esv church history study bible
Discover the ESV Church History Study Bible: Your Guide to 2,000 Years of Christian Heritage
Unlock the Rich Tapestry of Church History
Over the past two millennia, the Christian church has witnessed extraordinary growth, vibrant movements, and profound theological debates. The ESV Church History Study Bible invites you to embark on an epic journey through this captivating story, unlocking the treasures of Christian heritage.Features of the ESV Church History Study Bible
This meticulously crafted study bible seamlessly combines the revered English Standard Version (ESV) with a wealth of historical insights, providing: *Section introductions: Set the historical context for each era, offering valuable background information. *
Biographies: Profile key individuals who shaped the course of church history, from early church fathers to modern theologians. *
Historical maps and charts: Visualize the geographical and chronological dimensions of church history, enhancing your understanding. *
Study notes: Provide in-depth commentary on historical events, doctrines, and controversies, enriching your understanding of the past.
Section 1: The Apostolic Era
*1,000,000: The estimated number of Christians in the Roman Empire by the end of the first century. *
"The earliest Christians were characterized by their strong faith, vibrant worship, and love for one another."—Barnabas, in the Epistle of Barnabas (c. 100 AD).
Section 2: The Patristic Era
*313 AD: Constantine the Great legalized Christianity, marking a turning point in church history. *
"Christianity is not a theory or a speculation, but a life."—Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria (c. 360 AD).
Section 3: The Middle Ages
*75 million: The estimated population of Europe in the eighth century, a time of widespread Christianization. *
"The Middle Ages were a time of both profound faith and intense conflict."—Thomas Aquinas, Dominican philosopher (c. 1250 AD).
Section 4: The Reformation
*95 theses: Martin Luthers challenge to papal authority in 1517, sparking the Protestant Reformation. *
"Justification by faith alone is the article by which the church stands or falls."—Martin Luther (1520).
Section 5: The Enlightenment and Revivalism
*1700s: The Enlightenment challenged traditional beliefs, while revivals rekindled religious fervor. *
"The Great Awakening was a movement of spiritual renewal that swept through the British colonies in America."—Jonathan Edwards (c. 1740 AD).
Section 6: The Modern Era
*2.4 billion: The estimated number of Christians worldwide in 2015, representing over a third of the global population. *
"The 20th century was a century of incredible growth and change for the church."—Pew Research Center (2019).
Section 7: The Church in Mission
*1,500 languages: The number of languages into which the Bible has been translated, facilitating global outreach. *
"The churchs mission is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations."—Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).
Section 8: The Church in Persecution
*260 million: The estimated number of Christians facing persecution worldwide today. *
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."—Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:10).
Section 9: The Church in Unity
*World Council of Churches: An ecumenical organization founded in 1948 to promote Christian unity. *
"The unity of the church is essential to its witness to the world."—Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (2002).
Section 10: The Church in the Future
*"The future of the church is bright."—Pope Francis (2015).