ESV Story of Redemption Bible: A Journey through the Unfolding Promises of God

by Anonymous

Includes nearly 900 notes of conversational commentary from Pastor Greg Gilbert highlighting the unfolding promises of God from Genesis to Revelation. “How I wish I had had a Bible like this a long time ago―a Bible that briefly yet clearly sets each passage of Scripture in the context of the larger story of the Bible.” ―Nancy Guthrie, author and speaker The Bible is the epic story of the unfolding plan of God over the course of the history of the world.  The  ESV Story of Redemption A Journey through the Unfolding Promises of God  leads readers on a journey through this storyline from start to finish, with conversational commentary written by pastor Greg Gilbert interspersed throughout the full ESV text.  With the aim of encouraging interaction and contemplation passage by passage, Gilbert explains how every part of Scripture fits together and is ultimately centered on Christ. Particularly suitable to those who are new to the Bible but rich with insights for even the most seasoned Bible reader, the  ESV Story of Redemption Bible  will draw readers in as they see their place in the greatest story ever told. 

Genres: Christian, Faith

1920 pages, Hardcover

Published September 21, 2018

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

[Brian Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through this Bible (with the notes) in 2023. The notes by Greg Gilbert are interspersed at key points to help you grasp the flow of Scripture. It's like reading the Bible with your pastor and whenever you get lost your pastor says, "So here's what's happening in this chapter." I highly recommend it!

[Sarah Harelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilbert’s conversational but educational commentary interspersed throughout the text kept my attentions on the greater Biblical narrative (when it was easy to be lost in the weeds) and provided a very warm, and at times humorous, experience reading start to finish through God’s word (w/ Every Word) a second time. Highly highly highly recommend this version of the ESV if you appreciate context and are intimidated by understanding the Biblical narrative as a whole!

[Stefanie Sugia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ESV Story of Redemption Bible is an exquisite new addition to the Crossway Bible collection. I got an amazing privilege of being sent a copy for review by Crossway, and I am amazed by the intricate details of this Bible edition. There is something especially unique that makes this Bible quite different than the other ones. In this ESV Story of Redemption Bible there are 897 notes/commentary written by Pastor Greg Gilbert that explains how every part of Scripture fits together and is ultimately centered on Christ. I've read the whole Bible several times, and each time I always some parts of the Bible that are difficult to understand. That's why I'm really excited to start reading this version of the Bible because there are various maps, illustrations, and timelines that will help us gain new perspective on the whole story of redemption.

"It is no exaggeration to say that the Bible is the most sweeping and engrossing and enthralling epic ever written. It spans the entire history of humanity, from Adam’s first breath in the garden of Eden to the final song of the redeemed in eternity.
It tells of kings crowned and deposed, nations created and destroyed, dynasties raised up and brought to the ground. Armies clash, cities rise and fall, priests sing and sacrifice, and prophets point to the future.
And through it all—through the triumphs, the defeats, the rejoicing and weeping of ordinary men and women—God is carrying out, step by step, his mind-blowing plan to save mankind from destruction."

First of all, I'm going to review the overall presentation of this Bible 😍. Crossway sent me the hardcover edition, which has gold engraving on the jacket. All of the illustrations have intricate designs that are consistent throughout the whole Bible and most of them are printed in gold color, which makes it looks very elegant. I love the fact that the illustrations doesn't only serve as decorations, but each of the title illustrations have specific meanings. The second thing that I'd like to mention is how much I love the layout of the Bible. It's printed in a single column and I think the font size is also considerable bigger than usual—which makes me feel like reading a book rather than the traditional two-column Bible. I also really appreciate the margin on the sides which gives a lot of room for me to take notes 😊. The pages are cream-colored and very smooth to write on.



In this Bible, there are 80+ maps and illustrations that will help us understand and have a visual presentation of what it was like in those days. I think one of the biggest hurdles of Bible reading is the fact that we're not living in the same era as the people in the Bible, thus we struggled to understand the cultural background that surrounds the whole story. Since I'm also a very visual person, these additional information certainly encouraged me to do my own personal Bible study 😊. There are also introductions at the beginning of each book in the Bible, which gives a brief explanation of what the book is going to be about. These introductions keeps the flow of the story and reminds us the connection between one book and the next one. It's a really good way to refresh our memory of what happened in the previous book and continue on with the story.

As I've said earlier, the main addition in this Bible edition is the notes/commentary written by Pastor Greg Gilbert. These notes reminds us the progression of the whole story, explaining some of the cultural elements, and points out key events that we need to remember. The commentaries are written in a conversational style, so it kind of feels like someone is reading the Bible alongside us; giving us the knowledge that we need to fully understand the context of what we're reading.




At the back of the Bible there's an Index of Title Illustrations , which explains the meaning of the illustration for each book in the Bible. And there's also the Story of Redemption Timeline , that begins from Creation until the time of New Heavens and a New Earth. If you want to read more about the timeline, Crossway posted an infographic article that you can read here. In between those two, a section called Daily Bible Reading Plans provides two options: chronological order or canonical order reading plan—in which you will be able to read through the entire text of Scripture in one year. I am excited to try reading the Bible in chronological again (I did it 2 years ago), because right now I'm finishing up the Old and New Testament reading plan 😊.

Receiving this copy of ESV Story of Redemption Bible gives me an excitement to study the Bible more because I know how amazing the story of redemption is. I'm looking forward to writing reflections on the Bible and how my perspective changed as I'm reading it from start to finish. I am also encouraged to go back to reading a physical Bible instead of reading the Bible on my phone (which I've done for the past 2-3 years). Taking my time to sit down and read a physical Bible gives me the opportunity to stop and reflect on God's Word without being distracted 💓. Overall, I am amazed by the hard work that's been put to publish this beautiful edition of the Bible. I would totally recommend this book for those of you who are reading the Bible for the first time, or for those who have read the Bible several times but still craves to know more and deeper, like me 😉.

[ This book is received as a review copy from Crossway ]

Read the full review here:
http://www.thebookielooker.com/2018/1...

[Kym Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Year’s resolution -read this book cover to cover. It should be on your bucket list of things to do in your life.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the ESV Story of Redemption Bible as a Christmas present in 2018. I wasn't planning on giving into temptation and buying a new Bible--at least not this Bible/this translation. A few things persuaded me that this one was "necessary."

I love the cream-colored paper. It was easy on the eyes. The color of the paper and perhaps the layout of the text made for less bleed-through. It would be an exaggeration to say that it eliminated it completely. But it was so much better than the average Bible that has been sold in the past ten to twelve years.

I love the fact that it is single column. Some people love, love, love double columns. I don't dislike double columns. But if given a choice, I lean towards single column text.

It is black letter and not red letter. Of course, most ESV Bibles are black letter. (That's one reason I have so very many ESV Bibles about.)

This Bible features light commentary. This commentary is distinct from the text of the Bible itself. It is inserted into the single column of the Bible text. (As opposed to notes or commentary being found at the bottom of the page or at the side of the page in boxes.)

It also features a chronological overview of the Bible. This is found as a table in the front of the Bible but also within the commentary.

There are a handful of maps and illustrations. (But I don't pay any attention to this type of bonus material.)

If this particular Bible has weaknesses...

It would be the fact that the text is on the smaller side. The cream-colored paper helped my eye strain some. But I still would have preferred a larger font. Perhaps not huge, but at least slightly larger.

It would be the fact that this Bible is HEAVY. This is a weighty Bible to carry around. And its weight makes it harder to hold up. A larger font would have made it even longer and therefore heavier.

I used this one for the Bible in 90 Days project that I started on December 26, 2018.

[Audra Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://audrasbookblabbing.wordpress....

Crossway describes this study bible as, "The ESV Story of Redemption Bible: A Journey through the Unfolding Promises of God leads readers on a journey through this storyline from start to finish, with conversational commentary written by pastor Greg Gilbert interspersed throughout the full ESV text. With the aim of encouraging interaction and contemplation passage by passage, Gilbert explains how every part of Scripture fits together and is ultimately centered on Christ. Particularly suitable to those who are new to the Bible but rich with insights for even the most seasoned Bible reader."

The function of the bible confused me a little at the beginning, but the more I read, the more I understood. I love how everything in this bible is focused on chronological order. It recommends a different order to reading the scriptures than I am used to, but it keeps you focused on the story line.

The commentary is almost a play-by-play of the bible. It is slightly odd, but definitely well-suited for a bible newbie. I felt like it was trying to make the bible stories even more epic. I could see how people would really enjoy it.

One thing I didn't like was commentary placement. Sections of the commentary were randomly scattered on the page. Sometimes it was hard to tell what was scripture and what wasn't.

This is a great study bible for people who are new to the bible. It keeps you invested and intrigued in the story, helps to outline the main points, and ultimately leads you to the focus of the bible: Jesus.

~I was sent a free copy of this book from Crossway for an honest review~

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Bible is rather unique in that instead of having study notes or references it contains the story of redemption and how each book of the Bible lays out God's redemptive plan. The notes are arranged to keep the greater story in mind while the reader is reading the smaller stories that make up God's overarching plan.

I really enjoyed this feature as it weaves God's love for humanity from start to finish and links stories together that may be read as non-connecting narratives instead of narratives in a greater scheme. All of Scripture points to Christ and this can be overlooked if one is not careful to understand how each story builds on another that will one day culminate in the glorious reign of Christ.

*I received a review copy for my honest assessment of this Bible.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the month of December, I decided to join author Tony Reinke’s #IsaiahChristmas Bible reading plan. I was also reading through the Gospel of John. When I saw the ESV Story of Redemption Bible was available to review, it was the perfect opportunity to help me get through my reading. I wouldn’t be reading from a digital screen. I would be reading a beautiful book.

A Bible You Will Want To Read

I was excited to do my daily readings in this Bible. It felt solid in my hands, but I was gentle with each page turn because they were so pleasant to look at. On my desk, the Bible laid flat when open. The Bible proved to be a bit heavy for me while pacing the room while reading. But when I read on the couch, it rested comfortably on my lap. I even took it to bed one night and I read well.

The black text on the cream-colored paper is easy on the eyes. With a type size of 9.25 for the Bible text and 8.5 for the notes, I did not have to wear my glasses or strain my eyes to read. The single column layout was refreshing, and the extremely minimal use of footnotes and lack of cross-references helped my flow of reading. My personal devotions were enhanced because I looked forward to holding this Bible in my hands and seeing the text. I was able to focus without distraction.

A Pastor As Your Personal Guide

Here is Crossway’s official author bio on Greg Gilbert: Greg Gilbert (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is senior pastor at Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author of What Is the Gospel?, James: A 12-Week Study, and Who Is Jesus?, and is the co-author (with Kevin DeYoung) of What Is the Mission of the Church?

The notes are written from a pastoral perspective. The tone is kind and trustworthy. Gilbert acts as your personal guide, and I found his notes to be placed at just the right breaks in the text. When I started reading Isaiah, the book introduction helped set the story with enough background to whet my appetite. The notes in the Gospel of John were equally impressive, helping me make sense of the theological themes in the text. They are not study notes. Rather, they are markers to keep you on track with the story. I even used the notes in Isaiah to help me confidently explain the context while teaching my 11th-Grade Sunday School class.

A Beautiful Bible For A Beautiful Story

This is truly a beautiful Bible. It has the physical weight and artistic flourishes that you would expect from a book that houses the story of redemption. The Index of Title Illustrations is equally elegant and helpful. The foldout Story of Redemption Timeline is exquisite, but also a fun surprise to find. As a music leader and artist, I appreciate the design details. It is inspiring to read and it inspires me to create art that is just as beautiful as the design of this book.

This Christmas will be a bit difficult due to some personal reasons for my family. Reading through Isaiah and John with this specific Bible reminded me of the beautiful story of redemption and how God continues to work all things for our good and his glory.

Crossway has provided me with a complimentary copy of the ESV Story of Redemption Bible through their Blog Review Program.

[Nathan Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The running commentary notes are GREAT!!

[Tim Elmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossway’s Story of Redemption Bible is one of the most exciting books that I have received in quite some time. For a couple of years now, there has been a great trend toward the beautification of Bibles. This work is among the leaders of this trend. The artwork is simple and elegant. The off-white pages are line matched in a way that generally only appears in premium Bibles. The black text is offset by subtle gold accents in the artwork, chapter numbering, and headers. The cover thoughtfully portrays the redemptive narrative by depicting the four markers of Scripture as the creation, the fall, the cross, and the kingdom. More than a Bible to be seen, this is a Bible to be read.

This Bible is made for the reader over the referencer. That is to say, the design of this Bible is made for those who are going to sit down and consume large portions of Scripture at a time. It comes with multiple recommended reading plans and a beautifully illustrated timeline of Scripture. The notes are not your traditional footnotes. They are reading prompts that guide the reader’s expectation into the next section. These notes are very well thought out and very helpful. The stated goal of the ESV Story of Redemption Bible is to provide “running notes that serve as a sort of tour guide for the reader’s journey through this amazing book.” That goal is well achieved.

As our podcast (in&through podcast) leads readers through the Bible in 2020, this will be my primary reader, and I will enthusiastically recommend it to you as well.

[R. Alex Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever struggled to trace the story of the Bible from beginning to end? Following the story of the Bible seems easy enough at first, but the further you get into the Bible, the harder it is to keep track of the story. The ESV Story of Redemption Bible seeks to offer a solution to that problem. This new Bible offers running notes interspersed throughout the biblical text that help readers see how that particular passage ties in with the rest of Scripture and how it fits into God’s plan of redemption. Let me give you some pros and cons of this Bible. We’ll start with the cons.

The biggest con of this Bible is the thin pages. As you’re trying to read a passage on one page, the words from another page bleed through. Further, if you’re the type of person who likes to mark-up your Bibles, you’ll have a hard time doing that with this Bible. Any pen markings or highlighting will bleed through easily and inhibit your ability to read following pages. Another, but less notable, con has to do with the running notes. Having interspersed running notes throughout the biblical text is a good idea, but they need to be more distinguishable from the text itself. The notes are technically separated by a thin line before and after the note, but that line is easy to miss. Also, the notes themselves need to be in a different font (or at least in bold or italics) so as to be more distinguished from the biblical passage; however, as it is, the notes are in the same font and basically the same font size as the passage, making the notes hard to distinguish. One final con worth mentioning is the scarcity of notes in the wisdom literature books. After reading this Bible up to the point of the wisdom literature books and encountering running notes on almost every pages, the lack of notes within the wisdom books is jarring. You come to expect notes on almost every page, so the scarcity of notes stands out. The scarcity of notes also gives the unintended impression that the wisdom books don’t tie in with the story of redemption, which of course is not true. Now, on to the pros.

The biggest pro of this Bible is that it accomplishes its intended purpose. The aim of this Bible is to give readers a greater understanding of the overarching storyline of Scripture, and it does just that. Pastor Greg Gilbert offers hundreds of running notes, written in a conversational style that’s easy for any person to understand. These notes, and this Bible in general, differ from the notes of a study Bible. Study Bibles offer in-depth commentary on every page. The commentaries are often technical and contain background information as well as linguistic information. The notes in this Bible, however, are not technical and have the specific purpose of connecting passages to the grand storyline of the Bible as well as God’s plan of redemption. Another pro related to the running notes is the helpful reading suggestions. For example, as readers read the historical books of the Bible, the notes often mention which prophet was prophesying at that given time and point readers to the specific prophetic books that relate to what’s going on in the historical book. For instance, as readers read 2 Kings 17 (the fall of Israel), the running notes inform that the prophets Amos, Hosea, and Micah were prophesying during this time and direct readers to the exact page in the Bible to begin reading those prophets and their message during the time of Israel’s fall.

Another pro are the interspersed maps and illustrations throughout the Bible. Most modern Bibles come with maps in the back, and almost all study Bibles have maps in the back as well as occasional maps or illustrations. However, this Bible has no maps in the back. Instead, the maps are interspersed throughout the Bible in key locations that help readers become familiar with the geography of a particular time period and of a particular passage. Maps aren’t all this Bible offers readers though. It also includes numerous helpful illustrations that help readers visualize various things described in the Bible. One particular example is in Exodus 26-the tabernacle tent. This Bible offers a helpful illustration of what the tabernacle tent actually would have looked like, depicting the arrangement of the tent according to the biblical descriptions. If you’re a visual learner, then these illustrations will definitely help you. Though there are no maps in the back, there is a helpful fold out timeline that uses illustrations that put key biblical moments on a timeline to help readers get a better sense of not only the storyline of Scripture but also a sense of the specific time in history that biblical events took place. Also included in the back are two Bible reading plans: one is a chronological reading plan and the other is a canonical reading plan. The chronological reading plan helps readers read through the Bible following the chronological plan of redemption. The canonical reading plan helps readers read through the Bible in canonical order.

Any believer will find this Bible helpful. However, if you are especially wanting to be able to understand the Bible better, connect the various books of the Bible better, follow the grand storyline of the Bible better, and understand God’s unfolding plan of redemption better, then this Bible is for you. I highly recommend this Bible.

Crossway has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program.

[David Couch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible is the grand, sweeping story of the unfolding plan of God throughout the history of the world.

Those are the words on the back of the new ESV Story of Redemption Bible, and these are words that we need to remember today. Many people have lost the idea of scripture as the story of the unfolding plan of God. Instead, we know select verses, and perhaps the name of the some of the books. But how do they all fit together?

Crossway has been on a mission it seems to tie the Bible back together for us. With their series in ‘Shorter Studies in Biblical Theology’, to their publishing of larger tomes like ‘Kingdom Through Covenant’, this publisher has been doing a lot to take a glance at the forest, instead of the trees.

So here comes the ESV Story of Redemption Bible – a Bible that is designed to be read as one story. This is a step on from the readers edition, so we have verses and numbers, but it also helps in a number of ways to keep everything tied together.

Looks
The first thing that needs to be said about this Bible is that it is gorgeous. The designers have done a brilliant job with it. Since I saw the preview images I was looking forward to it, and when I opened the box it didn’t disappoint. I’d love to see a leather bound version of it, which I reckon looks even better (a Christmas present maybe? Hint hint!)

The text is printed in a larger font than usual – but not too noticeably. And it’s also printed in a single column. The emphasis on this being one story has been taken and applied throughout. You feel like you are reading a book rather than a traditional Bible. The verse numbers and chapter headings are still there, which does differentiate if from the readers edition. The text is also black throughout (no red letters) which I appreciate when I buy Bibles for myself.

The text is also printed onto premium cream-coloured paper. This makes it easier to read, and surprisingly does make a difference. It does also add a premium finish to the whole Bible as a whole.

Crossway have also teamed up with Peter Voth – who is an extremely talented illustrator (just check out his portfolio for more proof of that). He has provided the illustrations for the cover, and each Bible book. My wife and I spent a few moments when this Bible arrived, exploring the different illustrations. In the back is a guide as to what each illustration is, and the theme from the book that has been picked up.

The illustrations only appear at the start of each Bible book, and only then appear rarely, so this isn’t like a Good News Bible (with pictures throughout). There are illustrations of key locations, updated maps, and when you get to the final page, there is a timeline with more gorgeous artwork. Each illustration is also printed in a monotone gold, which just adds to the class.

Content
Since this is a printing of the English Standard Version of the Bible, you know you are getting a reliable English translation. To have it laid out in single column, and on cream premium paper, does make the text much easier to read.

What’s new in the content section though is the 900 notes by Greg Gilbert, which sit in the middle of the text. These remind you of where we are in the story, any key moments we need to remember, and any tips for the upcoming section. The editors have done a good job at making these not feel too jarring as you read the text, and theological biases have been kept to a minimum.

There are also all-new book introductions for each of the Bible books. These, as far as I am aware, have not been included in any other ESV Bible so far, so it was interested to read and compare them. The emphasis in these introductions is to keep the flow of the story going, so for example, the introduction to Ezra reminds us that the book picks up immediately after the end of 2 Chronicles.

When I first heard of the Story of Redemption Bible I imagined the notes would be similar in style to the ESV Study Bible – so appearing as footnotes, and connecting Bible passages together. I would still appreciate a Bible that does this, but this works well. We are beginning a Bible Overview as a church in the next few months, and I am excited to use this particular Bible in that arena.

Conclusion
I hope it has come across that I am very impressed by the work that has been put into this edition of the Bible. The level of notes helps those new to the Bible, or those who’ve read it for years, to grasp a better understanding of the one story of redemption. I would love to see an edition printed with the original canonical order, which aids the story feel – but that’s just a geek’s wish really!

I recommend this Bible for people who want to read their way through the entire Bible for the first time, or maybe the hundredth. As I said, I plan to make lots of use of this over the next year during our churches Bible Overview series. It is easy to read, and it looks good too. And with a reliable translation of the text, what more could you want?

Thanks for Crossway for sending me a complimentary copy of the ESV Story of Redemption Bible for review. The views in this review are my own and are not influenced in anyway by Crossway Books.

[Tomsugi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ESV Story of Redemption Bible is a beautiful new addition to the Crossway collection. It is visually attractive with black and gold lettering on high-quality cream-colored paper. This Bible is the weight of a typical pew Bible and provides ample space in the margins for note-taking. The preface provides special notes designed to help the beginning reader and the appendices include two separate read-the-Bible-in-a-year plans: one chronological according to the salvation history followed in this Bible and the other in canonical order. The index of title illustrations depicts each book of the Bible in pictorial form with a short paragraph summarizing the main theme. These images are too complex for the reader to reproduce, but are helpful visual cues when reading through this Bible. The fold-out timeline is a useful reference tool for viewing salvation history at a glance. This Bible also includes more than 80 maps, illustrations, and timelines and almost 900 notes from pastor Greg Gilbert. Gilbert writes in a conversational style like an experienced guide leading tourists through the land of salvation history. He pays special attention to providing an overview of each book of the Bible and highlighting points of transition. I appreciated the biblical basis of these notes from a faithful pastor and the focus on Christ throughout biblical history.

I chose to review this Bible’s notes on the book of Isaiah through which I have recently preached. The opening introduction provides basic historical and contextual information. These notes were helpful for orienting the reader, but were less-detailed than the ESV Study Bible or a typical Old Testament introduction. Gilbert notes three divisions in the book: the Book of the Divine King (chapters 1-37), the Book of the Suffering Servant (chapters 38-55), and the Book of the Anointed Conqueror (chapters 56-66). He then presents chapters 1-5 as the summary introduction of the whole book. A reader following the daily reading plan would only read chapters 1-4 because the plan is separated by length of material as opposed to the natural sections of each book. The suggested reading plan would be more effective if it made a greater effort to follow the natural section breaks.
After chapters 1-5, Gilbert alerts the reader to review a key point in 5:26-30. He uses this to show the transition into Isaiah’s calling to prophetic ministry in chapter 6. These notes at key points of transition and at difficult passages were the most helpful elements of this Bible. Sometimes Gilbert uses discussion questions to show the reader important points to ask in an upcoming section. Then like a tour guide, he stops the reader at panoramic vistas such as the salvation of the Gentiles (ch. 19) and at glimpses of Christ, the coming King. In chapters 38-55, he focuses mainly on the Servant Songs in Isaiah. Then in 59:14-63:6, he introduces a new character, the anointed conqueror. Periodically, as in chapter 36, Gilbert provides historical context to help reorient the reader in the chronological timeline. He concludes his notes on Isaiah by drawing the reader into a glorious picture of the new heavens and the new earth once God’s wrath in judgment is appeased (chs. 65-66).

There were very few drawbacks to this well-designed product. The reader should not expect a study Bible with in-depth notes for every passage. The design is merely to provide a big picture overview of Scripture. The dust jacket was attractive with its gold line engraving, however, the thinness of the paper combined with the weight of this hardcover Bible resulted in rapid wear. My dust jacket showed tiny rips and creases after simply a few uses. Overall, this Bible does not stand out when compared to the ESV Study Bible, however, it is a quality product which can provide helpful insights for the reader seeking a basic summary of salvation history.

* Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program.

[Camron Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible is one grand, beautiful story. Many think the Old and New Testaments to be clearly divided or they perceive God to have had a major change between the Old and New. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The Bible is one epic, overarching story about Jesus. That’s why Crossway’s Story of Redemption Bible is a great resource to have on your shelf. In this Bible, you will find helpful notes from pastor Greg Gilbert interspersed throughout the pages (almost 900!) helping you connect the dots to God’s grand story of salvation.

This Bible is available in hardcover, TruTone leather, and top grain leather. Normally, I am a fan of leather Bibles, but I really like the hardcover of this one for one reason: the artwork. Peter Voth is a name I keep seeing pop up in the Christian circles I’m involved with. He does beautiful designs and illustrations and typically you can recognize his style and his work. I have t-shirts by Voth, but he has done all the artwork for this Bible. It’s not just the dust jacket where you will find his work though.

Each book of the Bible has an illustrated image and throughout the Bible are helpful maps. One thing that truly sets this Bible apart is the fold out timeline in the back. This timeline starts with creation and traces of the story of redemption to Christ’s return. All of it is beautifully illustrated by Peter Voth.

This is a thick Bible that you most likely won’t be carrying around with you. It’s better left in one place for study. There are a few reasons for this and I think they are all good. First, the Bible has 9.25 font size with an 8.5 font size for the notes. As someone who wears glasses, this is a big deal to me. This Bible is very readable because of the font size. I’ve had other study Bibles where the notes are so small that I either need a magnifying glass or need a digital copy. I appreciate the generous font size included here.

Another thing I appreciate that adds to the thickness is the generous margin size. There is plenty of room for you to write in the outer margins of this Bible. It feels as though Crossway built this Bible for study and actually thought about what a student of the Word would want. The other nice feature is the cream-colored paper. Looking at the pages of this Bible is pleasing to the eyes. One down side is the font shows through from the other side of the page (ghosting), but this is found in most Bibles and to eliminate it, this Bible would have had to be monstrously thick.

It’s also worth mentioning that this Bible is single-column rather than double. I’m not sure if people think about that or not, but when I’m taking notes in my Bible, double columns make it difficult to know what I’m taking notes on. The single-column definitely contributes to the thickness, but at least for me, I prefer a thicker Bible with a single-column than a thinner Bible with a double.

If you would love to learn more about the cohesive story that makes up the Bible, then I think you will really enjoy this resource. It is beautifully illustrated, built for notes, and includes a plethora of notes from pastor Greg Gilbert. You can pick this Bible up from Crossway, Amazon, and most places that Bibles are sold. The Story of Redemption Bible is a valuable resource for a better understanding of God’s promise in Christ and a useful tool for discipleship.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weighing in at about the same as a ream of paper (maybe a little heavier), and standing approximately 2 inches thick, this is one beefy Bible! I wouldn't exactly call it a "study Bible" per se, but it has its uses as a study Bible.

But first, let's talk about its features.


Each chapter begins with a "Title Illustration", as well as an introduction. At the back of the Bible is an "Index of Title Illustrations", which provides a very brief (one or two sentences) explanation of that particular book's illustration. (See inset photo).
The pages are single-column spreads, with hefty outside margins that are approximately 1.25 inches wide. This allows for ample note-writing space, which is prime real estate in the worlds of study Bibles.
English Standard Version: I love the version! I'm a fan of the NKJV as well as the ESV, so this one is just fantastic.
The commentary is not designed as other study Bibles....but probably because this is not another study Bible. Instead, because the commentaries are designed to enhance and explain the Bible's big-picture storyline of redemption, the commentaries are "in line" with the test of scripture. What that means is that whenever Greg Gilbert (editor) felt the need to explain certain aspects of the story of redemption, he placed the commentaries in a place that made literary sense. They could be at the end of a chapter, or even right in the middle. I appreciate this feature because reading through regular commentaries in study Bibles can get distracting when trying to read large portions of scripture, whereas this style intends to enhance the storyline.

There is a "Chronological Overview" in the front of the Bible if the reader should choose to read cover-to-cover chronologically.
Or, should you so choose, there's also a traditional "Daily Reading Plan" in the back.
One feature I truly like is the simple "Story of Redemption Timeline" as the very last layout....a four-page spread! It's not too complex, but allows the reader to get a simpler glance to the Bible's history in a single layout.

Overall, I think this Bible makes for a great tool for a new / new-er believer who is trying to wrap her mind around what the Bible means from beginning to end. For the new believer, a traditional study Bible can feel intimidating. That's certainly not to say this Bible is not useful for a "seasoned" believer, but it's simply not set up as a Bible that can be used to make and find cross references. Other good study Bibles help make those connections for the reader, but this one is designed with big-picture themes in view.
Overall, I give "The Story of Redemption Bible" 4 out of 5 stars....I knock just one star off due to the lack of cross references. Otherwise, I like it!

DISCLAIMER: I received this Bible free of charge from Crossway publishers in exchange for my unbiased review of it. All opinions are mine, and I was not required to provide a positive review of it.

[Becca Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening the box on this Bible, the cover is very aesthetically pleasing. I would have preferred the image to be printed directly on the cover instead of a sleeve, but it still has a very appealing look to it. The pages are a cream color instead of the typical white. The chapter numbers along with other images and maps throughout are in gold, which adds a more traditional "aged" look to the text. Personally I really love the look and feel.

Something different in this Bible compared to  other study Bibles, is that while there aren't a large amount of study notes, they are found added in the middle of the text instead of at the top or bottom of the pages. They are sectioned off with black lines across the page, but they also blend in with the text. The notes are short and to the point, helping the reader understand what they are reading and pointing them to the bigger picture. I find the notes especially helpful for new believers who may have not read through the Bible in it's entirety before. It can be confusing and overwhelming for people to start reading the Bible, and in my opinion the layout of the notes in this Bible help to alleviate some of those feelings. By strategically placing the notes where they are most helpful, they can help the reader understand as they go along instead of leaving them confused or struggling to find the relevant notes.

The Bible is printed as single column text with plenty of space for note-taking in the margins. There is a single ribbon bookmark to help keep your place. As with other ESV study Bibles, this one is rather thick. I have very small hands, but it's a bit large for grasping in one hand without fearing it will slip out.

Each book in the Bible has a circular image in gold to represent the main theme of that book. At the end is an index which shares each of the images again, along with a very brief description of how they represent the book they appear in. After that are a few reading plan options to help guide you through reading the Bible in a year. There is not a concordance or other extra materials at the end that may be commonly found in other printings.

Overall I really like the look and feel of this Bible, and would highly recommend it. There are just enough notes and extras to help the reader understand the Word without overwhelming them. It's great for people who like having a study Bible but  don't need or want a large amount of notes or extras. There's plenty of space to write notes in the margins. It's a wonderful Bible to invest in.

*I received a copy of this book from Crossway Publishers. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing Bible, unlike anything I have, and I have a lot of Bibles! I love so many things about this special Bible and all the extras that are a part of it.

The first thing that really caught my attention and helped my aging eyes was the cream colored paper that this is written on. It makes it so much easier to read and add the very readable text and I was just thrilled with being able to read for a long period of time without my eyes getting tired, like they do when I read my regular Bible. The typeset is a very comfortable one to read and seems a little bolder than my other Bibles. This made it so much easier to read! I also like that I could highlight this Bible without bleed-through. I had a bit of shadowing with my purple highlighter, but not enough to bother me. This paper is just exquisite, in my opinion!

I loved the fold-out timeline in the back. I found it so helpful to see this all laid out for me so I could see events of the Bible in a simple way. It really helped me to understand when the events happened. Again, the timeline was super easy for me to read and understand.

I liked that each book of the Bible has an introduction to explain what I would be reading in that book. It really clarified things for me and helped me before getting started in that book. Plus, there are notes throughout the Bible explaining things in a deeper way. These were so easy to understand and made my Bible reading more enjoyable because I had a clearer understanding of what I was reading.

There is a lovely ribbon stitched in the Bible for keeping your place, which I really enjoy. Plus the stitching of the Bible pages is so nice! It's so clearly a Bible that has been well thought out and has been given great care in putting it together. The ESV translation is so easy to understand, which is also a huge plus.

I love everything about this Bible and it has now become a part of my quiet time as it has so much information right at my fingertips plus it's easy for me to read. I highly recommend this Bible and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This Bible was provided to me by Crossway. I received a copy of this Bible to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this Bible.

[Caroline Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the Bible as a story and retelling it in creative ways has been transformative to my faith! That’s why I was especially excited to experience The Story of Redemption Bible: A Journey through the Unfolding Promises of God from Crossway. Not only is it really, really beautiful (shout out to graphic designer Peter Voth) and begging to be displayed in your home, but the commentary by Pastor Greg Gilbert is story-minded, helpful, and prompts readers to marvel. This particular Bible is ideal for anyone wanting to go through the Bible in a year or read the book cover-to-cover. It will keep your mind focused on story instead of formula, help you make connections you might not otherwise have made, and extend a hand of kind accessibility.

For example, instead of including a map of Paul’s journeys in the back of the book, the maps are interspersed within the book of Acts, so that you can travel through the map as you travel through the storyline of the Bible. This kind of small detail really helps bring the story to life. I especially benefited from commentary in New Testament books that connects that content to Old Testament teaching and offers insight into the context of the original hearers. For example, in Luke 4, Jesus quotes Isaiah. The commentary offers insight into Isaiah but also context of the Nazarenes who were listening: “The people were expecting Jesus to continue reading that phrase as well, but he does not.” You need to get the Bible to see what I’m talking about, but suffice it to say—WHOA! There’s more where that came from.

A few other features I love:
-Helpful introductions to each book
-The Index of Title Illustrations in the back gives a simple illustration and bite-size explanation that represents a major take-away from each book. (I love manageable things that help me organize complex information in my brain.)
-The timeline in the back is a beautiful “zoom out” that’s easy to reference as you read
-IT’S JUST SO PRETTY

*I received a free copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for my honest review.

Full review available here: http://www.writercaroline.com/blog//t...

[David Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ESV Story of Redemption Bible is a new Study Bible from Crossway and it is the first of it’s kind that I can remember.

The story of redemption is one that is woven throughout Scripture both in the Old and New Testaments. It is with that mindset that the Story of Redemption Bible seeks to portray the biblical text.

When I first received this Bible I did not think I was going to like it. It does not have study notes at the bottom like a tradition Study Bible. Rather, the notes are inline with the text. I thought this would be distracting but I find the notes unobtrusive when actually reading and they provide great insight into the text that you are reading and how it aligns with the story of redemption. With approximately 900 notes it is by no means an exhaustive Study Bible but you would not expect it to be when its main focus is only one topic. That being the case, this would not make sense to be a primary Study Bible for someone, it is specialized.

I received the hardcover version and it is a beautiful cloth over board edition. The dust jacket features beautiful gold inlays as does the cover itself and the presentation pages. The artwork throughout the Bible is stunning offering diagrams and other helpful graphics. In the back of the Bible there is a large fold-out timeline to give you the overall arching themes and events of Scripture. All is very well done.

For me, it is a Bible I will likely be using on a regular basis. I like the fact that, for the most part, I am alone with the Biblical text and there are just a few notes here and there to help me understand something more clearly with regard to redemption. Because of that, this Bible may very well become my go to reader.

I give this Bible four out of five stars.

I was given this Bible for free in exchange for a fair and honest review by the publisher.

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to sit down and read the Bible from start to finish with the purpose of gaining a better understanding of who God is, what His unfolding plan for humanity is, and how your life might fit into His story? If so, then the ESV Story Of Redemption Bible might be the perfect Bible for you!

This beautiful Bible is designed for your reading pleasure. Appearance-wise, the hardcover edition looks and feels more like a classic edition of a bibliophile’s favorite edition of their favorite literary book than a traditional Bible, featuring creamy pages, gold embossing. and more than 80 artistically rendered maps, illustrations, and timelines throughout.

It's structured as a Reader’s Bible, using a single-column, paragraph format throughout, with the 897 notes written by Pastor Greg Gilbert interspersed and offset right in the middle of the Bible text. These notes provide rich insights that seasoned Bible readers will enjoy, but they are also written in an inviting and educational style that newer Bible readers will understand!

Although the ESV Story Of Redemption Bible is neither a large-print nor a journaling Bible, its user-friendly typesetting and generous margin space makes it more readable than the 9.25-point Milo type (Bible text) and 8.5-point Milo type (notes) sounds. There is plenty of room (and even some totally blank pages) for note-taking as well!

You'll find more features listed in my full review at Create With Joy - but if you're looking for a unique Bible to read through this year, a beautiful ESV Bible, or a gift for someone who has everything, you've found it inthe ESV Story Of Redemption Bible!

[Gene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ESV Story of Redemption Bible truly is a journey through Scripture. This Bible presents the storyline of Scripture as an unfolding story with unique conversational commentary throughout the text.

There are more than 80 maps, illustrations, and timelines. These features are unique to this Bible and work together to serve the theme beautifully, which is to tell the story of redemption from beginning to end as one story, leading you to a greater and deeper understanding of the big picture of the entire Bible as it unfolds.

One of Crossway’s strengths is producing beautiful Bibles across every price range that remain extremely functional, and not just gimmicky eye-candy. They do accomplish that with this Bible as well.

The paper is premium quality and you can feel that when you turn pages. The cream-colored paper also supports my underlining (I use Pigma Micron size 05 pens). I tested blue, green, and yellow and all showed very minimally on the opposite page and didn’t intrude with reading.

Each book of the Bible has a brief introduction, and there are 2 reading plans included in the back. There's a foldout Story of Redemption Timeline in the back as well, which is a beautiful and useful feature.

My recommendation for the Story of Redemption Bible is for any Christian that wants to understand Scripture more deeply as one complete storyline. Scholars, teachers, pastors, apologists, seasoned, and brand new believers will greatly benefit from following the overarching complete story of Scripture.

Note: I received the Story of Redemption Bible from Crossway in return for an honest (but not necessarily favorable) review. There's an extensive review with photos on my website (https://genewhitehead.com/book/esv-st...).

[Emily Cardel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please note: I received a free copy of the ESV Story of Redemption Bible: A Journey Through the Unfolding Promises of God from Crossway in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Four words: I love this Bible!

The ESV Story of Redemption Bible is hard covered with a beautiful white on gold sleeve. It's simple cream colored pages are filled with gorgeous gold embellishments all throughout. The text is single column and the words are easy to read. This are no lines to take notes, but the margins are wide, leaving plenty of room for you to write things in. There are also additional pages for note taking in the back.

What I especially appreciate about this Bible is:

>> The 897 consistent commentary notes provided from start to finish by Greg Gilbert. They are appropriately placed and extremely insightful. 

>> The maps! There are 80+ maps, and they are inserted into the text where they are relevant, compared to being placed at the very back like many other Bibles. If you're a visual learner like I am, you'll appreciate this too!

>> The book introductions. These are so helpful when starting a new book of the Bible. It recalls the important need-to-know details to keep in mind as you continue to read the greatest Story of all. Each book has its own illustration. If you flip to the back of the Bible, you can find the Index of Title Illustrations, where the stories behind each of the illustrations can be found. I love this intentional touch! 

Overall, I really do love this Bible. It's not one I will carry to church with me (it's pretty hefty), but it's a great resource to have on hand at home.

I would absolutely recommend this! 

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very lovely Bible. The dust jacket is cream colored with gold foiling. It also has a beautiful gold foiled presentation page and title page.

Illustrated by Peter Voth, each book has an illustration that perfectly describes a scene or symbolism in the book. There is a very nice index of title illustrations that shows each illustration and describes the meaning behind them. The illustrations are beautiful and very well done.

The color scheme of the Bible is very simple and pleasing. It would be suitable for both men and women. The pages are thick for Bible pages and there is room in the margins for notes, journaling, or artwork. There is also one chocolate colored ribbon bookmark included. I prefer more than one bookmark but I’m pleased that there is one with this Bible.

Throughout the book are notes of running commentary by pastor Greg Gilbert. I found these notes to be very thought-provoking and interesting. There are also maps included within the text of the Bible.

The Bible has reading plans in the back and a very nice fold out “Story of Redemption” Timeline. The timeline has the beautiful artwork and spans from Creation to the New Heavens and a New Earth. I love this timeline…visual aids are always helpful to me and this one is very well done.

Overall, this Bible is beautiful and would make a wonderful gift for a baptism, Easter, or even a birthday. I highly recommend it.

I received this Bible from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[C.E. Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the lay-flat design of the hardcover ESV Story of Redemption Bible. The appearance is appealing; with an elegant foiled jacket cover and matching foiled presentation and title pages. The attached ribbon bookmark is also a plus.

I’m fairly new to the English Standard Version. I like the simplicity it offers. Along with the biblical text, it contains brief introductions to each book and notes by pastor Greg Gilbert clarifying or illustrating passages.

One thing I miss in this Bible is the two-column format. I’ve grown accustomed to a columned presentation and find it a bit difficult to keep my place while reading this Bible due to the longer passages and minimal white space. The maps and illustrations are beneficial, I only wish there were more.

Overall, this book includes full biblical text (ESV) as well as learning and teaching tool; guiding readers as they navigate the history of the world and God’s plans for our future. The fold out page illustrating the story of redemption in the back of the book is a nice bonus.

Cover: Love
Title: Love
Publisher: Zondervan
Pages: 1920
Crossway provided a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of Redemption Bible is an English Standard Version (ESV) daily reading Bible written in a single-column, paragraph format. Special content includes 900 notes of running commentary, short introductions to each Bible book, illustrations, including a huge foldout timeline. The Bible also includes a single ribbon to hold the reader's place.

I love how the Bible opens up flat, the reader-friendly print and the premium, cream-colored paper. The size of the print makes highlighting easy and the foldout timeline is helpful and informative. I am reviewing the hardcover format which seems to be made well and durable, lasting for years. Even so, I plan to buy a Bible cover to help preserve it.

I would recommend this Bible to others as a daily study Bible, for individual or group use.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Dale Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this Bible cover to cover.

(Which I say cause most of the reviews seem to be people who got review copies and I doubt they spent a year going through it.)

This Bible falls somewhere between a study Bible and a devotional bible with the notes being conversational, but also exegetical. The notes don’t get bogged down trying to explain every verse. They guide the reader through the “Story of Redemption” while following a (generally) chronological order. Where most study bibles are like being dropped into a library and told to have at it, this Bible Is like having a seminary professor walk you through the history of God’s work, highlighting all the main landmarks as you go.

If your new to the Faith, or have grown up in Christianity and want to know more about what you believe, this is a great place to start. It will give you a timeline (literally there is a timeline in the back) to place everything else you study into. Giving you a foundation for diving deeper into the Bible over your lifetime.

[Nay Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful commentary Bible with tons of space for journaling. This is great for someone who is looking for a Bible that does not have study notes. It contains gorgeous illustrations and has some really great commentary. I enjoy the single column style and the breaks in-between verses. There are short book introductions packed with some great information for better understanding. This Bible is very simple, yet packed.

For those who love the aesthetics of a Bible, this one has it all! Gold foil is your friend. I love the foil on the dusk-jacket and on the inside. From maps to reading plans to timeline charts...you won't regret having this Bible for yourself or giving it as a gift.

Definitely recommend it. Great for studying the Word of God without the "distractions" and with TONS of space to write.

[Markie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Story Of Redemption Bible

This is a beautiful ESV translation that takes you through Gods plans throughout history. I love how it leads you through the story for start to finish. With 900 notes scattered throughout the text and book introductions at the beginning of each book make it easy to learn as you are reading the bible. I love the reading plans in the back of the bible to help you read through the Bible in a year. The maps and illustrations make it easy to learn.

The cover is hard and sturdy and it lays mostly flat for writing. The dust cover is cream with gold but the cover is black. I wish they would have put the gorgeous design on the bible cover and not just the dust cover.

I received this bible from the publishers.

[Madeline Hardee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish everyone had this Bible!!! It was my first time reading cover to cover. The consistent commentary throughout was SO incredibly helpful in reading the Bible as one culminating story of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. I love how it pointed out significant references/prophecies from the Old Testament that I would’ve otherwise missed. It also helped me read from the understanding of the original audience and a historical perspective— a race of people desperately waiting for these prophecies to be fulfilled and then Jesus finally showing up and bringing a topsy-turvy kingdom. Wow!

I’m in awe of God’s worthiness now more than ever and I’m so thankful for the Bible. I can’t wait to read this through again!

[Sereca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Bible is AMAZING, it has drawn me much closer to God. I got this Bible for review from Crossway and I can't seem to put it down. It's so easy to ready. The footnotes/commentaries are easy to read and adds a lot of dept to whatever chapter or verses that I read. I love the illustrations, it gives me a deeper and meaningful understanding of each chapter of the Bible. I also love the reading plans (there are two reading plans (the Chronological and Canonical) and I'm excited for 2019, God's will, I will be reading through the Bible in the Chronological order. This Bible has add so much to my quiet time with the Lord. I recommend this Bible to EVERYONE.

Please, Grab yourself a COPY !!!