The Bible’s message of God’s love and forgiveness is eternal and enduring, but the life experiences of the people who first received the Word are much different than our lives today. No one needs to explain to us what smartphones and social media are, but a first-century Christian would have no knowledge or frame of reference for them. In the same way, what was obvious to those first hearers has no context in our lives or culture. There is much that the biblical writers did not need to explain to their contemporary audience because it was simply understood.
The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible bridges these gaps in our knowledge and provides the missing clues that can unlock the subtleties we may miss. When you hear the message according to its authentic, original cultural setting you can better understand the issues addressed and apply them to your life today. Its many features have been adapted to the Bible Study App to provide you with the best possible experience. See how these features can help you explore more fully, and understand more intuitively, God’s Word.
Features:
- Study Notes: Over 10,000 study notes provide a deeper and richer understanding of the nuances the original audience would have intuitively understood.
- Maps: A multitude of color maps will help you visualize the geographic context of your Bible reading
- Cross References: The cross-reference system aids in deeper study of the Bible’s themes, language, and concepts by leading you to related passages on the same or similar themes
- Charts: Charts provide quick visual summaries of important Biblical information. Charts help to define and explain terms or summarize and explain important background information throughout the text.
- Introductions: In addition to standard introductory materials (such as who wrote the book, to whom, and when) introductions inform readers about the larger cultural and political context in which a book was written.
Food for the Soul 
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