Berean Standard Bible
A modern English translation, clear and close to the original Hebrew and Greek. Its publishers gave it to the public domain in 2023. Our Scene by Scene stories are based on it.
Law
History
JoshuaConquering the promised land.JudgesHeroes and chaos.RuthA love story about loyalty, immigration, and belonging.1 SamuelThe first king of Israel.2 SamuelDavid's rise to power and his fall.1 KingsSolomon builds the temple, then the kingdom splits in two.2 KingsBoth kingdoms collapse.1 ChroniclesIsrael's history retold from Adam to David.2 ChroniclesJudah's history from Solomon to the exile.EzraReturning from exile.NehemiahRebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.EstherA Jewish queen in Persia saves her people from genocide.
Wisdom & Poetry
Major Prophets
Minor Prophets
HoseaGod tells a prophet to marry an unfaithful woman as a living metaphor for Israel's relationship with God.JoelA plague of locusts becomes a vision of judgment and the outpouring of God's spirit.AmosJustice for the poor.ObadiahThe shortest book in the Old Testament.JonahA prophet runs from God, gets swallowed by a fish, and learns about mercy.MicahDo justice, love mercy, walk humbly.NahumThe fall of Nineveh.HabakkukWhy do you allow evil?ZephaniahJudgment and restoration.HaggaiYou've built nice houses for yourselves.ZechariahNight visions about the future.MalachiThe last prophet of the Old Testament.
Gospels
Early Church
Pauline Epistles
RomansPaul's masterwork.1 CorinthiansA messy church in a wild city.2 CorinthiansPaul defends his authority.GalatiansFreedom vs rules.EphesiansUnity and identity.PhilippiansJoy from prison.ColossiansWho Jesus really is.1 ThessaloniansWhat happens to people who die before Jesus returns?2 ThessaloniansWaiting for the end.1 TimothyAdvice to a young pastor.2 TimothyPaul's last letter.TitusChurch leadership on the island of Crete.PhilemonA runaway slave meets Paul in prison.
General Epistles
HebrewsOld covenant vs new.JamesFaith without action is dead.1 PeterSuffering with hope.2 PeterWarnings about false teachers and the end of the world.1 JohnGod is love.2 JohnA short note about truth and love.3 JohnA personal note about hospitality and a church leader who refuses to welcome visitors.JudeHold on to your faith.