Study Bibles, commentaries, good reads, and simple tools that help you study the Word.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through a (paid link) on this page, a small commission comes back to the Pen at no extra cost to you. These are tools and books that help you study the Word.
Paul praised the Bereans because they “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). This Bookshelf is here for that kind of searching: study Bibles and commentaries for the desk, good books for your heart and home, and simple tools for sermon prep. If a pick helps you dig deeper or carry a hard day a little better, it has done its job.
Study Bibles and Bible Reference
Good study starts with a Bible you can trust and a few books that help you look up what you don’t yet know.
ESV Study Bible (Hardcover)
A solid pick when you want notes, maps, and charts all in one place. Read the baptism notes with Acts 2:38 open beside them.
NKJV Study Bible, Full-Color, Leathersoft, Red, Comfort Print
If you grew up on the King James, the NKJV keeps that familiar ring while giving you clear notes. The notes on conversion lean the usual evangelical way, so weigh them against Acts.
The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Red Letter Edition
Every word in the Bible, indexed, so you can trace a word like “baptize” or “grace” from Genesis to Revelation yourself.
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, Super Value Edition
Vine’s opens up the Greek and Hebrew without a seminary degree, and it is keyed to Strong’s numbers.
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
When you hit a name, place, or custom you don’t recognize, this is a quick, readable answer.
Holman Bible Atlas
Paul’s journeys make a lot more sense when you can see the roads he walked, and this atlas shows you.
Commentaries and Study Helps
These sit beside the open Bible. Use them as helps, and always let Scripture have the last word.
Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament (one volume)
Wiersbe writes like a pastor talking to you over coffee.Doctrinal note: he reads baptism as a symbol after salvation, so test his notes on Acts 2 and Romans 6.
New Testament Commentary on Acts, H. Leo Boles (Gospel Advocate)
A Restoration Movement classic on the book of conversions, written by one of our own. A trustworthy handling of Acts 2:38.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Three centuries of warm, practical devotion in one volume.Doctrinal note: Henry was a Presbyterian and defends infant baptism in places.
Halley’s Bible Handbook, Classic Edition
A book-by-book walk through the whole Bible that fits a new Christian or a Sunday class.Light caution: it comes from a general evangelical view, so check its conversion language against Acts.
Life Lessons from Acts, Max Lucado
Lucado makes Acts easy to teach in a small group.Doctrinal note: his salvation teaching leans toward the sinner’s prayer, so you will want to lead the Acts 2 and Acts 8 lessons yourself.
Christian Living and Good-Life Reads
Books that stir the heart, steady a marriage, and teach gratitude when the days run long.
Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis (Paperback)
If you have a friend who is wrestling with whether faith makes sense, hand them this book and then buy yourself another copy.
My Utmost for His Highest: Updated Language Paperback, Oswald Chambers
One page a day that will search your heart. A good companion for morning coffee.
One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp (Hardcover)
This book shows that gratitude is a habit you practice, even on the hard caregiving days.
The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, Gary Chapman
This simple idea has helped a lot of marriages. A great book to read together as a couple.
The Pursuit of God, A. W. Tozer (Paperback)
Short, searching, and honest. This one will stir your hunger to know God and not just know about Him.
Sermon and Study Tools
Small tools that make study smoother: tabs, pens that won’t bleed, a stand for the desk, and room in the margins.
Mr. Pen Bible Tabs, 75 Laminated Tabs (Boho Theme)
Tabs help you find Habakkuk before the song leader finishes the invitation song.
Mr. Pen No Bleed Gel Highlighters, 8 Pack
Gel highlighters glide over thin Bible paper without soaking through to the next page.
Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens, Black, Assorted Points, 6 Pack
These archival pens let you write tiny margin notes that won’t smear or fade.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model), Ad-supported, Black
Carry your whole study library in one hand, which is a gift when you are reading beside a hospital bed.
BESIGN BS02 Adjustable Book Stand for Reading
Prop your Bible and commentary up side by side and save your neck during long sermon prep.
ESV Journaling Bible (TruTone, Brown, Mosaic Cross Design)
Wide margins give you room to write what the Lord teaches you, verse by verse.
Preacher’s Pen Coffee
Preachers and coffee have a way of working together. Preacher’s Pen Coffee is our own little coffee shop, and it is not on Amazon. We bring you coffee from around the world right to your front door, the same coffee we drink in our house.
We believe in fresh roasted coffee. When you place your order, the coffee gets roasted, ground the way you pick, and packed for shipping. Every bag you buy helps keep the articles coming here at The Preacher’s Pen. Start with the 6 Bean Blend or look over the whole lineup.
Thank you for stopping by the Bookshelf. If a study Bible, a good book, or a study tool on this page serves you, I’m grateful. Have a question about any of these, or a book you think belongs here? Drop me a note.
