New Resource: Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Gospels
What is it?
The Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Gospels is a new resource available in L7 Silver base packages and up. This volume explores well-known passages and events recorded in the Gospels from the often overlooked but illuminating angle of geography.
Dr. Barry Beitzel (Professor Emeritus at TEDS) brings his 40+ years of experience to the commentary as the General Editor. His hand-picked team of scholars use their expertise and years of on-the-ground teaching experience in Israel to expose the geographical significance of key events recorded in the Gospels.
Many will never have the opportunity to explore the land of Israel, but the Geographic Commentary regularly plants you in the disciples' footsteps and helps you see the ancient world through their eyes. Did you know, for instance, that when Jesus told the disciples they could uproot a mountain a cast it into the sea with a little faith that he was referring to a specific mountain? The disciples did—and knowing which one makes this teaching moment all the more powerful.
Note: this is an early release of 27 articles; the full resource of 50+ articles will be completed in October.
What's different about it?
In addition to the distinctive bent towards the geographical impact of a story, the Geographic Commentary is unlike every other commentary in Logos. Instead of leaving the content in its original form, we have conducted a custom enrichment process for each article in which the original content is connected to other resources, tools, and features in your Logos library. The result is a commentary that is more than a digital island of knowledge, it is a powerhouse of information that is augmented by an array of complementary content.
This enrichment process blurs the line between the Geographic Commentary and Logos Bible Software, taking advantage of how the two might interact and enhance the other. In this way, the commentary seeks to "show" just as much as it "tells."
How does it work?
Finding the right article
The different articles of the commentary can be accessed through 1) the table of contents, 2) Passage Guide, or 3) Link Sets. While the former assumes you want to read the Geographic Commentary, the second and third options help you get here even if you're not looking for it.
- Table of Contents
- Passage Guide: Just type in a passage you want to study in the Passage Guide, and if an article in the Geographic Commentary covers that pericope, you'll find a link under the commentaries section that will take you directly to the relevant article. (Note: you should prioritize this commentary so that it appears closer to the top of the list, removing the need to scan or the chance of overlooking it.)
- Link Sets: If you're casually reading the Gospels you'll definitely want to find any portions of the text that are covered in the commentary. Link Set is a feature that makes that happen. With just a few clicks to set up you'll find yourself scrolling through the Gospels with relevant articles from the Geographic Commentary keeping up with you.
Digging into the commentary
Once you're reading an article, you'll discover portions of the text that are linked to features and tools in Logos, giving you the option to go deeper or get a quick refresher (e.g., Factbook entries, Bible Word Studies, Topic Guides).
- Factbook Events
In addition to portions of text that link out, you'll come across different media thumbnails that supplement your reading experience through the visual medium. But these are only teasers: click on the thumbnail to be taken to the full-size image or video, or fully-functioning interactive or Atlas map.
- Videos
- Interactives
- Atlas Maps
There's also a key points section at the beginning of every article to give you the highlights before you dive into the details.
- Key Points
Fun fact: You can get a preview of the commentary here! So why wait? Start reading now! 
Comments
-
The preview is kind of ... useless since it only gives a tiny block of a single entry before moving on to a tiny block of the next entry. perhaps you could simply post one entire article from start to finish?
Sarcasm is my love language. Obviously I love you. 0 -
I'm very excited about this... it looks great!
0 -
TCBlack said:
The preview is kind of ... useless since it only gives a tiny block of a single entry before moving on to a tiny block of the next entry. perhaps you could simply post one entire article from start to finish?
There's a significant difference between "useless" and "not useful for me".
“The trouble is that everyone talks about reforming others and no one thinks about reforming himself.” St. Peter of Alcántara
0 -
TCBlack said:
...
perhaps you could simply post one entire article from start to finish?
Attached is Jack Beck's article on Indicting Hypocrisy with Imagery from the Temple Mount.
To view it, download the attachment, unzip the contents, and open the file
GCG.54.en.enriched.xmlin a browser (double-clicking probably won't work: drag the file to a browser window).This is a web page view, taken from our internal production process: so it lacks links for Bible references and bibliographic citations, the styling isn't full-fidelity, and other minor caveats (these features are all correctly present in the Logos resource). But it shows the content and media, and the hyperlinks should take you to correct positions within Logos. So it should provide a good feel for the resource.
0 -
Well said. Correction noted, and applied.SineNomine said:TCBlack said:The preview is kind of ... useless since it only gives a tiny block of a single entry before moving on to a tiny block of the next entry. perhaps you could simply post one entire article from start to finish?
There's a significant difference between "useless" and "not useful for me".
Sean Boisen said:TCBlack said:...
perhaps you could simply post one entire article from start to finish?
Attached is Jack Beck's article on Indicting Hypocrisy with Imagery from the Temple Mount.
Thank you Sean, that is precisely what I wanted to see.
Sarcasm is my love language. Obviously I love you. 0 -
This is great. I was all set to buy L7 Bronze but am going to get Silver now just for this resource.
Author of the Chronological Word Truth Life Bible Series
WordTruthLifeBible.com
0 -
Sean I looked at the example you posted and I noticed there was a link to Mobile Ed Whitewashed Tombs. I'm assuming if you don't have that course, the link would not work, correct? Or would it include that one video to watch?
0 -
Matillo, the link will not work for me since I don't own that course. So there's the answer. [:)]
Sarcasm is my love language. Obviously I love you. 0 -
Will that stinks. I really appreciate them giving us these great resources but it stinks when they make you buy more to get the full benefit
0 -
This is a great new feature! [Y]
Using adventure and community to challenge young people to continually say "yes" to God
0 -
Mattillo said:
Will that stinks. I really appreciate them giving us these great resources but it stinks when they make you buy more to get the full benefit
We've only included 2 such links in the resource as it now stands: everything else should be included as part of other Logos media.
0 -
That is good to know. Thank you Sean. I know this is a long shot but if there are only 2, any chance they could be made available to those that have the resource?
0 -
Not the entire linked resource... Just the point referenced
0 -
Hope to try this out soon...
0 -
For those who are interested: we've created a Faithlife Group that's dedicated to discussing the Geographic Commentary. So if you learn something new and want to share, or if questions are raised you want addressed, don't hesitate to use that group as a venue for ongoing discussion.
We look forward to interacting with you!
Faithlife Group: Geographic Commentary
0 -
Just curious when the rest of this resource might be released... Great resource!
0 -
Is this a stand alone product or just with a collection; I cannot find it under a title search.
0 -
As of now, no option to buy solo. Only comes in L7 Silver base packages and up. They only released half of it thus far. The other half was expected in December but we haven't heard anymore since
0 -
Why not sell it as a stand alone resource? I think a lot of people would want it.
0 -
Any updates
0 -
Hey Mattillo!
We're happy to hear you're just as eager to get the rest of the volume as we are to release it! You'll be pleased to learn we're about done with everything. Just a few more post-production procedures and then the rest will be yours.
I'm really excited about the full volume. Not only will there be loads more content (like in the 22 more articles range!) but we've:
- created more custom graphics to support a slew of articles,
- added "See Also" sections to the end of each article, including cross-references to other relevant articles,
- and improved the overall cosmetics of each article (e.g., new icons to call attention to inline links, more stylized formats for pull quotes and long quotes).
There will also be a preface by the general editor, Dr. Barry Beiztel (Professor Emeritus). Needless to say, we're looking forward to releasing the full resource to you very soon.
Thanks for staying in touch!
0 -
Thank you Kyle! I enjoy this resource and I hope it does well for you. I remember Sean suggesting if it did well future volumes might come on books like revelation and acts
0 -
Hey Mattillo!
We're happy to hear you're just as eager to get the rest of the volume as we are to release it! You'll be pleased to learn we're about done with everything. Just a few more post-production procedures and then the rest will be yours.
I'm really excited about the full volume. Not only will there be loads more content (like in the 22 more articles range!) but we've:
- created more custom graphics to support a slew of articles,
- added "See Also" sections to the end of each article, including cross-references to other relevant articles,
- and improved the overall cosmetics of each article (e.g., new icons to call attention to inline links, more stylized formats for pull quotes and long quotes).
There will also be a preface by the general editor, Dr. Barry Beiztel (Professor Emeritus). Needless to say, we're looking forward to releasing the full resource to you very soon.
Thanks for staying in touch!
Kyle sir. On the faithlife group for this resource I had a conversation with Sean about having the videos available even if you didn't own the course. He replied "We're working on a strategy to share selected Mobile Ed segments for purposes like this." Did your team ever work this out or no? Thank you
0 -
Mattillo said:
Kyle sir. On the faithlife group for this resource I had a conversation with Sean about having the videos available even if you didn't own the course. He replied "We're working on a strategy to share selected Mobile Ed segments for purposes like this." Did your team ever work this out or no? Thank you
Separately from the Geographic Commentary, Faithlife is working on broader access to Mobile Ed and other video content through Faithlife TV (there was a free preview weekend this past weekend). So selective access to certain material isn't likely: we're working on models to make our entire catalog available at very reasonable prices.
I suggest you follow this group to find out what's happening in that space: https://faithlife.com/faithlife-tv/activity.
We've tried to ensure that the most of the enrichment material in the Geographic Commentary will be available to most users who own a base package (or are Logos Now members).
0 -
I agree with Jack!!! With Logos 7 add-on's it all or nothing.
0 -
Sean Boisen said:Mattillo said:
Kyle sir. On the faithlife group for this resource I had a conversation with Sean about having the videos available even if you didn't own the course. He replied "We're working on a strategy to share selected Mobile Ed segments for purposes like this." Did your team ever work this out or no? Thank you
Separately from the Geographic Commentary, Faithlife is working on broader access to Mobile Ed and other video content through Faithlife TV (there was a free preview weekend this past weekend). So selective access to certain material isn't likely: we're working on models to make our entire catalog available at very reasonable prices.
I suggest you follow this group to find out what's happening in that space: https://faithlife.com/faithlife-tv/activity.
We've tried to ensure that the most of the enrichment material in the Geographic Commentary will be available to most users who own a base package (or are Logos Now members).
Thank you Sean. I do subscribe to FLTV+ and I really enjoy your commentary. I'm sad to hear that the two videos (in the resource thus far) won't be available but I'm sure you have your reasons. Thank you for responding back
0 -
PS I do hope it does really well because I'd love to see it expanded someday!
0 -
So this will be available for Logos Now members too? And when?
0 -
Hey Mattillo!
We're happy to hear you're just as eager to get the rest of the volume as we are to release it! You'll be pleased to learn we're about done with everything. Just a few more post-production procedures and then the rest will be yours.
I'm really excited about the full volume. Not only will there be loads more content (like in the 22 more articles range!) but we've:
- created more custom graphics to support a slew of articles,
- added "See Also" sections to the end of each article, including cross-references to other relevant articles,
- and improved the overall cosmetics of each article (e.g., new icons to call attention to inline links, more stylized formats for pull quotes and long quotes).
There will also be a preface by the general editor, Dr. Barry Beiztel (Professor Emeritus). Needless to say, we're looking forward to releasing the full resource to you very soon.
Thanks for staying in touch!
Any updates Kyle?
0 -
This looks like a great teaching tool. My problem is that I have been a Logos customer since 1993. I have over 5,000 volumes, I don't need another book. I want features that enhance the books and experience I have. To get this feature in Silver I have to pay $372 to get it for books I don't need. I can't use all the ones I have. Please don't market your loyal customers with trick like this. I am a Logos Now user and value the enhancements it affords. Why not this?
0 -
Any updates on releasing the rest of this?
0 -
Hi Matillo
Thanks for checking back in. We expect the full resource to ship by the end of this month. We're all eager to get it in your hands and receive your feedback.
Thanks for your patience!
0 -
Could someone comment about the reason this is not a stand alone or a part of Logos now? I want Logos to make money but don't cause us to be bad stewards of the money we have, that is not biblical. Many of us don't need any more books but we are willing to pay for enhancements.
Bob, could we get a response from you?
0 -
Joe Mayden said:
Could someone comment about the reason this is not a stand alone or a part of Logos now? I want Logos to make money but don't cause us to be bad stewards of the money we have, that is not biblical. Many of us don't need any more books but we are willing to pay for enhancements.
Bob, could we get a response from you?
We plan to begin offering the Gospels volume for sale as a standalone product: I don't know precisely when that will happen, though I expect it will be fairly soon.
Logos Now is intended to provided early access to features and datasets: it doesn't include resources, as a general rule.
0 -
Sean, thanks for getting back to me.
0 -
UPDATE: The full volume shipped yesterday. Hope you enjoy!
0 -
UPDATE: The full volume shipped yesterday. Hope you enjoy!
Thank you Kris. I had my computer on this morning but the update did not download. I'll try again later tonight
0 -
No update yet.
0 -
Mattillo said:
UPDATE: The full volume shipped yesterday. Hope you enjoy!
Thank you Kris. I had my computer on this morning but the update did not download. I'll try again later tonight
Update to the update: there's a synchronization issue with the software, so it hasn't actually shipped yet. But i expect you'll see it later today or tomorrow.
0 -
Mattillo said:
Will that stinks. I really appreciate them giving us these great resources but it stinks when they make you buy more to get the full benefit
That is the point! They do whatever they can to get you to buy more books.
0 -
Sean Boisen said:
Update to the update: there's a synchronization issue with the software, so it hasn't actually shipped yet. But i expect you'll see it later today or tomorrow.
Resource registers an update today. Is that correct? Should I be viewing the updated material?
Edit: Answering my own questions. Yes the resource has indeed been updated. See Editors Preface. the See Also section. And from there can assume more articles are included, etc.
Meanwhile, Jesus kept on growing wiser and more mature, and in favor with God and his fellow man.
International Standard Version. (2011). (Lk 2:52). Yorba Linda, CA: ISV Foundation.
MacBook Pro MacOS Sequoia 15.4 1TB SSD
0 -
Beloved said:Sean Boisen said:
Update to the update: there's a synchronization issue with the software, so it hasn't actually shipped yet. But i expect you'll see it later today or tomorrow.
Resource registers an update today. Is that correct? Should I be viewing the updated material?
Edit: Answering my own questions. Yes the resource has indeed been updated. See Editors Preface. the See Also section. And from there can assume more articles are included, etc.
Yes, the resource has been updated.
- This version includes about 20 more articles, along with the Editor's Preface and biographies for Contributors.
- There are additional media for some of the articles in the initial version.
- We've added quite a few hyperlinks throughout the content, along with many type-specific icons to make them more apparent.
In additional to being an exciting new contribution to understanding the Gospels from a geographic perspective, the integration of this resource with the rest of the Logos ecosystem through media and hyperlinks is a bit of an experiment for us (one reason it took longer to ship than anticipated). We're considering additional volumes in this series, along with similar approaches for other projects, so we'd greatly value your feedback in the Faithlife group for discussion of the Geographic Commentary or here on the forums.
0 -
We hope you're enjoying the full resource, and look forward to getting your feedback.
We're especially interested to find out what your top three favorite essays are. What key insights you learned and new appreciations you have for these age old stories.
If you haven't already, be sure to join the Faithlife group for all things Geographic Commentary and share your #FavoriteThree there.
0 -
I enjoy the synthetic view in "Jesus Feeds Five Thousand".
I've been in Africa and often when listening to a narrative the story goes kind of jumping from the western point of view, because the storyteller describes the event from different viewpoints so that the audience can construct the whole situation in their minds.
The modern 3D photography is a bit similar: taking pictures of the object at different angles produces bitmaps and the computer can combine them to a 3D representation.
I assume that early Christians wanted to give different eyewitness viewpoints by providing the four Gospels, and we can do the synthetic approach like detectives, and thus I feel the geographic commentary is an exciting approach!
Gold package, and original language material and ancient text material, SIL and UBS books, discourse Hebrew OT and Greek NT. PC with Windows 11
0 -
Is this a resource you plan on adding to the Logos Cloud collections?
0 -
Doug Newby said:
Is this a resource you plan on adding to the Logos Cloud collections?
I don't expect it will go into Logos Cloud collections, but we will begin offering it for sale soon as a standalone product.
0 -
Lexham Geographic Commentary: The Gospels is now available for sale standalone (outside of base packages). We're excited to make this content available to a wider audience.
If you've found this resource helpful, please consider leaving a review on the product page so others can know what you thought.
Also, we've just posted Pre Pub information for a follow-up volume covering Acts, the churches addressed in the NT epistles, and the 7 churches in Revelation. Dr. Barry Beitzel and contributors are eager to continue the series: we just need to know that there's sufficient demand to fund production. https://www.logos.com/product/138223/lexham-geographic-commentary-acts-and-7-churches
0 -
Just making the link to the new resource clickable - https://www.logos.com/product/138223/lexham-geographic-commentary-acts-and-7-churches
0 -
Sean Boisen said:
Lexham Geographic Commentary: The Gospels is now available for sale standalone (outside of base packages). We're excited to make this content available to a wider audience.
If you've found this resource helpful, please consider leaving a review on the product page so others can know what you thought.
Also, we've just posted Pre Pub information for a follow-up volume covering Acts, the churches addressed in the NT epistles, and the 7 churches in Revelation. Dr. Barry Beitzel and contributors are eager to continue the series: we just need to know that there's sufficient demand to fund production. https://www.logos.com/product/138223/lexham-geographic-commentary-acts-and-7-churches
Sounds interesting to me! I'm in
0 -
It is available as a stand alone resource now: https://www.logos.com/product/138314/lexham-geographic-commentary-the-gospels
0
