UPDATED LINKS! Note: I was selected by Bible Gateway to review The Jesus Bible and received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. This post contains that review. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links, meaning that should you choose to purchase items through those links, I will receive, at no added cost to you, a commission from the seller. Click here for more information regarding affiliate links.

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The poem is listed as “Author Unknown,” but its words create in me a desire to sit down with their writer and learn from him or her. I have no doubt that the heart of Jesus would shine through this skilled wordsmith who created a list of how Jesus is seen in every book of the Bible. As a list-maker, I was drawn to this poetic list from the first time I heard it. (After reading this post, you can read the poem-list here.)

Much like the beloved poem mentioned above, The Jesus Bible walks the reader through the pages of Scripture—from the creation of the world in Genesis 1 to the glorious sounds of the eternal praises foretold in Revelation—pointing out Christ in every book. With commentary written by noted biblical preachers, Bible scholars, and theologians and with practical, helpful notes and “side-margin tools” included, this Bible is my study Bible of choice for 2020.

My fear that this was yet another new “translation” or an “unpredictable modern version” of the Bible was held at bay when I realized that this was truly an ESV Bible*, a translation that is well-liked and trusted by many (it is also available in NIV*).

If I don’t like it or use it, I won’t share it. That’s my policy on this site. So the very fact that I’m sharing this with you tells you something! But I’ve also promised to be honest with you (and in this review), so let me first share a few of the negatives I feel are present in this Bible, and then I’ll end with the good stuff (including a link to a more detailed walk through this Bible via our YouTube channel).

The Cons:

1. It’s not small. For me, this is definitely a study-from-home Bible, not a take-to-church Bible. I took it with me one Sunday, but that clinched my decision to use this for study and general Bible reading.
2. The cover is not genuine leather; however, that point will also show up under the list of pros.
3. I rarely (basically, next-to-never) wholeheartedly endorse the words of a preacher or theologian unless I have read the work in its entirety. Therefore, I honestly (and understandably) share that I have not yet read every additional note, essay, or sidebar comment in this Bible. The Scriptures themselves? As stated above, the ESV is my current version of choice, and nothing is changed between this Bible and others. The only thing I will not yet fully endorse (but may at some point) are the notes added by the preachers, commentators, and theologians.
4. The artistic cover design on the Bible I received is unique. It’s a “watercolor-splashed” look, and I don’t mind it; however, had I selected the cover, I probably would not have chosen this. It’s growing on me, though, and I may change my tune on that! I will say that it tends to have more a feminine appeal (based on comments from the men who saw it at church and asked about it). However, it does come in other cover options, so that is a plus.
5. I like room to add notes in the margins, and while some pages offer more than enough margin, others (the ones with multiple helpful notes added) have very little “extra space.” Not a huge negative, but it’s worthy of mention.

The Pros:

1. Every book starts with a title page containing the quality/portrait of Jesus seen in that book. What’s not to like about that?
2. Sometimes high-quality leather covers scare me. (There. I said it for all the world to see.) I’m afraid to ruin them or mark up the Bible inside of the lush leather cover. However, this cover is the soft, pliable “Leathersoft” that I prefer. Some may find that as a con, so I listed this fact there as well.
3. For an outstanding, unique, abundantly helpful study-style Bible, the price on The Jesus Bible is outstanding!
4. The notes, commentaries, and helpful “back stories” are amazing! Yes, I’ve only skimmed the surface of them for the purpose of this review, but I literally can’t wait to go deep into their insight when I begin using this Bible as my study Bible in the New Year.
5. Again I say, Jesus in every book. The notes that guide you to the truth in those insights will certainly be a sheer delight to any student of God’s Word!

So to wrap up my honest review of The Jesus Bible Artist Version? Two thumbs up! I’m starting mine in January, but any time of the year is a great time to read and study God’s Word! I’d love to know if/when you purchase a copy, so feel free to drop a note (or any questions about the format or benefits of The Jesus Bible) in the comments or reach out to us via the Contact Us e-mail address, available in the right sidebar.

Take a moment to head over to our YouTube channel to watch a brief video we recorded that will give you a closer look at the benefits of using The Jesus Bible. Click here to view.

Additionally, you can view more details about The Jesus Bible and/or purchase your copy on Amazon by clicking here and then selecting which style option, translation, and cover option you prefer.

*ESV = English Standard Version; NIV = New International Version