New MacArthur Bible to be in NIV  

Top Bible Publishers Partner

Contact: Julie Belschner, Thomas Nelson public relations, 615-902-2244, jbelschner@thomasnelson.com, Tara Powers, Zondervan publicist, 616-233-0500, tpowers@lambert-edwards.com; www.zondervan.com/Bibles

NASHVILLE, Tenn. and GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 14, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- For the first time, the world-renowned MacArthur Study Bible will be available in the 2011 updated New International Version (NIV) translation text.  The Bible will feature John MacArthur's original 20,000 study notes; an extensive topical index; and numerous charts, maps, outlines and articles.

Publishers Thomas Nelson Inc. and Zondervan are partnering on the project, with Zondervan licensing the NIV translation to Thomas Nelson, which will publish the Bible. The Bible is scheduled to release in Fall 2013.

"I'm delighted that the MacArthur Study Bible notes will now be easily accessible to NIV readers," MacArthur says. "My prayer is that these insights and explanations, together with the acclaimed readability of the translation, will help illuminate the true meaning and unleash the divine power of Scripture for NIV readers."

The MacArthur Study Bible is one of the leading study Bibles in the world, with more than 1 million copies distributed since its debut in 1997.

"This will be a life-changing study Bible that we believe will bring readers closer to God's Word," says Gary Davidson, Senior Vice-President and Publisher of Thomas Nelson's Bible Group. "Our mission is to inspire the world through God's Word, creating fertile minds in which God can plant seeds of hope and love.  We are honored to bring together John MacArthur's extensive study notes with the updated NIV translation; this Bible is sure to be a blessing to many."

Following MacArthur's verse-by-verse approach to biblical teaching, the NIV edition of The MacArthur Study Bible will be one of the most comprehensive study Bibles available.  The meticulously written contributions are packed with detailed information, explanations and helpful insights. This can transform a reader's study time by clarifying difficult passages and bringing unseen cultural and historical details to life, helping the reader understand and apply Biblical truth to his or her life.

"This project has been in the discussion and planning phase for more than a year now," says Chip Brown, Senior Vice-President and Publisher of Bibles at Zondervan. "We are thrilled and honored that Dr. MacArthur, one of the world's leading and most trusted pastors, and a brilliant teacher who uses his gifts to help others live the Bible, has agreed to publish his renowned work in the updated NIV. The MacArthur Study Bible is certain to help millions more Christians engage and understand the Word of God."

About John C. MacArthur
Dr. John MacArthur is the pastor and teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif.; president of the Master's College and Seminary; and featured teacher for the Grace to You media ministry. He has also written several bestselling books, including Ashamed of the Gospel, The Gospel According to Jesus and The Truth War, and is working with Thomas Nelson on a new reference title about the life of Jesus, scheduled to release in early 2013.

About Thomas Nelson Inc.
Thomas Nelson Inc. is the world's largest Christian publisher. The company provides multiple formats of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Live Event Management Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is the nation's leading producer of Christian live events. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. Visit www.ThomasNelsonCorporate.com and www.ThomasNelsonBibles.com for more information.

About Zondervan
Zondervan is the world's leading Bible publisher. With a vision to see more people engaging with the Bible more, Zondervan offers bestselling study, devotional, reference, audio and digital Bibles designed to inspire readers at every age and each stage of life. Zondervan holds exclusive North American publishing rights to the New International Version (NIV), which has more than 400 million copies in print worldwide. Visit Zondervan Bibles at www.zondervan.com/Bibles for more information.

CONTACT: For image files and more information, Julie Belschner, Thomas Nelson public relations, +1-615-902-2244, jbelschner@thomasnelson.com, or Tara Powers, Zondervan publicist, +616-233-0500, tpowers@lambert-edwards.com

Web Site: www.zondervan.com/Bibles