CSB Disciple’s Study Bible, Hardcover by Anonymous
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Disciples Study Bible from Broadman and Holman is another in a growing line of Study Bibles. This bible is built around the Christian Standard Bible and as such that makes it an accurate, readable, and accessible translation. There is quite a bit to commend about this Bible.
Each book has an introduction giving its basic purpose, background, and context. These intros give just enough information to be helpful without turning into a commentary. A plus to the introduction is the included timeline to see the books context in its historical setting. It should be noted that not all books contain introductions. Instead the introduction of a book may be tied to a related book. For example, the introduction for Nehemiah is included in the introduction to Ezra.
First are the notes. The notes in this version are plentiful. In some instances the notes take up more page space then the Biblical text. Instead of being a series of random notes tied to verses, the notes are built around various doctrines. Each note is identified in bold text to identify its doctrinal topic. For instance, notes may be categorized on prayer, Christian Ethics, Last Days etc. I found this to be a refreshing method so that instead of random notes interspersed throughout the text all the notes are tied to specific themes. The notes do follow a conservative, evangelical viewpoint but are not lopsided. The content is solid and beneficial.
This Bible has been designed primarily as a tool for discipleship and its offerings are specific to that task.
The first portion contains an explanation of the F260 method. This is a plan to read through the Bible in 260 readings. The idea is that instead of reading the entire Bible it is broken into a meta narrative of 260 readings. These readings cover chronologically the major points of the Bible as stated in the explanation. There is a page for each reading placed within the Biblical text to guide the reader. Each reading has prompts to guide the reader through HEAR. Highlight a specific verse in the reading. Explain the passage. Apply the passage. Respond to the passage. This is a useful guide to enable the reader to study and work through the passage on their own.
If I have one issue with the F260 is the amount of Scripture left out. For example, in this plan you only read Job 1, 2, 38-42. In Revelation you only read 1-5 & 18-22. 1&2 Chronicles are omitted. I do think this plan helps this Study Bible achieve its goal of helping a reader (new believer or new to discipleship) develop the habit of reading and journaling. I wish there were an option to include the entire Scripture into daily readings.
There are more tools for discipleship in the back of the Bible. What I have noticed is the group that developed these tools (Replicate Ministries) likes acronyms.
There is an explanation of the CLOSER method of Bible study.
Communicate (Prayer)
Listen (Bible Study)
Obey
Store (Scripture Memory)
Evangelism
Renew (Journaling, using the HEAR method)
There are also resources for forming and sustaining discipleship groups including the elements that make a good discipleship group with the emphasis on group or community. Included are pointers to apply these methods to different settings (family, children, staff, men, women)
There is one more section describing the basis of a healthy group and another acronym, MARCS
Missional
Accountability
Reproducible
Communal
Scriptural
All in all I would recommend this Bible for group study. I do not think it will be your everyday carry to church Bible due to its size and as stated the notes take up more page space at times making it hard to be a reader’s bible. But to give to someone either as a new believer or someone new to discipleship this is a solid tool. I can see it giving the user a solid grasp of the Biblical narrative as well as tools to be able to study and learn on their own as well as part of a group.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the publisher.
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