ESV Reformation Study Bible, Condensed Edition - Forest, Leather-Like Imitation Leather – October 21, 2019

I went looking for a bible to replace my old NIV & NAS. I wanted the ESV because of the word-for-word interpretation. I also wanted premium leather. Those parameters led me to limited choices on Amazon. I didn't want a huge over-mapped coffee table brick of a book, but I DID want something of a study bible.This is one smart, handsome bible! Love the smell of the fresh leather, and it easily fits on my end table as if it belongs there. People complain about the print size, but I find it quite readable & I really enjoy the soft flexibility of the front and back covers while reading- an unexpected bonus.Now, I did run into a potential snag because of my own ignorance. This bible is a reformation bible. My thinking was that the term met that it just wasn't a Catholic bible. I was surprised to see several Calvinists in the 'credits'. I just had not thought that far ahead. (I go Wesleyan/Arminian.) However, so far, I find the notes to be just fine, and really helpful. I did a search and at least one person said that they found no overt Calvinist influences. So, I am as happy as can be with this edition. I had read about quality issues with another printer, this little guy is all quality fit& finish.

First, RC sprawl is phenomenal as the editor of this Bible.Second, the quality and construction of this version are solid. This is by far my favorite Bible. Yes, it is very thick. However, the notes are very detailed and short of a commentary. I don’t think you can get more depth or information about the passages that you were reading.The maps Are very well drawn, and after comparing with other ESV and NIV versions this seems to have the best balance and offers Some very interesting travel itineraries, especially for the apostle Paul.I do not regret picking this up at all. I did not need it, but I expect this will last the rest of my life. And if the cover/binding out… I will most certainly get this one rebound.

Absolutely outstanding product. Contains all of R.C. Sproul’s notes throughout the years carrying over from his ever-popular New Geneva Study Bible. Editors list reads like a who’s-who of Reformed Ph.D’s contributing to all aspects of this Bible. Snippets of J.I. Packer’s Concise Theology scattered about. Seville cowhide leather is soft to the touch with moderate grain, paste down liner. 3 brown ribbons. Color is supposedly “burgundy” but it’s somewhere between maroon and brown. Inside text is serif font somewhere in the 9.5pt range, notes are probably in the 7pt range. Print is consistent, but only moderately dark. Paper is smooth and reasonably thick (30+ GSM if I was guessing) with minimal ghosting. Heavy enough for writing notes on. Not line-matched, but that’s almost impossible in a study Bible. This thing is BIG! 9.5”x6.9”x2.5” Well over 4 lbs. Not an ideal “carry” Bible.This is truly a gem of a study Bible. I’ve tried almost all of the ESV study bibles on the market. This one is so good I bought 2: one hardcover, one leather. Solid reformed evangelical positions. Historical creeds, catechisms, and Protestant church doctrine listed in the back as well. This Bible has rapidly become one of my prized possessions. Highly recommended.

Helped so much with my understanding of the Biblical context of things. Anyone who wants to really study the Bible, this version is awesome! I do wish it had some space for notating though.

I realized that even though I have studied the Bible, I have never read it from cover to cover. This is the perfect size and the notes help with clarification and understanding. I read at night so I also got a book light from Amazon that fits perfectly https://amzn.to/48gAwWSI use highlighters from Amazon as well and they do not bleed through the pages https://amzn.to/48gAIFAI am very pleased with my purchases and would highly recommend. These would make a thoughtful gift as well!

Big, Bad, Unwieldy. Great for doing curls with! For most this is to much bible. It five pounds meaning the elderly will need a stand to roll it around but the good news it kids can't lift it. The average man will look a few times and it will become a dust gathering relic while his fife holler "how Much Did You Spend!" Not to deny it costs coffee money for weeks but to the Student of the bible it saves much time seeking informaton from a wall of commentaries. The notes are well done and make one remember what they once knew when they were leaving seminary.One must remember when seeking sermon materials that this not really the reformation bible, rather it is The Calvinist Bible and the TULIP is it frame of reference. I can agree with that but were their not others persuasions in the reforming free for all? Of course they were and if I might note the central figure of the reformation was ignored. Why? Maybe they can enlighten us in the next revision? Yet if it gets any larger it will become the multi volume bible. The Montana Leather binding does make it easier to hold on the lap in an easy chair while reading the bible and watching the Twilight Zone.Going beyond its weight, price and bias the bible is one of he best to come off the press in a very long time and worth every penny spent for this one volume reference library I would recommend this book to both preachers and layman who want to understand the both the bible and the reformers. Save your coffee money and go for it. You won't be disappointed.Pastor Bill

Ok so I had already bought one of there Bibles before and going through it was awesome. It was like walking through the Bible with a preacher. This one was for my mother in law and she lives hers too. These Bibles look good, obviously the Bible itself is good, and then R.C. Sproul is a blessing. Personally I think he's the greatest theologian America ever produced.