Short answer: The Alabaster Bible is a beautifully designed edition of the Gospels in the New Living Translation, with each Gospel presented as its own book alongside full-color photographs. It is a reading Bible built to draw visually minded readers into Scripture, not a verse-by-verse study Bible. I recommend it as a gift or a fresh way into the Gospels, and as a companion to, not a replacement for, a study edition.
In This Article
- What Is The Alabaster Bible?
- What Bible Does Alabaster Use?
- Is The Alabaster Bible A Good Bible Study?
- Is Alabaster A Reputable Company, And What Religion Is It?
- How Well Is The Alabaster Bible Made?
- How Should I Use A Visual Bible Like This?
- Where Is The Best Place To Buy A Genuine Bible Online?
- Bottom Line
- Key Bible Verses About Reading The Gospels
When I first held the Alabaster Bible The Gospel Set in my hands, I was struck by its beauty. The cover has a soft-touch feel, and the minimalist design suggests simplicity and calm, a fitting match for the purity of God's Word.
This Bible is far from ordinary. Each Gospel comes as a distinct book with vibrant full-color photographs. Breaking the Bible into separate volumes is meant to make it more engaging, and the designers aimed at a visually driven culture, hoping to reach readers on both a visual and a spiritual level. People asked me about the company behind it, what Bible text it uses and whether it works for study, so I take those questions in turn.
What Is The Alabaster Bible?
The Alabaster Bible is a design-led Scripture edition that pairs the Gospel text with photography and a spare layout. The thing I noticed first is the choice of imagery. It is not a random collection of pretty scenes. It is a curated selection meant to complement and amplify the message of the text. Some images link directly to the passage, while others are more subtle and abstract.
Those abstract choices invite the reader to look more deeply into symbolism, metaphor and the spiritual weight of the words. The interplay between image and Scripture gives room for reflection and meditation, and that is where the book works best.
What Bible Does Alabaster Use?
The text is the New Living Translation (NLT). The NLT is a thought-for-thought translation that presents Scripture in modern, easily understood language. Instead of a formal, word-for-word approach, it opens the Bible to a broader audience and allows a smoother mix of text and picture. Some argue that certain images would look out of place beside a more formal translation. With the NLT, the images find a natural home in the text, which helps comprehension and a sense of wonder. I discuss the translation more in The Four Best NLT Bibles.
The modern language also makes the Bible more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, so the visuals are spiritually enriching and not only pleasing to the eye. If you are choosing between versions, {L('/which-bible-should-you-read-choosing-the-right-bible/','Which Bible Should You Read?')} may help.
Is The Alabaster Bible A Good Bible Study?
As a pastor, I appreciate its versatility. It works well for personal devotion and for group Bible study, and the thematic selections make it easy to focus on specific topics or passages. That makes it a fit for small groups, Sunday school classes and individual quiet time.
I would be honest about its limits, though. I would not call it a study Bible in the sense of detailed commentary, cross-references and notes on every page. If you want those, pair it with a study edition. My guides on what a study Bible is and the NIV Study Bible show what that kind of help looks like. For how to approach the Gospels well, see How To Understand The Bible.
Is Alabaster A Reputable Company, And What Religion Is It?
Alabaster is a Christian creative company, and its books present Scripture with a Christian purpose, so you are not buying a secular art book that happens to quote the Bible. I cannot speak to the details of its business, and I will not guess at them. What I can speak to is the product I held and read, and the text, which is a mainstream translation from an established publisher. As with any purchase, read the listing, check the reviews and buy from a store you trust.
How Well Is The Alabaster Bible Made?
In my two decades of ministry, I have seen Bibles of varying quality. The Alabaster Bible shows a commitment to excellence in craftsmanship. The pages are made of high-quality, durable paper that resists wear and tear. The binding is well built, so the Bible can take frequent use.
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:130 (NIV)
How Should I Use A Visual Bible Like This?
Treat it as an invitation to read slowly. Many people rush through the Gospels, because the stories feel familiar. A book that gives each Gospel its own volume and its own images slows you down, and slowing down is half the work of understanding. Read one section at a time. Look at the picture on the page, then read the passage and ask what the image notices that you had missed, and what it leaves out.
It also makes a thoughtful gift for someone who has never opened a Bible, or who feels intimidated by a thick volume of small print. A single Gospel is a gentler place to begin than Genesis. If that describes you or someone you love, my guide to where to start reading the Bible is a sensible companion, and Is Not Reading A Bible A Sin? speaks to the guilt that many people carry about it.
Where Is The Best Place To Buy A Genuine Bible Online?
A genuine Bible is a faithful translation from a recognized publisher, and there are many places to find one. Large online booksellers, Christian bookstores, publisher websites and your church bookstore are all reasonable. I link to the Alabaster Bible on Amazon above. To read Scripture online for free, Bible Gateway is a good option in several translations. For help choosing a translation first, see How Many Bible Versions Are There? Watch out for editions that present notes as if they carried the authority of Scripture, and for any translation altered to serve a particular doctrine. Compare unfamiliar editions with a trusted translation, as the Bereans did.
Bottom Line
The Alabaster Bible is a remarkable fusion of faith and art, and it makes a wonderful addition to the lives of Christians who want to deepen their relationship with God through Scripture.
As a pastor with 20 years of experience, I can say that this beautifully designed Bible has real value for one's spiritual journey. Its beauty, thoughtful selection of verses, quality construction and usefulness for study all add to its appeal.
If you are looking for a new and inspiring way to engage with the Bible, I recommend exploring the Alabaster Bible.
Key Bible Verses About Reading The Gospels
- Psalm 119:130: the unfolding of God's words gives light
- Psalm 119:105: God's word is a lamp for my feet
- 2 Timothy 3:16: all Scripture is God-breathed and useful
- Acts 17:11: the Bereans examined the Scriptures daily
- Hebrews 4:12: the word of God is alive and active
- Matthew 11:28: Jesus invites the weary to come to him
- Psalm 119:18: a prayer to see wonderful things in God's law
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alabaster a reputable company?
Alabaster is a Christian creative company, and its Bible uses the NLT, a mainstream translation. I cannot speak to its business details, so read the listing and reviews and buy from a store you trust.
What Bible does Alabaster use?
The Alabaster Bible uses the New Living Translation (NLT), a thought-for-thought translation in modern English. The NLT is covered in The Four Best NLT Bibles.
Is Alabaster a good Bible study?
It works well for devotion and for small groups, thanks to its thematic selections. It is not a commentary-style study Bible, so pair it with one if you want detailed notes.
What religion is the Alabaster company?
Alabaster is a Christian company, and it publishes Scripture with a Christian purpose.
Where can I buy a genuine Bible?
Buy from a recognized publisher through a trusted bookseller, a Christian bookstore or your church. For free online reading, Bible Gateway offers many translations.
