Understanding the Bible

by John R.W. Stott

Understanding the Bible will provide you with a foundational knowledge of the entirety of Scripture with a focus on broadening your vision of Jesus Christ. This book answers foundational By delving into the geographical, religious, and historical concerns that shaped the world of biblical times, you'll see Jesus as never both as a man of his times and culture, and as the culmination of a divine providence that prepared the way for the ministry of the Messiah. Written by renowned preacher, writer, and apologist John Stott, this new, expanded edition

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Scripture

Paperback

First published September 28, 1972

About the author

John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

Reviews

[Dermot O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Stott's Understanding the Bible is a really useful guide for Bible readers. In it, he provides a theological overview as well setting the historical and geographical context for its stories. For instance, he summarises very well the long, tortuous and complex history of the Jewish people from the Exodus from Egypt until the Coming of Christ. It seems strange now to be how anyone could tackle the Old Testament without this understanding.

My edition is very much like a high school textbook: laminated cover, two columns of text per page and numerous glossy photos, maps and diagrams. But don't let that put you off - it is highly informative and explanatory. Please note that John Stott was an evangelical Anglican and his exegesis reflects that strand of Christian persuasion.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Stott for the first time. I must add that the beginning of his discussion there were things I struggled with. When speaking about Genesis he took a strong scientific stand regarding creation and disclaiming the 6 days of creation. Holding the scientific view over scripture popped up a few more times causing me to research Stott a bit more before continuing to read. I read an interview Albert Mohler had with him and a memorial by John Piper the day Stott died. Both held him in high regard. Further reading showed the struggle the Anglican Church has with some passages in Genesis. So as my reading continued I was pleased to see his strong faithful reliance on the truthfulness and accuracy of the Word of God. This is a very good read, especially the last half of the book on the New Testament.

[Kayly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well organised little book full of helpful and clear information.
Many have recommended this book to new believers or people merely interested in Christianity, however, I'd say only the more studious people would enjoy this reading. Although I do think a deep research is the right way to go regarding any faith or belief.
To those starting to get interested in Christianity, I would first point to Christ and suggest reading a gospel before this book.

[Sam Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

He has a firm grasp over the Bible but not sure if I’d recommend this to a brand new Christian. Some of the language used is outdated and hard to follow.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

the last chapter is worth the read for this book

[JJ Vancil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Understanding the Bible, by John Stott, is a thorough exposition on the overview and core truths of God’s Word. Beginning with the purpose of the Bible, Stott walks through the historical and geographical context, the story of both Testaments and the key messages the Bible is communicating while never straying from the sole unifying purpose, which is Jesus Christ. Moreover, Stott affirms the authority of the Bible and gives the reader tools for interpretation. However, the style of Stott's writing, while clear, is not fully palatable. There are very few things that I would disagree with, but I did not connect with him as an author. The content is wonderful, the delivery was difficult to grasp at times.

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fantastic general exegetical and hermeneutical overview of the Bible. Great foundation for further study. Particularly valuable for understanding the overarching themes and narrative structure. Highly recommend.

4/5.

[Tim Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Stott wrote this classic introduction to the Bible in 1972. It has stood the test of time.

Beginning with the purpose of the Bible (to make us wise to salvation), he reviews the geography, then the outline story of the Bible and finishing with chapters on the Bible’s message, authority, interpretation and use.

While I and others might have slightly different views on a few minor points, Stott’s approach is thoroughly evangelical and easy to understand. And, while large tomes exist on how to interpret the Bible, or its message and use, Stott’s is a terrific summary, particularly for those who want to know more about how the Bible is crafted and what Christians believe about their Scripture.

“...the contemporary church is confused.” Stott says. “The non-Christian world is constantly being treated to the bewildering spectacle of Christians in disagreement and discord. Why is this? The primary cause of confusion in the church is the lack of an agreed authority. The church will never recover either its morale or its mission unless it first rediscovers the source of its authority.”

His words are as true today as they were nearly 50 years ago.

[Steven Gordon-Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remember at school, we used to get York Notes for great works of literature? Well, this book is that for the bible, and so much more besides. In two brilliantly written chapters, John Stott outlines the story of both the Old and New Testaments which really give an excellent overview of the book as a whole (which, as Stott later explains, is crucial to ones understanding.) As well as these, Stott gives a detailed background as to the purpose and historical context of the Bible, and goes on to expound on its message, use and interpretation.

The book doesn't shy away from "the big questions," and gives Biblically sound responses to the usual questions - "why does God permit evil," "wasn't the Old Testament God an evil character" and "why do all the denominations believe different things." For anyone that has their faith questioned by others, and is looking for some guidance as to how the Bible can answer these, and numerous other questions - 'Understanding the Bible' is the book for you.

[Dave Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Understanding the Bible" by John R.W. Stott is a good book for a 30,000 foot overview of the Bible. Stott dives into the history of the Bible and its themes while displaying some surprising nuance in places. Other places, the book reveals itself as a product of Evangelicalism at the time it was produced.

Stott also talks about the doctrines of inerrancy, infallibility, inspiration. Finally, he discusses interpretation.

The entire book is only 216 pages (paperback) so there is a lot to explore about the above topics and he cannot get into all of the complexity. However, Stott's goal seems to be to give everybody a very general framework for an Evangelical approach to Scripture and he largely succeeds at that goal.

[Anne Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone wanting to make sense of the Bible as a whole

Even though I believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God, I sometimes wonder at the apparent contradictions. I love this book shows the continuity and consistency of gods word . I just finished reading it for the first time, and will read it again. I also am going to be including many principles of this book in my personal studies as well as my group studies. Thank you so much for writing this.

[Kevyn Monier · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book did not meet the title!

I expected more from the book. I could not wait to finish the book. The book had some informative moments, but on the whole it was a struggle to read.

[A.J. Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geared towards more academically minded, though not too much as to make high school reading level congregants overly uncomfortable. Stott utilizes his education well with a clear walk through of a mostly conservative grammatico-historical approach to the Bible.

[Forrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read that helped me understand biblical context, which has overall enriched my experience reading the Holy Scriptures. God has spared no details in His Word. This is a book I would recommend for anyone serious about engaging with the scriptures.

[William Schrecengost · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's OK. Disappointed that he accepts Theistic Evolution. He also tries to talk away some of the more miraculous events in the OT.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brief explanation of the Bible, doctrines inherited from the Bible, and how to interpret Bible correctly. Intended for the beginner.

[Cristiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Stott provides valuable insights on core biblical topics and it’s wonderful. I want to reread this book soon!

[FRANCES TURNER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and easy to understand. A great help to those starting out on their faith journey and those new to reading the bible.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good introduction to the Bible. Good for beginners. It covers: the purpose of the Bible, the geography of the Bible, Old Testament overview, New Testament overview, the message of salvation, the authority and inspiration of the Bible, the interpretation of the Bible, and the use of the Bible.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book to give young Christians or recommend to them, as they try to get to grips with the many different styles of writing contained in the Scriptures. I read it as a student and found it gave me a good basic grounding in Old and New Testament writings, the nature of God's overall dealings with the Jews and Gentiles and got me reading the actual Bible itself more avidly, for which I am eternally thankful. John Stott was a great reader and scholar of the Bible himself and obviously his aim was to pass the habits of regular Bible reading and Bible study on to the readers of this book.

[Omar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: I enjoyed this book for his Overview of the Bible and his "big picture"viewpoint.
Favorite Quote: "...another way of summing up the Old Testament witness to Christ is to say that it depicts him as a greater prophet than Moses, a greater priest than Aaron and a greater king than David. That is to say, he will perfectly reveal God to man, reconcile man to God and rule over man for God. In him, the Old Testament ideals of prophecy, priesthood and kingship will find their final fulfillment."

[Ashish Jaituni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book! I loved reading every page of it! John Stott is my favorite theologian writer who puts across facts, interpretations and meanings so very well and in words that everyone can follow. I hugely recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what the Bible is all about!

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chapter on hermeneutics was simple and clear— a great explanation! The first 3/4ths of the book plodded a bit, and his view on interpreting Genesis 1-3 was a little disappointing. This is a book where the good is really good, and the rest is just average.

[Terence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on how we should read the Bible. When is the Bible acting as an historical book the documents events that actually occurred and when is the purpose different.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tough to read but well worth the time it takes. Beautiful and deep.

[Locyedwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful and simple book by John Stott

[Bonnie Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed reading (and listening to) John Stott recently. This is an excellent commentary on the Bible and I found it very useful and helpful.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although perhaps not the best choice for younger readers, this book provides a very good overview of and introduction to the Bible and its context.

[Waqas Kashi · Rating 1 out of 5]

how I open this