Disclosure: Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing me with a sample copy for review. Opinions here are 100% my own.
One of my favorite parts of walking with God is finding tools that bring Scripture to life in a fresh way. Recently, I had the opportunity to spend time with the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible, and I have to say, it’s a treasure.
Alexander Maclaren, often called the “Prince of Expositors,” was a 19th-century preacher known for the beauty and depth of his sermons. His words carried both clarity and poetry, pointing people back to Christ again and again. This study Bible takes insights from his over 1,500 sermons and weaves them into the text, giving us a chance to learn from his wisdom while engaging directly with Scripture.
Here’s what stood out to me:
Study Notes Everywhere – Each chapter has helpful notes pulled from Maclaren’s teaching. They don’t just explain the text, they bring out connections that deepen understanding.
Christ-Centered Insights – Over 300 notes show how all of Scripture points to Jesus. I love this feature because it keeps Christ at the center of Bible study.
Life Application – It’s not just about knowing the Word, it’s about living it. There are practical notes to help apply God’s truth in daily life.
Background & Outlines – Every book begins with an introduction, plus there are sermon outlines and essays on big themes like devotion and doctrine.
I’ve found this Bible helpful not just for study, but also for personal devotion. It reminds me that God’s Word is alive and relevant today.
A Special Giveaway!
I’m excited to share that I’ll be giving away one copy of the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible to one lucky reader. US entrants only.
This is a beautiful resource, and I hope it blesses someone as much as it has blessed me.
If you’d like to check it out for yourself, you can make a purchase HERE. Also available on Amazon.
I don’t necessarily believe in God, but this was really, really interesting. Consider me inspired.
ReplyDeleteI’d never heard of Alexander MacLaren before, but now I’m genuinely curious to read more of his work. There’s something comforting about rediscovering these deep, thoughtful voices from the past—like they’re quietly reminding us that timeless wisdom is still out there, just waiting to be dusted off. Definitely bookmarking this for a slower weekend read.
ReplyDeleteThe bible has some brilliant gems in it. I have a few different copies and translations. When say the additional commentary is weaved into the text - is it in the margin, or inserted after particular verses. Sounds interesting. And out of interest who put it together?
ReplyDeleteIt is a Thomas Nelson Bible and perhaps this excerpt from the website will help clarify, since the answer is multiple types/places.“The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible invites you to learn from Maclaren’s powerful insights as you explore the Scriptures. Study notes drawn from his more than 1,500 published sermons illuminate every book of the Bible. Passage outlines based on his sermons guide you in systematic study of key texts. Short excerpts encourage you to apply the Bible to your life and see Christ’s relevance to all Scripture.
DeleteFeatures include:
66 book introductions featuring insights from Maclaren’s work
1,400 study notes covering every book of the Bible
380 Christ Connection notes
380 Life Lesson notes
209 passage outlines based on Maclaren’s sermon outlines
8 essays addressing major doctrines and faithful living
Concordance and index of features
Line-matched, double-column typesetting
Clear and readable NKJV Comfort Print®”
Thanks for the giveaway option. I actually never heard of MacLaren before but sounds like a great study Bible. Joy
ReplyDelete