Have you ever thought about the parts of your Bible that aren't actually the Bible?
We tend to picture our Bibles mostly as words — an unchanging, directly accessible, unmediated sacred text. Words do stand at the heart of Scripture — but there are a lot of other elements, often hidden in plain sight.
Dr. Garrick Allen calls us to consider "paratexts" — all the features of the Bible other than the main text itself. From introductions and notes, to section headings, to even chapter and verse numbers, these paratexts change the way we read Scripture — for better and for worse. |
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Bible News The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news |
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December 11 — Churches in China are adapting their Christmas celebrations in various ways due to tightening government regulations. Many churches have shifted from large events to smaller, more intimate gatherings, focusing on liturgical traditions and personal evangelism. Some churches have also questioned the holiday's pagan roots, while a few continue to hold large events despite government pressure. (Christianity Today) |
| December 12 — Are we in a "golden age of Bible publishing"? Circana BookScan reported a 22% increase in U.S. Bible sales through October. This trend is driven in part by younger readers and first-time Bible purchasers looking for truth and stability. Other factors include social media influence, though its "lack of discipleship" should encourage caution, and the growth of note-taking Bibles. (Baptist Press) |
| December 13 — Archaeologists in Germany discovered an "extraordinary" 1,750-year-old amulet with a silver scroll, marking the oldest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps. Found in a Roman-era grave in Frankfurt, the scroll dates to around 230-270 AD. Using 3D X-ray technology, researchers revealed 18 lines of Latin text with Bible references praising Jesus Christ. The amulet likely served as a protective talisman. (Christian Today) |
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| Access an additional $3,100 worth of resources and go even deeper in your Bible study. Try it free for 14 days |
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The shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah calls back to the sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau in the book of Genesis, insisting that Israel (Jacob) will get his due. Here's your quick reference guide to the book, including summary, key verse, important info, and reading guides. LEARN MORE ► |
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Curious what your peers are reading? We were, so we crunched some numbers — a lot of numbers — to determine the most-read Bible verses on BibleGateway.com in every translation around the world.
We also looked at some bigger-picture statistics: the most popular books (spoiler: it's the Psalms — by a lot), chapters, and other details.
The results might surprise you! |
| Christmas is a beautiful time of year, with stunning decorations, picturesque family photos, and gifts wrapped just right. But underneath it all, there can be pain that surfaces — maybe the loss of a loved one, a recent diagnosis, or an unresolved hurt that seems to sting a little more this time of year.
We feel the pain of still waiting, of still expecting some resolution to our suffering. So what do we do in the middle of it? |
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Praying through Loneliness |
In a season of loneliness? Take comfort in the stories of women who share their own honest experiences of feeling isolated, struggling to find friends, and still finding a meaningful way through. Spend the next 90 days with come-alongside friends and the God who has said from the beginning that it is not good for us to be alone; let them lift your burden of loneliness. |
| The Prayer Bible guides you in praying the life-giving Word of God. Each of the Bible's 1,189 chapters offers a prayer prompt, so you can engage the arc of Scripture through prayer. With a total of 1,200 prayer prompts, and as part of the Abide Bible editions, The Prayer Bible enables you to experience the depth and everyday meaning of every chapter of the Bible. |
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Devotionals and Reading Plans Sign up to get daily inspiration, biblical themes, and guided studies that allow you to engage with Scripture in a meaningful and practical way. |
| Bible Gateway App Connect with God's Word anytime, anywhere. |
| Bible Audio App Listen to God's word in your favorite narration. Enjoy features such as setting a timer, adjusting the speed, or repeating verses to better absorb the Word of God. |
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| Explore the Faith Gateway's New Year's Sale and enjoy deals up to 65% off! Plus get a FREE Resource Kit with purchase. |
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