I bought this due to the fact I've been after this for several years. Considering I'm a black-hearted atheist I wanted this for the apocypha and to be able to read the essays and other articles contained within. To be able to read what allegedly happened is interesting as it gives me more information to arm myself with to be able to shoot down christian apologists. The essays that's I've read so far are well written and certainly have a range of facts to support their cases. If you're studying theology then you cannot go wrong with this book. It's weighty and is chock-full of information, detailed maps and history of the land at the time of the bible. Well worth the money. Even if you're an atheist like myself this is worth getting.

I'm not religious, and I don't like the religious bias that is typical in biblical translations. For a small instance, see Mark 1:41 where the oldest manuscript reads that Jesus was irritated or annoyed or angry at the doubt evinced by the ***** at whether he would heal him. Scribes who want to cast Jesus in a totally positive light changed this to something more benign. And most translations just blunder on leaving the reader none the wiser. This translation gives you a heads-up. And many others, such as the additions to the end of Mark.

To be honest, I do not recommend reading the NRSV of the Bible as there are many better translations. I will however recommend that if you are compelled to read such a version, this is an incredible resource. Great notes and cross-references!

I find it very convenient to have a Bible, commentary and other useful reference material included in one book. The version of the Bible is the New Revised Standard Version which, I gather, is regarded as one of the best versions. The commentary comprises contributions by various authors. It is a concise commentary but does not seem to cut corners.