Bad Boys of the Bible:

Barbara Essex reveals a side of the "Bad Boys of the Bible" not usually reflected upon or even considered in most preaching and teaching. Adam, Cain, Abraham, Lot, Jacob, Jephthah, and Samson are well-known men of the Bible who were strong and faithful, yet also weak and challenged. In "Bad Boys of the Bible," Essex takes readers on a journey to explore these male giants of faith. Includes seven Bible study units, reflection questions, suggestions for using this resource in preaching and teaching, and a bibliography for further study.

Cain, Abraham, Adam, Samson, Lot, Jacob, and Jephthah are well-known men of the Bible who were strong and faithful, yet also weak and challenged. In Bad Boys of the Bible, Barbara Essex takes readers on a journey to explore these male giants of faith. 

Essex reveals a side of these figures not usually reflected upon or even considered in most preaching and teaching. She presents the men in the contexts of their cultures, leadership styles, and basic human characteristics as they attempt to serve God and God’s people. Essex also shows that their lives were a mixture of curiosity, shame, anger, sadness, and triumph. 

This informative book—written for laypersons—includes seven Bible study units on selected “bad boys” with an overview of biblical texts, context, and reflection questions; suggestions for using this resource in preaching and teaching; and a bibliography for further study.