Podcast Summary: Grace in Focus
Episode Title: What Study Bible Would You Recommend?
Air Date: March 18, 2026
Hosts: Bob Wilkin & Ken Yates
Theme: Evaluating Study Bibles from a Free Grace Perspective

Episode Overview

In this concise episode, Bob Wilkin and Ken Yates respond to listener Jody’s inquiry about which study Bibles they would recommend for someone seeking a Free Grace theological perspective. They compare several well-known study Bibles, discuss the strengths and pitfalls of each, and stress the importance of discernment when using any resource. The hosts also highlight the resources produced by the Grace Evangelical Society (GES) and encourage listeners to study Scripture thoughtfully and prayerfully.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ryrie Study Bible

[01:22 – 03:11]

• Background: The Ryrie Study Bible is largely considered “free grace” and clear on most issues.
• Critique: Both hosts note serious inconsistency in its notes, particularly on James 2—Ryrie describes faith as a "two coupon ticket," which Ken Yates calls a “terrible” illustration, inconsistent with Free Grace doctrine.
  • Quote: “Here’s a man who’s basically with us, but he’s wildly inconsistent on this point and doesn’t realize it.” — Ken Yates [02:10]
• Personal Experience: Both hosts are former students of Ryrie and recall their interactions fondly, yet urge caution in accepting every note at face value.
• Conclusion: Recommended, "with caveats."

2. Nelson Study Bible

[03:26 – 04:47]

• Background: Edited by Earl Radmacher, intended to be Free Grace-friendly.
• Critique: Some notes reflect mild "Lordship Salvation" positions, as not all contributors aligned fully with Free Grace perspectives. Editorial oversight, while diligent, couldn’t guarantee doctrinal consistency throughout.
  • Quote: "On one page it may be really, really good. And you turn the page and see something that’s not really." — Bob Wilkin [04:17]
• Comparison: Roughly on par with the Ryrie Study Bible.

3. Scofield Reference Bible

[04:47 – 06:14]

• Background: Historically significant, especially for dispensationalism.
• Critique: Its age (over 100 years old) means its language is sometimes imprecise, and some expressions (like “invite Jesus into your heart”) are outdated or uncareful by GES standards.
  • Quote: "They were not as careful as GES is about precise language... they’re very loosey goosey with the terminology." — Bob Wilkin [05:46]
• Conclusion: Use with discernment, considering both its benefits and limitations.

4. Unger's Bible Handbook

[05:04 – 05:31]

• Purpose: More of a reference tool than a study Bible, providing helpful outlines and background information on Bible books.

5. Tony Evans Study Bible

[07:16 – 09:28]

• Background: Tony Evans is viewed as largely Free Grace, but holds a unique “trans-dispensationalism” view—believing those who’ve never heard of Jesus might be saved through faithfulness in their own religion.
  • Quote: "He does have an odd view... where he believes that people who’ve never heard the name of Jesus can be born again by being faithful in their own religion." — Ken Yates [07:35]
• Critique: The hosts disagree with Evans on Old Testament salvation and kingdom teachings (already/not yet), urging listeners to be alert for occasional doctrinal oddities.
• Affirmation: Evans nonetheless affirms the centrality of believing John 3:16, and his church had close ties with Zane Hodges of GES.
• Conclusion: Worth consulting, but monitor for doctrinal inconsistencies.

6. General Caveats and Study Bible Use

[09:28 – 10:39]

• Discernment is Key: "Use with caution" is the episode’s refrain for any study Bible because all contain occasional doctrinal errors.
  • Quote: "Whichever one you use, you need to understand that—use it with caution." — Bob Wilkin [09:51]

7. GES Resources: Grace New Testament Commentary & Old Testament Commentary

[09:56 – 11:34]

• Description: The GES New Testament Commentary (and soon, Old Testament) is commended for clear, concise Free Grace explanations with brief entries (about 800 words per chapter).
• Usefulness: Similar in purpose to a study Bible’s notes, these commentaries are more systematic and intentionally written from a Free Grace position.
  • Quote: "If you’re looking for something quick, and it’s going to have background information as well... I think it’s going to be better than any Bible study." — Bob Wilkin [11:09]
• Disclaimer: Even with GES materials, the hosts encourage listeners to study and pray for themselves, referencing Acts 17:11 (“be a Berean”).
  • Quote: "Each person has to decide what they are convinced based on their prayer and study of the word of God." — Ken Yates [11:34]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Ryrie Study Bible’s James 2 note: “He says faith is a two coupon ticket, and it’s not good if detached. ...He’s wildly inconsistent on this point and he doesn’t realize it.” — Ken Yates [02:15]
• Editorial limitations: "Even if you’re the general editor... I don’t know how much authority he had." — Bob Wilkin [03:57]
• On outdated language in old resources: "My experience with the older guys is they were not as careful... very loosey goosey with the terminology." — Bob Wilkin [05:46]
• Tony Evans’ “trans-dispensationalism”: “He believes that people who’ve never heard the name of Jesus can be born again by being faithful in their own religion.” — Ken Yates [07:35]
• On using study tools: "Be a Berean, Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures, see if these things are so.” — Ken Yates [12:31]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:21] — Listener question: “What Study Bible Would You Recommend from a Free Grace perspective?”
• [01:40] — Ryrie Study Bible assessment
• [03:26] — Nelson Study Bible discussion
• [04:47] — Scofield Reference Bible and Unger’s Bible Handbook
• [07:16] — Tony Evans Study Bible commentary
• [09:28] — General advice: caution with any study Bible
• [09:56] — Introduction of GES commentaries
• [11:34] — Final encouragement: be discerning and prayerful in all study

Conclusion & Takeaways

• No “perfect” study Bible exists: Even the best options from a Free Grace perspective—Ryrie, Nelson, Scofield, Tony Evans—contain doctrinal inconsistencies and require cautious use.
• GES Commentaries as Alternatives: Consider the Grace New Testament and soon-to-be-released Old Testament commentaries for focused, concise Free Grace notes.
• Discernment Above All: Personal engagement with Scripture, guided by prayer and careful study, is emphasized over reliance on any single resource.
• Be a Berean: Test all study aids, even those from trusted sources, against the Bible itself.

Endnote:
For more resources or to submit questions, visit faithalone.org. The hosts will next discuss, “How many verses in John’s Gospel are evangelistic?”