Gospels & Acts: ESV Reader's Bible Volume V

ESV Reader's Bible, Six-Volume Set #5

by Anonymous

The ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set stems from the conviction that the Bible is of immeasurable value and should therefore be treasured—and read in the most seamless way possible. Constructed with materials carefully selected to reflect the beauty of God’s Word, the ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set is a unique collection designed for those desiring a cleaner, simpler Bible-reading experience. Printed on European book paper with smyth-sewn binding and packaged in an elegant slipcase, this edition features single column text that is free of all verse numbers, chapter numbers, and footnotes, as well as most section headings—resulting in a unique Bible-reading experience that helps readers encounter and delight in the beauty of God’s Word.

The Pentateuch: ESV Reader's Bible, Volume I
Historical Books: ESV Reader's Bible Volume II
Poetry: ESV Reader's Bible Volume III
Prophets: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IV
Gospels & Acts: ESV Reader's Bible Volume V
Epistles & Revelation: ESV Reader's Bible Volume VI
ESV Reader's Bible, Six-Volume Set

Genres: Theology, History, Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, New Testament, Religion

378 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Abby Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading the gospels and Acts without chapters and verses. Acts is particularly enjoyable this way

[Mitchell Traver · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all the familiarity I’ve had with the gospels, I’d never read them like this. Narratively, that is. Went in the order of probable composition (Mark, Matthew, Luke, John) with Acts coming right after Luke as a “part two” to his account. Read each gospel in one sitting, no chapters and verses, just the words on the page. It was truly a remarkable experience. A significant reminder that *how* we read has much to do with *what* we are able to see and learn.

[Neil Kruger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The literature type of the Gospels and Acts seem particularly suited to the format of the ESV Reader's Bible

[Bethany Mierski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be wonderful and refreshing way to read the Word. It surprised me how I enjoyed the verse markers removed for a change.

[Colleen McFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reader's Bible is a great way to read the stories in the Gospels. At times, it felt like a collection of stories since there were no headings. But for the most part, it was enjoyable to read about Christ's life as one uninterrupted narrative.

[Eric Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ESV reader's edition is a fantastic printing of a solid English translation of the Bible. The paper of these volumes is high quality and the binding is tight. Each book has a ribbon marker. My only complaint is that I can still faintly see some of the text on the other side of the page. It's a small distraction, but the purpose of this edition is to give the reader a distraction free reading experience. Spoiler alert, Christ is risen!

[Alexander Rolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alas, this translations falls prey to the modern mania for "peace to men of good will," instead of "peace on earth, good will to men." I think this enshrines a scribal error into scripture, makes no sense, and really mars the Christmas vibe. So if you have access to this volume, please emend it with an ink pen.

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The minimal formatting suited the Gospels & Acts, allowing the narrative to flow in longer sections rather than breaking the story every 5-10 verses. Reading these Reader's editions is reinforcing my dislike of the ubiquitous section headings in modern translations!

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arguably the most important pages ever written, no matter what you think of them. Reading them straight through really highlights the narrative momentum of each book, especially Acts, and leaves the reader reeling.

[LadySnowAngel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this format for reading the Bible.

[Joshua Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always forget how much I love the book of Acts - reading it in this format is perfect.

[Brent Leung · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ESV Reader's edition is truly a wonderful way to read God's word. Without the interruption of titles, chapters, and versus, it created a far more rich and deeper and focused experience.

[Cassia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of man who changes lives and worlds...

[Krolby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The New Testament is way easier to read and more accessible than most of the Hebrew Bible. Even though three gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke) are very similar to each other, reading it doesn't get boring. The Acts of the Apostles contains Paul's travels and disputes with the Jews. It's remarkable that the Romans didn't really care about the christians, only the Jews wanted Paul to get killed.

I want to point out that I think the Gospel of Matthew gave the most unlikeable Jesus. Sometimes he's really a jerk.

Example 1: Matthew 12:46-50.
"While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?' And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Example 2: Matthew 16:5-12.
"When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, 'Watch and obeware of pthe leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, 'We brought no bread.' But Jesus, aware of this, said, 'O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of wthe teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

Example 3: Matthew 15:21-28
"And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.' But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, 'Send her away, for she is crying out after us.' He answered, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' But she came and knelt before him, saying, 'Lord, help me.' And he answered, 'It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.' She said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.' Then Jesus answered her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.' And her daughter was healed instantly."

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant layout suited perfectly for the narrative form of the Gospels and Acts.
Crossway have done an excellent job with this multi-volume readers’ Bible. With only few headings throughout and without chapter or verse numbers, the stories of the Gospels and Acts flow smoothly in their narrative form. This format helps the reader immerse themselves in the story for bigger stints of reading, rather than constantly checking up on what chapter they’re up to. Highly recommend.