This has to be probably the ultimate Bible study tool!  The brand new ESV Study Bible is fantastic, at first glance, better than the equivalent NIV version. 

If you've never had or used a study Bible, you should have a look at one.  Essentially, each page is half Bible text, half notes about the text.  This one includes fantastic colour drawings of key structures and buildings as well as colour maps.

Reading through Luke, I was impressed with the clarity of the notes.  Compared to the NIV version, the notes are more in-depth.

Book introductions are incredibly thorough, again with colour maps and timelines, key themes and a generous outline of the book's key events.

There is only one problem with study Bibles (well, three actually).  Firstly, they weigh six tonnes and are difficult to lug around, especially if you're a multi-locational quiet timer!  It seems as though Crossway (publishers) have already had some feedback on this monster's weight.  Check out the three year old kid - their proof that the Bible isn't too heavy!

The second problem is the price - the cheapest ESV version is $79.95.  But putting that into perspective, I guess it's a small price to pay for the minds of 95 scholars at your fingertips.

The third is something that I will blog about soon - they increase the risk of your quiet time becoming a Bible study rather than a dialogue with God.

Aside from that, this certainly is a valuable tool to have and will help you see the world behind the biblical text.