Featured MacArthur Study Bible….Are study Bibles a good idea?

To a large extent (IMO) "doctrines" or "notes" get passed along, as one man builds upon another man's work. I've found a lot of things get passed-along without really deep thought about it. Thus certain "teachings" are just "assumed" to be "accepted" as doctrine, when in fact they are far from it.

One example (IMO) is the false application of the concept of "backsliding" to the Body of Christ (ie: Church), rather than the correct application to Israel. Some "teachings" just get ingrained, generation-after-generation. Paul never uses this term, but he uses the DOCTRINE of "walking in the Spirit", which is almost never taught in Christendom.

 

I've only found one study bible to be objective, making an honest attempt to present multiple views without demanding one be correct. Nelson's NKJV Study Bible....

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002E2UX4A/?tag=baptis04-20

The one in the link says "with complete study system"

Not sure what that means, because the notes in the bible are only about a third of the notes they put together. There is (or at least was) a full commentary available in a separate book. This may be the complete system, but maybe not.

That bible/commentary is worth 5 times the price

 

Nelson nkjv full commentary....

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0785209905/?tag=baptis04-20

 

Would you prefer that they present their views as wrong views? Everyone thinks his view is the right one or they wouldn't hold to.

 

Case and point... see his siggie

 

Should pastor's preach this way? Present a bunch of views but not advocate one?

 

Hi Jon C, study bibles give us insight into what study might bring. They sort of kick-start our study of a word, verse or passage.

Could you please provide the verse or passage in John, and quote the study note, so we could see the problem you are presenting?

If you are like me, when I see Calvinist leaning study notes, I think at least one of the opposing views should be presented. But when I see a study note that meshes with my presuppositions, I just accept it as spot on.

The more we study the bible and form our own idea about what this or that verse says, the more we disagree with the views of others. I used to sit for a sermon and pretty-much agree with everything the pastor said. Now I agree with some assertions, but strive not to shake my head negatively when I disagree with an assertion.

 

Study Bibles can be useful as long as one understands that the notes are prepared by fallible man and his understanding may be no better than yours. I thoroughly enjoy many of MacArthur's books but I don't have MacArthur's Study Bible. I have looked through it and his interpretation of John 5:28, 29 is flat wrong. If my memory is correct his first edition avoided that passage completely.

My opinion is that the Thompson Chain Reference Bible is the best of all study Bibles.

Also I would say that study Bibles should not be given to children but used only by mature Christians. I have found through teaching that some people confuse the notes with Scripture!

 

Those study bibles are expensive, in most cases only one persons opinion and not all that easy to carry around. I would say your better at spending money on commentaries and a good text only bible. Many in my congregation are going digital. I still like the feel of a good floppy leather bible in my hand while preaching. If you must get a study bible, get one that has multiple article authors and editors, dissipates bias.

 

:thumbs::thumbs:

 

I purchased a MacArthur study Bible about a year ago. As with most any study Bible I've seen, you'll usually always find some type of theological slant in many of the notes.

MacArthur is "good" on some things...."not so good" on others----just like all the other study Bibles I've seen down through the half-century of my Christian life.

Some one once told me that a study Bible is like eating chicken: Eat the meat, spit out the bones!! :thumbs:

I've listened to MacArthur on occasion on the radio. He preaches similar to the way his notes are printed.

The MacArthur study Bible I have is in the ESV. It's not the "inspired, authorized 1611 KJV," but I didn't find any very obvious "errors" in it.

"Just my $0.02 worth!!"

 

Study Bibles should be taken with a grain of salt. You're getting someone's opinion. I'm ok with them, but I know that a person's opinion is merely an opinion. It is not inspired.

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk

 

Depends on the setting...maybe.

During a bible study, there should be no problem in presenting a variety of views. Doing that can help others see why a particular view is preferred.

It might also allow better interaction with the scriptures if lay people knew there were more views. Challenging, most probably. Edifying, most likely.

 

I didn't say presenting various views. I said presenting various views but not advocating one view or another.

 

A study Bible is a study tool like anything else. If you limit yourself to just one single tool you will miss out on a balanced study. Use multiple tools and become proficient in their use. Oh and do not forget about prayer and reliance on the HG. God will bless your studies and you will know Him better.

 

I know that. But there are two elements in what you asked.

Should a pastor present various views? Yes.

Then there is situational context to consider. That's why i said...maybe.

A study bible should (imho) help people study. To find out, not to be told.

Is the pastor telling people, or helping people to find out?

 

Thanks Jon C. Here is my study note from Zondervan: Born of water and the Spirit. A phrase understood in various ways:

(1) It means much the same as born of the Spirit, verse 8; cf Titus 3:5.

(2) Water here refers to purification.

(3) Water refers to baptism - that of John 1:31, or that Jesus and His disciples, v 22; 4:1-2. ​

In addition to these three, several others views can be found. For example, my Ryrie Study note includes these other ideas:

(1) Water refers to baptism and thus supports the idea that we must be water baptized to be saved. However this would contradict many other passages.

(2) It stands for repentance, just as John the Baptist's baptism was for repentance.

(3) Water refers to natural birth, and so we must also be born anew spiritually.

(4) Water refers to the Word of God as in John 15:3.

(5) Water is a synonym for the Holy Spirit, and thus might be translated "by water, even the Spirit."

One truth is clear, the new birth is from God through the Spirit. ​