Top Ten Bible Study Helps

Time for another top ten llist. Okay, obviously the most important book to use for Bible study is the BIBLE...duh! This top ten list is the top ten ADDITIONAL books, which I think are invaluable to any person’s study of the Bible. SO without further ado...

1) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible- in 1890. Dr. Strong was Professor of exegetical theology at Drew Theological Seminary at the time of the publishing of the first edition. It is valuable because EVERY word of the Bible (no matter your version, and there are multiple version for multiple translations) is in it. It gives every verse for the particular word you are searching. It also has a simple glossary/dictionary of the Greek and Hebrew/Chaldean words that are translated in our English version (KJV). It is invaluable for the simple word search and word definition, in the original.

2) Matthew Henry's well-known six-volume Exposition of the Old and New Testaments (1708–1710) or Complete Commentary-This commentary by the non-conformist (non-Church of England) Welsh Minister who lived from 1662-1714, is the commentary that I’ve often turned to for explanation. It is not meant as a textual research tool but devotional. Any pastor, minister, teacher or Christian will find its practical insight valuable and insightful. Centuries after its publication, this is still the most respected commentary in the western church.

3) John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion-John Calvin was an early reformer in the Christian Church. Settling in Geneva, Switzerland, Calvin worked on Theology and being a pastor the remaining days of his life. First published in 1536 in Latin, Calvin made numerous updated versions thru his lifetime. Eventually publishing it in his native language of French (1541), Italian (1557) and finally English (1561), of course there have been numerous translations and updated versions. This is the most highly regarded theological work in Christianity. Many people that study Calvin’s work call themselves Calvinists (as well as those who oppose his ideas; Arminians). Regardless of your theological bent, this volume(s) is the epitome of classical study.

4) Vine's Expository Dictionary-This work, published first as a four volume set in 1940, written by William Vines is the best Expository Dictionary in existence. It takes the words of the New Testament and expounds their Greek and King James English translation in the most in depth way. It is linked with the Strong’s, which makes it even more helpful. Where the Strong’s is simple, basic word usage, Vine’s is the most in depth-understandable dictionary available to the Bible Student.

5) Nave's Topical Bible- This concordance is, as its name indicates, is a listing of topics as opposed to words. Published first in 1896, it took its author, Orville James Nave, 14 years to complete. Nave was a chaplain of the US Army. His hope was to have a topical indexing of the verses in the bible, arranged according to topic. This volume has been indispensable to me as I have searched for topics within the scriptures. The topics range from very much expected theological concepts but also covers people, places and things. As the Strong’s is to word concordances, Nave’s is to topics.

6) The Pilgrim's Progress from This World to That Which Is to Come; Delivered under the Similitude of a Dream (or just Pilgrim's Progress)-This allegorical story written by John Bunyan, in prison, is the most widely read book in the English language (by many estimates) besides the Bible. It was first published in 1678. It has been translated into 200 languages and has never been out of print. Its main character, Christian, is taken on a journey toward the Celestial City passing by many characters and places whose names symbolize much of the believer’s own journey in this real world life we live. This was written by a man, Bunyon, imprisoned by the Church of England for not being conformed to their rules and regulations. This may be considered by many experts, critics and literary thinkers alike, as the greatest work of English Literature. Its value as a study help lies in its ability to give concepts feet and hands (tongue firmly planted in cheek).

7) Augustine’s Confessions-Augustine of Hippo lived from 354-430. He is regarded by many (including myself) as the first great theologian of the early church (outside the Lord himself and his apostles, of course). Interesting, Protestants and Catholics alike claim Augustine as their own. His many works on commentaries, philosophy and theology greatly influences the Western Church and Civilization. This work was completed/published in 397-398 and is an autobiographical account of actually, 13 books. He, Augustine, gives in this work his thought process from childhood and unbelief, his conversion and later theological thinking. It stands as the most widely comparable (with Calvin’s Institutions) work on theology in church history.

8) Spurgeon’s Mornings and Evenings-Charles H. Spurgeon is considered as the ‘Prince of Preachers’. His pastoral ministry spanned 38 years. Beginning as a 19 year old pastor of what would become Metropolitan Temple, Spurgeon would become the most well known pastor in the world in his day. His prolific writing included this wonderful devotional that has stood for over 100 years.

The last two are Bibles or more specific types of study Bibles. I've included them for the study helps that are part of their makeup. So here is the rest of your top ten.

9) Thompson Chain Reference Bible- This study Bible was created in 1890 by Dr. Frank Charles Thompson. His first edition was published in 1908. Thompson created the idea of 'chain reference' that would be simple yet exhaustive in its help. Thompson's reference system is so useful, it is safe to say very few Christians don't own a Thompson. I've used one for over 35 years and find its references the most inclusive. The numbering system, used as a 'chain', is so simple to use and is the best in verse reference you can buy.

10) Dake's Annotated Reference Bible- Rev. Finis Jennings Dake was a pentecostal preacher that lived from 1902-1987. His reference Bible was published in 1961, with portions previously published in 1961. Dake was considered to be one of the most gifted minds of his day, His ability to memorize scripture has become legendary. Even though I don't fall within the pentecostal camp, in my theology, I have found Dake's extensive, thorough and massive commentary indispensable.

So there you go...if this helps anyone grow in Christ and in their understanding of God's Word...Praise the Lord!

God Bless

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