In years past RFTG has published an article focusing on recommending Bible ideas for Christmas gifts. This year’s list will feature Anglican Edition Bibles. What’s the difference you may ask? The main difference is that Anglican Edition Bibles include the Apocrypha in a separate section either in between the Old and New Testaments or at the end. For a deeper dive into what the Apocrypha is and why it is included in some Anglican Editions of the Bible will be the topic of future articles. For our purposes in this article we will discuss three different Anglican Edition Bibles featuring three different translations, all including the Apocrypha.
ESV with Apocrypha (Anglican Edition)
Over the past two decades the English Standard Version (ESV) has become one of the most popular English Bible translations among English speaking Christians from varying traditions worldwide. Renowned Anglican theologian, the late, J. I. Packer was a member of the translation committee. For this reason the ESV has become the preferred translation of ACNA churches, which Packer also played a part in helping found in 2008. The ESV is the official translation of the ACNA Book of Common Prayer and Catechism.
Features of the ESV with Apocrypha (Anglican Edition) include Prefaces and Introductions by J. I. Packer and ACNA founding Archbishop Robert Duncan. This edition comes in a deluxe hardback binding with a beautiful gold inlayed design on the spine. It also includes four premium ribbon markers to aid the reader in marking the place for daily Bible reading. The text is a comfortable 8pt font size, with the Apocrypha being a slightly smaller size to denote its distinction from the other biblical text. The ESV with Apocrypha (Anglican Edition) would make a great addition to your library for daily liturgical use.
KJV Center-Column Reference Bible with Apocrypha
Many people do not realize that the King James Version is the official Bible translation of the Church of England, and therefore of other Anglican provinces worldwide. This makes sense, if you step back and think about it. What we now call the KJV was the Authorized Edition of the Bible commissioned by King James I of England. The translation came after decades of struggle and even persecution to produce a standardized English Bible translation. This story may be the topic of a future article.
For this reason the KJV Center-Column Reference Bible with Apocrypha offers the literary beauty of the King James Version in an edition that can be used alongside the Daily Office and Lectionary. Features of this Bible include words of Christ in red-letter, cross-references in a center column, a comfortable 9.5 font size and reading plans. It comes in three binding types: hardback, leather soft, and genuine leather. Each binding type offers the luxury of premium ribbon markers that aid daily Bible reading. The KJV Center-Column Reference Bible with Apocrypha is a great addition to your library.
NRSV(ue) with Apocrpha
For decades the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) has been a trusted translation of the Bible, particularly among Catholics and orthodox Anglicans. In 2021 the NRSV released an updated edition dubbing it the NRSV(ue). The NRSV(ue) uses clearer language, and incorporates historical insights to help readers understand the ancient texts in context. It firmly stands in the tradition of the beloved Revised Standard Version (RSV).
The NRSV(ue) with Apocrypha is an excellent edition for use with the Daily Office and Lectionary. This edition places the Apocrypha in between the Old and New Testament, which is helpful because all of these writings are from the intertestamental period. The Bible comes in a leather soft binding with two ribbon markers, and 8.5 font double column format that makes it easy to read. The NRSV(ue) with Apocrypha would also make a great addition to your library.
Conclusion
Bibles are deeply personal possessions and yet they make excellent gifts any time of year, especially at Christmas. We hope that our brief description of these Anglican focused editions will be helpful as you consider the perfect gift for your the Bible nerd on your list. For other Bible recommendations please check out the links below:
Bibles Make Excellent Christmas Gifts (Part One)
Bibles Make Excellent Christmas Gifts (Part Two)
Bibles Make Excellent Christmas Gifts (Part Three)
Editor’s Notes: These Bibles were provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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