For some, reading the Bible can be difficult. Not because they find it boring or don’t make the time, but because they fail to see how each book of the Bible works together to reveal God’s narrative story. Studying books of the Bible individually is a credible discipline. However, if we fail to see that particular book within the context of creation, fall, redemption and consummation, and how that book helps shape that story, we miss the big picture.

In their previous book, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart explore the different styles of literature within scripture and how to best approach each of them in your biblical studies. In their latest book, How to Read the Bible Book by Book (Zondervan, 2002, ISBN# 0-310-21118-2), they break down the books of the Bible individually. Though this may seem like any other Bible-study companion, Book by Book is intentional in forcing you to see how each book fits within the whole of scripture.

Professors Fee and Stuart have included a brief overview of each book of the Bible so you can understand them within the proper historical context. Then, rather than breaking down each book chapter by chapter, verse by verse, and offering an exhaustive list of possible interpretations, the authors walk you through the different sections while encouraging you to seek out several themes and how they help shape the entire biblical narrative.

This book is easy to read and a valuable resource for anyone who wants to dig deeper into God’s Word. The greatest aspect of Book by Book is that it actually makes you pick up your Bible and read along. Whether you’re interested in reading scripture for the first time, or are simply looking to make more sense out of the Bible, Book by Book is a must have.

—Chris Wagner

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