ESV Scripture Journal: New Testament Set (Artwork by Ruth Chou Simons)

In this review of the ESV Scripture Journal: New Testament Set, the reviewer concludes that this set is best for readers who want to study individual New Testament books while keeping notes directly alongside the text. The single biggest reason to buy is the integrated layout: each page of ESV text faces a lightly lined blank page, which makes sustained reflection, sermon notes, or study margin-style journaling simple and organized. The set is particularly appealing for those who value portable, single-book notebooks with attractive covers by Ruth Chou Simons.

Key Features

• Individual book format: Each journal contains the full text of one New Testament book so readers can focus on a single book without carrying a large volume.
• Notes beside text: A lightly lined blank page is opposite every page of Bible text, providing dedicated space for reflections, prayers, and study notes tied to specific passages.
• Artwork by Ruth Chou Simons: Distinctive cover designs by a bestselling author and artist add an attractive, giftable presentation that many users appreciate.
• Portable design: Thin, paperback notebooks are easy to slip into a bag for daily reading, small-group study, or sermon note-taking at church.
• Readable typography: The journals use cream-colored paper and a clear 12-point Trinite type for comfortable reading during extended study sessions.

Who It's For

This set is ideal for Bible readers who prefer studying book-by-book and want space to write extended notes directly beside the verses they are reading. It suits personal devotional time, participants in small-group Bible study, or pastors and students who take careful, passage-level notes during sermon series or classes.

Readers who need a single consolidated Bible with complete binding, large-reference features, or heavy-duty hardcover protection should look elsewhere; these are thin, paperback journals meant for portability and focused study of one New Testament book at a time.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Attractive cover artwork makes the journals giftable and visually appealing for personal use.
• Opposite-page lined space provides clear, convenient room for notes tied to specific verses.
• Individual-book format keeps each volume lightweight and easy to carry for daily reading or group study.

Cons

• Paperback construction can be prone to handling damage; some customers reported peeling or denting on arrival.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The ESV Scripture Journal: New Testament Set is a thoughtful, good-value option for anyone who wants to study one New Testament book at a time while keeping detailed notes beside the text. Its beautiful Ruth Chou Simons covers and practical opposite-page writing space make it particularly well suited for devotional readers, small groups, and gift-giving, though buyers who need sturdy hardcover volumes should consider more robust editions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does each journal contain a complete New Testament book?
Yes. Each of the nineteen journals contains the entirety of an individual New Testament book with facing pages for notes.

Are the pages lined for writing?
Each page of Bible text faces a lightly lined blank page designed specifically for note-taking and reflections.

Who created the cover artwork?
The cover designs are by Ruth Chou Simons, a bestselling author and artist whose artwork is featured across the set.