Experience the Bible through the eyes of a first-century disciple by exploring the cultural, religious, and historical background of the Bible. These study Bible notes allow you to understand God’s Word in its original cultural context, bringing Scripture to life by providing fresh understanding to familiar passages, beloved stories and all the Scripture in between. The First-Century Study Bible Notes invite you into the questions, stories, and interpretations—both ancient and modern—which introduce you to a world vastly different from your own. Let us read with an eye on the past and with our feet planted in our present questions and circumstances.

Join Kent Dobson as he unpacks the culture of Bible times, and illuminates Scripture passages while asking thoughtful questions along the way. Kent was the teaching pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan, where he initially served as the worship director. He has been featured on Biblical programs for the History Channel and the Discovery Channel. Kent fell in love with Biblical studies in Israel and had the privilege of learning from both Jewish and Christian scholars. After his time in Israel, he returned to the States to teach high school religion and Bible before responding to God's call to the pastorate. Today, he keeps his connection to the Holy Land strong as he leads tours to Israel that combine study and prayer, inspired by the ancient discipline of spiritual pilgrimage.

NOTE: The First-Century Study Bible Notes product only contains the First-Century Study Bible Notes. For instructions on how to download the NIV Bible text for free go here. The NIV Bible text (or the Bible translation of your choice) uses the Olive Tree's Bible App's powerful Resource Guide feature to link these two resources.