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The Bible in One Year – a Commentary by Nicky Gumbel
Nicky Gumbel, pioneer of Alpha - a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith - and vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton in Kensington, London, aids readers following the Bible in one year programme to understand the Scriptures better.
Drawing out a theme for each day from the designated Bible readings, Gumbel's exegetical writings on the Proverbs, Psalms and New and Old Testament excerpts are packed with insight, wisdom and application.
These accompanying reading notes will enhance the study of anyone reading the Bible in One Year each day.
Nicky's commentary on the Bible in One Year is available as an iOS and Android app. It has over 3 million subscribers worldwide.
816 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
221 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Nicky Gumbel
180 books87 followersNicholas Glyn Paul Gumbel, known as Nicky Gumbel, is an English Anglican priest and author in the evangelical and charismatic traditions. He is known as the developer of the Alpha Course, a basic introduction to Christianity supported by churches of many Christian traditions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 31, 2017
Obviously the Bible element gets a full 5 stars.
The 4 stars are for the impressive way each day’s readings are grouped by theme - only a few days felt slightly stretched.
Lots of Alpha references but perhaps not surprising. What was slightly frustrating was the readiness to turn to the Message version or to the Pope’s edicts when looking for further explanation of the text.
Pippa’s comments also felt unnecessarily “light” in places.
Overall an interesting approach to BIAY, and I enjoyed it, especially comparing notes with my in-laws on the same plan, but I will return to the pure Murray M’Cheyne next year I think.
The 4 stars are for the impressive way each day’s readings are grouped by theme - only a few days felt slightly stretched.
Lots of Alpha references but perhaps not surprising. What was slightly frustrating was the readiness to turn to the Message version or to the Pope’s edicts when looking for further explanation of the text.
Pippa’s comments also felt unnecessarily “light” in places.
Overall an interesting approach to BIAY, and I enjoyed it, especially comparing notes with my in-laws on the same plan, but I will return to the pure Murray M’Cheyne next year I think.
April 5, 2026
Anyone can read - and should - The Bible. Apps make it to go everywhere with you, and offer many translations to fit our reading whims. Christians MUST read it to understand their purpose, to gain mental/spiritual strength, and ground themselves into the heart of God.
December 11, 2020
It was great to have a commentary to read through to go along with reading the Bible in a year, and I liked the layout of Psalm/Proverbs, New Testament and Old Testament every day. But Gumbel sometimes positioned his theological interpretations of the Bible as if they were the only interpretation i.e. his views on atonement. There is obviously nothing wrong with interpreting the texts a certain way but to not mention other Christian traditions made it feel a little too narrow for me. He also sometimes would not comment on the hardest part of the texts which was for me the reason I wanted a commentary i.e. the language around slavery in the New Testament.
December 31, 2025
This review relates to the Bible reading notes, not the Bible itself (obviously).
After reading a book every day for 365 days, you do end up with things that irritate you. Often Nikki's "interpretation" was simply a repeat of parts of the passage in the Message translation - not a translation I particularly appreciate. The way themes are tied together can be a wee bit contrived. "Pippa adds" adds nothing of value. And (this is very unfair) when listening to the audio, the way Nicky said "Lo-od" really annoyed me 😂
But for all that, it is an excellent achievement to arrange the Bible readings of Old Testament, New Testament and wisdom literature in a way that makes sense, is reasonably thematic, and splits it into equal-ish chunks. It's also very helpful that there's an app with text and audio for when you run out out of time and have to leave the house (most days, for me).
Nikki is terrible for misattributing quotes (for example a quote by "Plato" that is actually by Victorian Free Church minister John Watson or from "Aristotle" that is actually by American philosopher Elbert Hubbard), but where he gives an actual reference they tend to be right, and many of them are worthwhile. Here are a few I highlighted:
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." (Henry Ford)
"“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.” (John Wesley)
"Don't love money and use people; love people and use money." (Nicky Gumbel)
"Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods." (C S Lewis)
"The man who regards his life and that of his fellow creatures as meaningless is not merely unhappy but hardly fit for life." (Albert Einstein)
"God does not expect us to submit our faith to him without reason, but the very limits of our reason make faith a necessity." (a paraphrase of St Augustine of Hippo)
"When you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace; God is awake." (Victor Hugo)
"God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful." (Mother Teresa)
"The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable." (Ralph W. Sockman)
After reading a book every day for 365 days, you do end up with things that irritate you. Often Nikki's "interpretation" was simply a repeat of parts of the passage in the Message translation - not a translation I particularly appreciate. The way themes are tied together can be a wee bit contrived. "Pippa adds" adds nothing of value. And (this is very unfair) when listening to the audio, the way Nicky said "Lo-od" really annoyed me 😂
But for all that, it is an excellent achievement to arrange the Bible readings of Old Testament, New Testament and wisdom literature in a way that makes sense, is reasonably thematic, and splits it into equal-ish chunks. It's also very helpful that there's an app with text and audio for when you run out out of time and have to leave the house (most days, for me).
Nikki is terrible for misattributing quotes (for example a quote by "Plato" that is actually by Victorian Free Church minister John Watson or from "Aristotle" that is actually by American philosopher Elbert Hubbard), but where he gives an actual reference they tend to be right, and many of them are worthwhile. Here are a few I highlighted:
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." (Henry Ford)
"“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.” (John Wesley)
"Don't love money and use people; love people and use money." (Nicky Gumbel)
"Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods." (C S Lewis)
"The man who regards his life and that of his fellow creatures as meaningless is not merely unhappy but hardly fit for life." (Albert Einstein)
"God does not expect us to submit our faith to him without reason, but the very limits of our reason make faith a necessity." (a paraphrase of St Augustine of Hippo)
"When you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace; God is awake." (Victor Hugo)
"God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful." (Mother Teresa)
"The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable." (Ralph W. Sockman)
August 9, 2024
This was actually audio. Love his accent and Pippa’s nuggets at the end.
December 30, 2017
You can find Bible in One Year through several sources, like Bible.com or even the Bible in One Year app. Nicky Gumbel selects a theme or topic for the day which comes from the Scripture selections for the day. He ties this theme to the 3 passages selected for the day. Each day there is an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage and a selection from the "Poetry/Wisdom" (Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) books of the Bible. You can read and/or listen to the commentary and Scripture passages. However, at Bible.com, there is no audio available for the commentary section. I was happy to discover the Bible in One Year app with audio for everything. But at Bible.com all of the readings are available any day, at the Bible in One Year, there is no option that I have found that allows "future" reading.
Nicky Gumbel's commentaries were mostly terrific. I didn't agree with every word, but that's OK to me because it makes me think. I greatly enjoyed his comments and carrying a theme/topic through the day's readings is an effective tool for focusing my attention on God's Word. Also, the "commentary" part is not a heavy study commentary - it is "comments", observations, challenges and a short prayer for each Scripture section.
One thing that is a small detraction, and I feel badly about bringing it up, is Pippa's Gumbel's short comments for each day. Most of the time her comments struck me as silly. I'm sure she is a delightful person, but maybe her comments are better suited for another audience.
Nicky Gumbel's commentaries were mostly terrific. I didn't agree with every word, but that's OK to me because it makes me think. I greatly enjoyed his comments and carrying a theme/topic through the day's readings is an effective tool for focusing my attention on God's Word. Also, the "commentary" part is not a heavy study commentary - it is "comments", observations, challenges and a short prayer for each Scripture section.
One thing that is a small detraction, and I feel badly about bringing it up, is Pippa's Gumbel's short comments for each day. Most of the time her comments struck me as silly. I'm sure she is a delightful person, but maybe her comments are better suited for another audience.
July 29, 2021
I have been going through this on the app since Jan. I've enjoyed building the habit of reading it every night, and it is good, but I definitely feel the need for more depth. I enjoy the format and think the topics are pulled together well. I don't mean to be critical, but I note others have also commented on it, but the 'Pippa adds' bits seem very superficial and unnecessary and they don't add anything to the devotional. Was relieved to read others think the same as I cringe a little reading them and was feeling bad about it!
Otherwise, would recommend this if you're newly saved or needing a refresher in the basics!
Otherwise, would recommend this if you're newly saved or needing a refresher in the basics!
January 1, 2018
I can recommend using the mobile apps for BiOY.
I "read" by listening to each days readings and commentary while doing the routine tasks of the day.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...
I "read" by listening to each days readings and commentary while doing the routine tasks of the day.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...
January 2, 2024
For those seeking to develop or grow in their relationship with God, this is one of the best ways to read and study through the Bible. I've read it through the Bible App, but it has its own app, too. The clarity the Bible's wisdom affords is wondrous and inspiring. God truly is an Awesome God.
December 31, 2020
First time ever going through the entire Bible. Enjoyed the readings every morning!
March 11, 2026
I was getting A LOT from listening to Nicky Gumbel's reading plan on YouVersion Bible app so when I discovered there was a book I bought it and read along side his audio readings. Since some days comentary and Bible readings took several days to meditate, reread and comprehend it tooks me over 4 years to finish. Finding the printed book was not easy and expensive-maybe because the book is 800 pages. I knew this book would sit on my kitchen table for years-as I read it almost every day, making notes in margins and tons of highlights I wanted the hard back but the $86 cost for hardback was too expensive for me.
One of my most impactful insites is on page 559 Nicky writes "Until I first read Colin Urquhart's book, 'In Christ Jesus' , I had never realized how significant that little word 'in' is in the New Testament. Understanding that, as a Christian, you are 'in' Christ Jesus revolutionizes how you see yourself, your self-image, your identity and how you understand your value to God. Write your name on a piece of paper. Take hold of your Bible to represent Christ. Place the paper in the book and close it. You are in christ. Where the book goes you go. Where the paper goes He goes. you are not part of the book, you are now identified totally with the book.
Nicky's Comentary has brought me closer to God for over 4 years. Now I have a list of readings from his notes to look for which will contunue even further in my growing my relationship with God. Thank you Nicky and all who work on the Bible app reading plan each year. Thank you God!
One of my most impactful insites is on page 559 Nicky writes "Until I first read Colin Urquhart's book, 'In Christ Jesus' , I had never realized how significant that little word 'in' is in the New Testament. Understanding that, as a Christian, you are 'in' Christ Jesus revolutionizes how you see yourself, your self-image, your identity and how you understand your value to God. Write your name on a piece of paper. Take hold of your Bible to represent Christ. Place the paper in the book and close it. You are in christ. Where the book goes you go. Where the paper goes He goes. you are not part of the book, you are now identified totally with the book.
Nicky's Comentary has brought me closer to God for over 4 years. Now I have a list of readings from his notes to look for which will contunue even further in my growing my relationship with God. Thank you Nicky and all who work on the Bible app reading plan each year. Thank you God!
December 31, 2023
This is my second read through of Nicky Gumbel's mammoth work and, this time around, I have also used the App, either on my phone or the internet, when travelling; because this is a large heavy book, not conducive to luggage allowances. In addition, there is A LOT of reading involved, not least just the Bible passages - a daily reading from Psalms or Proverbs, New Testament and Old Testament, as well as the commentaries and, should you start to get behind, then it all threatens to overwhelm you, so you do need to quickly adopt the practice of reading EVERY day.
Whilst I have found comments I highlighted or wrote, in this book and in my Bible, from the first time I read this; I have also discovered new insights which is, of course, the character of the Bible.
I must admit to beginning to flat towards the end, not helped by the fact that the last lap involved the Book of Revelation which, let's face it, can be quite a slog!
But I would definitely recommend everyone with a professed faith tries this at least once.
Whilst I have found comments I highlighted or wrote, in this book and in my Bible, from the first time I read this; I have also discovered new insights which is, of course, the character of the Bible.
I must admit to beginning to flat towards the end, not helped by the fact that the last lap involved the Book of Revelation which, let's face it, can be quite a slog!
But I would definitely recommend everyone with a professed faith tries this at least once.
January 13, 2024
This is a well structured read and helpful for daily reading. You’ll be reading most of the Old Testament each day with small pieces of the New Testament and parts of psalms or proverbs. I wouldn’t say I agree with all Gumbals theology and explanations of passages. He gives a preamble and speaks briefly on the verse. It definitely is not an in-depth commentary, but could be considered a helpful ‘reading buddy’ for first time Bible readers. Since finishing this book some time ago— I am more so in to reformed theology and the puritans. Although I wouldn’t recommend it any more to a new Christians due to increased understanding of scripture now and also because he uses ‘The Message’ translation for scriptural references, though if you’re reading a good translation along side it, it wouldn’t matter too much.
it was over all a good help for a first time reading the whole Bible— always compare things said by authors to the Word of God (even authors you like).
it was over all a good help for a first time reading the whole Bible— always compare things said by authors to the Word of God (even authors you like).
January 7, 2021
I used this book through the YouVersion Bible App for my daily devotional reading throughout 2020. Each daily entry included an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage, and a passage from either Psalms or Proverbs. In the devotional reading, author Nicky Gumbel identified a theme tying together the three Scripture passages and his wife, Pippa, added her take on the passage. While author Gumbel often quoted from the Message translation of the Bible, the YouVersion App allows the reader to choose from any number of Bible translations, flipping between translations as desired to aid understanding. Each day's passages took about 20-30 minutes to read. Staying on track leads to reading the entire Bible in one year. The YouVersion App also has an audio choice so the day's entry can be listened to while commuting or completing other tasks.
January 1, 2022
I really loved this devotional. I thought the way that Nicky tied in the different passages was well-done, and he brought some perspective that I hadn't heard before. I always looked forward to Pippa's little blurb at the end of each day. I like how there was always a Psalm or Proverb, as well as an OT and a NT reading. This was consistent throughout the whole year- which I also appreciated, because sometimes other reading plans start that way, but by the end you've lost all but one section and it gets old. I also appreciate that you can use any version of the Bible with this plan- I used the Common English Bible (not the best translation, but it allowed some fresh language and new thought.)
February 28, 2022
I have been reading this plan since 2019, and this is my 4th time reading in 2022. I have absolutely enjoyed the plan every year. However, it seems like this year’s plan is different. There are some change of voices in between the commentaries which is sudden, unexpected, sometimes scary, doesn’t fit into what Nicky was saying before that, and completely cuts off some part of his commentary. I don’t know if this is a bug or something intentional. If any of the team is seeing this, it’s giving a negative experience, at least for me and if it persists I’m not sure I’ll be able to continue the plan now or in future as it’s very uncomfortable for me. I hope they see this.
January 8, 2023
This the second year I've used this app to read through the the Bible. I'm not especially thrilled by the commentary by Nicky Gumbel, but I do enjoy the way the readings each day include systematic passages from the Old Testament, the New Testament and part of the Psalms or Proverbs. Every year brings me closer to the time I will no longer live in this earthly body by the God who created me, His son Jesus Christ who paid the sacrifice for my sins, and Holy Spirit who continues to give me faith, joy, and peace. The Bible is the written Word of God just as Jesus was the living Word. Read the gospels and become acquainted with the Savior I love!
Read
January 4, 2023Started with the classical version but found the reader of the Scripture verses (not Nicky Gumbel) didn’t seem to read in love but came across as judgemental even at times when the topic definitely didn’t match up. So I changed to the Yourh version and was much happier. Would listen on the way to work and the way gone too. Sadly tho I don’t think the whole Bible is read by the end as I first thought. It seems more like a commentary. Hence I need to find extra time to read whole chapters; just not sure if that is going to still cover the whole Bible if I follow this as a reading tool. 😜
December 28, 2017
I enjoyed the way Nicky and Pippa add commentary that informs and makes the scripture relevant in today's messed up world. Sometimes the commentary is longer than the day's reading, but for the most part it informs and expands one's knowledge and awareness.
My breath was taken away several times when either the reading or the devotional (commentary) writings complemented other activities or studies. Amazed. Simply amazed.
My breath was taken away several times when either the reading or the devotional (commentary) writings complemented other activities or studies. Amazed. Simply amazed.
August 20, 2020
While this app is extremely user-friendly and convenient, several of Pastor Nicky Gumbel's messages contain inappropriate references. For example, in discussing the Gifts if the Holy Spirit, Gumbel holds up pop-star -- and vehement non-Christian -- Katy Perry as an example of speaking in tongues. So if you can look past the errors in Gumbel's homilies, which have relevance despite his poor examples, and focus on the Word instead you may find this app valuable.
December 18, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I did the YouVersion free plan of The Bible in One Year with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel. Hearing them do the audible daily readings was one of the best things about 2020. I am familiar with The Alpha program (and if you are not that could be a hang up because they do frequently reference people who have been through the Alpha course). I loved the themes pulled out and the combining of the Psalms, NT and OT. Highly recommend.
December 31, 2024
Five stars for the format and content of the daily commentary; insightful, joyful, and learned narrative from the folks that started the Alpha course. Over the past 10 or 20 years I have read the Bible-in-year from many different formats ( thank you Pastor Mandy). This one beats all. I love that you can use audio or written, every translation, and can read and comment with others. It has kept me in the Word all year. Love love love it.
December 31, 2025
I actually finished the Bible in a year through this plan on YouVersion—each devotional ties the readings together like a mini-sermon. You can read or listen, and who doesn’t love hearing the dear voices of Brits, especially Nicky and Pippa Gumbel. Nicky’s insights are insightful and thoughtful, Pippa’s comments take a bit of getting used to, but they are grounding and sometimes hilarious. Loved it!
February 11, 2026
Nicky Gumble is great at linking the passages together. I do find I prefer to look into each passage myself as his commentary isn't always thought provoking and, as with any devotional, it can be more of a summary than a sermon. I don't find Pippa's contributions helpful and I find them unnecessary so I ended up skipping those bits. I would recommend it for anyone who wants read through the whole Bible and get not only an overview but a decent Bible study out of it.
February 22, 2020
This is my 3-4th time through this devotional Bible and I’ve really learned so much! I’ve ready the Bible through several times but when I stumbled across this devotional format, I gained a lot of depth in what I was reading. It isn’t too long to do daily, and has deepened my understanding of how the old and new Testaments are complimentary.
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January 5, 2022The reading on Christmas Day left me flat and hopeless . I admire the courage of the father of the child who died in speaking but choosing the story as a sign of hope was a poor choice . I'm a healthcare professional and have been present when hundreds of people of all ages have died but this turned me cold . Too many references to the Roman Catholic church as well
December 30, 2022
This was a good study to use to read through the Bible. I know you can get the App for free, but I like having a tangible book to ready in case I want to notate or highlight. I really liked how he set up each day, with a reading from Psalms or Proverbs, a reading from the New Testament and a reading from the Old Testament.
December 31, 2023
This was a great devotional to read along with my Bible reading plan this year. I really appreciate the insights and thoughts each day from Nicky and Pippa adds a good little insight each day as well. I like reading a devotional that goes along with my annual Bible reading plan, and this devotional is a good one.
October 18, 2018
This is inspirational. I'm about two-thirds through ...
December 31, 2019
This commentary was a godsent; it made the cover-to-cover read such a wonderful and insightful journey. 10/10!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews