The Word on Fire Bible (Volume I): The Gospels (Paperback) (Word on Fire Bible Series)

I am going to review this Word On Fire Gospels Bible further after I dig a little deeper into it. My first take is that I have never seen a Bible like this. I am a lifelong Bible-believing Protestant convert to Catholicism, so I know a thing or two about Bibles. This one ties Sacred Tradition - in the form of extensive commentary of the Fathers and gorgeous art … (the variety and applicability is mind blowing) … - with Scripture. As soon as I removed this Bible from its packaging I knew we were going to become very good friends because of the rich feel of its cover and the deep classic gold embossed imprint, heavy pages, beautiful typeset … I quickly went in to Amazon and bought the other three available editions, the fifth Bible edition will be available in June. I am a Traditional Latin Mass celebrating Catholic. This Bible (IMO) does a great job, an incomparible job, actually, speaking from the fullness of the Church’s Traditions to every contemporary Catholic but also, no less, to those who are not Catholic but seeking. It certainly has inspired me in a new way. It is a powerful evangelistic tool, no matter who you are, or where you are in your walk in this life to meet our Savior, Jesus Christ. This project seems to me to be the essence of the "new evangelization", promoted by the II Vatican Council - whose intent was to open the doors to all that is ancient and true and make it understandable to a new generation that may otherwise be lost … “to have”, as Bp Barron says in his intro letter, “greater study of the Bible among laypeople, placing the Scriptures more fully at the center of the liturgy, and making the writings the ‘soul of theology’”. When I converted to the RC Church, it was first and has always been by her beauty, her logic, her unified authority in all liturgy, books, teachings, architecture, our never-changing Sacred Traditions … everything together … by which I was persuaded. This Bible is in that line, and is good for my soul. Edit 1: I’m almost through Mathew. I am simply blown away by the comprehensive and orthodox instruction that accompanies the Scriptures. It forces one to slow way down and meditate every step of the way with the many sub-chapter lessons. And so far the teaching is rock solid. It makes reading the Bible fun again. Edit 2: Another feature that I like about this Bible is the commentary stream is constant, such that I am led to slow my reading down, as we should, and prayerfully ponder Scripture, led by various "pastors" in contemplation of the Word of God, rather than merely reading it (lectio divina).

Beautiful! Full of info, art, and essays to enhance your study of the Gospels. I can’t wait to get the next volume.

When I found out about the World on Fire Bible collection I didn't know what a powerful tool this is. For years I've been trying to incorporate into my daily personal prayer the practice of the Lectio Divina and this copy of the Gospels have enriched and broaden the picture I already have on even the most tiny passages making the experience so rewarding.

An amazing publication of the gospels- the commentaries are deep and applicable, the art is beautiful.

This is a superb volume, marvelously annotated by Bishop Baron and others in such a way that makes the Gospels come alive.

Excellent bible commentary that is diverse and interesting. Super engaging with several different types of commentary throughout. Essays are excellent and to the point. It has super thick paper with no bleeding or ghosting at all. Included art work is beautiful and the essays on them are great. Love that you can get it in three different formats depending on price either paperback, hardcover, or leather. Negative is the tiny 9 point font, its such a shame that they didn't go for an 11 or even 10 point font. Its a shame that i won't be considering any other editions since 9 point font is just too small for my 41 year old eyes.

This is a very clear reading of the Gospels. Important ideas are nicely separated, making for a concentrated yet easy-to-understand lesson. Bishop Barron and past saints provide helpful explanations. This is a beautiful book. If you plan to keep it for many years, intending to pass it on to the next generation of your family, purchase the leather-bound version. If you intend to read it once and use it for reference, the paperback version is inexpensive. Although I only started reading this Bible about a week ago, I find that it is difficult to stop reading it. I like this Bible so much that I purchased the next three volumes (3, 4, 5). I think that you'll very much enjoy this version of the Bible. I highly recommend it.

All I can say is "where has this been all my life?". 80 plus years a Catholic and many readings at Mass as well as a complete private reading of these Gospels with many a perplexed reaction. This has expert explanations of passages (many by Bishop Robert Barron) and much of those former mysteries now make enlightening sense. I gave my copy to my daughter and am now reading the Acts volume. I consider stumbling onto these works as a gift of grace from our Lord. I have order about 20 copies for my other children and some relatives and friends that might benefit. I have now read all five existing volumes of Word On Fire and am over half way through a second reading of volume one. The second reading is more beneficial than my first reading. I've read hundreds of non-fiction books and this is by far the best I've ever read. The analysis by ( "Saint") Bishop Barron are mind blowing to say the least and I'm also noticing the accompanying great works of art depicting biblical scenes are both enlightening concerning the biblical content and also concerning the elucidation of my former unappreciation of the depth of these great artists. If the Bible is the "Greatest Story Ever Told", this book is 'The Greatest Presentation of The Greatest Story". if you die before reading this you will have missed one of life's greatest and most important jewels. JimBenefiel

Ordered this from Amazon a while ago when it was much cheaper than it is today. Almost doubled in price in some bookshops. It a lovely Bible and I love how you get the commentaries and explanations by Bishop Baron. Beautifully laid out but the font is a little smaller than I expected. I bought the Gospels book but will certainly get the other two volumes.

Beautifully packaged and exquisite cover artwork. Great for X mas present.

Awesome Bible. I just loved it. Worth the money. Beautifully made, very well structured, simple and easy on the eye. Very informative reference to sources out the bible and the good explanation of catholic art. Superb. Thank you Bishop Baron.

This is an incredible book. Having read the Bible for a long time and one thing that people find limiting about it is that extensive research is required to garner a good understanding of it as well as its message. This often leads to fatigue, burnout and unfortunately, the distancing of people from it. I found this to be the case with friends and family. When reading the book I was blown away by the presentation as well as its depth and the beauty of it. I bought a few to give to other family members and it has kept them engaged. For the first time I see a zeal in them, they have been able to articulate Biblical themes and lessons in a well-researched way and have been asking to come to Church with me on a regular basis. If you are unsure about purchasing this book, I highly recommend it, especially if you are someone who is either experiencing difficulties with the Bible, or have a lot of experience with it and would like to experience it in a new and engaging way. This Bible also got me into other books by Word on Fire and I have been amazed by everything I have ordered from them. I don't regret ordering this Bible for a moment and now have all 4 volumes, also planning to order the 5th, 6th and 7th once they are released. This is an easy 5 stars from me.

Bought the paperback, fantastic quality.