Bible Basics for Catholics (Expanded Edition): A New Picture of Salvation History

by John Bergsma, Scott Hahn (Foreword)

An easy-to-read, straightforward, and thorough look at the “big picture” of salvation history.Winner of a 2026 CMA Book Award from the Catholic Media Scripture - Series (Second Place).Do you feel overwhelmed by or guilty for not knowing the Bible better? Bible Basics for Catholics by award-winning scripture professor John Bergsma is here to change that. With more than 120,000 copies sold and 700-plus five-star Amazon reviews, this bestselling guide offers a clear, concise, and easy-to-understand walk through salvation history—from Adam and Eve to Jesus Christ—providing valuable insights to help you see how God’s love story unfolds in scripture.Drawing from his popular Principles of Biblical Study course at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Bergsma blends academic expertise, pastoral wisdom, and an unmistakable sense of humor to make complex ideas easy to understand—and even fun!This new and expanded edition features all of the original stick figures and drawings readers everywhere have come to know and love while adding new features that are especially useful in sharing this powerful message with your small group, parish, classroom, or family. Whether you’re exploring the Bible on your own or leading others in study, this edition offers valuable tools to deepen your understanding and faith. New features study questionsSeven-week program for small groupsCompanion videos for deeper understanding
Don’t let uncertainty about scripture hold you back. Discover the “big picture” of God’s love for his people and learn how this story becomes your own—helping you live out your Catholic faith with greater confidence and joy.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

About the author

Dr. John Bergsma is Associate Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Steubenville, Ohio. He holds the M.Div. and Th.M. degrees from Calvin Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and served as a Protestant pastor for four years before entering the Catholic Church in 2001 while pursuing a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He specialized in the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls, graduating with high honors in 2004. His major study of the interpretation of the Year of Jubilee in ancient times is published as The Jubilee from Leviticus to Qumran (Brill Academic, 2007). Dr. Bergsma’s articles, some co-authored with Dr. Scott Hahn, have appeared in several academic journals as well as Lay Witness, the magazine of Catholics United for the Faith. He has appeared as a guest on EWTN’s The Journey Home, Franciscan University Presents, and Relevant Radio’s Drew Mariani Show. Twice voted Faculty of the Year by graduating classes of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Dr. Bergsma is a popular teacher who inspires his students with a love of Scripture. He and his wife Dawn reside with their eight children in Steubenville, Ohio.


Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology - University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana)
Master of Theology (Th.M.) - Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) - Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Classical Languages - Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan)