In a significant but quiet development within Christian publishing, Holman Bible Publishers has removed essays authored by Paige Patterson and David Sills from its updated editions of two widely used study Bibles, including the CSB Study Bible and the forthcoming NASB Study Bible, according to reporting from The Roys Report.
Patterson, the former president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Sills, a former missions professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, were contributors to study Bible commentary sections on topics such as salvation in the Old Testament and contemporary challenges in missions. These essays had appeared both in the current CSB Study Bible editions and were listed in early previews of the new NASB Study Bible.
The removal comes amid ongoing scrutiny of both figures' past conduct. Patterson was fired by Southwestern's board of trustees in 2018 amid revelations of mishandled sexual abuse reports and financial mismanagement spanning decades. Sills was compelled to resign from Southern Seminary following an extramarital relationship with a former student, Jennifer Lyell, whose allegations of abuse later became a high-profile case within the Southern Baptist Convention and led to ongoing litigation.
Holman's revision appears to have been implemented quietly, without public announcement, though the updated CSB Study Bible and associated marketing no longer include the contributions from Patterson and Sills. Earlier editions from 2018 still contain the essays, indicating that the change was made during recent editorial revisions.
Publishing insiders have testified that the essays were removed "a long time ago," despite the updated study editions still carrying the earlier publication dates on some retailer listings. The decision reflects rising sensitivity among Christian publishers regarding contributor backgrounds and institutional reputations.
The study Bible format-combining Scripture text with commentary, articles, and theological insights-is a core resource for pastors, students, and lay readers. The presence or absence of contributor essays can influence how readers engage with theological perspectives and interpretive frameworks in Scripture study.
Holman Bible Publishers have not yet issued a public statement addressing the removal or the broader context surrounding these editorial choices.
About Holman Bible Publishers:
Holman is a major Christian publishing imprint known for producing study Bibles and educational resources used extensively in churches, seminaries, and individual study across evangelical communities.
