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A Chronological Tour Through the Bible
Travel Straight Through the Events of Scripture Imagine how your understanding of the Bible could grow if you knew how every part and player fit together on the stage of time!
Bible scholar Ron Rhodes, author of the popular book The End Times in Chronological Order, now presents a spectacular bird's-eye view of God's larger work—past, present, and future. You'll see... Are you ready to take the tour? Experience the wonder of knowing your Bible better—and let this inspire you to draw closer to God than ever before.
Bible scholar Ron Rhodes, author of the popular book The End Times in Chronological Order, now presents a spectacular bird's-eye view of God's larger work—past, present, and future. You'll see... Are you ready to take the tour? Experience the wonder of knowing your Bible better—and let this inspire you to draw closer to God than ever before.
416 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2018
138 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 6, 2018
The premise of this book is really interesting. Do you know the chronological order for the books of the Bible? When were the Prophets writing their books? When did David live? Wouldn’t it be neat to read the Books in the order that they were written? Rhodes helps us do just that in this book.
It gets you through the whole Bible in a year and so you read several chapters or a book each day. Each daily devotional starts with a reminder of what was read the day before, and then it moves on to a very brief summary of the high points of the day’s reading. At the most that section is only a few sentences long. To finish Rhodes picks one verse from the days reading to meditate on following up with a personal application question. It’s more like an introduction to the Bible than an actual study of the Bible so there is no deep discussion or careful study of anything.
Rhodes has divided the Bible into 9 sections or historical eras. I found the introduction to each of those sections to be the most interesting part of the book. It’s a quick overview of the dates of that era and the major events. It was very informative to see the dates arranged next to the major events of that year.
One thing I didn’t like was the way he chose to dodge the dating of the first few chapters of Genesis. He does teach that they are the literal history of the creation of the world and humanity. It’s just that he said that it happened in the “undated past”. I understand that there wasn’t much time to discuss any particular concept in detail, but he seemed unnecessarily vague. The Postscript was also a part I wasn’t really excited about. I’m not sure that one sentence can accurately summarize an entire book of the Bible. But again it is an introduction so he doesn’t really give us many details to work with.
I don’t want to leave a wrong impression. I didn’t dislike this book, but I didn’t really like it either. That could partly be because I had to read it in several long sittings instead of taking a day per section. But personally, I found it slightly annoying that the majority of each section just restated what we had just read in the Bible. Also because of the devotional format, the author extracted a single lesson from multiple chapters or whole books for daily meditation. They were good valid thoughts. I just found it hard to focus on his one thought while still trying to process what I had learned in the Bible. I can’t say I would recommend it for those reasons, but it might do more for others.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
It gets you through the whole Bible in a year and so you read several chapters or a book each day. Each daily devotional starts with a reminder of what was read the day before, and then it moves on to a very brief summary of the high points of the day’s reading. At the most that section is only a few sentences long. To finish Rhodes picks one verse from the days reading to meditate on following up with a personal application question. It’s more like an introduction to the Bible than an actual study of the Bible so there is no deep discussion or careful study of anything.
Rhodes has divided the Bible into 9 sections or historical eras. I found the introduction to each of those sections to be the most interesting part of the book. It’s a quick overview of the dates of that era and the major events. It was very informative to see the dates arranged next to the major events of that year.
One thing I didn’t like was the way he chose to dodge the dating of the first few chapters of Genesis. He does teach that they are the literal history of the creation of the world and humanity. It’s just that he said that it happened in the “undated past”. I understand that there wasn’t much time to discuss any particular concept in detail, but he seemed unnecessarily vague. The Postscript was also a part I wasn’t really excited about. I’m not sure that one sentence can accurately summarize an entire book of the Bible. But again it is an introduction so he doesn’t really give us many details to work with.
I don’t want to leave a wrong impression. I didn’t dislike this book, but I didn’t really like it either. That could partly be because I had to read it in several long sittings instead of taking a day per section. But personally, I found it slightly annoying that the majority of each section just restated what we had just read in the Bible. Also because of the devotional format, the author extracted a single lesson from multiple chapters or whole books for daily meditation. They were good valid thoughts. I just found it hard to focus on his one thought while still trying to process what I had learned in the Bible. I can’t say I would recommend it for those reasons, but it might do more for others.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
November 7, 2018
This book is a perfect guide for reading the Bible in one year. The reading plan is organized according to the (supposed) historical order in which the Biblical events took place and there's a reading for each day. Each day also gives a short overview over the concepts in the passage, how that passage connects to the greater principles of the Christian faith, highlights a special verse and has a question for reflection. The author also divides the Bible into several parts and there's an introduction for each part that summarizes the historical events in that time period and gives an overview on what to expect in this chapter.
I really like how this book is structured. The texts for each day are short and very precise and easy to understand. I think that this would be a perfect book for teenagers or for anyone that wants to read through the Bible maybe for the first time.
This book does not contain informations on how the events are historically proven and it does not open up big theological discussions and there were only very few instances where I didn't agree with the author. I think that he treats the events in Genesis as a literal account, but the book doesn't try to push it on the reader. This allows for the book to be used in many contexts.
And that is why I would recommend this book for almost any Christian that is looking for a good Bible reading plan.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really like how this book is structured. The texts for each day are short and very precise and easy to understand. I think that this would be a perfect book for teenagers or for anyone that wants to read through the Bible maybe for the first time.
This book does not contain informations on how the events are historically proven and it does not open up big theological discussions and there were only very few instances where I didn't agree with the author. I think that he treats the events in Genesis as a literal account, but the book doesn't try to push it on the reader. This allows for the book to be used in many contexts.
And that is why I would recommend this book for almost any Christian that is looking for a good Bible reading plan.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2020
This was an excellent devotional to help you meditate on the bible. After each passage, the author provides a key concept, summary, a principal to apply to your life, a verse for meditation, and a question to ponder. I love this format. It was so helpful in understand and retain the bible concepts.
My favorite devotionals are a short devotion for each day. It keeps me consistent with my readings. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a brief summary of where we left off. I found that helpful for the days I fell behind in my readings.
I highly recommend this bible devotional.
I received this galley from NetGalley.
My favorite devotionals are a short devotion for each day. It keeps me consistent with my readings. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a brief summary of where we left off. I found that helpful for the days I fell behind in my readings.
I highly recommend this bible devotional.
I received this galley from NetGalley.
January 17, 2019
When you read different books of the Bible, do you get confused about the order of events; for example, how the message of a prophet in one book fits into the timeline of activity recorded in another book? Or when and where the stories of Scripture took place and why it’s important to understand these details?
[Select the Chronological Bible reading plan on Bible Gateway]
Bible Gateway interviewed Dr. Ron Rhodes (@roncrhodes) about his book, A Chronological Tour Through the Bible (Harvest House Publishers, 2018). Read our interview with Dr. Ron Rhodes here: https://bit.ly/2FDUi3o
[Select the Chronological Bible reading plan on Bible Gateway]
Bible Gateway interviewed Dr. Ron Rhodes (@roncrhodes) about his book, A Chronological Tour Through the Bible (Harvest House Publishers, 2018). Read our interview with Dr. Ron Rhodes here: https://bit.ly/2FDUi3o
May 4, 2021
As a young Christian, I had a copy of Ron Rhodes', "Reasoning from the Scripture with the Jehovah's Witnesses". I wore it plum out. I was constantly chasing the neighborhood Russelites to debate. Boy, was I a brat.
When I saw this on sale, I had to grab it. If only out of respect for those old memories. Chronological Tour is designed to be read as a daily devotional, so of course I read straight through. It's fine, if familiar info.
When I saw this on sale, I had to grab it. If only out of respect for those old memories. Chronological Tour is designed to be read as a daily devotional, so of course I read straight through. It's fine, if familiar info.
December 15, 2020
Excellent, easy to read and very informative for both new and growing Christians, or anyone else who wants to get a better understanding of God's word.
August 11, 2022
Wonderful find!
A concise approach to working through the Bible. Excellent resource for new and mature Christians alike, to read through the Bible in a year.
A concise approach to working through the Bible. Excellent resource for new and mature Christians alike, to read through the Bible in a year.
July 17, 2018
A thoughtful and use book about the Bible and the way this complicated text works. I would gladly use this book as a resource for personal reference or as a Bible teacher.
August 8, 2018
A Chronological Tour Through the Bible was very well organized, easy to read with clear and concise information. This book is meant to be studied with your favorite Bible as a daily devotion with prayer and reflection. Chronological categories are divided into nine Eras of time from Era 1 Undated time - 1800 BC to Era 9 The Early Church 30 - 95 AD. The author gives descriptions, interpretation, applications, scripture readings, chronology based on history and archeological data. Each days chapter includes key concept, the big picture, transformational truth, a verse for meditation, and a question to ponder. Loved that the author prayed for each reader, suggested praying before each Bilble study and the postscript that lists key truths for every book of the Bible. I thought this book is an excellent guide for growth in a Christian‘s spiritual life. I think it would be perfect for personal use or even as a group study with a weekly discussion. My thanks to the author, the publisher and netgalley for making this book available to me to read and review.
August 20, 2018
5 stars
“Bible scholar Ron Rhodes, author of the popular book The End Times in Chronological Order, now presents a spectacular bird's-eye view of God's larger work—past, present, and future. You'll see.”
A Chronological Tour Through The Bible is an in-depth and easy to understand study of the entire Bible in 365 days. Each day has a long and a short Bible reading followed by a key concept, the big picture, the transformational truth, a verse for meditation and a question to ponder.
The format of this book is ideal for study alone or as a group. The various breakdowns of topics allow for an easier grasp of some of the harder to understand Biblical truths. I have been a daily Bible reader for 4 years, yet I learned so much from this book. Rhodes has a true gift in making the Bible easily understandable for all.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a deeper look into the Bible in an easy to understand and read manner.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#AChronologicalTourThroughTheBible #NetGalley
“Bible scholar Ron Rhodes, author of the popular book The End Times in Chronological Order, now presents a spectacular bird's-eye view of God's larger work—past, present, and future. You'll see.”
A Chronological Tour Through The Bible is an in-depth and easy to understand study of the entire Bible in 365 days. Each day has a long and a short Bible reading followed by a key concept, the big picture, the transformational truth, a verse for meditation and a question to ponder.
The format of this book is ideal for study alone or as a group. The various breakdowns of topics allow for an easier grasp of some of the harder to understand Biblical truths. I have been a daily Bible reader for 4 years, yet I learned so much from this book. Rhodes has a true gift in making the Bible easily understandable for all.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a deeper look into the Bible in an easy to understand and read manner.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#AChronologicalTourThroughTheBible #NetGalley
August 21, 2018
Mr. Rhodes has provided a 365-day devotional taking the reader through the entire Bible in chronological order. Readings are approximately of the same length (there are exceptions – some shorter some longer). The author makes no statement about whose chronology he has chosen to follow; but, rather, makes the following general statement, “My personal view is that so much study has been done on all this through the years that it’s now possible to put together a chronology with a strong confidence that we are ‘in the ballpark.’”
A typical entry will give a feel for each entry:
The entries are divided into five sections:
1. Key concepts
2. The big picture
3. Transformational truth
4. A verse for meditation
5. A question to ponder
Though the entries do answer the questions, they are brief. Having a decent one volume commentary at hand while reading each selection might help might fill in gaps created by the brief entries.
Having traveled through the Scriptures chronologically, the book ends with a very quick synopsis of each book of the Bible in canonical order.
The book should have a place on the bookshelf of any believer trying to find a fresh way to read through the Bible. Changing the order of the reading (which is not considered to be inerrant) may open up new insights to the meaning and purpose of the scriptures. This text would also have a place on the reading shelf of the Bible student – whether in college or seminary – seeking to understand the whole of God’s word.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.
A typical entry will give a feel for each entry:
The entries are divided into five sections:
1. Key concepts
2. The big picture
3. Transformational truth
4. A verse for meditation
5. A question to ponder
Though the entries do answer the questions, they are brief. Having a decent one volume commentary at hand while reading each selection might help might fill in gaps created by the brief entries.
Having traveled through the Scriptures chronologically, the book ends with a very quick synopsis of each book of the Bible in canonical order.
The book should have a place on the bookshelf of any believer trying to find a fresh way to read through the Bible. Changing the order of the reading (which is not considered to be inerrant) may open up new insights to the meaning and purpose of the scriptures. This text would also have a place on the reading shelf of the Bible student – whether in college or seminary – seeking to understand the whole of God’s word.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.
August 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! It can be very easy in chronological-style books to get lost and even overwhelmed by all the information. I did not have that issue with this book! The author does an extraordinary job of breaking down the pertinent information for each day's reading. It was easy to read and I highly recommend it.
October 17, 2018
Pretty cool book. It's good to see the Bible in chronological context to get a better picture of what's going on. The information in the various books is tied together as there can be overlaps, especially in the synoptic gospels.
This book lends itself well to daily reading. There is a section "The Creation and the Fall" for example, with Bible verses to read, followed by the key concept, the big picture, a transformational truth, a verse for meditation, and a question to ponder..
I've gotten a lot of gems out of this book and it's particularly useful right now as I'm studying Exodus in a Bible study group.. It's not a deep study by any means and perfect for someone who wants to get a better picture of what the Bible's all about.
I would recommend this book to a new Christian or someone who wants a good overview of the Bible.
Thanks so much to the publisher and Net Galley for giving me the privilege of reviewing this book.
This book lends itself well to daily reading. There is a section "The Creation and the Fall" for example, with Bible verses to read, followed by the key concept, the big picture, a transformational truth, a verse for meditation, and a question to ponder..
I've gotten a lot of gems out of this book and it's particularly useful right now as I'm studying Exodus in a Bible study group.. It's not a deep study by any means and perfect for someone who wants to get a better picture of what the Bible's all about.
I would recommend this book to a new Christian or someone who wants a good overview of the Bible.
Thanks so much to the publisher and Net Galley for giving me the privilege of reviewing this book.
October 17, 2018
This book is an excellent resource to use as a study guide for Bible readers. It helps clarify events in an understandable timeline for as they occurred in the Bible. Not a book you can read quickly, should be used in conjunction with regular daily Bible study.
October 24, 2018
What I like most about Ron Rhodes’ A Chronological Tour Through the Bible are the 5 sections for each passage he covers, such as the key concept, the big picture, transformational truth, a verse for meditation, and a question to ponder. Rhodes also covers 9 Era’s of the bible starting with Era 1 - Beginnings (the updated past to 1800 bc) to Era 9 - The Early church (AD 30-95).
You get it all from start to finish in a chronological order that makes sense including the many Jewish traditions. This really helps to get a better understanding as to the decision making occurring throughout the bible. It also provides a context from which to see the importance of certain events or activities regarding the Jewish people of this time. Rhodes also tells you who wrote each book and the estimated year it was written. It really is a great resource for your biblical studies and for having a more well-rounded understanding of biblical history. You will certainly learn something new by reading this book!
You get it all from start to finish in a chronological order that makes sense including the many Jewish traditions. This really helps to get a better understanding as to the decision making occurring throughout the bible. It also provides a context from which to see the importance of certain events or activities regarding the Jewish people of this time. Rhodes also tells you who wrote each book and the estimated year it was written. It really is a great resource for your biblical studies and for having a more well-rounded understanding of biblical history. You will certainly learn something new by reading this book!
October 24, 2018
Whenever I review books on this topic, I look at how the author treats key passages in the Bible. I know that everyone will not agree on everything but there are some areas where there should be like minds. This author did not meet that standard. In key passages like Genesis 3, John 3, and John 14 to name a few, the author went pass the critical points in such a way that I thought I had missed them. So, I went back to make sure and realized that I was right—he glossed over them in a way that made me feel disappointed and a sense of loss. All of that made me lose the desire to continue reading. I will not buy this book in its present state nor will I advise my friends to do so.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley. However, the thoughts expressed are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley. However, the thoughts expressed are my own.
November 5, 2018
If you, like me, have tried to read the books of the Bible in a chronological order, you have probably had to flick about and research a lot! The power of reading the chapters in time sequence goes without question. It gives context to the happenings and integrates what happens, psalms have more meaning, how Jonah fits into the bigger historical story and so on.
In addition to this unbelievably helpful part of A chronological tour through the Bible, Ron Rhodes highlights five aspects each day coinciding with the interlinking verses. He shares the key concept, the big picture, a transformational truth, a verse for meditation and a question to ponder. The Bible readings plus this takes on average 5 minutes so it’s perfect for a once-a-day check in which will get you through the entire Bible in 365.
Given it’s length (it’s a year’s journey to do it properly), I read sections of it and intend to read it fully as the year continues. The overarching descriptions about each era are insightful and the timelines are particularly helpful. In the postscript, each book of the Bible is summarised in a sentence.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 25% I’ve completed and highly recommend it as a way to read the Bible start to finish as well as a resource book. It’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.
In addition to this unbelievably helpful part of A chronological tour through the Bible, Ron Rhodes highlights five aspects each day coinciding with the interlinking verses. He shares the key concept, the big picture, a transformational truth, a verse for meditation and a question to ponder. The Bible readings plus this takes on average 5 minutes so it’s perfect for a once-a-day check in which will get you through the entire Bible in 365.
Given it’s length (it’s a year’s journey to do it properly), I read sections of it and intend to read it fully as the year continues. The overarching descriptions about each era are insightful and the timelines are particularly helpful. In the postscript, each book of the Bible is summarised in a sentence.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 25% I’ve completed and highly recommend it as a way to read the Bible start to finish as well as a resource book. It’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews