Is Your Bible Study Missing a Thematic Perspective?

Commentaries are a beloved and vital resource for modern students of the Bible. They give us expert insight into each verse of each chapter of each book of the Bible, and are often a great starting point for deeper research. But one thing the standard commentary typically doesn’t include is an emphasis on the themes of the given book. That’s where a thematic Bible study series truly shines.

Thematic studies center their exegesis around a specific theme or topic found in scripture, providing a unique, often narrative-driven perspective on the biblical book. This allows our theology to be shaped by the grand exegesis of scripture as opposed to having a single verse attempt to explain a theme or inform our theology. And our understanding of the Bible, as a whole, is enhanced when we’re able to properly grasp the themes and topics woven within Scripture.

The Transformative Word series was created with this in mind. For the last few years, Series Editor Craig Bartholomew has worked alongside authors from around the world to uncover an underlying theme in each book of the Bible. Then each author provided careful exegesis centered on that gripping theme. The result is an engaging, accessible thematic exploration of a biblical book, poised to offer you new and refreshing insights. The Transformative Word volumes were designed to pair with your favorite commentary, to enrich your study with a thematic as well as exegetical perspective.

Take Matthew Emerson’s Between the Cross and the Throne for example: in this volume, Emerson suggests that book of Revelation can be read primarily as the story of Christ’s victory over Satan. While we live in the tension between Christ’s resurrection and his return, we can have assurance and hope that God’s victory is inaugurated and coming to pass indefinitely.

Or in Wayne Barkhuizen’s God Behind the Scenes, you will discover, like Esther did, that God is always working in the midst of us even when he feels silent. There is no story, no square-inch, where God is not sovereign..

There’s never been a commentary series quite like this. Four volumes have been released to date, and now we’re announcing the release of four new volumes:

	In Glimpsing the Mystery, Barbara M. Leung Lai unpacks the stories of the first half of Daniel and the visions of the second half, showing through how God provides glimpses into his mysterious sovereignty. While sometimes all we get are hints, we can come away with the assurance that even when life is hard, God wants to pull back the curtain and show us that he still holds us in his hand.
	In Faith Amid the Ruins, Heath Thomas brings the story of Habakkuk to life—reminding us that although it’s a small book about a lesser known prophet, its themes and importance are anything but minor. When we face hardship and opposition, it’s easy to seek security and stability instead of God’s will. Habakkuk teaches us both about the faithfulness of God and what it looks like to live faithfully before God when life turns upside down.
	In Revealing the Heart of Prayer, Craig G. Bartholomew helps us see how to live and participate effectively in God’s mission—by looking to Jesus as an example for how we should pray. This practice is often a hidden affair, between us and God, and can be easily neglected. See Luke’s Gospel anew—through the lens of prayer.
	In Together for the World, Michael Wagenman reminds us that the book of Acts is about more than just the beginning of church history. It’s a story that reveals the ongoing means by which God is still transforming people to be his witnesses in the world.

We’ve assembled all eight available titles into the Transformative Word Series: Intro Collection. This bundle gives you volumes spanning the Old and New Testaments and covers all the major genres of biblical literature. Dig deeper into the themes of the Bible with the Transformative Word series—order the Intro Collection today! 

For more Bible study tools, take a look at 29 Bible Study Tools for Reading the Bible More Effectively.