Ah, that's a lovely book. The translation looks pleasing to read, and the typeset and margins are excellent, as well. In the third image, is that the NASB atop another one?
I was also admiring the other books on your shelf.
I see some John MacArthur, Cornelius Van Til, and, is that the ESV Study Bible? What is the Genesis book I see? And what about those glorious tomes stacked in the far left of the first image? I always enjoy looking at other people's bookshelves, you see.
Do you have the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia? If not, you
must get it-- it's worth its weight in gold.
It's by far my favourite reference, and it's exhaustive. The IVP dictionaries are probably a significant step up, but they're also significantly more expensive.
Yes it's atop a 'normal' sized bible which happens to be an NASB as well (Side-Column Reference). It's quite a nice size, but it's definitely a little too cumbersome to use outside of studying on a desk or some sort of surface.
And yep! Those are some of the individual study guides by MacArthur I have -- I have the gospels and quite a few others(about 15 more) and keep a few of them to hand as I've been working through the NT again, so it's nice to have some of those guides to hand.
Van Til -- I only just got that a few weeks ago, but it really is good so far! I feel that apologetics will become a more important aspect of a Christian's faith as society becomes increasingly secular. Even here on CF, in many discussions, it's an uphill battle and a lot of going against the grain, so I think the ability to defend your beliefs and the faith in general isn't only based in your knowledge of Scripture, but also external sources that help you in your approach and defence.
ESV Study Bible -- Yup! My first study bible! I like the translation(Reads very similarly to the NASB) and the study notes are fantastic. I don't use the translation anymore really but I do consult the notes as I do with other study bibles/commentaries.
The ones off to the side -- The huge one on the bottom that's A4-sized is Matthew Henry's Commentary On The Whole Bible(Complete and unabridged). It's one of the commentaries I have open most of the time I am studying. It's really quite large though when you consider the works normally come in a 6-book set.
On top of that is the Oxford Bible Commentary. It's quite large as well and just another commentary to reference and just another understanding and interpretation of a particular verse that I like to hand when studying.
On top of that is a MacArthur Study Bible(ESV) -- Love, love, love it! Many people will see John MacArthur and think "Controversial!" and they wouldn't be wrong. There's no denying he holds some beliefs and opinions that fundamentally offend certain people and denominations, however, I've always felt that the vast majority, the overwhelming majority of his sermons and writings barely touch on those opinions, they're typically only discussed when he's asked or the occasional mention in passing. He is, however, an amazing bible teacher. Whether people like the man's opinions or not, I'd definitely recommend it.
On top of that is the NASB I used for size reference of the Pitt Minion. It was my first NASB and I really, really like it. It was really reasonably priced considering it's genuine leather and quite supple for something that isn't a premium leather. It's a good size to read from on a desk or if you're just sat down etc and I think it was only something like 35-40 Euros.
On top of that is a notebook I take notes in when I am studying so I remember to look in to it further or sometimes just a general jist of what's going on(I learn better and memorise better if I take the time to write it out) and I thought it would be interesting to document my journey, theologically speaking, and have those notes to consult in the future and consider if, how and when my opinions on any given subject changed and maybe figure out why and whether the change was for better or for worse.
Then I have a 1942 Cambridge KJV(Not sure what year the text block is, but I don't think it's a 1611) I bought cheap on eBay because the text block was in good condition and it's one of the text blocks that have the red dyed page tips under the gold gilt, so I thought that was cool since nowadays Cambridge is quite signature in their salmon pink dye.
The other books in the background between the ESV and Van Til are an ESV text-only bible, Book of Common Prayer, KJV(My first bible) and an INV.
Oh and the Genesis book in the background is John Calvin's commentary on Genesis.
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