The best Bible app for meeting the people and places of Scripture on screen

Watch and explore the people, places and stories of the Bible through video and images.

Choose a person or place from a passage and use that as the subject for this comparison. Keep separate notes for the biblical text and for any explanation or depiction you consult.

The four apps below approach this from different angles. One explains every book of the Bible in short videos, one offers animated episodes and profiles for children, one sets people and events on a zoomable timeline, and one centres on video tours of biblical sites.

Four apps that bring Bible people and places to the screen

1. BibleProject

BibleProject is a non-profit, crowdfunded organisation whose app gathers its videos, podcasts and classes in one place. For every book of the Bible there is at least one short video explaining its structure, main themes and storyline, which makes a useful introduction before you start reading.

The podcast follows conversations between Tim and Jon about the theology behind each book and recurring themes, and a free class explores Genesis. Previously started material can be reopened from Home. All content is free, with no paid subscription.

Advantages:

• A visual overview of each book.
• Podcasts and classes for deeper study.
• No charges for any of the material.

2. Superbook Kids Bible

Superbook Kids Bible, from CBN, includes 68 full-length episodes of the Superbook animated series, covering stories such as Noah’s Ark, Joseph, Esther, Daniel and the shipwreck of Paul. The episodes can be downloaded and watched offline.

For questions about a person, place or artefact, the app provides a profile collection running into the hundreds, with images and biographical detail. It also includes Bible text with audio, a daily verse, answers for children and more than 20 games. Neither store lists in-app purchases, and Google Play shows no adverts.

Advantages:

• Animated episodes of well-known Bible stories.
• Profiles of biblical people, places and artefacts.
• Notes, highlights and personal photos attached to verses.

3. Bible Timeline

The built-in reader in Bible Timeline opens passages cited by the app, and its search includes people, books and events. Four reading themes are listed, with English among the six available languages.

For chronological study, the zoomable view includes event dates and historical context. Book information supplies summaries and chapter counts; character profiles add life dates and linked passages. Both stores list no in-app purchases, and Google Play shows no adverts. The iPhone edition is called Bible Timeline: Bible Map.

Advantages:

• Profiles of biblical figures with linked passages.
• Events placed in their historical period.
• A summary of each book of the Bible.

4. Wayne Stiles | Bible Lands

Wayne Stiles | Bible Lands is a video library of virtual tours through the sites of the Bible, presented by Wayne Stiles. Locations range from the Mount of Olives to Nazareth and Bethlehem, and the collection includes sites that many organised tours do not visit.

The Google Play listing describes video downloads for offline viewing and interactive maps. Its additional resources include interviews, audio devotionals and audiobooks. Google Play shows no purchases, while the App Store page lists in-app purchases.

Advantages:

• Filmed tours of biblical sites.
• Interactive digital maps.
• Offline downloads for travel or study.

Using pictures to read more closely

After watching a video or opening a profile, go back to the passage and read it again slowly. Write down one detail from the visual material, then check the passage to see whether the text mentions it. Store pages give the current requirements for each app.

The opening buttons of this article continue the theme: BIBLE COURSE for a structured plan at home, BIBLE APP for two apps with different uses, WORSHIP AND HYMNS for songs in everyday life and BIBLE GAMES for children’s activities.