Recommended: Bible Background & Historical Context
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The Bible is God’s Word, but it was given in real places, to real people, at real times in history. Understanding that world — its customs, geography, and historical backdrop — can open our eyes to the richness of Scripture. It does not replace exegesis, but it grounds it. Careful use of background resources can illuminate the text, helping us hear it more like the original audience did, while still receiving it as God’s living Word for today.
The following resources have been especially helpful. They combine accessibility with faithfulness, and they respect the authority of Scripture while drawing from archaeology, history, and cultural studies.
The New Manners and Customs of the Bible – James M. Freeman
A classic, devotional-style guide to the everyday life and customs of biblical times. Clear, practical, and filled with insights for preachers and teachers looking to “set the scene” for their hearers.
The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament – John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, & Mark W. Chavalas
Verse by verse, these commentaries explain the cultural, historical, and social context behind the text. Accessible, evangelical, and widely used by pastors and serious lay readers.
The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament – Craig S. Keener
Verse by verse, these commentaries explain the cultural, historical, and social context behind the text. Accessible, evangelical, and widely used by pastors and serious lay readers.
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (OT & NT) – John H. Walton, Clinton E. Arnold, et al.
A visually rich, multi-volume set with photos, maps, and illustrations. Especially helpful for pastors and teachers who want accessible, trustworthy background material at their fingertips.
ESV Bible Atlas – John D. Currid & David P. Barrett
Produced by Crossway, and co-authored by one of my former professors, this atlas combines Reformed theological commitments with excellent maps, timelines, and historical notes. Probably the best single-volume evangelical atlas available.
The Historical Reliability of the Gospels – Craig Blomberg
Blomberg defends the trustworthiness of the gospel accounts against critical attacks, grounding them firmly in their historical setting. Both apologetic and devotional in value.
The Archaeology of the Bible – James K. Hoffmeier
Written by a respected evangelical scholar, this book surveys archaeological discoveries that shed light on the Old and New Testaments, reinforcing the Bible’s historical reliability.
A Survey of the Old Testament – Andrew E. Hill & John H. Walton
A standard evangelical introduction to the Old Testament. It situates each book in its historical and cultural setting, with charts, maps, and background helps.
An Introduction to the New Testament – D.A. Carson & Douglas J. Moo
A trusted evangelical survey of the New Testament, widely used in Reformed seminaries. Provides historical context, authorship discussion, and theological themes for each book.
The World of the New Testament: Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts – Joel B. Green & Lee Martin McDonald (eds.)
A collection of essays covering the NT world in depth. While broader and more technical, it remains accessible and is valuable for teachers and pastors who want to dig deeper.
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Disclaimer: The resources listed here have been selected because they offer particular value for Christian growth and understanding. Their inclusion does not imply full agreement with every statement or position taken by the authors. As with any book outside of Scripture, readers should exercise discernment, testing all things by the Word of God (Acts 17:11).