The Simplified Short Bible Edition

After Dr. Peter Bylsma published The Short Bible, it became clear that a shorter version was needed that used simple language. This shorter Simplified version was written for those who are at least 10 years old and for those with limited time. It summarizes all 66 books of the Old and New Testament in 24 short, easy-to-read chapters and captures all the Bible’s main stories and characters and its main ideas. Structured like a modern book, it includes a pronunciation guide as well as historical and geographical facts to clarify the context of the events.

The Simplified Short Bible is appropriate for those who are already familiar with the Bible but want a fresh look at its messages. Busy people who want to understand the stories and messages of the most read book of all time will also find it to be a thought-provoking read.

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The Simplified Short Bible has received high praise by independent literary critics. It was named "one of the top 10 Christian non-fiction books in the 2024 Best Indie Book Awards competition." One independent literary critic wrote (comments edited for brevity):

The Simplified Short Bible: A Short Chronological Summary of the Old and New Testaments stands as a notable achievement in presenting a concise summary of the Bible's vast narrative. The author's ability to select and distill the most significant events, characters, and teachings showcases a comprehensive understanding of the biblical material. Bylsma successfully condenses the wealth of biblical content into a manageable format, making it accessible to readers seeking a concise introduction to the Bible.



• The book's chronological organization allows readers to follow the sequence of centuries of religious events as they unfold throughout biblical history. This enables readers to grasp the historical context in which each account occurs and appreciate the interconnectedness of various stories and teachings. Bylsma's focus on presenting the material in a clear and logical order enhances readers' comprehension and facilitates a more coherent understanding of the biblical message.
• One of the book's strengths lies in its clarity and accessibility. Bylsma employs a writing style that is clear, concise, and straightforward, which makes the complex biblical narratives easily understandable for readers of all backgrounds. This simplicity allows readers, including those with limited biblical knowledge, to engage with the material without being overwhelmed. Bylsma's commitment to simplification while preserving the essential elements of the original texts demonstrates his skill in making complex concepts accessible to a wide range of readers.
• The book maintains a smooth narrative flow, seamlessly transitioning the summaries of different biblical accounts from one chapter to the next. This keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the next chapter of the biblical saga. Readers can easily follow the overarching story from beginning to end, facilitating a deeper understanding of the biblical narrative.
• Despite its brevity, The Simplified Short Bible remains faithful to the original biblical texts, preserving the essence of its stories and teachings. The author's commitment to accuracy ensures that readers receive an authentic representation of the Bible's content.

Bylsma's book stands as a remarkable achievement in distilling the vast narratives of the Bible into a concise format. The author's ability to select and summarize the most pivotal events, characters, and teachings showcases a deep understanding of the biblical material. Bylsma successfully condenses the wealth of content into a manageable form, making it accessible to readers seeking a concise introduction to the Bible.