What do you think?
Rate this book
Unlocking the Bible
A unique overview of both the Old and New Testaments, from a widely respected evangelical speaker and writer.
Unlocking the Bible opens up the word of God in a fresh and powerful way. Avoiding the small detail of verse by verse studies, it sets out the epic story of God and his people in Israel. The culture, historical background and people are introduced and the teaching applied to the modern world.
Eight volumes have been brought into one compact and easy to use guide to cover both the Old and the New testaments in one massive omnibus edition.
Old Testament:
• The Maker’s Instructions – The five books of law
• A Land and A Kingdom – Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings
• Poems of Worship and Wisdom – Psalms, Song of Solomon, proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job
• Decline and Fall of an Empire – Isaiah, Jeremiah and other prophets
• The Struggle to Survive – Chronicles and prophets of exile
New Testament:
• The Hinge of History – Mathew, Mark, Luke, John and acts
• The Thirteenth Apostle – Paul and his letters
• Through Suffering to Glory – Revelation, Hebrews, and the letters of James, Peter and Jude
Unlocking the Bible opens up the word of God in a fresh and powerful way. Avoiding the small detail of verse by verse studies, it sets out the epic story of God and his people in Israel. The culture, historical background and people are introduced and the teaching applied to the modern world.
Eight volumes have been brought into one compact and easy to use guide to cover both the Old and the New testaments in one massive omnibus edition.
Old Testament:
• The Maker’s Instructions – The five books of law
• A Land and A Kingdom – Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings
• Poems of Worship and Wisdom – Psalms, Song of Solomon, proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job
• Decline and Fall of an Empire – Isaiah, Jeremiah and other prophets
• The Struggle to Survive – Chronicles and prophets of exile
New Testament:
• The Hinge of History – Mathew, Mark, Luke, John and acts
• The Thirteenth Apostle – Paul and his letters
• Through Suffering to Glory – Revelation, Hebrews, and the letters of James, Peter and Jude
1343 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
771 people are currently reading
1006 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Read
June 10, 2019I’m halfway, but cannot finish this. Severe lack of citations (I’m not talking about biblical citations, the lack of which he accounts for in the introduction, but so many historical facts and theories are mentioned that contain NO citations, and often in my own research what I found did not correlate with the information in the book. Irresponsible, for a biblical commentary - even a ‘general’ one).
Also severe misogynistic phrasing - why does nobody mention this in their reviews? Many people, in “loving truth” make women feel SO undervalued and confused about their roles and significance in God’s Kingdom, chalking it all up to “it’s in Scripture.” I’m tired of this.
Really disappointed, because I’ve heard good things and someone gave a copy to me as a gift, and also really IRKED (<- glad I got to use that word).
Sorry, David, but I don’t think I’ll be reading you again.
Also severe misogynistic phrasing - why does nobody mention this in their reviews? Many people, in “loving truth” make women feel SO undervalued and confused about their roles and significance in God’s Kingdom, chalking it all up to “it’s in Scripture.” I’m tired of this.
Really disappointed, because I’ve heard good things and someone gave a copy to me as a gift, and also really IRKED (<- glad I got to use that word).
Sorry, David, but I don’t think I’ll be reading you again.
February 1, 2014
So far I think this book is a brilliant and comprehensive tool to help understand the context, time and place of the different books of the bible. To have the background information of who wrote which book and to know more about the culture and time in which they where written have greatly enriched my experience of reading the bible.
It's a "brick of a book" as it is addressing the whole bible, but each introduction is very manageable.
I highly recommended it to anyone who earnestly want to enrich their understanding of the bible.
It's a "brick of a book" as it is addressing the whole bible, but each introduction is very manageable.
I highly recommended it to anyone who earnestly want to enrich their understanding of the bible.
May 20, 2019
I abandoned this book through disappointment. It was presented as an overall picture of how the Bible leads from an initial truth through to the fulfilment of that truth. Yet it begins with the belief in basic, unqualified creationism presented as fact. As a literal truth. Making God too small to create a world in all its fabulous millenia of development. Instead Pawson presents us with a view of a fairy tale God. I am a Christian and I am intelligent and educated. And I am insulted by these unfounded claims.
June 11, 2020
Concerning my idiosyncratic ultimate endeavor of fleshing out my comprehension of the contextual meanings as well as practical everyday implementations of some of the most difficult chapters, passages, and other texts presented in the Holy Bible, which ofttimes employed copious numbers of figurative speeches, an attested and accessible companion cross-reference is a must-have further reading material. Now, trying to get a degree of proficient mastery and right understanding of the Scripture, even with an immense symposium besides you to help on this particular inquiry, may not be an easy task, but it is still doable. By never giving up while plowing on halfway through this hefty tome of a compendious almanac, all the while keeping yourself occupied and focused within a completely determined frame of mind, the seemingly impossible goal of perusing the book until the end can be achieved. All said, Unlocking the Bible was a rewarding reading experience that quenched my thirst for the Truth to some circumscribed extent. You have to remember that, at its core, this book was meant as an overview exegesis and examination of the multifaceted Christian theology dedicated to its niche target market; laymen Christians, religious historians, and genuinely curious general readers. If you are interested enough to learn about more in-depth scholarly knowledge of a specific single topic or portion of Christianity and its affiliated soteriology, you will need to read several other related academic sourcebooks aside from only this one volume. Nonetheless, it was a good purchase for every penny it's worth in its merit.
February 19, 2021
This man died last year at age 90, but I have listened to every lecture he has on YouTube in an effort to learn what the Bible says, and where it fits into my life and how it leads me. I don't believe everything he says, but he speaks with authority. He also has excellent eye contact, and a soft, heart-felt delivery that brings me back over and over to his book. I downloaded the digital copy, and refer back to it so many times during my Bible studies. I am finally beginning to find and fit all the various puzzles pieces into my faith picture. One by one the holes are being filled.
What does this mean? I am getting to know who God is, and why he created us, and what he wants of us. Excellent book, and excellent lectures. If you want to see and hear this grand-fatherly man with the gentle voice and soft sell pitch for faith, check out this book, and go to YouTube and search his name.
One thing that had been missing in my faith was suffering- the answer to that question. I am finally getting a handle on that, issue too. Read it, watch some of his lectures, and you will see what I mean.
What does this mean? I am getting to know who God is, and why he created us, and what he wants of us. Excellent book, and excellent lectures. If you want to see and hear this grand-fatherly man with the gentle voice and soft sell pitch for faith, check out this book, and go to YouTube and search his name.
One thing that had been missing in my faith was suffering- the answer to that question. I am finally getting a handle on that, issue too. Read it, watch some of his lectures, and you will see what I mean.
Read
July 27, 2011is clearing me up about the writers of the bible and their God inspired writing
May 27, 2023
Excellent, excellent, excellent!
This book is basically taken from a series of teachings David Pawson gave on every book in the Bible, given that is the case it is very readable because it is written in a very conversational way.
Whilst I don't agree with all of Pawson's perspectives I appreciated his overall paradigm in approaching the scriptures, not least of which his appreciation for reading the bible in larger portions and even reading whole letters in one sitting (as they would originally have been received). I found the notes around who the authors were, why they were likely writing, who the original audience were, the surrounding context, and on, all very helpful and informative. Even more helpful though was the reminder that whilst it's important to be switched on to the context (literary and cultural), of the human author, it is also important to be switched on spiritually to the Divine author behind these writings. It is not a purely academic exercise, but one of deep heart, mind and spirit.
I appreciate the way David Pawson tackled various contentious/controversial topics, from predestination to the various takes on revelation and eschatology.
I will definitely be dipping into this again, I fully recommend grabbing a copy and reading alongside whatever book of the bible you're currently in.
This book is basically taken from a series of teachings David Pawson gave on every book in the Bible, given that is the case it is very readable because it is written in a very conversational way.
Whilst I don't agree with all of Pawson's perspectives I appreciated his overall paradigm in approaching the scriptures, not least of which his appreciation for reading the bible in larger portions and even reading whole letters in one sitting (as they would originally have been received). I found the notes around who the authors were, why they were likely writing, who the original audience were, the surrounding context, and on, all very helpful and informative. Even more helpful though was the reminder that whilst it's important to be switched on to the context (literary and cultural), of the human author, it is also important to be switched on spiritually to the Divine author behind these writings. It is not a purely academic exercise, but one of deep heart, mind and spirit.
I appreciate the way David Pawson tackled various contentious/controversial topics, from predestination to the various takes on revelation and eschatology.
I will definitely be dipping into this again, I fully recommend grabbing a copy and reading alongside whatever book of the bible you're currently in.
May 26, 2021
Having heard many sermons preached by David Pawson, I have always been very impressed with his refreshing approach to the Bible. I have currently read all of his section on Genesis and about half of Exodus.
In the introductory material he is very keen to emphasise that the Bible should be read from cover to cover, like any other book, but he also points out that it is a collection of books and should be treated accordingly. The Bible is essentially a library of books containing history, prophecy, wisdom literature, biography and poetry. There is also exciting apocalyptic and symbolic material to be found, especially in Daniel (Old Testament) and Revelation (New Testament).
There are so many commentaries, devotionals, articles and books about the Bible, designed to be aids to study and meditation, but David Pawson is quick to point out the dangers of being sidetracked by these and emphasises the importance of reading the actual Bible itself.
In the introductory material he is very keen to emphasise that the Bible should be read from cover to cover, like any other book, but he also points out that it is a collection of books and should be treated accordingly. The Bible is essentially a library of books containing history, prophecy, wisdom literature, biography and poetry. There is also exciting apocalyptic and symbolic material to be found, especially in Daniel (Old Testament) and Revelation (New Testament).
There are so many commentaries, devotionals, articles and books about the Bible, designed to be aids to study and meditation, but David Pawson is quick to point out the dangers of being sidetracked by these and emphasises the importance of reading the actual Bible itself.
September 13, 2015
A very well-rounded and sound Biblical commentary. I gleaned some fascinating truths and nuggets of goodness from this. I think the emphasis the author places on reading the Bible sans chapter and verse is extremely helpful in personal exegesis. The beauty of Scripture is so much more apparent when it is read more holistically.
I did disagree with the commentator on some doctrine such as his emphasis on works equals holiness and aspects of his soteriology. Overall though this author believes the Bible to be the inspired word of God and that's good enough for me.
4.5 stars
I did disagree with the commentator on some doctrine such as his emphasis on works equals holiness and aspects of his soteriology. Overall though this author believes the Bible to be the inspired word of God and that's good enough for me.
4.5 stars
November 25, 2020
The best book ever written explaining 66 books in the bible. You do have to read the bible to understand what he has written. Mr. Pawson is a gifted teacher and I'm grateful that made this series. It has made a huge difference in my life.
January 24, 2016
Very large companion to students of Bible to grow in their faith and life. It is for a layman so easy to understand and very practical.
January 17, 2020
Wonderful beginning to understanding the bible, the context, and the glory of the Scriptures.
February 26, 2021
Not academic but that means it is accessible for the lay reader. Well worth checking out
August 25, 2023
This book does not read/sound as though they are the words of the David Pawson who had such a thoughtful and vibrant ministry of previous years. I can only suspect that his ‘ghostwriter’ as he describes Andy Peck is the major reason. It reads as a lightweight, narrow evangelical script lacking the depth Pawson always showed in his teaching. . An expensive mistake buying this book!!
December 27, 2025
Sleutels tot de Bijbel is superfijn om erbij te hebben om meer ‘background’ te krijgen over een Bijbelboek. Tijdens Bijbelstudies pakte ik deze erbij of las ik daarvoor om de verhaallijn te ontdekken. Tuurlijk is het goed om te vergelijken met andere boeken. Maar deze is lekker praktisch en duidelijk :)
December 29, 2025
This was a long one! There’s many things I disagreed with Pawson, his Zionism and futurism view of Revelation. The last two chapters were so ridiculous and fantastical trying to explain Revelation. Oriental armies?? Where does it say that? It just made me crazy, so painful to read. Otherwise I did get a lot out of this book. If I ever read it again I’ll skip the last two chapters.
November 22, 2021
An exhaustive dissertation of the Bible, providing for reliable theological grounding to the one seeking a sound basis to guide their interpretation of scripture. David Pawson even went as far to prove that our dear Lord actually died on Wednesday arvy. Yea, me too. Real insightful read.
December 7, 2022
I’m grateful to this book. The depth it has added to my biblical understanding is immense. I’m not quite sure I know what all this means right now… What I do know though is that my Bible study has been greatly benefited by this book. I’m eternally grateful.
Read
January 2, 2018Great! Definitely gives a clearer, more precise understanding to me of the written word!
March 30, 2018
Such a poor research for writing a book, biased to the bone, no real literally or philosophical value whatsoever... A real waste of paper really!
April 8, 2019
Marvelous!
October 22, 2021
A must read for all!
December 8, 2021
Great summary and commentary on each book of the Bible. Read the book as I read through the Bible this year.
January 11, 2022
Makes every book in the Bible accessible.
November 20, 2022
Keeping things in context.
Want to read
March 22, 2024I see myself able to understand and apply the Word of God correcrly
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2025
While I do not agree with all the author's points of view I still find it an excellent resource
July 7, 2018
An Ambitious Effort
The book delivers what it sets as a goal: to expound on the books of the Bible by providing information on the context, the authors, the contents and how it relates to other books, then relating it back to the foundation of Christianity that is Jesus.
This is recommended reading for those who want to have a good overview of the Bible.
The book delivers what it sets as a goal: to expound on the books of the Bible by providing information on the context, the authors, the contents and how it relates to other books, then relating it back to the foundation of Christianity that is Jesus.
This is recommended reading for those who want to have a good overview of the Bible.
July 23, 2024
This is the second time I’ve read this book. Reading the Bible can be a struggle for the first time without a little help. David Pawson writes a introduction for each of the books and letters of the bible. I have found it helpful to read his chapter followed by reading the book of the Bible. Whilst this is a big book It is accessible. David points out the things to watch out for and also puts each boom of the Bible into context, including who the author was and the purpose of the book. I cannot recommend this book more strongly. It’s an amazing read just like the Bible itself.
April 19, 2023
OK, so Pawson has some rather antiquated, misinformed views regarding the first chapters of Genesis. This is due to his pre-faith indoctrination into the world of 'science'. There are much better sources for commentary on Creation Apologetics. But once the horse is out the gate, it runs very well. A properly helpful set of footnotes to help the serious enquirer read their Bible and understand the big picture. Very much recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews