Reviewed by: Connor Salter, Professional Writing student at Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Introduction

Title: The Vines Expository Bible

Author: Dr. Jerry Vines

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.)

Publication Date: 2018

Format: Hardcover

Length: 1965 pages

OVERVIEW

“Early in my ministry I determined to be an expository preacher… one who draws out of Scripture what it means and proclaims its truth to one’s listeners,” Dr. Jerry Vines says in his letter of greeting to readers. The rest of the Bible is filled with various notes meant to achieve that purpose. Vines includes an introduction for each book that covers its context. Other features include notes on particular worlds (labeled “Discerning the Message”) and devotionals that unpack spiritual lessons present in particular chapters (labeled “Applying the Message” or “Living the Message”).

Like many pastors who transition to writing spiritual lessons, there are moments where Vines uses phrases or expresses points in ways that sound good when spoken but aren’t as effective on the page. Many of his longer devotionals make a point to circle back to talking about Jesus and encouraging readers to get saved, which is noble but feels rather odd since this Bible translation doesn’t seem to be targeted to spiritual seekers. How many non-Christians looking into Christianity are likely to buy a heavy study Bible written in King James English?

These qualms aside, Vines does do a good job of unpacking relevant spiritual lessons in his devotionals, making the thought patterns and basic ideas of Bible passages easier to understand. The various devotionals and study notes are very well organized, making it easy to alternate between reading Scripture and reading the other materials.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

4 stars

Suggested Audience

Christians seeking a good New King James study Bible or a devotional Bible.

Christian Impact

This book will help many Christians understand the Bible better and see important theological patterns and ideas they may have missed before.

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