Term 4

RESOURCES

Experiencing the Text Yourself

Engaging with God’s Word is something you can do right now - you don’t need to wait for a special moment or rely on someone else to explain what is going on. With just a few simple tools, you can dive deep into Scripture and encounter God personally. Everyone has a different way of doing this, but we recommend equipping yourself (and your family!) with an ESV journaling app, highlighters, pens, and explore the free “Step Bible” website to help you understand the text.

Click on the image below to find out where to purchase these items and start your exploring the Bible on your own today!

PRINT OUT: Download our Formatted Colour Version of Genesis 1 here.

Books

The literature on Genesis 1-3 is as diverse as it is wide. Scholars and scientists, theologians and philosophers alike have all had a crack at unpacking one of the most ancient and richest texts ever written. Here are a few of our favourite recommendations to deepen your understanding of this foundational book...
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Podcasts

Podcasts offer a dynamic way to explore the depths of Genesis, bringing together voices from across the fields of biblical studies, theology, archaeology, and beyond. Whether you’re looking for scholarly insights, fresh perspectives, or thought-provoking discussions, these podcasts provide an accessible way to dive deeper into this foundational text. Here are a few of our top picks to accompany you on your journey through Genesis…
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Books (arranged from accessible to academic)

  • How (Not) To Read the Bible, Dan Kimball - A must-read for every Christian who wants to understand Scripture better.
  • The Presence of God, Ryan Lister - An easy read that follows the biblical theology of the presence of God from Genesis through Scripture.
  • God’s Relational Presence: The Cohesive Center of Biblical Theology, J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays - A top choice for understanding the central theme of God’s relational presence throughout the Bible.
  • The Serpent in Samuel, Verrett - Follows the serpent theme through Scripture, easy to read and engaging.
  • From Eden to the New Jerusalem: Exploring God’s Plan for Life on Earth, T. Desmond Alexander - Easy to read and thoroughly excellent; a top choice for understanding God’s plan from Genesis to Revelation.
  • God Dwells Among Us: Expanding Eden to the Ends of the Earth, G. K. Beale and Mitchell Kim - Easy to read and super helpful for understanding how Eden’s themes expand throughout Scripture.
  • Face to Face with God: A Biblical Theology of Christ as Priest and Mediator, T. Desmond Alexander - Explores the role of Christ as priest and mediator, bridging the Old and New Testaments.
  • Adam as Israel, Seth D. Postell - A brilliant biblical theology that shows how Genesis 1-3 matters for Israel as God’s chosen people.
  • Waiting for the Rest That Still Remains, Arie C. Leder - A biblical theology of rest through the former prophets that has Genesis roots.
  • Waiting for the Land, Arie C. Leder - If you’ve never read the first 5 books, this book does a great job at summarising the story of the Pentateuch.
  • The Sabbath, Abraham Joshua Heschel - A tiny book full of sabbath truths from a Messianic Jewish perspective.
  • The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate, John H. Walton - A challenging read that provides fresh insights into the ancient context of Genesis 1.
  • The Art of Biblical Poetry, Robert Alter - For those who want to get nerdy about the poetry in Genesis 1-3, this book offers deep insights.
  • Biblical Critical Theory, Christopher Watkin - Offers brilliant biblical insights that speak into our modern context; worth it just for the chapters on Genesis 1-3.
  • The Liberating Image, J. Richard Middleton - A tough read, but acutely brilliant with a focus on the image of God theme from Genesis 1-3.
  • The Sacred and the Profane, Mircea Eliade - Explores the dichotomy between the sacred and the profane in religious contexts.
  • Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?, Michael L. Morales - Even though it’s about Leviticus, Morales’ work is so grounded in Genesis that it’s worth having on the shelf.
  • The Tabernacle Pre-Figured, Michael L. Morales - Highly academic, but hands down the best book on Genesis with deep theological insights.

COMMENTARIES
  • Genesis 1–11. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, Andrew Louth and Marco Conti, eds. - A collection of commentaries from the church fathers on Genesis, offering historical perspectives.
  • A Commentary on the Book of Genesis: Part I, From Adam to Noah (Genesis I–VI 8), U. Cassuto - A thorough and challenging commentary on the early chapters of Genesis.
  • Genesis: A Commentary, Bruce K. Waltke and Cathi J. Fredricks - A brilliant commentary that walks through Genesis verse by verse.
  • The Pentateuch as Narrative: A Biblical-Theological Commentary, John H. Sailhamer - Offers an excellent framework for understanding how themes play out in Scripture.
  • Echoes of Eden, T. Stordalen - Highly academic, follows intricate patterns from Genesis to explore its broader themes.

Podcasts

If you are wondering why everything here is Bible Project Content, it's because what this is their jam. Working themes from Genesis throughout the rest of the Bible is exactly what they do and they do it exceptionally well. Try out these Podcast Series...

Bible Talk by 9Marks also have an excellent podcast that walks through Genesis and does brilliant exegetical work.

The following sessions are called Bible Project "Classrooms". They are video content designed more like a uni lecture that is highly accessible and easy to understand.