Work is ongoing in earnest on the Ancient Christian Study Bible (ACSB). When complete, the volume will be published by Oxford University Press (OUP).1

Different study Bibles have different emphases in the resources they give their readers. The ACSB focuses on annotations that summarize the first Christian millennium’s major interpretations of each passage.

The project aims to

connect the Greek text of the Bible with patristic annotations for a modern English-speaking educated public[ … and to] be the premier patristic Study Bible for use by Orthodox clergy, scholars, students and faithful, as well as those interested in ancient Christian interpretation of Scripture.

The Features of the ACSB

In support of this aim, the ACSB has five key features for each included book. These features include

  1. an introduction that treats standard matters as well as the book’s general history of interpretation,
  2. a new translation based on both testaments’ Greek texts,
  3. notes that explain text-critical issues important for patristic interpreters,
  4. exegetical notes that provide context for the passage and, especially, its patristic reception, and
  5. notes for each passage that summarize the first millenium’s major interpretations.

The summary notes include citations to the relevant sources. Where possible, notes will refer to editions available in English translations. Otherwise, notes will cite the principal editions of patristic texts.

Also planned for the volume are several short essays. These essays will discuss patristic interpretation of Scripture, as well as the nature of contemporary readings that follow this tradition.

The Making of the ACSB

Of course, a study Bible is no small undertaking.2 Still less is one that aims to digest a thousand years of interpretation.

So, the ACSB has behind it a team of over 50 experts and scholars. And even beyond this group is the team at OUP that will produce the volume.

Such a large, multifaceted project promises helpful results in the eventual, published product. In addition, the process and task of making that product likewise bode well for highlighting elements of the craft of biblical studies that are useful elsewhere too.

  1. For most of the details here, see “Holy Cross Dean Fr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, Co-Editor of The Ancient Christian Study Bible,” Hellenic College Holy Cross, 8 July 2025. Header image provided by Hellenic College Holy Cross. ↩︎

  2. Image provided by 4motions Werbeagentur. ↩︎