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The Visual Word: Illustrated Outlines of The New Testament Books
The New Testament shouldn’t be complicated. So why are we often confused? Every Christian wants to love the Bible. But let’s face we sometimes get lost in all the names, places, and doctrines that we find in its pages. Who wrote this epistle? Which book is about justification? Joy? Jesus? Aren’t they all about him? The New Testament contains complex ideas and multiple genres. Keeping it straight can be hard to do. Wouldn’t it be nice if somebody who understands the big picture would put it together for us in one place? Biblical scholar and seminary professor Patrick Schreiner draws from his years of experience as a teacher to offer a simple and memorable way of understanding Scripture. And he doesn’t do it by throwing big words at you. The contours of the New Testament and its underlying structure are depicted in visual format along with Schreiner’s clear explanations. In The Visual Word , the Bible comes alive because you can see it pictured before your eyes. By taking a graphic approach, you’ll notice connections you’ve never seen before. Gain insights you’ve missed all these years. And discover an overall pattern that makes each separate piece fall perfectly into place. Don’t settle for mere summaries of the New Testament. Let Schreiner’s concise words and crisp images work together to help you encounter the Living Word in a fresh way.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published June 1, 2021
39 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 24, 2021
The Visual Word: Illustrated Outlines of the New Testament Books by Patrick Schreiner is a real delight. First, the book is absolutely beautiful. Moody Publishers pulled out all the stops on this project by producing an extra-large book, suitable for a coffee table that is graced with vivid colors and top-quality binding and pages.
In addition to the quality design, Anthony M. Benedetto provides stunning illustrations throughout the book to help readers cement key truths and principles found in the biblical text.
Dr. Schreiner reveals his purpose in the introduction and provides the necessary background for The Visual Word. Schreiner says, “I believe one of the most important things to do when reading the Bible is to read it contextually. This book helps readers see the big picture and enables them to put the biblical pieces together in an objective fashion; one that does justice to the biblical text.,
Schreiner’s second purpose concerns the visual nature of learning. Most students are helped considerably by linking key truths to an image of some kind. The Visual Word makes good use of this by teaming up with Anthony Benedetto.
Each New Testament book is introduced with a key statement and a general overview of the book. Next, a one-page image is employed that gives readers a quick visual summary of the book. The remainder of the chapter is devoted to unpacking the units of thought, each of which is supported by one of Benedetto’s beautiful images.
It would be impossible to give this book too much praise. It is suitable for beginning Bible students and veteran preachers, teachers, and theologians. Even after teaching the Bible for 30 years, I will be turning to The Visual Word each time I begin a new expository study in a New Testament book.
Many thanks to Patrick Schreiner and Anthony Benedetto for this fine work.
In addition to the quality design, Anthony M. Benedetto provides stunning illustrations throughout the book to help readers cement key truths and principles found in the biblical text.
Dr. Schreiner reveals his purpose in the introduction and provides the necessary background for The Visual Word. Schreiner says, “I believe one of the most important things to do when reading the Bible is to read it contextually. This book helps readers see the big picture and enables them to put the biblical pieces together in an objective fashion; one that does justice to the biblical text.,
Schreiner’s second purpose concerns the visual nature of learning. Most students are helped considerably by linking key truths to an image of some kind. The Visual Word makes good use of this by teaming up with Anthony Benedetto.
Each New Testament book is introduced with a key statement and a general overview of the book. Next, a one-page image is employed that gives readers a quick visual summary of the book. The remainder of the chapter is devoted to unpacking the units of thought, each of which is supported by one of Benedetto’s beautiful images.
It would be impossible to give this book too much praise. It is suitable for beginning Bible students and veteran preachers, teachers, and theologians. Even after teaching the Bible for 30 years, I will be turning to The Visual Word each time I begin a new expository study in a New Testament book.
Many thanks to Patrick Schreiner and Anthony Benedetto for this fine work.
September 4, 2022
Super useful book summarising the themes and messages of each book of the New Testament. Beautifully illustrated.
July 20, 2021
Here is a short list of One-word descriptions that fits this book: Unique, Beautiful, Visual, Creative, Beneficial, Constructive.
The Visual Word gives unique visual outlines, descriptions, and summaries of each book of the New Testament in a streamlined layout using icons, color coded sections, (gold, gray, and blue) and related Scripture. In other words, it presents an overview of the New Testament in an artsy, visual, and productive way.
I don’t own a book even remotely like it. In fact, I’ve never seen or heard of one like it either. It inspires a deeper exploration of God’s Word and I plan to keep it right beside me to aid during Bible study time. It’s a keeper.
Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.
The Visual Word gives unique visual outlines, descriptions, and summaries of each book of the New Testament in a streamlined layout using icons, color coded sections, (gold, gray, and blue) and related Scripture. In other words, it presents an overview of the New Testament in an artsy, visual, and productive way.
I don’t own a book even remotely like it. In fact, I’ve never seen or heard of one like it either. It inspires a deeper exploration of God’s Word and I plan to keep it right beside me to aid during Bible study time. It’s a keeper.
Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.
August 16, 2021
The Visual Word is an unconventional project. The book is the work of author Patrick Schreiner and illustrator Anthony Benedetto, and it attempts to add a visual element to written overviews of the books of the New Testament.
You may wonder how a visual component would be helpful in such a situation—this was exactly my question! Schreiner is professor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he describes himself as a visual learner. “I find that I can grasp things and remember them better if I can see them. If they are arranged spatially. Students have had similar experiences in my classes” (page 10). When teaching, he found that his whiteboard sketches during class helped his students. This book is an attempt to reproduce, in part, a version of that classroom experience.
The Physical Object
The book itself is beautiful. (Moody Publishers kindly sent me the hardcover version in exchange for an honest review.) At 8.5×11 inches, it is larger than most books. I gather this was necessary to fit all the designs and illustrations on the page.
The pages themselves are also striking. Navy blue and gold are used throughout the book, and the book designers did an excellent job coordinating Bible themes and genres with colors.
Without being any sort of artist myself, I can see the highly skilled hand that produced the illustrations. Each drawing itself is more the size of an internet avatar or an icon—a small circle with a picture inside. The illustrations are the result of arranging many such drawings on a page along with brief words and phrases, connecting them with lines, and producing a visual aid to understanding each book.
I’m not sure how well I described this; to get a clearer picture, take a look at the sample pages the publisher has made available.
The Writing
Schreiner’s aim in his writing is something we at Knowable Word certainly appreciate.
First, I believe one of the most important things to do when reading the Bible is to read it contextually. For most, this means historical context. This is vitally important, but this book focuses on the literary context.[…]To read well, readers must follow the flow of an author’s argument. (The Visual Word, page 10)
For the most part, the book hits its mark. For example, the way Schreiner wrote about the book of 1 Peter gave me a clear, bird’s eye view of Peter’s purpose in writing and the flow of his argument through the book. This is exactly what I’d want from a resource like this.
There was at least one curious decision in these outlines. Schreiner takes all of John’s epistles (1, 2, and 3 John) together. After expressing in the introduction a desire to highlight the literary context of each New Testament book, it puzzled me to see topics from 2 John and 3 John simply attached to similar sections in 1 John.
The Illustrations
While Benedetto is obviously adept as an illustrator, I must confess that I didn’t get as much out of the spatial representation of the outlines as some of Schreiner’s students did. I acknowledge that this may just be me and the way my brain processes and absorbs information, indicating no weakness with the book at all.
Most of the illustrations seemed like standard, top-level outlines of Bible books, written perhaps in rows or columns instead of in standard outline format, with some accompanying icons. Some of the arrangements of the words and pictures were hard for me to follow. With a few exceptions, the illustrations did not add a lot of value to the book overviews for me.
A Valuable Resource
Despite my hesitance in the previous section, I found this book to be a helpful resource. Along with videos from The Bible Project (from which Schreiner admits to takings some cues), I envision using this volume to remind me of the big-picture structure and argument of New Testament books.
You may wonder how a visual component would be helpful in such a situation—this was exactly my question! Schreiner is professor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he describes himself as a visual learner. “I find that I can grasp things and remember them better if I can see them. If they are arranged spatially. Students have had similar experiences in my classes” (page 10). When teaching, he found that his whiteboard sketches during class helped his students. This book is an attempt to reproduce, in part, a version of that classroom experience.
The Physical Object
The book itself is beautiful. (Moody Publishers kindly sent me the hardcover version in exchange for an honest review.) At 8.5×11 inches, it is larger than most books. I gather this was necessary to fit all the designs and illustrations on the page.
The pages themselves are also striking. Navy blue and gold are used throughout the book, and the book designers did an excellent job coordinating Bible themes and genres with colors.
Without being any sort of artist myself, I can see the highly skilled hand that produced the illustrations. Each drawing itself is more the size of an internet avatar or an icon—a small circle with a picture inside. The illustrations are the result of arranging many such drawings on a page along with brief words and phrases, connecting them with lines, and producing a visual aid to understanding each book.
I’m not sure how well I described this; to get a clearer picture, take a look at the sample pages the publisher has made available.
The Writing
Schreiner’s aim in his writing is something we at Knowable Word certainly appreciate.
First, I believe one of the most important things to do when reading the Bible is to read it contextually. For most, this means historical context. This is vitally important, but this book focuses on the literary context.[…]To read well, readers must follow the flow of an author’s argument. (The Visual Word, page 10)
For the most part, the book hits its mark. For example, the way Schreiner wrote about the book of 1 Peter gave me a clear, bird’s eye view of Peter’s purpose in writing and the flow of his argument through the book. This is exactly what I’d want from a resource like this.
There was at least one curious decision in these outlines. Schreiner takes all of John’s epistles (1, 2, and 3 John) together. After expressing in the introduction a desire to highlight the literary context of each New Testament book, it puzzled me to see topics from 2 John and 3 John simply attached to similar sections in 1 John.
The Illustrations
While Benedetto is obviously adept as an illustrator, I must confess that I didn’t get as much out of the spatial representation of the outlines as some of Schreiner’s students did. I acknowledge that this may just be me and the way my brain processes and absorbs information, indicating no weakness with the book at all.
Most of the illustrations seemed like standard, top-level outlines of Bible books, written perhaps in rows or columns instead of in standard outline format, with some accompanying icons. Some of the arrangements of the words and pictures were hard for me to follow. With a few exceptions, the illustrations did not add a lot of value to the book overviews for me.
A Valuable Resource
Despite my hesitance in the previous section, I found this book to be a helpful resource. Along with videos from The Bible Project (from which Schreiner admits to takings some cues), I envision using this volume to remind me of the big-picture structure and argument of New Testament books.
August 19, 2021
People learn in different ways. The typical church experience is geared toward those who learn by listening (to the sermon) and reading (the Bible). That hasn’t always been the case. In the past, when most people were illiterate and masses were held in Latin (a language not spoken by the common people), art was a common way to bring an understanding of the faith to the people. It was an era of great paintings and architecture and stained glass. And while the Scriptures have been made more accessible, we’ve also lost something of that visual element of sharing our faith.
The Visual Word isn’t a Rembrandt or a Michelangelo, it’s not a stained-glass masterpiece or a giant fresco. But it is something of a recapturing of that idea that we learn by what we see. Theologian Patrick Schreiner has teamed by with illustrator Anthony Benedetto to provide a visual outline of the New Testament that combines learning styles and catches the eye in a way that will enhance your view of the New Testament and help you understand it, commit it to memory, and engage with it in ways you never have before.
This is a big, beautiful coffee table style book. Each book of the Bible runs 6-8 pages, breaking the book into sections summarized through an icon style illustration and a one-paragraph summary. Schreiner’s breakdown of the books is serviceable, but not exhaustive, as he’s limited to space. Benedetto’s illustrations capture each section well. They’re minimalistic yet thoughtful and truly do capture the essence of the text.
I do wish that the book had been just a bit more visual. My standard in this area is The Bible Project’s book that does pretty much this same thing. It’s much more robust in the visual aspect, providing full illustrations with the text worked into the illustration itself. While it was overly busy at times, The Visual Word goes to the other extreme, being overly minimalistic, sometimes reducing Benedetto’s wonderful illustrations to what amounts to bullet points for Schreiner’s outline. (It’s worth noting that this book has the endorsement of Tim Mackie, The Bible Project’s founder, on the back cover.)
If you’re a visual learner, if you have a child who is a visual learner, this book will open up the Scriptures to you in a new way. It’s a good guide to work through along with Scripture reading. Schreiner’s summaries are solid, insightful, and informative. Even just seeing how he breaks down a book enables readers to understand that book a bit better and understand the flow of a book outside of the rather arbitrary and antiquated chapters that Scripture is typically broken into. This is a book that I’d recommend looking at before you purchase. Make sure it fits your needs. But I do know is that we need more books like this. I’m hoping an Old Testament edition is in the works!
The Visual Word isn’t a Rembrandt or a Michelangelo, it’s not a stained-glass masterpiece or a giant fresco. But it is something of a recapturing of that idea that we learn by what we see. Theologian Patrick Schreiner has teamed by with illustrator Anthony Benedetto to provide a visual outline of the New Testament that combines learning styles and catches the eye in a way that will enhance your view of the New Testament and help you understand it, commit it to memory, and engage with it in ways you never have before.
This is a big, beautiful coffee table style book. Each book of the Bible runs 6-8 pages, breaking the book into sections summarized through an icon style illustration and a one-paragraph summary. Schreiner’s breakdown of the books is serviceable, but not exhaustive, as he’s limited to space. Benedetto’s illustrations capture each section well. They’re minimalistic yet thoughtful and truly do capture the essence of the text.
I do wish that the book had been just a bit more visual. My standard in this area is The Bible Project’s book that does pretty much this same thing. It’s much more robust in the visual aspect, providing full illustrations with the text worked into the illustration itself. While it was overly busy at times, The Visual Word goes to the other extreme, being overly minimalistic, sometimes reducing Benedetto’s wonderful illustrations to what amounts to bullet points for Schreiner’s outline. (It’s worth noting that this book has the endorsement of Tim Mackie, The Bible Project’s founder, on the back cover.)
If you’re a visual learner, if you have a child who is a visual learner, this book will open up the Scriptures to you in a new way. It’s a good guide to work through along with Scripture reading. Schreiner’s summaries are solid, insightful, and informative. Even just seeing how he breaks down a book enables readers to understand that book a bit better and understand the flow of a book outside of the rather arbitrary and antiquated chapters that Scripture is typically broken into. This is a book that I’d recommend looking at before you purchase. Make sure it fits your needs. But I do know is that we need more books like this. I’m hoping an Old Testament edition is in the works!
September 2, 2021
The Visual Word is a unique and helpful resource by author and professor, Dr. Patrick Schreiner. The idea for the book was born out of the visual notes Dr. Schreiner would make for his seminary students (similar to the ones pictured here). The book takes readers through the New Testament and breaks each book down simply. As a visual learner, I really appreciate The Visual Word because it helps me remember the key concepts of each New Testament book.
Although written by a professor, one of the things I really appreciate about The Visual Word is that the content is simple making it easy for theologians of all stages to better understand the New Testament. The summaries for the sections of the New Testament books are concise and flow together really well. When it comes to passages that tend to be hotly debated, I was encouraged that Dr. Schreiner focused on the historical and cultural contexts that were at play and didn’t try to persuade readers to a particular position. I found this to be so helpful because it encourages students of the Bible to dig deep into studying on their own and working toward understanding which side of the debate, if any, is closest to the author’s intended meaning. An example of this is found on page 113 in a section focused on 1 Timothy 2:8-15.
Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of the book is its emphasis on the Bible as literature. Dr. Schreiner mentioned a few times in the Introduction that it is important to approach the Bible rightly. I truly believe that The Visual Word will help Bible students do so and will help those who are newer to the Bible understand how it flows together.
The illustrations are sharp and clean and I thought it was neat that the book’s colors are also the school colors for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where Dr. Schreiner teaches.
I am really thankful for The Visual Word and look forward to using it as I study the New Testament. I am pleased to give this resource my highest recommendation and I’m eagerly anticipating a companion book for the Old Testament.
I received The Visual Word compliments of Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Although written by a professor, one of the things I really appreciate about The Visual Word is that the content is simple making it easy for theologians of all stages to better understand the New Testament. The summaries for the sections of the New Testament books are concise and flow together really well. When it comes to passages that tend to be hotly debated, I was encouraged that Dr. Schreiner focused on the historical and cultural contexts that were at play and didn’t try to persuade readers to a particular position. I found this to be so helpful because it encourages students of the Bible to dig deep into studying on their own and working toward understanding which side of the debate, if any, is closest to the author’s intended meaning. An example of this is found on page 113 in a section focused on 1 Timothy 2:8-15.
Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of the book is its emphasis on the Bible as literature. Dr. Schreiner mentioned a few times in the Introduction that it is important to approach the Bible rightly. I truly believe that The Visual Word will help Bible students do so and will help those who are newer to the Bible understand how it flows together.
The illustrations are sharp and clean and I thought it was neat that the book’s colors are also the school colors for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where Dr. Schreiner teaches.
I am really thankful for The Visual Word and look forward to using it as I study the New Testament. I am pleased to give this resource my highest recommendation and I’m eagerly anticipating a companion book for the Old Testament.
I received The Visual Word compliments of Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
June 29, 2021
What can we see in the New Testament? In The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner and Anthony M. Benedetto embark on a beautifully illustrated outline of the New Testament books.
Context and Themes
Schreiner skillfully outlines all of the 27 books, giving a summary of themes and diving deeper into each chapter for context. The Visual Word is able to help you get a grasp of the big picture of each book, while still providing enough details to help you read them through chapter-by-chapter.
What surprised me was how well the illustrations work with both large and small books. Romans is skillfully navigated, and the book of Jude is carefully explained. The iconography in the pictures is memorable and make for an overall entertaining reading experience.
Enhance Your Understanding
Aesthetically, this book is a work of art. The beautiful hardcover is 8.5 x 11 inches. The gold trim on the cover contrasts beautifully with the dark royal blue, and this color motif is repeated throughout the book. There is a lot of material featured, and the 192 pages is generous while still keeping a slim profile. While this book definitely belongs in your study, it will feel right at home on a coffee table or nightstand.
What I found to be invaluable was how well the visuals lend themselves to enhance my understanding of each book. This is visual learning done beautifully. Schreiner does an excellent job of distilling contexts and providing main points. My understanding of Ephesians has been enhanced, and my interest in Titus has grown.
Dwell in the Word of God
As we become distracted in our post-COVID world, this book invites us to dwell in the Word of God. It calls us to slow down and appreciate truth and beauty. It helps us see the heights and depths of Scripture. And it will move you to explore more and more of the Bible, our inexhaustible treasure.
I received a media copy of The Visual Word and this is my honest review.
Context and Themes
Schreiner skillfully outlines all of the 27 books, giving a summary of themes and diving deeper into each chapter for context. The Visual Word is able to help you get a grasp of the big picture of each book, while still providing enough details to help you read them through chapter-by-chapter.
What surprised me was how well the illustrations work with both large and small books. Romans is skillfully navigated, and the book of Jude is carefully explained. The iconography in the pictures is memorable and make for an overall entertaining reading experience.
Enhance Your Understanding
Aesthetically, this book is a work of art. The beautiful hardcover is 8.5 x 11 inches. The gold trim on the cover contrasts beautifully with the dark royal blue, and this color motif is repeated throughout the book. There is a lot of material featured, and the 192 pages is generous while still keeping a slim profile. While this book definitely belongs in your study, it will feel right at home on a coffee table or nightstand.
What I found to be invaluable was how well the visuals lend themselves to enhance my understanding of each book. This is visual learning done beautifully. Schreiner does an excellent job of distilling contexts and providing main points. My understanding of Ephesians has been enhanced, and my interest in Titus has grown.
Dwell in the Word of God
As we become distracted in our post-COVID world, this book invites us to dwell in the Word of God. It calls us to slow down and appreciate truth and beauty. It helps us see the heights and depths of Scripture. And it will move you to explore more and more of the Bible, our inexhaustible treasure.
I received a media copy of The Visual Word and this is my honest review.
June 28, 2021
A beautiful and well laid-out resource, excellent compliment to personal Bible study or to share in group settings.
I was intrigued by the idea of a visual outline of Scripture and how it would work. I've been a Bible reader from a young age, but still struggle to place where exactly certain passages are, or how the themes connect to a broader theme throughout without too much generalization. And to my delight this book was exactly what I thought it would be and more.
This book is a wonderful resource and aid, useful in many settings, I appreciated the well thought out illustrated medallions and how they are connected in the various diagrams to show the flow and connecting themes, though the use of a hand with an eye inset looking very similar to a hamsa, (a symbol tied to Middle Eastern Mysticism), as the symbol for The Word of Life in the section on 1st, 2nd, 3rd John gave me pause.
Overall, this is a valuable tool for Bible study, with excellent summaries by Patrick Schreiner that do a great job of showing the overarching themes and narrative of the New Testament, the Gospel, and what that means for us. It would make a great gift as a study aid, or a great purchase for yourself. I look forward to using it personally in my study for many years to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was intrigued by the idea of a visual outline of Scripture and how it would work. I've been a Bible reader from a young age, but still struggle to place where exactly certain passages are, or how the themes connect to a broader theme throughout without too much generalization. And to my delight this book was exactly what I thought it would be and more.
This book is a wonderful resource and aid, useful in many settings, I appreciated the well thought out illustrated medallions and how they are connected in the various diagrams to show the flow and connecting themes, though the use of a hand with an eye inset looking very similar to a hamsa, (a symbol tied to Middle Eastern Mysticism), as the symbol for The Word of Life in the section on 1st, 2nd, 3rd John gave me pause.
Overall, this is a valuable tool for Bible study, with excellent summaries by Patrick Schreiner that do a great job of showing the overarching themes and narrative of the New Testament, the Gospel, and what that means for us. It would make a great gift as a study aid, or a great purchase for yourself. I look forward to using it personally in my study for many years to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 19, 2021
“You probably don’t have another book like this in your library” (9). Patrick Schreiner speaks the truth when he describes The Visual Word—a unique way to present the Bible. In this book, Schreiner summarizes and contextualizes every book in the New Testament in a way that shows how the grand storyline of the Bible fits together. The beautiful illustrations from artist Anthony Benedetto include detailed clues to help the reader better learn biblical theology.
The twenty-five chapters each present an entire book of the Bible in less than ten pages (1-3 John are taken together). For example, Matthew begins with an introduction to the book, continues with a visual overview (14 iconic illustrations), then six pages to briefly explain each visual overview in written form. Readers will want to pay attention to the details in each icon to help them remember the themes in Matthew’s Gospel.
Schreiner draws on his experience as both a biblical scholar and seminary professor. Readers may not agree with all of his outlines and insights, but they will be helped by his fresh look at an ancient text. All we need now is a companion volume for the Old Testament.
* Moody Press has provided a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
The twenty-five chapters each present an entire book of the Bible in less than ten pages (1-3 John are taken together). For example, Matthew begins with an introduction to the book, continues with a visual overview (14 iconic illustrations), then six pages to briefly explain each visual overview in written form. Readers will want to pay attention to the details in each icon to help them remember the themes in Matthew’s Gospel.
Schreiner draws on his experience as both a biblical scholar and seminary professor. Readers may not agree with all of his outlines and insights, but they will be helped by his fresh look at an ancient text. All we need now is a companion volume for the Old Testament.
* Moody Press has provided a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 6, 2025
This book was a bit different than I expected, but to be fair, I don't know what I really expected from an illustrated book that explains the New Testament.
With that said, the explanation of the symbolism in Scripture as well as the easy to follow outlines break down the Bible in a way that even the newest of believers could easily pick up and understand.
I can't express how impressed I am with the simplicity in explation that somehow covers the depth in each book. I also can't recommend reading this enough.
With that said, the explanation of the symbolism in Scripture as well as the easy to follow outlines break down the Bible in a way that even the newest of believers could easily pick up and understand.
I can't express how impressed I am with the simplicity in explation that somehow covers the depth in each book. I also can't recommend reading this enough.
June 10, 2021
Patrick Schreiner has provided a very valuable resource in "The Visual Word: Illustrated Outlines of The New Testament Books." This helpful guide will be a useful resource for any and all readers of NT books, whether for personal or professional study.
The images are helpful reminders of themes, and Schreiner's brief overviews of chapter or sections of each book as he outlines the themes are likewise valuable.
This is a MUST check out book.
The images are helpful reminders of themes, and Schreiner's brief overviews of chapter or sections of each book as he outlines the themes are likewise valuable.
This is a MUST check out book.
December 7, 2021
A solid 3.5 stars. Benedetto's illustrations are beautiful as always. Schreiner's writing is clear and concise. It is summaries/outlines, not a commentary.
All in all a helpful guide to the breakdown and structure of NT books. I appreciated reading through the NT with this as a companion, but it didn't reveal anything mindblowing (except for my first run-in with the term unholy Trinity regarding Satan, the Beast, and the False Prophet in Revelation).
All in all a helpful guide to the breakdown and structure of NT books. I appreciated reading through the NT with this as a companion, but it didn't reveal anything mindblowing (except for my first run-in with the term unholy Trinity regarding Satan, the Beast, and the False Prophet in Revelation).
December 28, 2023
Great illustrations and summaries of large sections of the New Testament. This book will give you both a visual and verbal picture of what each New Testament book is about. As you read the New Testament, this book will help you understand Jesus more clearly.
December 4, 2024
Truly a book that is useful in summarizing a book of the New Testament for a NT Survey class but also being digestible enough for new believers to read and understand. Although there is personal theological bias interwoven into its composition in places, I will still refer this to many!
September 27, 2021
such a helpful guide to reading and studying the NT. would 100% recommend having it as a helpful tool. really does a great job visually outlining each book.
November 12, 2021
Stunning
October 17, 2022
Incredibly beautiful illustrated outlines. Simple but refreshing outlines for books of the New Testament. This books helps give the big picture of each NT book. Highly recommend.
November 18, 2022
A treat of a book aesthetically and theologically.
December 21, 2022
As a visual learner, I found these beautiful outlines immensely helpful in grasping the structure of each NT book.
July 11, 2023
I really liked this and will likely refer back to it a lot. Found the theological outlines good and really liked the thought put into the art.
June 1, 2024
Very brief overview of the New Testament and is helpful for anyone looking to get a flyover of the New Testament as they are reading through it.
June 2, 2024
A very helpful and concise way to outline and visualize the books of the New Testament.
June 2, 2025
Less information than what you would find in any study bible. The illustrations are cool but don’t add much. Might be a good coffee table book. I’m sorry Dr. Schreiner😬
August 12, 2025
Loved it!
March 27, 2025
This book I think is something I would use throughout my life as I take through the New Testament over and over. It provides easy to understand summaries and outlines of each book that make the themes of the books less daunting. I can see this being great for children and teens as they explore God’s Word.
January 1, 2024
Snapped this up during a Logos Software sale. Having said that, I thought this would be a much more in depth book than it is. I thought this would show more of the structures and flow of thought through the NT books. Instead this is a very basic out line with some pictures drawn for each section of each book. The pictures themselves are not diagrams or thought flow helps, they are simply illustrations that the illustrator thought represented each section well. Really they’re just pictures that are section labels. Schreiner’s notes are also meager in this, and it is not really a book to study. In this way this book is a double disappointment for me.
More of a coffee table book - which, makes the digital edition that much less valuable. But might be a fun book to pick up and peruse a bit.
More of a coffee table book - which, makes the digital edition that much less valuable. But might be a fun book to pick up and peruse a bit.
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