Configure Scripture

Scripture references appear throughout BookFellows studies. When you click a scripture link, you can view the passage either in an external website or in our integrated Passage Panel. This guide explains how to configure your scripture viewing preference.

Understanding Scripture Sources

BookFellows offers two ways to view scripture passages:

Feature	Bible Gateway	API.Bible
How it works	Opens in new browser window	Displays in integrated Passage Panel
Bible versions	200+ versions including NIV, ESV, Amplified	~7 non-restricted versions (more to be added)
Experience	Leaves BookFellows temporarily	Stays within BookFellows
Best for	Accessing copyrighted translations	Seamless study experience

Bible Gateway

Bible Gateway is an external website with an extensive collection of Bible translations, including popular copyrighted versions like NIV, ESV, NASB, and Amplified.

Advantages:

• Access to 200+ Bible translations
• Includes modern copyrighted versions
• Familiar interface for many users

Trade-off:

• Opens in a new browser tab
• Temporarily leaves the BookFellows experience
• Has ads and popups, (a relatively low cost subscription will remove them)

API.Bible (Passage Panel)

The Passage Panel displays scripture directly within BookFellows using API.Bible as the scripture source, providing a seamless and distraction-free reading experience.

Advantages:

• View passages without leaving your study
• No ads, popups or other distractions
• Side-by-side display on desktop or as slide-up sheet on mobile
• Scrollable panel for longer passages
• Adjustable panel width

Trade-off:

• Limited to non-restricted Bible versions (at least for now)
• Popular copyrighted versions (NIV, ESV, etc.) not available

Which should I choose?

If you truly prefer popular modern translations like NIV or ESV, use Bible Gateway. If you value staying within the BookFellows experience and are comfortable with translations like the World English Bible or King James, use the Passage Panel with API.Bible.

We have found that the “World English Bible Updated (engWEBU)” is a good, modern translation to use with the Passage Panel and probably the closest translation to the NIV that is available in this format. But please do your own research and decide for yourself. You may find it best to experiment with different translations to find the best one for you.

Configure Your Scripture Source

Step 1: Open Settings

1. Click Settings in the main menu
2. Select the General tab

Step 2: Find Scripture Settings

1. Scroll to the Scripture card
2. You’ll see two options under “Active Source”

Step 3: Choose Your Active Source

For Bible Gateway:

1. Select Bible Gateway (opens in new window)
2. Enter your preferred version code in the text field (e.g., “NIV” or “NIV,KJV”)
3. Visit Bible Gateway Versions to find version codes

Multiple concurrent versions with Bible Gateway

You can view multiple versions side-by-side by entering comma-separated version codes (e.g., “NIV,ESV,KJV”). Bible Gateway will display all versions together.

For API.Bible:

1. Select API.Bible (integrated Passage Panel)
2. Use the dropdown to select from available Bible versions
3. Your selection saves automatically

Using the Passage Panel

When API.Bible is your active source, clicking scripture links opens the Passage Panel.

On desktop:

• Panel appears on the right side of the screen
• Drag the edge to resize the panel width
• Scroll independently within the panel
• Click the X or click outside to close

On mobile:

• Panel appears as a slide-up sheet
• Swipe down or tap X to close

Next Steps

Join a Group Get access to studies by joining your first group

Participate in a Study Learn how to work through study lessons

Need help? Contact support at rich@bookfellows.net