Review: A Reformation Guide to Scripture

The Geneva Bible, first printed in 1560, is arguably the second most important English translation of the Bible after the King James Version. It was the work of a group of English Protestant exiles who lived in Calvin’s Geneva during the oppressive reign of Mary Tudor.

This translation became immediately popular with over 150 editions being printed. For over 60 years it was the premier English translation. Part of the reason for its success was that it was the first mass produced study Bible. It had introductions to each book, cross references, marginal notes and maps.

To mark the 450th anniversary of the first edition, Banner of Truth has produced this book. The contents includes the epistle to the then newly crowned Queen Elizabeth I and the introductions to each book of the Bible. The language has been updated but otherwise the text is unchanged.

Reading this book allows us a glimpse of how these early reformers thought. They see Christ in types and shadows in the Old Testament. They see that every book has teaching for the Christian – sometimes warnings, sometimes rebukes, sometimes encouragements. This book is more than just a period piece: It is a guide as to how to rightly divide the Word of God.

This review was first posted by Alan Hill on GoodBookReviews.org. The site has been closed as of March 2019