By: Brian G. Chilton | May 16, 2019
B&H Publishers recently sent me a copy of the Ancient Faith Study Bible. I had seen the study Bible advertised at Lifeway.com but did not know what to expect. Was this study Bible going to be kitschy? Was it going to be a commercialized gimmick like some study Bibles that has a catchy name but does not have much in the way of content in lieu of study notes and articles? I was a tad skeptical when I first heard of the Ancient Faith Study Bible as I was expecting something commercialized and shallow. But I am happy to say that the Ancient Faith Study Bible exceeded my wildest expectations.
The design of the study Bible is very well made. It is reminiscent of Bibles made in early America and in the United Kingdom such as the classic King James and Tyndale Bibles. The hardcover exterior is sturdy and well-constructed. The pages have the faintest sepia tint to give the impression that the Bible is centuries old even though it’s fresh off the presses. Another cool design that also gives the Bible an ancient feel is the fancy lettering that begins each book of the Bible.
One of the more important matters is the content. Here the Ancient Faith Study Bible excels. First, let me provide one caveat. This is not the study Bible you will want if you desire lots of historical notes concerning the biblical text. I would pick up a copy of the CSB Study Bible if that is what you wish. However, this study Bible provides commentary from the ancient church fathers on the biblical text. For instance, last night during my devotions I was reading from the 49th psalm. Psalm 49:17 reads, “For when he dies, he will teak nothing at all; his wealth will not follow him down” (Ps. 49:17, CSB). The note on the text comes from Ambrose’s Commentary on Twelve Psalms, 49.23. Ambrose notes, “Do not be troubled when you hear that the glory of someone’s house has increased. Think deeply about it, and you will see that a house is empty if it is not filled with faith” (AFSB, 659). This Bible provides deep insights from the leaders of the early church. It’s like taking a step back in time to discuss biblical texts with the great minds of the past.
Some of the names may be unfamiliar to most readers. The Ancient Faith Study Bible includes a section in the back that lists the ancient church writers who were referenced in the study notes. The section includes a brief biography of each church leader and an index where the reader can find the notes from that particular writer. In addition, the study Bible includes articles on different leaders as well as a copy of the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.
This writer highly recommends the Ancient Faith Study Bible. It will provide the reader a glimpse at the insights from the earliest church leaders, a wonderful devotional experience, and a historical background concerning the interpretations of the early church. Being a lover of history, I was well pleased with the Ancient Faith Study Bible. If you enjoy history and learning about the insights of the early church, you will also want to pick up a copy for yourself. I give the study Bible five stars.
| Strengths | Weaknesses | People Who Would Enjoy |
| Lots of study notes | Does not contain historical notes concerning the biblical text | Historians |
| Quality articles | Does not contain background information for the biblical text | People desiring a good devotional Bible |
| Insights from early church leaders | Is not a red-letter edition of the Bible | Students |
| Creeds | Theologians | |
| Historical backgrounds of the early church leaders | People wanting to learn more about the beliefs of the early church leaders. | |
| Brief biographies of the biblical books including references to its composition from the early church | ||
| Well-constructed | ||
| Great layout | ||
| CSB translation |
Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com and is the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Brian is currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University and is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Brian has been in the ministry for over 15 years and serves as the Senior Pastor of Westfield Baptist Church in northwestern North Carolina.
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