Review: ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible

In Bryan Chapell's classic homlietics book Christ-Centered Preaching, Chapell, a Presbyterian scholar, claims that "Christ-centered" exposition does not necessarily mean magically finding Christ on every page but showing how every passage points to Christ. This is the goal of the ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible (Crossway, 2019). For many, it is difficult to read the story of the Bible—which many argue points to Christ—without understanding its fullness. Enter this new study Bible.

This Bible includes over 375,000 study notes with the sole purpose of pointing toward Christ's work in the New Testament. Additionally, there are over 50 articles written by respected scholars on the nature of covenant and the Gospel. As is standard in most study Bibles, this also includes introductions to each book, a concordance, and cross-references. This Bible is formatted in single-column paragraphs, which makes for a pleasant reading experience; however, one wonders if the margins are too narrow for unencumbered scanning. The text size (9 pt for the Bible, 8 pt for the notes) is the perfect size for most readers.

With a beautiful hardcover quasi-marble design, this Bible is an excellent tool for those who are seeking further clarity into finding how each passage points to Christ. While written from a pan-Reformed position, much of its insights are applicable to a larger evangelical audience. This Bible uses the English Standard Version as its translation, a respected, word-for-word (formal equivalence) rendering. For those who are seeking the Good News through the whole Bible, look no further. The ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible might just be the perfect on-ramp for you.

(A complimentary review copy was given in exchange for an honest review.)

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