Alexander Maclaren Study Bible {Review & Giveaway}

Few preachers in the nineteenth century rivaled Alexander Maclaren. Called the “Prince of Expositors,” Maclaren was considered one of the best preachers of his era, acclaimed for offering remarkable biblical insights in a poetic style.

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible from Thomas Nelson publishers invites you to learn from Maclaren’s powerful insights as you explore the Scriptures. Study notes drawn from his more than 1,500 published sermons illuminate every chapter of the Bible. Passage outlines based on his sermons guide you in systematic study of key texts. Short excerpts encourage you to apply the Bible to your life and see Christ’s relevance to all Scripture.

Features include:

• 66 book introductions exploring each book’s background and key themes
• 1,400 study notes with insights from Maclaren’s work
• 380 Christ Connection notes showing the relevance of Christ to all Scripture
• 380 Life Application notes to help you live out the Bible’s principles
• 209 Passage Outlines based on Maclaren’s sermon outlines
• 8 essays addressing major doctrines of Scripture
• Bottom of page study notes
• Comprehensive concordance and index of features
• Line-matched, double-column typesetting
• Center-column cross-references
• Clear and readable 9-point NKJV Comfort Print®

Who was Alexander Maclaren?

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on February 11, 1826, Alexander Maclaren was the pastor of Union Chapel in Manchester England from 1858-1903. Heralded as the “Prince of Expositors,” he is considered by many to be one of the best preachers of the nineteenth century. Maclaren was known for his powerful preaching and significant contributions to expository preaching. The popularity of Maclaren’s published sermons rivaled that of Charles Spurgeon, helping him develop global acclaim for remarkable biblical insights delivered in a poetic style. Maclaren’s works continue to be read and studied due to their timeless relevance, verbal beauty, and profound freshness.

NKJV Comfort Print

Using the letter-forms found in a mid-1800s Thomas Nelson Bible as a starting point, the NKJV Comfort Print Typeface blends tradition with the best advances in modern typography. The result is a font that’s traditional – reflecting the Christian church’s rooting in ancient spiritual truths and practices – but also entirely relevant and fresh, with modern design flourishes geared toward beauty and readability for readers today.

Review

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible is truly a pleasure to read and study. The layout is appealing, with black text and blue design elements on a white background. Together, the NKJV translation and the NKJV font present the Scriptures with uncompromising accuracy and literary beauty, while allowing your eyes to relax as they flow smoothly along the lines of text. The added commentary is uplifting and clear, offering plenty of encouragement and insights for living a Christ-centered life.

It’s nice that Thomas Nelson publishers have returned to their Scottish roots (Thomas Nelson Sr. founded the company in Edinburgh in 1798), by naming a study Bible after a prominent Scottish Baptist minister. I like how Maclaren’s poetic style speaks to your heart while faithfully explaining Scripture. He wisely guides readers on how to properly apply the Bible to daily life. The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible is a great Bible for enhancing your personal devotion to Christ on a daily basis.

Order Now on Amazon

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible is available in four versions!

• Hardcover (white pages)
• Blue Leathersoft (gold-gilded edges)
• Brown Leathersoft (gold-gilded edges)
• Black/Gray Leathersoft (silver-gilded edges)

Links

• Interview with Philip Nation of Thomas Nelson Bibles
  • https://vimeo.com/inciite/alexandermaclaren
• Study Bible Promo
  • https://vimeo.com/inciite/alexandermaclarenpromo
• Learn More
  • https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/alexander-maclaren-study-bible

Giveaway

Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible! Contest ends at noon PST on 9/2/25. Winners will need to submit your full name and mailing address by noon PST on 9/3/25 or we will choose another winner. Note: This is limited to US winners only, and only if you haven’t won the same prize on another blog. Comments are moderated, so it may take a little while for yours to appear if you haven’t commented on our site before.

Disclosure

Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. #MaclarenStudyBibleMIN

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