Teaching Team
The ESV Study Bible
Yesterday I received an email question about one of the new products First Fruits is distributing in our new webstore and catalog. First Fruits recently released a new product catalog for the Jewish calendar year 5769. To see our new catalog, click here.
But question I received asked why we, as a Messianic organization, were distributing the ESV Study Bible, which is largely Evangelical in its theology. They understood distributing the ESV Bible, but why the study Bible? It is a fair question, one that I thought others may have wondered. Thus, I wanted to re-post my answer, along with some other additional thoughts I had.
Q: I'm confused about FFOZ the offering the ESV Study Bible.
A: We understand your concerns. Why would FFOZ distribute a Christian study Bible when some of FFOZ's teachings challenge some of the theological presuppositions of Evangelical Christianity?
After sampling some of the notes and chapters online, we saw that this study Bible goes far beyond the "fluff" commentary notes of most study Bibles. This Bible goes to more serious level, utilizing historical context, linguistic analysis, and even occasional textual critical information. This type of information is important for the study of the Scriptures, regardless of one's theological conviction. If we as Messianic believers wish to mature in our understanding of the Bible, historical context is the first place we must start. This Bible provides a lot of that, with notes, introductions, and essays.
The ESV Study Bible also has the best maps, diagrams, and models of any study Bible anywhere, including full color diagrams of the Temple, and any Messianic believer should be interested in diagrams of the Temple! Click here to preview a diagram of the Temple.
You can sample a free preview of the study Bible on the entire book of Matthew. Click here to preview that sample. More previews, like the book of Jonah and the introductions to Psalms, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Luke, Ephesians, Colossians, and Revelation can be seen here.
Q: I would think it would be confusing for a Messianic believer to use it for study, unless they are well versed in the issues involving Messianic Jewish doctrine as opposed to Christian doctrine.
A: We feel that, like yourself, most of the constituency of FFOZ are critical thinkers. It's what defines us as Messianics. We keep what is good, and throw away what is bad. In my life, I have never read a book that I agree with 100% (other than the Bible, obviously). Whether a Christian Study Bible or a Jewish Chumash, we will always have to be discerning about whether we regard commentary as true or not. Thus, we feel that this resource is a good tool for information, yet we also acknowledge that the study notes are not inspired. Therefore, one should always feel free to disagree with the study notes.
With this resource, we think that there will be a lot of good to keep.
To order your copy of the ESV Study Bible, visit our webstore by clicking here.
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Visitor Feedback:
This is the best study Bible ever. When I first saw that you guys were endorsing it my red flags went up. But Your right. I got it at my old Bible School. It is great. Have you guys ever asked them if they would be willing to make a FFOZ Version? One with The Hebrew Names? That could be the solution. Thompson Chain did that for the United pentecostal Church international.
***FFOZ Response:*** Perhaps int eh future for now we are just about to release the Delitzsch Hebrew/English Gospels. http://vineofdavid.org/resources/dhe/index.html
Word Millah | July 20, 2011 1:52 AM