This post is all about the best Bible study materials for any believer.
If you’ve been a Christian for any amount of time, you have likely heard that studying the Bible is important. But maybe you’ve never been able to figure out why it is important. Or maybe you’ve tried to study the Bible but found it boring or let other distractions get in the way.
Although this post is not on the benefits of Bible study, it is important to point out that the reason we study our Bible is to draw closer to God. Through reading His word, we see the Character of God and his love poured out for us, which in turn encourages us to remain faithful to Him. Studying the Bible allows us to see God’s overarching plan of redemption and how we fit into this world.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
If you are new to studying the Bible, struggle to find the Bible engaging, or are just looking for some new resources to liven up your quiet time, these Bible Study materials will be sure to help you.
Types of Bible study materials
- Study Bibles
- Commentaries
- Bible study guides and workbooks
- Bible journaling supplies
- Digital resources
Top Study Bibles for in-depth learning
When it comes to reading your Bible, nothing is better for giving you context and application than a study Bible because you have additional information right alongside the scripture you are reading.
The Tyndale NLT Teen Life Application Study Bible is perfect for any teen or young adult looking to grow closer to God. It comes in so many different colors and designs for anyone to enjoy. Because the Life Application Study Bible is the number 1 best-selling study bible, it also comes in regular and large print for adults. With over 10,000 life application notes and features, it is sure to help you in your daily Bible study.
The MacArthur Study Bible includes 25,000 notes throughout the biblical text, bringing clarity and context to your reading. Because of its popularity, it exists in many different versions, including NKJV, NASB, and ESV.
The Tyndale Every Woman’s Bible in ESV features contributions from over 100 different women throughout the world, bringing insight and perspective to questions women face while reading the Bible. This Bible also features the filament app, giving the reader even more resources for understanding the Bible.
The NIV Cultural Background Study Bible has 375 full-color photos to help you visualize what you are reading about. It aims to give insight into the culture, context, and literature of Biblical times.
Choosing a study Bible is a great option that can be used for both personal and group study. For those looking to engage with their daily Bible reading, a study Bible gives the perfect amount of commentary without having to go far.
Top Bible journaling Bibles
If you are looking for more note-taking room in your Bible, consider a journaling Bible. These come in a variety of layouts and versions, and are perfect for jotting down what you have learned so you can easily reference it later.
I personally love my NIV Journal the Word Bible because of the single-column text and 2-inch margins on each side. Another great option is the ESV spiral-bound five-volume set for optimal note-taking. And the ESV scripture Journal is an amazing option if you would like to journal individual books.
Related Post: Bible Journaling for Beginners – Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
Essential Commentaries for Bible Study
If you are looking to take your Bible study deeper than what a study Bible provides, commentaries are your next best option. I love reading a variety of biblical commentaries because they provide important context and insight from scholars.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary is a valuable resource for someone just starting to get into commentaries. Because it is a condensed version of the Matthew Henry Commentary, it is easy to navigate while still including all the pertinent information you need.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary is another popular option for beginners. As another one-volume commentary, respected pastor and theologian John MacArthur covers the complete Bible phrase by phrase.
The NIV Application Commentary on the Bible is an award-winning commentary that brings the ancient message of the Bible into your world. It gives you the context behind what you are reading while helping apply it to the modern day.
Tyndale’s Bible Knowledge commentary comes in a two-volume set (for Old and New Testament). This is also a great option if you are looking for a commentary on just one book of the Bible since they have individual commentaries as well. Consider starting with the Tyndale Matthew Commentary or one of the Epistles, such as Ephesians.
Bible Study Workbooks and guides
When it comes to Bible study, one of the best materials you can buy is a workbook or guide to help stay on track and keep you motivated. It can be hard to know what to read, but a Bible study guide lays it out for you so you don’t have to wonder.
Complete Bible guides
I have created a free, online Bible study that walks you through Genesis. This study focuses on giving you context to what you are reading while asking application questions for you to think on all day.
A popular type of Bible study is one that takes you through the complete Bible in a year. There are many great resources out there, including The Bible Study: A One-Year Study of the Bible and How it Relates to You. This is an easy to understand Bible study that is also deep and meaningful. The Bible in 52 Weeks is a USA today bestselling Bible study for women. This Bible study combines a daily reading plan with weekly opportunities to reflect, discuss, and explore how God’s wisdom can be applied to daily life. The Bible Recap is another year-long Bible study that offers applications questions and context to your daily reading. This study follows a chronological plan, making it ideal for anyone who wants to read the Bible in the order it was written.
For anyone looking to understand the over-arching themes of the Bible, 40 Days Through The Bible will help you understand the story of the Bible in 8-weeks along with its amazing promises. Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story walks you through the people, places, and promises of the Bible is a 7-session study.
Individual book and Topical guides
There are also Bible studies for specific seasons you may be going through or struggles you may be experiencing. Strength in the Struggle encourages women to let go of fear and anxiety in a 10-lesson workbook that is down to earth.
Another great Bible study option is going through a single book of the Bible. Jen Wilken has a few options, including Better: A Bible Study of Hebrews. Here, she helps you go verse-by verse to see how God has “provided something better.”
You can also do a Bible study that looks at a specific person’s life in the Bible. Priscilla Shirer has a 7-lesson study on Elijah that looks at the faith you desire in her book: Elijah – Faith and Fire.
Bible Journaling materials and methods
One of the best ways to grow closer to God through His Word is by writing down what you are learning. This not only helps you to remember it, but you will also have those notes to look back on later.
Journals are key Bible Study materials
As mentioned above, I love Bible journals for this very reason. The convenience of writing notes directly next to the passage you are studying is a great resource the next time you read that section.
If you are not sold on the idea of a Bible journal, consider trying out an individual Bible book journal, such as the ESV Scripture Journal New Testament, which has the New Testament split into individual books. The ESV Scripture Journal: Psalms would also be a great place to start if you don’t want to commit to an entire journaling Bible.
Related post: Bible Journaling For Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
Having journals close by when you study the Bible can also be valuable materials for growing deeper in your faith. These Christian Writing Journals feature Bible verses on every page. This Scripture Notes Journal gives guided pages to help you with Bible study, and these Bible study notes make it easy to take your thoughts anywhere.
Writing tools
When it comes to taking notes, having the perfect pen is a must. I love using Micron Fine-tips pens because they have the smallest point I can find. They also come in a variety of colors.
The Zebra Pen and Mildliner double-sided pen is a popular option for Bible journaling. As is the Mr. Pen no bleed highlighters. Both of these come in a variety of colors.
Relates Post: 27 Of The Best Bible Journaling Supplies For Your Quiet Time
Digital Bible study resources
One of the best ways to elevate your Bible study is through digital materials. YouVersion is a great phone app that enables you to take your Bible anywhere and has built-in Bible studies. BibleGateway is an amazing resource for comparing different Bible translations and searching any Biblical topic in scripture.
Both Blue Letter Bible and Bible Hub offer dictionaries, commentaries and Greek interlinear text to help you know the Word of God better. Enduring Word Bible Commentary gives a wonderful verse-by-verse overview of the entire Bible.
Bible Project offers video content to help explain important Biblical concepts and themes in an engaging way. The Gospel Coalition offers various podcasts, articles, books, and other resources to help you with Bible study and understanding.
There are so many wonderful online resources and Bible study materials for you to explore.
Conclusion
No matter where you find yourself in your walk with God, studying the Bible is essential for continuing and deepening your relationship with God. Bible study helps you understand God’s character, see His love poured out, and witness His plan of redemption. If you’re new to Bible study, looking for fresh resources, or wanting to make your quiet time more engaging, the materials in this guide offer a great place to start.
Take a moment to explore these resources. Try a few that resonate with your needs and learning style. Dig into His Word, stay consistent, and watch God reveal Himself to you in deeper and more personal ways.
This post was all about the best Bible study materials for you.
Leave a Reply