. The Old Testament is overviewed in Parts 1-4 and the New Testament in Parts 5-9. The 9 Parts the Bible is divided into are:
1. A Panorama of the Scriptures – An overview of the Bible - Genesis through Revelation
2. Five Steps to Maturity – The books of Moses - Genesis through Deuteronomy
3. The Message of History – Applying the Historical Books - Joshua through Esther
4. Music to Live By – Old Testament Poetry - Job through Song of Songs
5. The Promises of God – The Prophetic Books – Isaiah through Malachi
6. Jesus – The Focus of Both Testaments – Jesus and His Church, Matthew through Acts
7. Letters from the Lord – Letters to the Church – Romans through Philemon
8. Keeping the Faith – All about Faith – Hebrews through Jude
9. Signs of the Times – The End – and a New Beginning, Revelation

Each Book
Chapters and sections are indicated with beautiful images of Israel. Each Book of the Bible has in addition to the content, a Timeline, Chapter Objectives, Outline, Discussion Questions and Personal Applications. The Discussion Questions and Personal Applications are Bible Study prompts on its own.

Apocrypha
Adventuring through the Bible is filled with information. There is also a chapter that discusses the Apocrypha, explaining what the Apocrypha is and why it is not considered inspired Word of God. The Apocrypha are historical text that shed light on history during the gap of 400 years between the two Testaments.

True Adventure
Adventuring through the Bible is truly an adventure, and like any adventure there are always more treasures and awesome discoveries to make and mysteries to unravel.

I highly recommend Adventuring through the Bible to every reader and Bible student. Whether you know nothing or a lot about the Bible, Adventuring through the Bible will encourage you to know more about the Bible and the Author, Jesus Christ our Savior.

Discovery House Publishers as part of their media review bloggers program provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review.

[Grace Esedeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw the earlier version of this book in my mother's library. Then I decided to check online to know if the book has a new edition. I found it on NetGallery and requested for it.
I read and compare the two versions. As I expected it will be, the new version is much expanded and enhanced, and a definite improvement over the earlier edition.
Adventuring Through the Bible is an excellent comprehensive guide to the Bible.
The author begins with a panorama of the scriptures and then goes ahead to group the Bible into eight(8) parts:
5 steps to maturity: Genesis through Deuteronomy
The message of History: Joshua through Esther.
Music to Live by: Job through Songs of Solomon
The promises of God: Isaiah through Malachi.
Jesus: the focus of both testaments, Matthew through Acts.
Letters from the Lord: Romans through Philemon
Keeping the Faith: Hebrews through Jude.
Signs of the times: the end and a new beginning--Revelation.
I love every aspect of this book. It is a great resource for studying the Bible, and gaining deeper understanding of the Bible. You can choose to use this book alongside your Bible while studying or you read his description and snapshot of the book you want to study before reading your Bible each day. However you choose to use it, this book is great resource for all. For me, I read about the book I want to study before beginning. This helps me to understand the context of the Scripture better.
This guide is a great tool and like a snapshot of each book of the Bible. It gives you a brief overview and great analogies of each book
The author is very thorough in his explanation of the Bible, book by book. The expanded edition which I have in an ebook format is loaded with maps and charts, discussion questions, life application and sidebars, as well as some beautiful color photographs of the Holy Land.
I love how the author describe how the old and new testament compliment each other.
The book has different Bible reading plans, that many readers will find very helpful if they are interested in reading the Bible in one year.
For a reader-friendly guide to the Bible, the average Bible reader will find Adventuring Through the Bible a useful addition to his or her library.
I feel this is a good resource for anyone wanting to learn about the bible, or just wanting to discover a new way to study it.
I would recommend this to libraries, churches, Pastors and individuals.
Buying this book will be a great addition and resource to your library and will come handy whenever you need it.
I received this book from the publisher through NETGALLERY for this review.
This review also appears Goodreads, Barnes and Nobles and Christian Books.

[Alley W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventuring through the Bible is full of a ton of background information about each book in the Bible. This book includes maps and also history that was taking place during the time period each book was written. I love the wealth of information that is found and how easily accessible it is to the reader making the process of learning enjoyable and accessible.

[Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray Stedman has managed to turn the reading and study of the Bible into an adventure. This collection of sermons journeys through all the books in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Each book is given its own chapter and each chapter starts with a timeline and a thematic summary of the contents which helps in understanding the original author’s train of thought. Add to that images and the studied words of the author, and you have a collection of sermons that fulfills the instructions:

Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

and

Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

At times the book is wordy, but that is more than made up for with the scriptural insights and knowledge of the author.
This book is not a quick read but one to chew on, savor and slowly digest over a period of time.
There is something in each chapter for both layman and preacher. It is a book to be read and reread and read again. It deserves a place on any bookshelf.

Thank you to Our Daily Bread Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent all the way through!

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words can't describe the power of this book. I have read the Holy Bible, and several books considered to be guides to reading and understanding it. This is by far the best of them.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great.

[Janet Steffen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great way to read the Bible with added details of all the chapters.

[Katherine Wacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his book, Adventuring Through the Bible, pastor, and author Ray C. Stedman, takes the reader on a journey through Scripture one book at a time. He examines each volume in its historical and biblical context. Stedman separates sections of God’s Word according to genre or function and breaks down each section with an introduction before examining each of the 66 books. This reference work is not an exhaustive study, but a basic primer to Scripture. It includes a biblical and historical timeline, an outline of every book, application questions at the end of each chapter, as well as maps, when helpful.
Adventuring Through the Bible 880-page-length may look intimidating but taken in bite-size portions, is very accessible. Stedman is a gifted communicator of biblical truth and makes Scripture easier to comprehend through helpful illustrations and anecdotes. This solid theological resource is meant to supplement the believer’s study of God’s Word and contains several Bible-reading plans at the end of the book. There may be some quibbles over Stedman’s interpretation of eschatological events among other things, but Adventuring Through the Bible is doctrinally sound. Although I would have preferred more historical detail and a deeper explanation of Scripture, Adventuring Through the Bible is a solid volume from which every believer can benefit.


I was given a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[David Gaiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I will go back to many times.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book, first of all, is packed full of information. I am seriously in love with this thing. It begins with a section entitled, “The Goal of God’s Word,” which immediately lights a fire in you to learn more about the Scriptures. The author talks about the richness of both the Old Testament and the New, and gives you an idea into why digging deeper into the Bible is so important. But for me, the test of any Bible guide or commentary, is how it handles the book of Leviticus.

Leviticus is quite possibly my favorite book in the entire Bible. (I can hear you groaning, people.) Seriously, the book is amazing. However, because it is so full of Biblical legal code, it tends to get overlooked and passed over quickly by most Bible guides. Which is why I use Leviticus as a test. I wanted to hug Ray C. Stedman for how he handled it. He begins by explaining why one needs to understand Leviticus. He states what the goal of Leviticus is. (Read Leviticus 20:26 to find out.) He outlines the structure of Leviticus, and then…quite possibly my favorite part…details how to approach Leviticus.

He then breaks it down further into two parts, and spends time discussing the key theme of Leviticus. I have watched lectures and classes on this amazing book in the Bible, and yet Ray C. Stedman was not only able to teach me things that I had never seen before about Leviticus, but gave me an even deeper understanding to the history and purpose of this great book of the Old Testament.

Adventuring Through the Bible is actually an updated version of an earlier edition. While I have not read the earlier edition, it is my understanding that this new version has some new features, which include:

*New Bible Reading Plans
*New Timelines
*New Topical Lists
*New Discussion Guides
*Personal Application Questions
*New Maps and Images

I would highly recommend this book to any Bible student. (And if you study your Bible, Friend, you are a Bible student.)

Bottom Line: Get it. Use it. Grow with it.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Discovery House Publishers for the honor and opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Adventuring through the Bible

Ray Stedman has managed to turn the reading and study of the Bible into an adventure. This collection of sermons journeys through all the books in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Each book is given its own chapter and each chapter starts with a timeline and a thematic summary of the contents which helps in understanding the original author's train of thought. Add to that images and the studied words of the author, and you have a collection of sermons that fulfills the instructions:

Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

and

Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

At times the book is wordy, but that is more than made up for with the scriptural insights and knowledge of the author.
This book is not a quick read but one to chew on, savor and slowly digest over a period of time.
There is something in each chapter for both layman and preacher. It is a book to be read and reread and read again. It deserves a place on any bookshelf.

Thank you to Our Daily Bread Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventuring Through the Bible
By Ray C. Stedman
Publisher: Our Daily Bread Publishing
Rated: 4
Obtain: Buy it
Back of the Book: “Understand the big picture of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation by walking step-by-step through each book of the Bible. This Home Edition of the Ray Stedman classic is an easy-to-use guide that brings out the historical background and spiritual message of Scripture. Ideal for personal application or small group study.”
Impressions: Impressions: Ok, I honestly did not read this entire book. Firstly and lastly because it is too much to read quickly. It is more of a book to read with your Bible slowly and intentionally. I am reading through the Bible this year so it was easy to look up the chapters where I was reading. I think that the beginning section is well said as well. I liked the timeline along the bottom of the pages as well as a structured outline of each book. I wished for more charts and maps in each section. The sections were brief but helpful in getting an idea of what the chapter was about and its relevance to the picture of the whole Bible. Overall this seems to be a resource to read along with your Bible. 
I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

[Michelle Dohring · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resource for your Bible studies. It is written in an easy way that helps you understand the different books of the Bible. Each chapter helps to explain how each part of the Bible fits together.

The information that is provided in each chapter is invaluable. This book is set up as a study outline that will guide you in your Bible studies. It gives you a wonderful overview of each book in the Bible. The background information that the author provides helps you to understand each book more clearly. The pictures included are beautiful. The pictures will enhance your overall enjoyment of this book.

Adventuring through the Bible is a book that is definitely useful for any Bible study. This is a resource that you will read and review again and again. One must understand that some of the points written in this book are the opinions of the author Ray C. Stedman. There are some scholars from other Christian religions that may disagree with some of this author’s statements. I do not agree with all his statements and conclusions. I do however recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain more insight to strengthen their Bible study.

[christianchicklit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Resource That Simplifies, Organizes and Makes The Bible Easy To Digest

What a terrific resource that provides a simple overview on each book of the Bible! There is an outline of each book, a timeline of key events, pictures and a general summary of each book of the Bible. Each chapter also includes discussion questions and personal applications for each book of the Bible that would make for a very interesting Bible Study discussion!!! A lot of planning and thought went into the development of this book which is actually a revision of an earlier edition. There are also five different reading plans to consider which will allow you to read the Bible in one year or two year’s time.

Great resource that provides a quick snapshot and overview of the different books and key issues in the Bible.

A free electronic copy of this book was provided to me by Discovery House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my fair and unbiased review of this book.

[❀Aimee❀ Just one more page... · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free digital copy for review.

This is a great reference book to have on hand. This is the 2012 edition.

At the beginning there is a history timeline that takes several pages. Throughout the book there are some beautiful color pictures of the Holy Land. Then there is an entire Bible overview, followed by the Old Testament overview. Each book of the Bible has just a few pages dedicated to it in this book.

Each book's chapter has some current life anecdotes, followed by themes and important aspects found within that book of the Bible. Main characters are introduced and real life applications are found at the end of each chapter.

At the end of the book are a variety of Bible reading plans.

If you don't yet have a good overall Bible reference book, this is a good one to invest in.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing tool and comprehensive guide for reading the Bible and would be the perfect read if you are new to the Bible and/or a great resource if you are already familiar with it. It’s a beautiful book with gorgeous color photos and maps. There are timelines throughout the book so you can understand the sequence in which events occurred, which is helpful because events in the Bible do not happen in chronological order. Paragraphs are separated into themes to make understanding easier and the author has created easy to follow outlines that point you to the location of the themes he’s discussing. I will be buying the physical copy of this book once it’s published because it’s definitely a book I want in my Bible study collection.

Thank you to Our Daily Bread Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very comprehensive and detailed resource book!

Adventuring Through the Bible was indeed thoughtfully put together and planned. This book serves as a rich guide to the Bible. It's not a book that lends itself to light reading, rather, it's a book meant to be appreciated at length. It will serve as a great stimulus for those wanting more details and depth in their personal Bible study program.

I must confess that the e-copy of this title was extremely overwhelming. I would have preferred a hard copy to review.

Additionally, I prefer the revised cover to the cover my e-copy wore. This one is more visually appealing and contemporary.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Options: Church resource library, Bible scholars, Biblical Education Ministries, Gift

[Phillip Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The updated version of Ray C. Stedman’s guide holds much information that is helpful to those of us that are far removed by time and distance from the periods in the Bible. There are timelines, pictures, breakdowns of both books and events, and so much more that can help you better understand what happened in the Bible.

The people that you have probably read and heard about numerous times are explained in ways that make them easy to relate to. The book is full of information but still very readable. It would be a great addition for anyone that is wanting to go more in-depth in studying the Bible.

I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the bible in its entirety last year and wish I had had this book alongside at the time.
It is a wonderful exposition of each of the books in the bible. First you have a large overview of the two testaments, then he reduces it to 5 categories in the Old and New Testaments and explains their relevance. He then shrinks in even further and looks at each of the books in turn. He relates the books in the Old Testament to our experience in Jesus and explains their significance for today. He then challenges us to explain what we have learnt through the questions at the end of each chapter.
I highly recommend this book.
ARC from NetGalley

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable tool:
This book provides an in-depth overview of the different books of the bible and I found it enlightening to reference the corresponding chapter before starting to read each new book when using my Bible in a Year reading plan. I found the timeline of biblical events with corresponding world events interesting and helpful. The only thing is I'd recommend getting a physical copy of this book as I had a digital copy and each time I had to scroll through all the pages from the beginning when I wanted to read a particular page.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Tamra LeValley · Rating 5 out of 5]

NetGalley Free Book

I could not download this book onto my computer so the author sent me a hard copy. It is the BEST book I could have ever received. I am now using it everytime I study the bible. It is so helpful for those many questions that I have.

It also makes the bible come alive even more. This book is so detailed and full of small particals of information and it also highlights the thoughts that I have had in some verses. I would suggest that everyone get a hard copy of this book to study your bible with.

[Bob Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally would not buy a survey through the bible, but this one caught my eye right away. It's a little more than just a survey. This book is a road map that has helped me think through the major themes of each book of the bible. I love word pictures and Mr Stedman is very good and giving just that. Great illustrations, a detailed overview of each book, highlighting the major themes and pointing you to the nitty gritty of the most amazing book ever written…the BIBLE!!

[Joanna M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I only read through the New Testament portion, this fantastic commentary provides excellent new insights into well-known Scriptures and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to begin a simple, in-depth study of the Bible.

[Miss]

I picked up this book in the church's bookfare and been using it as a bible guide, which it helps me to have an idea before I start a new charter in the bible or before my bible study. I can say that it has been helping hand to me.

[Isaiah the Ox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read his commentary on Matthew through Jude, but his commentaries were very thought-provoking, helping me understand the background of the book of the Bible as well as the information inside the book, including its connection with other books.

[Crissy Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful resource for the history of the Bible! I love the illustrations including pictures and maps to help the reader get a sense of life in Bible times! I would recommend this to families to further knowledge and understanding of the Word!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of major themes, including outlines of each book, with a focus on how the bible reveals Christ throughout, in the form of "symbols, shadows, types, rituals, sacrifices, and prophecies."