The Open Bible: How It Can Help You Understand, Apply, and Share God's Word with 4,500 New Study Notes
The Open Bible: Completely Revised, Featuring 4,500 New Study Notes
If you are looking for a study Bible that will help you understand, apply, and share God's Word, you might want to consider The Open Bible. This is a completely revised edition that features 4,500 new study notes, along with many other features that make it one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly study Bibles available today. In this article, we will explore what The Open Bible is, what are its features, and what are its benefits for your personal or group study.
The Open Bible: Completely Revised, Featuring 4,500 New Study Notes
What is The Open Bible?
The Open Bible is a study Bible that was first published in 1975 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. It was designed to be a Bible that would "open" the Scriptures to the reader, by providing a wealth of tools and resources that would help them discover and understand the meaning and message of God's Word. Since then, The Open Bible has gone through several revisions and updates, the latest being in 2020. The new edition features 4,500 new study notes, written by a team of scholars and pastors, that reflect the latest insights and research on the biblical text. The new edition also features a fresh design and layout, making it easier to read and navigate.
Why choose The Open Bible?
There are many study Bibles available in the market today, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. So why should you choose The Open Bible over other study Bibles? Here are some reasons why The Open Bible stands out from the rest:
It is comprehensive. The Open Bible offers a complete set of tools and resources that cover every aspect of biblical study, from the big picture to the smallest detail. Whether you want to learn about the history, geography, culture, theology, or application of the Bible, The Open Bible has something for you.
It is concise. The Open Bible does not overwhelm you with too much information or commentary. Instead, it gives you just enough information and guidance to help you understand and apply the Scripture for yourself. The Open Bible respects your intelligence and curiosity, and encourages you to dig deeper into God's Word on your own.
It is user-friendly. The Open Bible is easy to use and navigate. It has a clear and consistent structure and format, with helpful icons and symbols that indicate the type and location of each feature. It also has a color-coded system that highlights the main themes and topics of the Bible, making it easy to follow and trace them throughout the Scripture.
How to use The Open Bible?
The Open Bible is divided into several sections, each with its own purpose and function. Here is a brief overview of how to use each section:
The Front Matter. This section includes a table of contents, a preface, an introduction, a list of features, a guide to abbreviations, and a reading plan. This section gives you an overview of what The Open Bible is and how to use it effectively.
The Cyclopedic Index. This section is located at the beginning of the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is a comprehensive topical index that covers every subject in the Bible, from people, places, events, doctrines, themes, etc. It also provides cross-references to related verses and topics throughout the Scripture.
The Biblical Cyclopedic Index. This section is located at the end of the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is a concise topical index that summarizes the main themes and teachings of the Bible, such as God, salvation, sin, faith, love, etc. It also provides key verses and topics for each theme or teaching.
The Christian's Guide to the New Life. This section is located at the end of the New Testament. It is a practical handbook that helps new believers grow in their faith and discipleship. It covers topics such as assurance of salvation, baptism, prayer, worship, fellowship, service, witnessing, etc. It also provides resources such as memory verses, daily devotions, reading plans, etc.
The Visual Survey of the Bible. This section is located at various places throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is a series of charts and maps that provide a visual overview of the Bible's structure, history, geography, and prophecy. It helps you see how the different parts of the Bible fit together and relate to each other.
The Book Introductions and Outlines. This section is located at the beginning of each book of the Bible. It gives you an overview of each book of the Bible, its authorship, date, theme, purpose, and structure. It also gives you an outline of each book's content and main divisions.
The Study Notes. This section is located at the bottom of each page of the biblical text. It contains 4,500 new study notes that explain and apply the meaning and message of each verse of the Bible. It also provides cross-references to other relevant verses or notes in The Open Bible.
What are the features of The Open Bible?
The Cyclopedic Index
The Cyclopedic Index is one of the most comprehensive and useful features of The Open Bible. It is a topical index that covers every subject in the Bible, from people, places, events, doctrines, themes, etc. It helps you find and follow any topic of interest or curiosity in the Scripture. It also helps you compare and contrast different perspectives and interpretations of the same topic in the Bible.
The Cyclopedic Index is located at the beginning of the Old Testament and the New Testament. It has over 8,000 entries and 43,000 subentries, arranged alphabetically. Each entry has a brief definition or description of the topic, followed by a list of cross-references to related verses or topics in the Bible. The cross-references are indicated by symbols that show the type and location of each reference. For example:
Symbol
Meaning
*
A reference to another entry in the Cyclopedic Index
+
A reference to an entry in the Biblical Cyclopedic Index
^
A reference to a chart or map in the Visual Survey of the Bible
#
A reference to a note in the Study Notes
@
A reference to a topic in the Christian's Guide to the New Life
OT
A reference to a verse or passage in the Old Testament
NT
A reference to a verse or passage in the New Testament
Gn; Ex; Lv; etc.
A reference to a book of the Bible (Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus; etc.)
1:1; 2:3; 3:16; etc.
A reference to a chapter and verse number in a book of the Bible (1:1 = chapter 1, verse 1; 2:3 = chapter 2, verse 3; 3:16 = chapter 3, verse 16; etc.)
-
A range of verses in a book of the Bible (1:1-5 = verses 1 to 5 in chapter 1; 2:3-4:6 = verses 3 to 6 in chapter 4, including all verses in chapter 3; etc.)
How to use the Cyclopedic Index?
The Cyclopedic Index is easy to use and navigate. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how to use it:
Choose a topic that you want to study or learn more about. For example, let's say you want to study about angels.
Look up the topic in the alphabetical list of entries in the Cyclopedic Index. For example, you will find "Angels" under "A". You will see that it has a definition and several subentries, such as "Angels, Fallen", "Angels, Guardian", "Angels, Holy", etc.
Select a subentry that interests you or relates to your question. For example, let's say you want to know more about "Angels, Holy". You will see that it has several cross-references to verses or topics that mention or describe holy angels.
Follow the cross-references to find and read the relevant verses or topics in the Bible. For example, you will see that one of the cross-references for "Angels, Holy" is "NT Mt 25:31". This means that you can find a verse about holy angels in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, chapter 25, verse 31. You can use the table of contents or the page headers to locate the book of Matthew, then find chapter 25 and verse 31. You will read that Jesus said: "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne." This verse tells you that holy angels will accompany Jesus when he returns in glory.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for other cross-references or subentries that interest you or relate to your question. For example, you can also follow the cross-reference for "Angels, Holy" that says "+ Angels". This means that you can find more information about angels in the Biblical Cyclopedic Index, under the entry "Angels". You can use the page headers to locate the Biblical Cyclopedic Index, then find the entry "Angels". You will see that it has a summary of the main themes and teachings about angels in the Bible, along with key verses and topics for each theme or teaching.
By using the Cyclopedic Index, you can explore and discover any topic in the Bible, and learn how it relates to other topics and verses in the Scripture. You can also compare and contrast different perspectives and interpretations of the same topic in the Bible, and see how they fit into the overall message and purpose of God's Word.
The Biblical Cyclopedic Index
The Biblical Cyclopedic Index is another useful feature of The Open Bible. It is a topical index that summarizes the main themes and teachings of the Bible, such as God, salvation, sin, faith, love, etc. It helps you understand and apply the core truths and principles of God's Word to your life. It also helps you share and communicate God's Word to others.
The Biblical Cyclopedic Index is located at the end of the Old Testament and the New Testament. It has over 200 entries, arranged alphabetically. Each entry has a brief definition or description of the theme or teaching, followed by a list of key verses and topics that illustrate or explain it. The key verses are indicated by book, chapter, and verse number. The key topics are indicated by an asterisk (*) and a reference to another entry in the Biblical Cyclopedic Index.
How to use the Biblical Cyclopedic Index?
The Biblical Cyclopedic Index is easy to use and navigate. Here is a simple illustration of how to use it:
Choose a theme or teaching that you want to study or learn more about. For example, let's say you want to study about faith.
Look up the theme or teaching in the alphabetical list of entries in the Biblical Cyclopedic Index. For example, you will find "Faith" under "F". You will see that it has a definition and several key verses and topics that relate to faith.
Select a key verse or topic that interests you or relates to your question. For example, let's say you want to know more about "Faith as a gift from God". You will see that it has a key verse that says "Eph 2:8-9". This means that you can find a verse about faith as a gift from God in the book of Ephesians, chapter 2, verses 8-9.
Find and read the key verse in the Bible. For example, you can use the table of contents or the page headers to locate the book of Ephesians, then find chapter 2 and verses 8-9. You will read that Paul wrote: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faithand this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of Godnot by works, so that no one can boast." This verse tells you that faith is not something that you can produce or earn by yourself, but something that God gives you freely by his grace.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for other key verses or topics that interest you or relate to your question. For example, you can also follow the key topic for "Faith" that says "* Salvation". This means that you can find more information about salvation in the Biblical Cyclopedic Index, under the entry "Salvation". You can use the page headers to locate the Biblical Cyclopedic Index, then find the entry "Salvation". You will see that it has a summary of the main themes and teachings about salvation in the Bible, along with key verses and topics for each theme or teaching.
the core truths and principles of God's Word to your life. You can also share and communicate God's Word to others, by using the key verses and topics as a reference or a guide.
The Christian's Guide to the New Life
The Christian's Guide to the New Life is a practical feature of The Open Bible. It is a handbook that helps new believers grow in their faith and discipleship. It covers topics such as assurance of salvation, baptism, prayer, worship, fellowship, service, witnessing, etc. It helps you learn and practice the basics of the Christian life. It also helps you develop and maintain a close and personal relationship with God.
The Christian's Guide to the New Life is located at the end of the New Testament. It has 12 chapters, each with a title and a subtitle that indicate the topic and the purpose of the chapter. Each chapter has an introduction that explains the importance and relevance of the topic, followed by several sections that provide biblical instruction, practical advice, personal examples, and helpful resources on the topic. Each section has a heading that summarizes the main point or question of the section, followed by a text that elaborates and illustrates the point or question. Each chapter ends with a summary that reviews the main points and questions of the chapter, followed by a prayer that applies and expresses the topic to God.
How to use the Christian's Guide to the New Life?
The Christian's Guide to the New Life is easy to use and navigate. Here is a brief overview of how to use it:
Choose a topic that you want to study or learn more about. For example, let's say you want to study about prayer.
Look up the topic in the table of contents or the page headers of The Christian's Guide to the New Life. For example, you will find "Prayer" under chapter 3, titled "Talking with God". You will see that it has a subtitle that says "How to communicate with God through prayer".
Read the introduction of the chapter. For example, you will read that prayer is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of the Christian life, and that it involves talking and listening to God in a personal and intimate way.
Read the sections of the chapter. For example, you will read four sections that answer four questions about prayer: What is prayer? Why pray? How to pray? When to pray? Each section will give you biblical instruction, practical advice, personal examples, and helpful resources on prayer.
Read the summary and pray the prayer at the end of the chapter. For example, you will read a summary that reviews the main points and questions about prayer, and a prayer that expresses your desire and commitment to pray regularly and sincerely to God.
Repeat steps 3 to 5 for other topics that interest you or relate to your question. For example, you can also read chapter 4 on worship, chapter 5 on fellowship, chapter 6 on service, etc.
the basics of the Christian life. You can also develop and maintain a close and personal relationship with God, by using the biblical instruction, practical advice, personal examples, and helpful resources in The Christian's Guide to the New Life.
The Visual Survey of the Bible
The Visual Survey of the Bible is a visual feature of The Open Bible. It is a series of charts and maps that provide a visual overview of the Bible's structure, history, geography, and prophecy. It helps you see how the different parts of the Bible fit together and relate to each other. It also helps you understand the context and background of the biblical events and messages.
The Visual Survey of the Bible is located at various places throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament. It has 12 charts and 12 maps, each with a title and a subtitle that indicate the topic and the purpose of the chart or map. Each chart or map has a main image that illustrates or displays the topic, followed by a text that explains and interprets the image. Each chart or map also has a reference to a verse or passage in the Bible that relates to the topic.
How to use the Visual Survey of the Bible?
The Visual Survey of the Bible is easy to use and navigate. Here is a quick introduction to how to use it:
Choose a topic that you want to study or learn more about. For example, let's say you want to study about the structure of the Bible.
Look up the topic in the table of contents or the page headers of The Visual Survey of the Bible. For example, you will find "The Structure of the Bible" under chart 1, titled "The Books of the Bible". You will see that it has a subtitle that says "How the books of the Bible are organized and classified".
Look at the main image of the chart or map. For example, you will see an image that shows how the books of the Bible are divided into two main sections (Old Testament and New Testament), four main categories (Law, History, Poetry, and Prophecy in the Old Testament; Gospels, History, Letters, and Prophecy in the New Testament), and several subcategories (Pentateuch, Historical Books, Poetical Books, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets in the Old Testament; Synoptic Gospels, John's Gospel, Acts, Paul's Letters, General Letters, and Revelation in the New Testament).
Read the text below the image. For example, you will read a text that explains and interprets how the books of the Bible are organized and classified according to their content, genre, authorship, date, etc.
the Bible. You can use the table of contents or the page headers to locate the book of Luke, then find chapter 24 and verse 44. You will read that Jesus said: "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." This verse tells you that Jesus affirmed the three main categories of the Old Testament books: the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms.
Repeat steps 3 to 5 for other topics that interest you or relate to your question. For example, you can also look at chart 2 on the history of the Bible, chart 3 on the geography of the Bible, chart 4 on the prophecy of the Bible, etc.
By using The Visual Survey of the Bible, you can see how the different parts of the Bible fit together and relate to each other. You can also understand the context and background of the biblical events and messages, by using the charts and maps as a visual aid.
The Book Introductions and Outlines
The Book Introductions and Outlines are another helpful feature of The Open Bible. They are a set of introductions and outlines that give an overview of each book of the Bible, its authorship, date, theme, purpose, and structure. They help you get acquainted with each book of the Bible and its main message. They also help you follow and organize each book's content and main divisions.
The Book Introductions and Outlines are located at the beginning of each book of the Bible. They have a title that indicates the name of the book, followed by a subtitle that indicates its theme or main message. They have four sections that provide information and guidance on each book: Author and Date, Theme and Purpose, Key Verses and Passages, and Outline.
How to use The Book Introductions and Outlines?
The Book Introductions and Outlines are easy to use and navigate. Here is a short suggestion on how to use them:
Choose a book of