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The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible: Understanding the Big Picture Book-by-Book
Reading the Bible can be intimidating, no matter where you are in your faith walk. In this reader-friendly guide to the whole Bible, two respected professors offer helpful book-by-book summaries that cut to the heart of the text, as well as application for what it means to you.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2014
78 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
William H. Marty
16 books27 followersDr. William H. Marty (ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is Professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute and has published two textbooks, Surveying the New Testament and Survey of the Old Testament. He is unique among Bible college professors in that he teaches and writes on both the New and Old Testaments. Dr. Marty lives with his wife in Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 21, 2014
Title: The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible
Authors: Dr William H Marty & Dr Boyd Seevers
Publisher: Bethany House (Baker)
Year: 2014
Pages: 304
[Disclaimer: I was provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and unbiased review of this book. I was given no compensation and I am not required to provide a positive review.]
I'm just gonna go ahead and state at the outset that this book was a disappointment for me. I think the problems started with the the authors' a priori commitment to the standard conservative reading of the Bible. There's nothing necessarily wrong with the 'standard conservative reading' (I most likely subscribe to it myself, although a a little more nuanced), but at times it forces the authors to make statements for which there is considerable debate (e.g., "The original author and his audience probably knew the answers to such questions, but modern readers struggle to find the answers in the text", 14). And this commitment to such a reading colors the authors' understanding of the books and thus troubles their application of the books at the end of each chapter.
That being said, if I can sum up my thoughts in one sentence, it would be something like this: either the authors or the publishers don't think very highly of their readers. I mean, seriously, this book is written by authors who hold Ph.Ds in their respective fields and this book reads like something written for a someone in a very early high school class. This book might have been in mind when the author of Hebrews wrote, "Therefore, let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity...." (6:1).
Both the Old Testament section and the New Testament section follow the same basic format. First, we learn a little about the 'Setting.' In this section we may learn a little about the place where it was written, the events that occasioned the writing, and the person who wrote the book. The authors also speculate about the timing of the writing. Also in this section the authors, almost without fail, tell us how we can 'divide up the book.' I found this dividing up to be a bit forced and unnecessary. I realize full well that this is what we do, but the problem is that it really didn't help us understand the books any better.
Second, there is a 'Summary' section. In my opinion, the summary section is the worst part of the book because it simply provides us with no significant information. It is, to be sure, merely a page and a half paraphrase of the content of the book being explored. Maybe paraphrase is too generous. Maybe it's more like an outline in paragraph form. The truth is, one can probably get more information by just sitting down and reading the Bible.
Third, in typical preacher fashion, the author complete the alliterated trifecta by giving us a 'Significance' section. In some instances, this section a page or so long (on my Nook). In other instances, it is merely a sentence or two. Although the authors try to vary the themes they broach in the significance section, I found that entirely too much of the time they state that the significance of the book is either God's Sovereignty (which is a good thing, except that their subtle or not so subtle commitment to Calvin's version of God's Sovereignty is troubling) or that we are going to suffer and we have to be faithful. I guess for me that's just not enough.
I always go back to Luke 24:27, 44 where Jesus gives us the ultimate in exegetical mastery: "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." And, "Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms." I'm thinking this is fairly significant and ought to be explored a little more deeply. Yet even the times when these connections are brought up, they are not brought up to the end that the reader is left thinking about Jesus as the fulfillment of God's righteous action in this world. In short, there is no real commitment to the meta-narrative that stretches from Genesis to Revelation.
I'm not one who happens to think the Bible can be piece-mealed into a mere 66 books easily divided after the first 39. There is a grand story being told and I'm not convinced the authors are as committed to it as they should be or as they claim to be. Even for a terribly elementary book such as this there should be a string stretched from one end to another connecting everything together. The subtitle of the book is, "Understanding the Big Picture Book by Book" and it is exactly at that point the book fails. To understand the big picture, there has to be commitment to the meta-narrative. And I didn't see it even if the author of the Old Testament section did a better job of trying than the author of the New Testament section.
I think that thread is Jesus. Don't get me wrong, He is present in this book but Jesus is not necessarily the focus of the book so much as each book is the focus of the book. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but what I came away from this book thinking is that it is hurried, it is sloppy, and it is terribly shallow and safe.
I'm not sure why this book was written or to whom it was written. There are hundreds of bible survey books available on the market that are infinitely better than this book. I'm sorry to say it, but this book falls short.
2/5 Stars
Authors: Dr William H Marty & Dr Boyd Seevers
Publisher: Bethany House (Baker)
Year: 2014
Pages: 304
[Disclaimer: I was provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and unbiased review of this book. I was given no compensation and I am not required to provide a positive review.]
I'm just gonna go ahead and state at the outset that this book was a disappointment for me. I think the problems started with the the authors' a priori commitment to the standard conservative reading of the Bible. There's nothing necessarily wrong with the 'standard conservative reading' (I most likely subscribe to it myself, although a a little more nuanced), but at times it forces the authors to make statements for which there is considerable debate (e.g., "The original author and his audience probably knew the answers to such questions, but modern readers struggle to find the answers in the text", 14). And this commitment to such a reading colors the authors' understanding of the books and thus troubles their application of the books at the end of each chapter.
That being said, if I can sum up my thoughts in one sentence, it would be something like this: either the authors or the publishers don't think very highly of their readers. I mean, seriously, this book is written by authors who hold Ph.Ds in their respective fields and this book reads like something written for a someone in a very early high school class. This book might have been in mind when the author of Hebrews wrote, "Therefore, let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity...." (6:1).
Both the Old Testament section and the New Testament section follow the same basic format. First, we learn a little about the 'Setting.' In this section we may learn a little about the place where it was written, the events that occasioned the writing, and the person who wrote the book. The authors also speculate about the timing of the writing. Also in this section the authors, almost without fail, tell us how we can 'divide up the book.' I found this dividing up to be a bit forced and unnecessary. I realize full well that this is what we do, but the problem is that it really didn't help us understand the books any better.
Second, there is a 'Summary' section. In my opinion, the summary section is the worst part of the book because it simply provides us with no significant information. It is, to be sure, merely a page and a half paraphrase of the content of the book being explored. Maybe paraphrase is too generous. Maybe it's more like an outline in paragraph form. The truth is, one can probably get more information by just sitting down and reading the Bible.
Third, in typical preacher fashion, the author complete the alliterated trifecta by giving us a 'Significance' section. In some instances, this section a page or so long (on my Nook). In other instances, it is merely a sentence or two. Although the authors try to vary the themes they broach in the significance section, I found that entirely too much of the time they state that the significance of the book is either God's Sovereignty (which is a good thing, except that their subtle or not so subtle commitment to Calvin's version of God's Sovereignty is troubling) or that we are going to suffer and we have to be faithful. I guess for me that's just not enough.
I always go back to Luke 24:27, 44 where Jesus gives us the ultimate in exegetical mastery: "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." And, "Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms." I'm thinking this is fairly significant and ought to be explored a little more deeply. Yet even the times when these connections are brought up, they are not brought up to the end that the reader is left thinking about Jesus as the fulfillment of God's righteous action in this world. In short, there is no real commitment to the meta-narrative that stretches from Genesis to Revelation.
I'm not one who happens to think the Bible can be piece-mealed into a mere 66 books easily divided after the first 39. There is a grand story being told and I'm not convinced the authors are as committed to it as they should be or as they claim to be. Even for a terribly elementary book such as this there should be a string stretched from one end to another connecting everything together. The subtitle of the book is, "Understanding the Big Picture Book by Book" and it is exactly at that point the book fails. To understand the big picture, there has to be commitment to the meta-narrative. And I didn't see it even if the author of the Old Testament section did a better job of trying than the author of the New Testament section.
I think that thread is Jesus. Don't get me wrong, He is present in this book but Jesus is not necessarily the focus of the book so much as each book is the focus of the book. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but what I came away from this book thinking is that it is hurried, it is sloppy, and it is terribly shallow and safe.
I'm not sure why this book was written or to whom it was written. There are hundreds of bible survey books available on the market that are infinitely better than this book. I'm sorry to say it, but this book falls short.
2/5 Stars
August 27, 2014
If you have ever felt intimated by the Bible for whatever reason, The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible is the perfect orientation book to help you better understand the messages of the Bible. Each chapter focuses on a single book in the Bible and introduces the setting, gives a summary, and concludes a brief “Why this book is significant” section.
As a long time reader of the Bible, I was enlightened by perspectives and insights that Dr. William H. Marty and Dr. Boyd Seevers share in their book. Dr. Marty and Dr. Seevers impressed me with their ability to share so much scholarly information in such a concise, readable style that appeals to everyone, regardless of Biblical experience or knowledge. Each chapter is short, focused and accessible. While this book can be used as a reference, I learned a lot by reading it cover to cover the first time through.
Dr. Seevers is the author of the Old Testament chapters in The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible. While I learned new information in each chapter, I was particularly touched by the insights Dr. Seevers shared about the first five books of the Bible, including Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers which I have found rather tedious reading in the past. I particularly loved the thought that Leviticus teaches us that “God is holy and his people are to reflect that holiness” (page 25).
Dr. Marty is the author of the New Testament chapters in The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible. I was curious how the book would flow between the Old and New Testament sections with two different authors. Not a problem. Dr. Marty seamlessly carried on what Dr. Seevers did so well in the first half of the book.
Dr. Marty reintroduced me to my Biblical hero Paul and showed so well how determined Paul and the other New Testaments writers were to be disciples of Jesus despite harrowing persecution. Dr. Marty reminds us again how they consecrated all they were and had to obey the resurrected Christ’s commission to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Whether you love the Bible as I do and want to deepen your understanding of it, or if you just want to familiarize yourself better with the Bible for whatever reason, The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible is a great resource. Bethany House gave me a complimentary copy of The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible by Dr. William H. Marty and Dr. Boyd Seevers for my candid review.
As a long time reader of the Bible, I was enlightened by perspectives and insights that Dr. William H. Marty and Dr. Boyd Seevers share in their book. Dr. Marty and Dr. Seevers impressed me with their ability to share so much scholarly information in such a concise, readable style that appeals to everyone, regardless of Biblical experience or knowledge. Each chapter is short, focused and accessible. While this book can be used as a reference, I learned a lot by reading it cover to cover the first time through.
Dr. Seevers is the author of the Old Testament chapters in The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible. While I learned new information in each chapter, I was particularly touched by the insights Dr. Seevers shared about the first five books of the Bible, including Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers which I have found rather tedious reading in the past. I particularly loved the thought that Leviticus teaches us that “God is holy and his people are to reflect that holiness” (page 25).
Dr. Marty is the author of the New Testament chapters in The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible. I was curious how the book would flow between the Old and New Testament sections with two different authors. Not a problem. Dr. Marty seamlessly carried on what Dr. Seevers did so well in the first half of the book.
Dr. Marty reintroduced me to my Biblical hero Paul and showed so well how determined Paul and the other New Testaments writers were to be disciples of Jesus despite harrowing persecution. Dr. Marty reminds us again how they consecrated all they were and had to obey the resurrected Christ’s commission to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Whether you love the Bible as I do and want to deepen your understanding of it, or if you just want to familiarize yourself better with the Bible for whatever reason, The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible is a great resource. Bethany House gave me a complimentary copy of The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible by Dr. William H. Marty and Dr. Boyd Seevers for my candid review.
May 9, 2019
This book is written in a simplistic, almost conversational way. Sometimes it's nice to read an academic book that isn't so dry with rhetoric and confusing jargon. I always come back to this as reference in my study. I wonder if there are more like this book out there for other holy books and scriptures?
August 9, 2022
This definitely is quick start especially if this is the first time you have decided to read the Bible, but if you have been a disciple of it, it may be too simplistic; however it can be a help in many ways!
August 25, 2014
The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible is a pretty self-explanatory title. But just in case there are any questions about it, here’s a quick summary:
Dr. William H. Marty and Dr. Boyd Stevens take a look at each chapter of the Bible. They look at the setting and context of each book. Who wrote it? Where do the events take place? Is there any important historical context to know? The sections on setting tend to range from a paragraph to a little over a page. Then a summary is offered for book. The lengths of these vary, though on the whole the New Testament books tend to be a little longer than the Old Testament books. The final section in each chapter outlines the significance of the book, or at least of key events in the book. For example, in Paul’s letters, the key points that Paul was teaching our outlined.
As this book is a self-admitted ‘quick-start guide,’ none of these sections are comprehensive. However, I thought that the authors managed to give a solid overview of each section. I do wish they could’ve spent a little bit more time on the historical context of various books, especially the books of the prophets in the Old Testament and Paul’s letters in the New Testament. I also thought the summaries of books of the Gospel were a little too lengthy, though I understand that they probably felt a need to go into more detail there.
This book is definitely designed for those without a whole lot of knowledge about the Bible. Those that have taken Biblical studies courses, or who are well read on Biblical literature, may not find much use here. But those who would consider themselves ‘Bible beginners’ may find some value in this book.
I personally think this book would be most useful if read in conjunction with the correlating chapter. For example, read the section on the ‘setting’ first and then read the actual book in the Bible. Then, if you have any confusion read the quick-start summary. At the end of the section, read about the significance to see if how much of the reading you were able to understand. I’m sure there are other ways to approach this, but this is what I would recommend to my own friends and family.
4/5 Stars
I received this book free from Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Dr. William H. Marty and Dr. Boyd Stevens take a look at each chapter of the Bible. They look at the setting and context of each book. Who wrote it? Where do the events take place? Is there any important historical context to know? The sections on setting tend to range from a paragraph to a little over a page. Then a summary is offered for book. The lengths of these vary, though on the whole the New Testament books tend to be a little longer than the Old Testament books. The final section in each chapter outlines the significance of the book, or at least of key events in the book. For example, in Paul’s letters, the key points that Paul was teaching our outlined.
As this book is a self-admitted ‘quick-start guide,’ none of these sections are comprehensive. However, I thought that the authors managed to give a solid overview of each section. I do wish they could’ve spent a little bit more time on the historical context of various books, especially the books of the prophets in the Old Testament and Paul’s letters in the New Testament. I also thought the summaries of books of the Gospel were a little too lengthy, though I understand that they probably felt a need to go into more detail there.
This book is definitely designed for those without a whole lot of knowledge about the Bible. Those that have taken Biblical studies courses, or who are well read on Biblical literature, may not find much use here. But those who would consider themselves ‘Bible beginners’ may find some value in this book.
I personally think this book would be most useful if read in conjunction with the correlating chapter. For example, read the section on the ‘setting’ first and then read the actual book in the Bible. Then, if you have any confusion read the quick-start summary. At the end of the section, read about the significance to see if how much of the reading you were able to understand. I’m sure there are other ways to approach this, but this is what I would recommend to my own friends and family.
4/5 Stars
I received this book free from Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
September 10, 2015
The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible: Understanding the Big Picture Book-by-Book
As the subtitle states, this book gives ‘the big picture’ of each book of the Holy Bible. It is not a substitute for the Bible, but a valuable complement, and is delivered in a well-organized fashion.
Dr. Boyd Seevers, a professor at Northwestern University, and Dr. William H. Marty, a professor at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, crafted this easy-to-read handbook, guiding us through each book of the Old and New Testaments. Each Bible book has its own chapter, concentrating on the setting, the summary, and the significance it makes (or should make) in our lives.
I enjoyed this guide and the methodical approach the authors use. They never sway from the three-part structure, and their conversational style of writing is easy to comprehend.
I recommend this handbook to anyone who wishes to gain a summarized view of the Bible and its structure. It’s a great supplement for devotional time as well as a tool for when you’re searching for a particular passage or message, but can’t remember which book it’s in.
This would make a thoughtful gift to new Christians.
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Pages: 304
First Lines (Introduction): Perhaps you’re a new follower of Christ and would like some help with the big picture of what’s really going on in the Bible. Or perhaps you’ve gone to church for many years but find that you still don’t understand some books of the Bible very well. (Join the club!) Or perhaps you enjoy reading the Bible but don’t own a collection of Bible reference books, and you’d like a simple and affordable book that can help you understand what’s in the Bible and what it means.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Review Copy from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
As the subtitle states, this book gives ‘the big picture’ of each book of the Holy Bible. It is not a substitute for the Bible, but a valuable complement, and is delivered in a well-organized fashion.
Dr. Boyd Seevers, a professor at Northwestern University, and Dr. William H. Marty, a professor at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, crafted this easy-to-read handbook, guiding us through each book of the Old and New Testaments. Each Bible book has its own chapter, concentrating on the setting, the summary, and the significance it makes (or should make) in our lives.
I enjoyed this guide and the methodical approach the authors use. They never sway from the three-part structure, and their conversational style of writing is easy to comprehend.
I recommend this handbook to anyone who wishes to gain a summarized view of the Bible and its structure. It’s a great supplement for devotional time as well as a tool for when you’re searching for a particular passage or message, but can’t remember which book it’s in.
This would make a thoughtful gift to new Christians.
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Pages: 304
First Lines (Introduction): Perhaps you’re a new follower of Christ and would like some help with the big picture of what’s really going on in the Bible. Or perhaps you’ve gone to church for many years but find that you still don’t understand some books of the Bible very well. (Join the club!) Or perhaps you enjoy reading the Bible but don’t own a collection of Bible reference books, and you’d like a simple and affordable book that can help you understand what’s in the Bible and what it means.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Review Copy from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
August 30, 2014
The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible by Dr., William H Marty and Dr. Boyd Seevers is a must for your Bible study resources. It is a wonderful guide to each book of the Bible. It has the history of what is going on when the book was written, who wrote it, who it was written for and then brings out the important points of the book. This is done for each book of the Bible. It is easy to read and understand and makes each book of the Bible more understandable and interesting. When studying the Bible it is helpful to understand the who, what, when and why’s of a Book and that is where this guide comes in. I have used many helps in my studying and this one is written in an easy to read layman way that is understandable and not over your head if you are a new believer. I would recommend this book to any believer or person who wants to learn more from the Bible, someone who wants to delve more into and understand what they are reading in the Bible more. When you study the Bible make sure you have this guide close by to use.
This can also be used not just for a guide but it is written in such a way that you could just read it to get more history and understanding of all 66 books of the Bible. You don’t have to limit its use just to your study but just read it for more knowledge. I think that this is a great addition to any library.
I was given this complimentary book from Bethany House Publishers for my review and honest opinion of the book
August 10, 2014
The book is broken down just like the actual Bible. It starts out with the Old Testament and works it's way through the New Testament. Just like the regular Bible, it has the chapters listed at the top of the book as though you are reading the actual Bible. I found this very helpful when I wanted to flip to a certain chapter. It made it really easy to find. Each chapter is broken down by topic to help one understand it a little better. For example, the sections are Setting, Summary, and Significance. With just these three sections, it breaks it down for you so much that you are left totally understanding what you hadn't before.
I really like this book. After reading Genesis, I totally understand, for once, the lineage part so much better than I did before. I was so excited that I kept on reading through the next couple of chapters. The writing style of both of the authors is basic enough to where it doesn't leave you wondering what they are talking about. They go into depth, but not too deep. I do have to say I like the second part a little more than the first because that particular author used the chapters and verses more so that you could follow in your Bible if you needed or wanted it as a reference. It also is a lot thinner than the Bible, so that you can easily take it with you anywhere you go. Even though this is a great guide to the Bible, I still feel as though the actual Bible has "more" information in it.
I really like this book. After reading Genesis, I totally understand, for once, the lineage part so much better than I did before. I was so excited that I kept on reading through the next couple of chapters. The writing style of both of the authors is basic enough to where it doesn't leave you wondering what they are talking about. They go into depth, but not too deep. I do have to say I like the second part a little more than the first because that particular author used the chapters and verses more so that you could follow in your Bible if you needed or wanted it as a reference. It also is a lot thinner than the Bible, so that you can easily take it with you anywhere you go. Even though this is a great guide to the Bible, I still feel as though the actual Bible has "more" information in it.
August 17, 2014
Have you ever looked for a book to give newer Christians, or those who are struggling with understanding in Bible reading, help with grasping the Bible? You might want to check out this volume by Drs. William H. Boyd and Boyd Seevers and published by Bethany House.
Their stated aim is illuminating the big picture in each of the 66 books of the Bible. Most of the books of the Bible get 3-6 pages to help you get oriented before you begin reading. Key books, like the Gospels, get a little extra coverage. The volume covers setting, summary, and significance for each book. Setting and summary are helpful while significance by necessity is selective.
Space constraints mean they are selective in what they share. Some aspect you feel should be discussed might be missing, but the most critical ones are mentioned usually.
I do not feel this is a volume pastors or experienced Bible students will consult as much as some others, but for its real audience–beginners in Bible study–it is quite valuable. As a pastor, I would gladly recommend this book to those who come for help in getting more out of personal Bible reading.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Their stated aim is illuminating the big picture in each of the 66 books of the Bible. Most of the books of the Bible get 3-6 pages to help you get oriented before you begin reading. Key books, like the Gospels, get a little extra coverage. The volume covers setting, summary, and significance for each book. Setting and summary are helpful while significance by necessity is selective.
Space constraints mean they are selective in what they share. Some aspect you feel should be discussed might be missing, but the most critical ones are mentioned usually.
I do not feel this is a volume pastors or experienced Bible students will consult as much as some others, but for its real audience–beginners in Bible study–it is quite valuable. As a pastor, I would gladly recommend this book to those who come for help in getting more out of personal Bible reading.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 5, 2014
The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible by Drs. William H. Marty and Boyd Seevers is a Bible study resource that provides a general overview on the Old and New Testament books of the Bible. It is simple in its format, providing information on the setting of each book, a quick summary about the specified book and a detailed interpretation on the significance of each identified book.
Readers will likely find this guide to be brief, succinct, and easy to maneuver. They will appreciate the simplicity of language used by the authors, as well as the directness applied per subheading.
In my opinion, this book would be ideal for someone who is new to the concept of Bible study and who wants an overall idea of what the Bible is all about. With that said, I must emphasize the vitality and importance of reading the Bible itself. No book, no matter how good a resource, can take the place nor is it meant to take the place of the word of God.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Adult/Young Adult
Other: Biblical Education Ministry, New Converts and/or Young Adults class, Church Library
Readers will likely find this guide to be brief, succinct, and easy to maneuver. They will appreciate the simplicity of language used by the authors, as well as the directness applied per subheading.
In my opinion, this book would be ideal for someone who is new to the concept of Bible study and who wants an overall idea of what the Bible is all about. With that said, I must emphasize the vitality and importance of reading the Bible itself. No book, no matter how good a resource, can take the place nor is it meant to take the place of the word of God.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Adult/Young Adult
Other: Biblical Education Ministry, New Converts and/or Young Adults class, Church Library
June 1, 2015
This was a really great resource book that everyone should have on hand. I have read through the Bible several times, and some of the things in this book were new to me. It was really neat having a go to when I wanted to know about a book in the Bible. In fact I just did a Bible study on Peter so I was able to use this as a reference.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants a quick read that is easy to understand about the Bible. In fact I’m going to use this as a reference when my kids ask me questions about books in the Bible. This book gets 5***** stars from this reviewer.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review through their book blogger program.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants a quick read that is easy to understand about the Bible. In fact I’m going to use this as a reference when my kids ask me questions about books in the Bible. This book gets 5***** stars from this reviewer.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review through their book blogger program.
June 30, 2021
I read this book through the lens of a teacher/scholar determining whether I would add this resource into reference material that I recommend to others. The short answer is no. I've read other New Testament Surveys and Old Testament surveys that I would recommend. I had hoped that this book would bridge the gap because it covers both the Old Testament and New Testament. The book sets out to do three things for each book:
1) Help the reader understand what's important about the setting or background for each book
2) Summarize what this book of the Bible is saying
3) Explain each book's significance
The third objective is the one least accomplished in the book, and the one where the potential to connect the book into the greater meta-narrative of the Bible is missed.
1) Help the reader understand what's important about the setting or background for each book
2) Summarize what this book of the Bible is saying
3) Explain each book's significance
The third objective is the one least accomplished in the book, and the one where the potential to connect the book into the greater meta-narrative of the Bible is missed.
December 29, 2014
An overview of each book of the bible.
Provides a basic overview of the book, some information about authors, settings and backgrounds, and thirdly looks at major themes, message and summary of each book.
I found that it gave a good overview for young Christians, and those who are beginning to dig into the Scriptures.
The theme and key message is outlines in some detail, providing some meat for study.
4 stars as a tool for reference for young Christians and beginning study of the scriptures. None for serious study of the Bible though.
Provides a basic overview of the book, some information about authors, settings and backgrounds, and thirdly looks at major themes, message and summary of each book.
I found that it gave a good overview for young Christians, and those who are beginning to dig into the Scriptures.
The theme and key message is outlines in some detail, providing some meat for study.
4 stars as a tool for reference for young Christians and beginning study of the scriptures. None for serious study of the Bible though.
October 31, 2014
The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible: Understanding the Big Picture Book-by-Book by Dr. William H. Marty and Dr. Boyd Seevers is a great book for a beginning Christian to get an overall view of the Bible. I would recommend this book to any one new to the faith. Those who have been studying the Bible for a while might find this difficult to get into right away, but it's well-written.
*Book given by publisher to review.
*Book given by publisher to review.
Want to read
October 27, 2014I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I will gladly provide when I've had the time to finish reading it and formulate my thoughts. Stay tuned!
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