By Aaron Wilson
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Notable author and historian, César Vidal, has signed on to produce a new Spanish study Bible described as “an encyclopedia of knowledge” with Lifeway’s B&H Publishing Group, the world’s largest provider of Spanish resources.
Vidal is the author of more than 100 books, speaks multiple languages, and holds doctorates in the fields of history, law, philosophy and theology. His podcast, “La Voz de César Vidal,” receives approximately 1.5 million downloads per month and ranks in the top 10 podcasts in Spanish-language media.
“Vidal’s personal conversion by reading the New Testament in Greek at a young age, his knowledge of the Greek language, his credentials as a historian and theologian, and his dedication to the constant study of Scripture allows for this Bible to be a vast source of information not only for the Spanish-speaking reader, but for those who love to study Scripture and are ready for new insight into the Word of God,” said Giancarlo Montemayor, director of global publishing for Lifeway.
The “César Vidal Study Bible” is scheduled to release in 2024 and will use the Reina Valera 1960 text. In addition to being contextualized around historical events and facts found in the Bible, it will also incorporate extra-biblical historical sources to corroborate the text and expand the understanding of what was intended at the time the Bible was written and what it means today. This historical foundation is meant to prompt faith and fruitful living from the reader.
“The Bible has been ever present in my life,” said Vidal. “I experienced a conversion more than four decades ago by reading the New Testament in its original language, Greek. That is why, above anything, for me, the Bible has been the object of systematic study for the last decades, a study geared towards not only the intellect, but above all, to forge character and model the daily life on the foundation of the teachings of Jesus.”
Vidal and Lifeway have previously partnered to release “Más Que un Rabino” (More Than a Rabbi) and “Apóstol Para las Naciones” (Apostle to the Nations). Both books were the culmination of more than three decades of study and research into the history of the Jewish people, of Jesus Himself, and of His first disciples—especially those who were Jewish.
“It has been a pleasure to have Vidal’s valuable content published by Lifeway,” said César Custodio, senior manager of Spanish marketing and sales. “His first two books have been great resources with excellent acceptance in the market. Vidal’s trajectory makes him one of the most important voices in the Hispanic community.”
Vidal has also signed on to produce the following books for B&H Publishing in the coming years:
- “El Testamento Del Pescador” (The Fisherman’s Testament in Spanish). This title won a literary award in Spain in 2006 for being the best-selling book in the category of spirituality, except for the Bible. Previously only published in Spain, B&H Publishing will release the title in the U.S. and other countries.
- “Los Primeros Cristianos” (The First Christians) – This book stems from Vidal’s thesis on the first century church from his graduate degree in history that awarded him the Valedictorian Academic Award in 1991 at the National University of Distant Learning in Spain.
- “La Vida de Pedro el Pescador” (Peter the Fisherman) – This title will explore the biblical account of the life of Peter and a historical account of how the apostle has been seen throughout history.
“There is a great hunger in the Hispanic world for resources that deepen our understanding of the Bible. Not only will the ‘César Vidal Study Bible’ help fill that necessity, but it will do so from the pen of a Hispanic author and scholar,” said Emanuel Elizondo, senior manager of Spanish Bibles. “At Lifeway, we are committed to publishing material originally written in Spanish for the glory of God and edification of the church.”
-30-
Aaron Wilson is a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources.
About Lifeway
In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, Christian music and movies, VBS, and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Lifeway receives no denominational funding and operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit lifeway.com.
