A Reader's Guide to the Bible - by John Goldingay (Paperback)

About the Book

Approaching the Bible for the first time can be intimidating. Where should you begin? John Goldingay's reliable and clear guide to exploring the Bible places the biblical books in their times and settings, and then lays out a memorable pattern for understanding the Bible as the story of God and his people, the word of God to his people, and the people's response to God.

Book Synopsis

Approaching the Bible for the first time can be intimidating. At sixty-six books, nearly 800,000 words, and numerous kings, prophets, and deliverers, as well as priests and apostles, where should you begin? In what order should you read it? Why are there narratives here and over there, but other things mixed between? And is there an alternative to reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation? In A Reader's Guide to the Bible John Goldingay places the biblical books in their times and settings, and then lays out a memorable pattern for understanding the Bible. Three categories of biblical books--story, word, and response--form three doors into the cathedral that is the Bible: the story of God and his people, the word of God to his people, and the people's response to God.Whether you are a person of Christian faith or other faith, or no faith at all, here is a reliable guide to exploring the Bible. Written by a highly accomplished biblical scholar, A Reader's Guide to the Bible joins a clear and direct style with a maestro's touch.

Review Quotes

"A Reader's Guide to the Bible is a thorough and user-friendly outline of the story of God. A brilliant academic exposition that transcends the world of academia. This book can be read by both the seminarian and the one completely new to their faith. A must-have for anyone wanting a more thorough understanding of what the Bible is."

--Albert Tate, senior pastor, Fellowship Monrovia

"Goldingay's readable style, coupled with his ability to provide historical and literary context to shed light on difficult biblical passages, makes for an important contribution to biblical literacy, particularly for anyone fairly new to the critical study of Scripture."

--Carson Brisson, Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology, Vol. 73(2)

"John Goldingay pours the wisdom of years of scholarship and teaching into this primer on the Bible. He invites us into the world of this ancient text to hear how it tells the story of God and God's people. A Reader's Guide to the Bible provides a straightforward and succinct point of entry for anyone desiring better acquaintance with the Bible. I cannot recommend this little volume highly enough."

--Jeannine K. Brown, professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary

"John Goldingay's A Reader's Guide to the Bible (IVP, 2017) gets the big things right."

--Marvin Olasky, World Magazine, May 12, 2018

"Whether you're new to the Bible or have been reading it for years, John Goldingay's A Reader's Guide to the Bible will prove a helpful companion as you turn the pages of the world's bestselling book. Concise, accessible, and insightful, Goldingay provides the reader with an introduction to the stories, cultures, and history from which the Bible arises, serving to deepen our understanding of the story of God unfolding in its pages."

--Sean Gladding, author of Ten and The Story of God, the Story of Us

About the Author

John Goldingay is David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. His many books include An Introduction to the Old Testament, Biblical Theology, a three-volume Old Testament Theology, and the seventeen-volume Old Testament for Everyone series.