Dorothy Kelley Patterson - The Study Bible for Women

The Study Bible for Women

Copyright 2014 by Holman Bible Publishers

Nashville, Tennessee. All Rights Reserved.

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009

by Holman Bible Publishers.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB, and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

The Study Bible for Women, designed by Jade Novak, typeset by TF Designs, Greenbrier, TN, proofread by Peachtree Editorial Services, Peachtree City, GA

Introduction to
The Study Bible for Women

Opening Gods Word to women through a comprehensive study of Scripture prepared by women for women on subjects important to women is not really a modern phenomenon. The Apostle Paul placed within his discussion on church order a mandate for spiritually mature women to teach women who were new to the faith (Ti 2:3-5). In the modern era as well, women are devoting personal time and resources to diligent study of Gods Word and woman-to-woman instruction.

The Study Bible for Women , together with the Old and New Testament volumes of The Womens Evangelical Commentary , completes a trilogy of unique tools for unlocking the riches of holy Scripture. These three volumes, without apology, are prepared primarily for women to use in personal study and preparation for teaching. In the Study Bible, women will find guidance for unfolding the clear meaning of Scripture as well as timely challenges to fashion their lives accordingly, written by believing sisters in the Lord who have a passion for woman-to-woman exposition and who are uniquely prepared to explain the Scriptures. The women who contributed to these volumes model disciplined reading of Scripture according to carefully defined hermeneutical boundaries, resulting in:

1. distinctive exegesis that pulls out the meaning of the text rather than reading into the text their own personal opinions;
2. sensitivity to apply Scripture to the particular needs and questions of women without using a feminist gender lens;
3. intuitive scholarshipthe linking of discerning intuition with the discipline of scholarship;
4. cultivation of mentoring friendships that offer common ground instead of polarity in the tasks of understanding and teaching the Bible; and
5. creativity in connecting mind and heart, doctrine and practical service, firm biblical boundaries and relevant life applications.

Scripture provides all you need for life and godliness, and The Study Bible for Women is the perfect tool for discovering this provision. Its specially designed features offer to any woman who comes to Scripture with an open heart and ready mind a catalyst for personal study of Gods Word as well as resources for teaching other women how to read and study the Scriptures. The introduction to each of the Bibles 66 books answers basic fact questions about the book, explains what the book is about, offers good reasons for women to read it, and provides guidance for studying it effectively. Also included are a carefully selected key verse that captures one of the books themes, a timeline situating people and main events in history, and a content outline that provides a helpful overview of the book and its structure. The study notes in the outer margins offer insights on difficult-to-understand passages and spotlight important truths. In addition, threads of specialized study are woven throughoutexplanations of foundational doctrines, profiles of biblical women, relevant discussions of biblical womanhood, helpful word studies, and answers to hard questions prompted by the text of Scripture. At the end of each book is a devotional word of application, celebration, encouragement, or other means of allowing the Holy Spirit to write the particular truths of that book on your own heart.

Come to Scripture with a teachable heart ready to hear God speak, respond to Him in obedience, and find your place in His story. The godly woman will seek to conform her beliefs and behavior to Scripture, not pick and choose what Scripture is most agreeable to her own desires. Attentiveness to the Word of God, willingness to explore its depths, and eagerness to meet and enjoy fellowship with its divine Author will inspire your readiness to become a wise woman whose life is securely built on the rock of doing whatever the Lord says (Mt 7:24-25). May the Lord grant to each of you who uses this Study Bible a renewed commitment of personal time and the determination to pursue the riches found in serious study of Gods Wordnot only for yourself but also for the women you will teach as the Word is continually written on your heart.

Yours for a journey through Gods Word,

How to Study the Bible

Dorothy Kelley Patterson

Scripture can become within your life an illuminating and powerful reminder that God speaks, acts, awaits, and loves you (2Pt 1:19-21). There are obvious qualifications for the serious student of Gods Word:

• a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Jn 16:13);
• a deep reverence for Gods Word (Pr 1:7);
• a passion to know Gods Word (2Tm 1:12; 3:14-17); and
• an utter dependence on the Holy Spirit to open His Word (Jn 14:26).

The Bible is inspired (Gk theopneustos , lit God-breathed or inspired of God, 2Tm 3:16); inerrant (without error); infallible (trustworthy in the sense that it cannot and will not lead you astray); immutable (without the constraints of time and unchanging). The first and foremost step in understanding Scripture is to read its words, not haphazardly but with purpose, not just a passage but the whole counsel of God. Before embarking on serious study of a focal passage, read the Bible in its entirety. Understand its flawless unity through the great central theme of the Lords atonement and redemption. This compilation of 66 booksall inspired by the Holy Spirithas a common purpose of reconciling God to man. The Bible not only makes you wise unto salvation (2 Tm 3:15), but its words also nurture and edify spiritually (2 Tm 3:16-17).

Read through the Bible. You can begin in Genesis and read through to Revelation. Reading three chapters each weekday and five on Sunday is one option. Select various books at random or according to personal preference. Start and keep on readingnot for preparation to teach but to become familiar with Scripturethe broadest survey of the Bible as a whole in the shortest period of time. Reading does not take the place of day-in and day-out disciplined study, which alone provides a working knowledge of the Bible in all its parts. Anyone who dares to teach must never cease to learn.