ESV Reformation Study Bible, Condensed Edition - Black, Genuine Leather (Gift) Leather Bound – April 5, 2018

I went looking for a bible to replace my old NIV & NAS. I wanted the ESV because of the word-for-word interpretation. I also wanted premium leather. Those parameters led me to limited choices on Amazon. I didn't want a huge over-mapped coffee table brick of a book, but I DID want something of a study bible.This is one smart, handsome bible! Love the smell of the fresh leather, and it easily fits on my end table as if it belongs there. People complain about the print size, but I find it quite readable & I really enjoy the soft flexibility of the front and back covers while reading- an unexpected bonus.Now, I did run into a potential snag because of my own ignorance. This bible is a reformation bible. My thinking was that the term met that it just wasn't a Catholic bible. I was surprised to see several Calvinists in the 'credits'. I just had not thought that far ahead. (I go Wesleyan/Arminian.) However, so far, I find the notes to be just fine, and really helpful. I did a search and at least one person said that they found no overt Calvinist influences. So, I am as happy as can be with this edition. I had read about quality issues with another printer, this little guy is all quality fit& finish.

Finally there is a portable Study Bible with decent notes! This edition has a condensed version of the commentary that comes with the standard Reformation Study Bible, along with book introductions, cross references, a solid concordance, maps, and a Bible reading plan. This edition does not have the articles, book outlines, illustrations, or confessions of the standard edition. The structure seems to be sturdy, and the text is quite readable, considering the size of the book itself. It balances well in one hand and is perfectly portable for carrying with you.The pictures show the full size edition and the condensed edition together for comparison purposes.Update: The quality of the ink is poor, and will smudge. I have never seen anything quite like this, even in value edition Bibles. If you hold your place with your finger in one part of scripture, and flip to another section, like you might do if you were following cross references, the ink deteriorates and streaks. Unfortunately, this Bible is apparently not up to being used extensively for any period of time. This is unfortunate because the material is excellent, and the size is perfect. Hopefully they will consider contracting RL Allen to produce a quality edition that will last. I am deducting 2 stars because a Bible in this price point should be much more durable. It is still an excellent resource if you wear gloves while using it. I have included a picture.Update: these are now being printed in China, and although that is a little bothersome for political reasons, the quality has certainly improved. The paper is thicker, and the ink no longer smears.

Absolutely outstanding product. Contains all of R.C. Sproul’s notes throughout the years carrying over from his ever-popular New Geneva Study Bible. Editors list reads like a who’s-who of Reformed Ph.D’s contributing to all aspects of this Bible. Snippets of J.I. Packer’s Concise Theology scattered about. Seville cowhide leather is soft to the touch with moderate grain, paste down liner. 3 brown ribbons. Color is supposedly “burgundy” but it’s somewhere between maroon and brown. Inside text is serif font somewhere in the 9.5pt range, notes are probably in the 7pt range. Print is consistent, but only moderately dark. Paper is smooth and reasonably thick (30+ GSM if I was guessing) with minimal ghosting. Heavy enough for writing notes on. Not line-matched, but that’s almost impossible in a study Bible. This thing is BIG! 9.5”x6.9”x2.5” Well over 4 lbs. Not an ideal “carry” Bible.This is truly a gem of a study Bible. I’ve tried almost all of the ESV study bibles on the market. This one is so good I bought 2: one hardcover, one leather. Solid reformed evangelical positions. Historical creeds, catechisms, and Protestant church doctrine listed in the back as well. This Bible has rapidly become one of my prized possessions. Highly recommended.

First, RC sprawl is phenomenal as the editor of this Bible.Second, the quality and construction of this version are solid. This is by far my favorite Bible. Yes, it is very thick. However, the notes are very detailed and short of a commentary. I don’t think you can get more depth or information about the passages that you were reading.The maps Are very well drawn, and after comparing with other ESV and NIV versions this seems to have the best balance and offers Some very interesting travel itineraries, especially for the apostle Paul.I do not regret picking this up at all. I did not need it, but I expect this will last the rest of my life. And if the cover/binding out… I will most certainly get this one rebound.

Helped so much with my understanding of the Biblical context of things. Anyone who wants to really study the Bible, this version is awesome! I do wish it had some space for notating though.