Reviewed by Norm Shepard (thanks Norm)
First of all, I would like to thank Randy for giving me the opportunity to share my opinion regarding the Rock of Ages Study Bible. I would also like to apologize for any grammatical errors and any additional abuse of the English language as my education is limited and it’s been quite some time since I’ve attended any institution of learning.
I recently discovered The Rock of Ages KJV Study Bible (formerly the Oxford New Pilgrim Study Bible) through a post someone had recently shared on the BibleExchange.com‘s Facebook page. This bible was originally developed for new Christians, but was found to be useful for Christians of all experience. Although, it is my personal belief that GOD’s word cannot be pinned down to any single translation or language, the ministry of ROAPM prefers the KJV text to other translations as they believe GOD chose to preserve His word in the text of the KJV. Also, according to the compilers of this study bible “all study notes, no matter where they are located, are set apart from the inspired word of GOD by lines and rules, or shadings and should be recognized as being separate from the words of the actual bible text.”
Now, onto the review: The ROA Study Bible includes approximately 1000 in- text notes, you’ll also notice asterisks throughout the notes and main text, which are keyed to a subject index, also included is 33 in-text charts and 35 in-text black/white maps. The notes and references are found at the bottom of the page beneath a double column text. Each book of the bible has summary introductions with an outline and throughout the main text contained within shaded boxes you’ll also find additional information related to the text. The bible also includes 16 Oxford Maps with a map index, and a 200 page concordance.
The ROA Study Bible is available in either Black or Red calfskin and the main text is at least a 10 point font, which I find very readable. I may be a little hyper sensitive to these issues, but like most bibles the darkness of the text at times is a little inconsistent, but overall not bad. The bible also appears to utilize line matching; however I did notice some occurrences where the line matching is not consistent. And like the majority of bibles, the Bible paper shows some ghosting/bleed through, however at 2000 pages the paper thickness has to be kept to a minimum for the bible to remain manageable. Although not as bright, the paper has similar characteristics as the Thompson Chain Ref. Bible.
The ROA Study Bible is constructed very close in style to LCBP Bibles, but without the stitching around the perimeter of the cover. However, the calfskin cover on the ROA Study Bible is a little thicker than the LCBP calfskin covers. Both editions have two ribbon markers, but in my opinion the ribbons on the ROA Study Bible are a little plusher. Interestingly, in the front and back of the bible there’s three end pages with the leather liners tucked neatly 1″ under the first and last end page. I assume the extra end pages were added to extend the life of the bible. On the side of the bible box it states Abba Leather; however it also states made in Korea? I just assume that the bible was printed in Korea and possibly bound by Abba of Mexico, regardless of whoever bound the bible they did a great job. My only concern is the folds in the corners of the inside cover, although beautifully executed I just wished they laid a little flatter. In my opinion if you like the way LCBP constructs their bibles you shouldn’t be disappointed with this bible. Overall, the construction of this bible, along with the study material, and all for the price of $60 is an excellent bargain.
From what I understand Rock of Ages is a prison ministry who I had very polite email communication with as I accidently ordered the red calfskin edition, which they were kind enough to change it to the black edition at the last minute. The bible was shipped to me priority mail and I received it in less than a week’s time. According to Rock of Ages website for every calfskin bible ordered they will distribute two vinyl covered study bibles out to prisoners. The price of $66.50 including shipping and handling is a bargain for a calfskin Study Bible, especially when the price helps ROAPM distribute study bibles out to prisoners, who I’m sure could really use the scriptures in their lives.
Outside dimensions are:
9.5″ x 6.75″x 1.75″
To order and for additional information click on the links below:
http://www.roapm.com/content/roa-study-bibles-calf-skin.html
http://www.amazon.com/Study-Bible-formerly-known-Pilgrim/dp/1424333881
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.708707109158340.1073741843.654940757868309&type=1
