The Well That Washes What It Shows

Christianity Today Book Awards Bible and Devotional Award of Merit (2025)

An accessible introduction to the Bible that brings together theological insight with pastoral concerns

In this distinctive introduction to the Bible, Jonathan Linebaugh illuminates Scripture's dual capacity for revealing human sinfulness and imparting divine love. Drawing on the language of the poet George Herbert, Linebaugh characterizes Scripture as "the well that washes what it shows"--that is, the living and active word that simultaneously reveals our need for Jesus and gives us Jesus.

Linebaugh begins by outlining Scripture's overall story, subject matter, and shape. He then provides a broad overview of the Old and New Testaments, followed by a case study of the book of Romans that demonstrates how to bring together theological, historical, exegetical, and devotional concerns when studying Scripture. Whereas many introductions to the Bible prioritize one of these concerns at the expense of the others, Linebaugh shows readers how to synthesize them. In so doing, he demonstrates how reading the Bible can be both generative and regenerative: we attend to the gospel revealed in Scripture so that same gospel can be spoken afresh on the basis of Scripture. Grounded in Linebaugh's combined expertise as a theologian and experience as an ordained minister, The Well That Washes What It Shows is a valuable resource for pastors, seminary students, and anyone seeking to read Scripture in ways that engage both the mind and the heart.