After six years' effort, the launch ceremony for the Chinese Study Bible was held in the Shanghai CCC&TSPM on December 15, 2017.
The Chinese Study Bible is translated from the popular ESV Study Bible published by Crossway and the verses in it still come from the Chinese Union Version (CUV), the predominant Chinese bible among Protestants in China.
A total of 3,500 copies of the Chinese Study Bible were sold on the launch day. Afterwards, more bibles will be available.
Produced by a diverse team of 95 leading Bible scholars and teachers from nine countries, the ESV Study Bible was released in Oct 2008 and aims to help Christians understand the Bible in a deeper way. It has more than three million words and features 20,000 new and unique comments, 80,000 verse cross-references and indexes, and 240 full-color maps and illustrations.
The version is endorsed by the famous preacher John Piper, Joni Eareckson Tada, the founder of "Joni and Friends International Disability Center", and R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
In 2011, the CCC&TSPM decided to introduce its copyright and complete the translation and editing work, according to the CCC&TSPM.
Elder Fu Xianwei, chairman of the TSPM, said in the ceremony that the publication of the Chinese version was the best commemoration for the 100th anniversary of the CUV.
The multi-national cooperation was a good testimony, stated Bishop Zhou Xianzheng, a member of the governing board of United Bible Societies (UBS).
Lane T. Dennis, president of Crossway, said that the Lord did great things and hoped that the publication could be helpful for Chinese pastors and believers in Bible reading.
A representative of the British and Foreign Bible Society expected the bible, that offers clear explanations, to help more people understand the Word of God.
- Translated by Karen Luo
