1. How to Use Your ESV Study Bible
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2. Introduction
Concordia Self-study Bible, English Standard Version (ESV).
One of the better modern translations.
The Study Notes at the bottom of each page of the books are Lutheran in their emphasis, thus they support our doctrinal position.
Has many improvements and additions for items outside of Scripture for edification and instruction.
See page xx to xxiii for main features located on the pages of the Bible to help you understand the contents.
We will review many of these features during this time together.
© CMS 2017

3. Introduction Bible study is best done in a group rather than alone.
If alone then use a Study Bible.
Before you study pray for wisdom, discernment and patience.
Always remember the three most important words in Bible study:
Context!
Example: Do you understand the context of the use of the terms “Slave” and “Master” used in the OT?
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4. Contents Front Matter, page vi: Old Testament. New Testament.
Contains extended information on the development of this version,
Contains information on the graphics,
How to read, understand and apply the Bible,
Law and Gospel,
Luther’s Small Catechism,
Old Testament.
New Testament.
End Matter.
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5. Introduction to Books
Provides important information on the title, author, date of writing, background, purpose, themes, theological significance, and special points concerning the book.
Good idea to read this before you read a book from beginning to end.
Good idea to read it if you are having trouble putting a set of verses into context.
(c) CMS 2017

6. Old Testament First five books of the OT is called
the “Pentateuch” meaning the five
scrolls and was mostly written by Moses.
The 12 historical books from Joshua through Esther span from the time of the invasion of the Promised Land of Israel to the Jewish monarchy.
First King? Second King? Third King?
Written originally in Hebrew
The Greek translation is called the
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7. Old Testament
The five poetical books, from Job through Song of Solomon, deal with vital issues, including the problem of suffering.
The 17 prophetic books (Isaiah to Malachi) run from 700 to 300’s BC.
Followed by approximately 400 years of silence by God when no prophet spoke (the intertestamental period before Christ’s birth).
This period ended with the prophet John the Baptist. See page 1553.
The Septuagint (from the Latin septuaginta, "seventy")
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8. New Testament Greek 27 books covering 9 general areas:
Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John),
History (Acts),
Paul’s Epistles (13 in all),
Hebrews,
General Epistles (James, Peter (2), John (3) Jude),
Revelation (Apocalyptic - end times).
Greek
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9. Contents: Charts
Page lxxi, this listing shows what charts are included in the books of the Bible at or near the appropriate text;
Example 1: Leviticus, page 171,
Understanding of the purpose of each type of sacrifice made to God.
Example 2: John, page 1815,
Understanding of how the Spirit works in His Gospel, as well as the lives of the apostles and you.
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10. Contents: Maps
Page lxxiv, this listing shows what maps are included in the books of the Bible at or near the appropriate text;
Example 1: Ruth, page 425,
Adds depth and scope to the meaning of the text.
Example 2: Revelation, 2197,
Adds geographical relationships to the events recorded by John.
Also see the three color maps starting after the few pages from the very front of the Bible.
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11. Additional Information
Start on page lxxv for information on:
Place Names of the Bible & Ancient Empires,
Biblical Topics, page lxxix,
Biblical Chronology and World History, page xcii,
Weights and Measures, page cx,
Counting in Roman Numerals
1 = i
6 = vi
11 = xi
L= 50
2 = ii
7 = vii
12 = xii
C= 100
3 = iii
8 = viii
13 = xiii
D = 500,
4 = iv
9 = ix
14 =
M = 1,000
5 = v
10 = x
57 =
14 = xiv
57 = Lvii
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12. The Lutheran Study Bible
Features of the Lutheran Study Bible, page xx.
Reading, Understanding, and Applying the Bible, page xxv.
Law & Gospel: Identifying God’s Ways with Mankind, page xxxi.
Luther’s Small Catechism, page xxxiii, “A Short and Brief Summary of All the Holy Scriptures” (LC Preface 18).
Concordance:
Used to find in the Bible text where the word or block entry appears.
Starts on page 2243.
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13. Typical Page Layout
Study Notes located at the bottom of the same pages of verses and passages that:
Explain important words and concepts,
Interpret difficult verses (page 130, 21:1-6),
New information that supplements Scripture, page 792,
Show a Law and Gospel Application, page 2006, Gal. 2:15-21, (Also see page 2007)
Theology Icon – Word and Sacrament, see page 1792.
Theology Icon – Trinity, see page 1793.
Page 1431 use note for verse 1:3
Page 1578 use note for verse 15:7, also this page lists all the parables found in Matt. Mark and Luke
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14. Typical Page Layout Theology Icon – Mission, see page 1497.
The Sacraments, see page 1965 and 2231.
Cross Reference to an Article, Map or Chart, see page xxx.
Church Father Quotations provide insights from the Book of Concord, ancient, Medieval and Reformation-era Christian writers.
How one passage sheds light on another, page xlvi.
The center column on each page of Scripture resembles a “chain” with many “links.”
(c) CMS 2017

15. Spiritual Benefits
Good Bible study habits are just that - habits, something you do on a regular basis.
Home devotional settings, solo or with a family member or members.
Group Bible study
At Church or home with a small group.
Series classes like Bethel Bible Series, LifeLight and BSF.
Benefits from discussion.
Preparation for study: include prayer after seeking a quiet place with good lighting to begin your quest.
(c) CMS 2017