A Look at the NIV First-Century Study Bible

I had the pleasure to look through the NIV First-Century Study Bible recently and wow! Let’s just say it’s jam pack with a bunch of features that would help anyone with their study of the Word. First of all, as the name implies, the aim is to bring you to the culture and context of the time the Bible was written. I’ll be showing you some of the great features of the NIV First-Century Study Bible so you can see if it’s right for you.

First of all, isn’t this faux leather cover with the leather tie beautiful? This is one cover style in brown Leathersoft, then there is also the Hardcover edition, and Black/Charcoal DuoTone look. But I personally think this brown Leathersoft version is the loveliest with its old-world feel. And I think that’s what the creator of the NIV First-Century Study Bible had in mind- creating a Bible that looks and feels like a first-century book.

The NIV First-Century Study Bible has these beautiful intros for each book of the Bible complete with a picture that brings you into the feel of the time it was written as well as an in-depth look at each book of the Bible. I’m just going to tell you right off, I own a bunch of Bibles, but none of them have intros to each book of the Bible that are as in-depth as these!

There’s also sidebars like these throughout that help you better understand the text.

It also has a nifty word study that gives you context about the origins of important words throughout Scripture.

This Bible is chalf full of special features.

This post contains affiliate links which means we post products here that we believe in. Whenever you click through a link to purchase something, we will receive a portion of the sale at no further cost to yourself.

This post contains affiliates. Please click here if you want more info.

The Day in the Life Articles describes daily life in Bible times.

Relevant maps are sprinkled throughout the Bible to lend geographical perspective as you read the text.

The back of the Bible also includes a decent concordance. I also want to mention that if you notice, the pages have an ombre brown look that mimics the aesthetics of ancient scrolls.

I try to let me readers in on deals for the resources on this blog. So I want to mention that as of this writing, Christian Book is offering the  NIV First-Century Study Bible, Brown in this old-world LeatherSoft edition for only $19.49!

Overall impression of the NIV First-Century Bible

The NIV First-Century Study Bible is filled with more special features than I’m used to. And I’m used to A LOT of study Bibles as you can see from here, here, here, and here.  I can picture this Bible as a great tool for Bible study leaders to share insights to help group members engage better with the reading of the Word as well as for personal quiet time use.

Not only does this Bible have great special features that help you understand the cultural backdrop of the time which helps you with understanding the Word more vibrantly, but it also has the look of an old-world manuscript which makes you feel like you are transported back in time to the first century.

Overall, I give the NIV First-Century Study Bible a five out of five-star rating and recommend it to anyone serious about growing deeper in the Word by understanding the culture and context in the time the Bible was written.

Hope is always an option, 

We received this item for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

10 Comments

  1. Cherith Peters
    Cherith Peters on October 30, 2019 at 10:32 AM

    Wow, Sarah. This Bible is beautiful, and looks amazing! What a unique set of special features it has, and they all seem so useful too! Thanks for this review. I have been thinking I need a new study Bible, and this NIV First-Century Study Bible is definitely going on my list of options!

    Reply
    • Sarah Anne
      Sarah Anne on November 2, 2019 at 5:47 PM

      So glad you appreciated this Bible review, Cherith. I really don’t think you could go wrong in getting this one and I’m not just saying that–I try to be as honest as I possibly can with these reviews. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Heather Hart
    Heather Hart on November 18, 2019 at 1:06 PM

    This is a beautiful Bible. My question is, would the NIV First-Century Study Bible be appropriate for a guy, or is it a girly Bible?

    Reply
    • Sarah Anne
      Sarah Anne on November 18, 2019 at 7:38 PM

      Good question! It’s definitely gender neutral. Since last I checked, my audience is 96% female so that’s why there’s a feminine feel with the artificial flower in the photos. ? I was just trying to create images to fit my audience. ? Thanks for dropping by, Heather!

      Reply
  3. Summer
    Summer on November 18, 2019 at 3:05 PM

    I think I just fell in love! As I get older I am more and more drawn to knowing more about the culture and history of biblical times. Thanks for introducing me to this new Bible!

    Reply
    • Sarah Anne
      Sarah Anne on November 18, 2019 at 7:41 PM

      Yes, we love knowing the historical background as well. It really helps in understanding the context of Scripture. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Summer! ?

      Reply
  4. DONNA MILLER
    DONNA MILLER on November 18, 2019 at 3:41 PM

    Sarah this is an incredibly beautiful Bible! I do love the leather cover and tie. But most of all I love that it would help us to understand the context surrounding the Bible Verses during the time of the early church! Thank you for sharing this! I would never have known about this if it wasn’t for your review! Blessings sweet friend … ❤

    Reply
    • Sarah Anne
      Sarah Anne on November 18, 2019 at 7:50 PM

      Yes, the leather tie and cover are definitely unique features. But you’re right, Donna, the best part is the content that helps us gain greater clarity of the cultural context of the Bible which consequently, helps us better understand Scripture.

      So glad you enjoyed the post! <3

      Reply
  5. Boma
    Boma on November 21, 2019 at 5:20 AM

    I can see how the NIV first century Bible can be helpful while studying the Bible! Thanks for this review. Many blessings to you!

    Reply
    • Sarah Anne
      Sarah Anne on November 22, 2019 at 10:50 PM

      Yes, I would say it’s vert helpful with studying the Bible. Glad you enjoyed the review, Boma!

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.