The Chronological Study Bible: New King James Version Hardcover – October 14, 2008

The Chronological Study Bible published by Thomas Nelson is a New King James Bible with it's text placed in the order of event occurrence and is filled with articles explaining countless details that help the reader better understand the text.First, the version is the New King James. This translation is a literal translation with a beautiful flow to it that is reminiscent of the old King James (also known as the Authorized Version) without the old English. I have found this particular translation to be an accurate translation of the original texts.Second, the order of the text to demonstrate its chronological order is a wonderful help to better understanding not only the order of events in the Bible, but it is also helpful in understanding the Bible message. For example, the placement of the Major and Minor Prophets in their corresponding chronological context helps one understand the purpose and message of each book. Of special note is how well the text was ordered faithfully to Scriptural events, contrary to the practice of a previously published chronological bible from another publisher.Third, this study bible is filled with articles and notes that explain countless historical facts that help bring the text to life. There are articles which share comparisons of the text to period literature and explain time lines, geography, and culture. The editors divided the bible into 9 epochs (time periods) that add to the understanding of the contexts. Included in the back of the bible is a daily reading schedule to assist the reader in reading through the Bible chronologically in either one or two years. Also included are a glossary, a concordance, an index of Scripture passages, and a listing of Cultural and Historical Topics. All of this is in full-color throughout the entire bible with full-color maps, photographs, illustrations, graphics, and parchment-like backgrounds.Thomas Nelson's New King James Version Chronological Study Bible is an accurate chronological ordering of the Scriptures that every Christian home should have. Its list of contributors instills confidence while its full-color illustrations and informative articles bring new light and excitement to understanding the Bible and God's hand throughout time and eternity. The quality of the print, paper and binding make this volume a lasting addition to any library. My only suggestion to Thomas Nelson is that they consider binding this Bible in a TruTone type bonding in the future. This volume is available in hardback, bonded leather, and genuine leather.Regarding some of the negative reviews, the articles contained in this Bible are to help the reader gain a perspective of what was occurring in the world that has a connection with the Scriptures. Many of the articles relating to pagan practices and mythology demonstrate Satan's attempt to imitate God's works. Other articles demonstrate that God is constantly using established cultural symbols and practices for His glory in order to illustrate a lesson to God's people as well as the lost. Regarding the time lines and dating which corresponds with secular works, if one were to read very clearly throughout the notes, one would find that these dates are simply given as a point of reference and not necessarily approved. This point becomes very clear when reading the Biblical time lines illustrated throughout the text. Lastly, please remember that this book is presented exactly as a textbook would be presented. It is made colorful, attractive, objective, and informative. It allows the student to gain the understanding of the Scriptures as though they had taken a Bible Survey class coupled with a Manners and Customs class and an Ancient World History from a Christian Perspective class.

I had heard of these before, and had thumbed through one at a bookstore, and when my wife said she wanted one for Christmas, I jumped and got one. This is a really nice Bible. It's in the Nelson NKJV, which in my opinion is one of the more literal translations, and it's a little more than a traditional "study" Bible and unique in that it's a bit of an illustrated history book that has the Bible in it. It's a chronological Bible, meaning it is divided into epochs, 9 in this case, for each segment of Biblical history through time, starting at 2000 BC up to the apostles "church" age 30-100 AD. The Bible is well put together. The cover is a imitation leather that feels really nice and the pages have a nice feel to them, nicer than some other Bibles I own. There's a single ribbon book mark. Inside, you get the standard NKJV Bible text, which is size 9+ font (I think 9.75) so it's easy to read. What's different than other study Bibles is how it incorporates history, archeology, and events into the text. The pages and pictures and graphics are all full color, and there are little narratives and illustrations with captions throughout explaining things like agriculture, livestock, architecture, religions, arts and literature, health, medicine, geography, customs and society, culture, food and drink, family, nature, science, and politics. It's all very informative and interesting! I am a bit of a history enthusiast, so I have a hard time putting it down. On a side note, there are basically no cross-references to it, maybe a few here and there, so don't expect to find them in there. There is a concordance, and an index of the various narratives as well. Overall a very nice Bible and a great alternative to the "traditional" study Bible. It would be excellent for someone who is just getting into Bible studies, or a new believer who needs a Bible that's easy to read and interesting (like for older teens), but this is really a Bible for everyone, whether a new Christian or one of 40 years! It's a great take on God's word. Highly recommended.

I love reading the Bible in chronological order. It makes sense to me. This is the second year, second Bible. First was the NIV now the NKJV. This one I have also found they have added a lot of Egyptian history and knowledge to the timeline. Some of the storylines don’t quite follow with the NIV version which makes me wonder what, and why but on the most part it follows the same path. This Bible is beautifully made. The cover in the faux leather is soft, the pages are done on great paper and the font is the perfect size. All the study subjects injected into the different chapters really help supplant the history of the eras. At this time in history, I really want to know more about where and when different peoples come into the region and how they were named and why they were named. Also, whose land is this truly? I have my opinion, and conquers have basically changed history just by changing a name. Too bad historians didn’t do something about working to change it back!

I wasn't sure I was going to keep this Chronological Bible, it was a little confusing at first, but I figured it out and will keep it. This Study Bible is a bit like a history book with Bible knowledge, very informative.