Genesis 1 to 11: Creation, Sin, and the Nature of God

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

The first eleven chapters of the book of Genesis hold the keys to the beginning—but not so much as a history of the world or of the human race, but as a history of God's love, grace, and promise to his creations. In this study, pastor John MacArthur will guide you through an in-depth look at the creation story and some of our earliest interactions with each other and with our Creator. From the first murder to the first covenant, this study includes close-up examinations of Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, and Noah, as well as careful considerations of doctrinal themes such as "The Fall of Man" and "Heritage and Family." It's from this point that you'll find your footing to understand the rest of the Bible more easily. So much happens in these first eleven chapters, they need their own study. —ABOUT THE SERIES— The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates:

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 18, 2015

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Hudson Christmas · Rating 2 out of 5]

As it is clear from the title, Genesis 1-11 is a study book written by John MacArthur on the first section of the book of Genesis. Each chapter of the book includes a description of the passage or part of the section, as well as eight or nine questions per chapter to consider. Our student ministries group went through this book this semester. The study book had a number of good and encouraging observations from MacArthur, as well as a few great questions that really helped our conversations with the students. However, throughout the book MacArthur shoehorns in various topics that he wants to discuss, even if they do not have a lot to do with the actual section of Scripture. The self-love movement is a good example of this as it is inserted into half of the chapters in the book. Further, a good amount of the questions just did not interact with the text very much and seemed to be an afterthought (especially in the chapter on genealogies). All in all this is an okay resource for the first 11 chapters of Genesis, but for a study, especially with a youth group, there are probably better authors.

[Kelly Veatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice, little study about creation, Noah & the flood, and The Tower of Babel. I loved how MacArthur explained each section very thoroughly and offered additional information. I also thought the reflection questions were good and were relevant to our world today. I am going on to the 2nd book study for the book of Genesis.

[Dianne Ragland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary on the first eleven chapters of Genesis. I am reading and studying this with a Bible Study group. Genesis is the Book of beginnings.

[Brianna Justice · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I want to say that I do have respect for John MacArthur and his teaching. I think he is on point about many things scripturally.

However, there were several points that he brought up in this study that I didn’t agree with. It seemed to me that he was assuming things in the text that weren’t necessarily there. Maybe I misunderstood what he was saying. He also holds to a dispensational view. As I do not hold that view, there were several points I did not agree with him on.

While I may disagree with some of the things, I still things it can be helpful in understanding where we came from and how our people groups formed. He talks about how the scriptures point to creation in 6 days not millions of years. And obviously that Jesus is the promised Seed in Genesis that will unite the different nations.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is well written and easy to follow. I like the way it is divided into verses and he really goes in depth with the Bible. But, he makes a lot of claims (ie: science has proven this, archaeologists have found that) but does not follow up with any research or footnotes. I would have liked to know where these discoveries were so I could do more reading. Otherwise, it just feels like “take me at my word.” For this reason I will not be reading the remaining books of his for Genesis.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add this to your personal Bible reading

An excellent companion to your daily, personal Bible study. Makes you think; adds a depth of understanding that come from clear and direct logical thought and knowledge of the Bible.

[Douglas Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along with the crossway esv study bible, John Macarthur breaks down the first 11 chapters of the book of Genesis and explains what the verses meant to where it makes sense to Bible readers and theologians.

[Laura Liana · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you are wanting to dig deeper into Genesis this is not the study to do so. It’s more about learning MacArthurs personal opinions about modern society and his Biblical arguments against various social movements.

[F. Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love his bible study books

[Brian Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great exposition + study with a group

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would prefer that it didn't have the fill-in-the-blank sections. Other than that, amazing book.

[simone tessari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it

I learned so much reading this book I will continue reading the entire collection. Amazing way to explain the Word of our Lord I recommend it to everyone

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this version of study. Thought provoking and much self review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creation

Another great study completed. The ending summary is worth reading the entire book. I highly recommend.
I’m off to get the next book in this series.