# First Principles > Offline scripture study series access and sharing tool. (iPhone/iPad app by CheapBrain.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-principles/id510482419 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [CheapBrain](https://appshunter.io/developer/510482422) - Category: Reference, Books - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.30/5 from 48 App Store ratings · 64 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 17.0 · 9 MB - Released: 2012-04-27 - Data updated: 2026-08-13 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-principles/id510482419/reviews.md ## What is First Principles? Have you ever wanted to share a scripture with someone but didn't have your Bible with you, or couldn't remember the reference? Now you can have all the scriptures of your favorite study series with you everywhere you go. You can always be ready to make the most of every opportunity! "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:15 — — — — — — — — — — — — Helpful Tips: You can search for a study series, or search within all study content, by tapping the menu button in the library and selecting "Search". You can reorder your study series to put your favorites first by tapping the menu button in the library and selecting "Reorder Studies", then dragging studies into the order you like. Your order is saved automatically. You can expand any underlined scripture reference to the full scripture by just tapping on it. You can get the definition of almost any word in a study by tapping and holding on the word to select it, then tapping Define on the selection popup menu. You can copy part or all of a study and then paste it into another app or into an email to send to a friend. Just tap and hold on the text you want to select, then use the blue selection dots to expand the selection. Then tap Copy on the selection popup menu and paste into another app. You can change the text size and font in the studies by tapping the Aa button in the top right of any study. If you see any formatting or content errors in any of the studies, or if you have ideas on how we can improve the app, tap the menu button in the library and tap "Email Feedback". ## Key features - Offline scripture access - Expand scripture references - Copy and paste scripture text - Adjustable text size - In-app feedback ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Knowing God Study Series | $0.99 | one-time | | First Principles, 1993 Version | $0.99 | one-time | | Boston Church of Christ Study Series | $0.99 | one-time | | Hampton Roads Bible Study Series | $0.99 | one-time | | Foundations of the Faith | $0.99 | one-time | | Foundations of Faith | $0.99 | one-time | | Greater Philadelphia Church of Christ Bible Studies Quick Reference Guide | $0.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (10 of 64) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-principles/id510482419/reviews.md ### 1/5 — App has ONE study *2025-11-08* This app is nothing like it is presented before you download it. It only contains the study from 1993 and the font is wonky. ICOC is a cult anyway **Developer response:** Thanks for the feedback — you're right that the app had fallen out of date, including only having the 1993 study and some font issues. That's been addressed in the newest version, which includes additional studies and a properly updated, readable font. I'll leave the comment about ICOC aside, since this app is meant to be a neutral resource for the studies themselves rather than a place to debate the organization. I'd encourage you to download the latest version and see the difference for yourself. I'd also genuinely like to know your home church, as I'm adding new study series going forward and want to represent a range of communities well. If the update addresses what you ran into, I'd appreciate it if you'd reevaluate your rating to reflect the current version. Sincerely, Ed Partch Denver, CO ### 1/5 — Needs software update *2024-05-12* I’ve shared this app with a handful of folks who are unable to see the studies in the list view and thus unable to use the app as intended. It looks like this app isn’t maintained currently (4 years since the last update) and potentially the new iOS versions we have are not compatible with the current software. Hopefully that will change soon since this can be such a useful resource for folks. **Developer response:** Thanks for the honest feedback, and I'm sorry the app let you and the folks you shared it with down. You were right that it went a long time without updates — our main programmer stepped away from the project for several years, which is exactly why compatibility slipped. The good news is First Principles is actively maintained again, and version 4.0 has been rebuilt from the ground up for current iOS. Please download the latest version and let me know how it runs for you. Also, I'd love to know your home church — I'm adding new study series going forward and want to make sure we're covering what communities like yours are actually using. If you get a chance to try the update, I'd really appreciate it if you'd reevaluate your rating and let me know if it reflects your experience with the new version. Sincerely, Ed Partch Denver, CO ### 5/5 — Unable to see all studies *2023-11-08* I just downloaded and see that the latest version update was suppose to fix the bug where iOS is unable to see all the studies available, this seems to be broken again ### 5/5 — Can’t figure out how to get additional books *2023-04-24* I have friends who have multiple books on their app and I can’t seem to figure out how to get any additional ones besides First Principles. For example, you can see the additional books on this page ### 5/5 — Life changing information *2021-09-17* Great app! Very helpful ### 1/5 — Kip McKean *2021-02-17, version 3.2.5* Thanks to Kip McKean for writing the original First Principles studies in the 90’s... I see each icoc church has changed them and reorganized them, or even deleted some entire studies.. proves the ICOC is full of autonomous congregations, each doing as they see fit. If you want the original studies reach out and I’ll send them to you or even take you through them :) 6145512200! Let’s solidify our faith, unify disciples so we can multiply! ### 3/5 — Bugs *2020-02-12* I’m only seeing blank screen when I try to open studies. So excited to use these as I study with people. **Developer response:** Sorry you ran into blank screens trying to open studies — that's frustrating, especially when you're excited to actually use them. That issue should be resolved in the newest version, which was rebuilt to fix long-standing display bugs like this one. Development stalled for a while after our main programmer moved on, but the app is back in active development now. Please grab the update and try again, and let me know if you hit any more snags. I'd also love to know your home church, since I'm adding new study series and want to prioritize the ones that will help churches like yours. If the bugs are resolved on your end, I'd be grateful if you'd reevaluate your rating to reflect the current version. Sincerely, Ed Partch Denver, CO ### 5/5 — Great to have on hand *2019-05-23* My studies were so good but convicting to call myself to be higher. ### 5/5 — Amazing Resources for True Disciple of Christ *2019-04-18* Thank you for making this app for us to keep studying & growing in our knowledge. A great resource & tool indeed! ### 5/5 — Kelsie Joshua Portland Church ofChrist *2019-04-14* I thank God for you putting together these study series. It has been invaluable in helping my mother become a Disciple before she died with joy in her heart. My sister is close to death today at the University of Michigan Hospital. I pray That God will use these studies to help her as well. Please pray for my sister Tanya Council. Thank you!!! ## Frequently asked questions about First Principles ### What does the First Principles app do? The First Principles app provides offline access to your favorite scripture study series. It allows you to easily share verses, expand references, and customize text size for a comfortable reading experience. ### How can I share scriptures with others using this app? You can copy parts or all of a study by tapping and holding the desired text, then using the selection dots to expand your selection. Once selected, tap 'Copy' and then paste the text into another app or email to send to a friend. ### Is this app free to use? The app is free to download and use, with options for in-app purchases. This means you can access core functionalities without cost, and choose to purchase additional features or content if desired. ### Can I change the text size? Yes, you can easily change the text size within the studies. Tap the settings button (gear icon), then tap the 'A' to make text smaller or the larger 'A' to make text larger. ### What if I find an error or have a suggestion? If you encounter any formatting or content errors, or have ideas for improvement, you can submit feedback directly through the app. Tap the settings button on the home screen and select 'Email feedback'. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 4.0.10 — 2026-08-11 Boston Reformatted & Hampton Roads Now Available We're excited to bring you two major updates in version 4.0.10: BOSTON IN 1ST PRINCIPLES FORMAT Boston's Bible studies have been reformatted to match our new 1st Principles design standard. This redesign makes the lessons easier to navigate, with improved scripture tap-to-expand functionality, clearer visual organization, and a more cohesive reading experience across all your studies. The content remains unchanged—all the depth and insight from Boston's original lessons is preserved with a fresh, streamlined presentation. HAMPTON ROADS: 10 NEW LESSONS We're thrilled to add Hampton Roads Bible studies to the app. This complete 10-lesson series from ICOC Hampton Roads covers foundational Christian topics perfect for new believers and seasoned disciples alike. Each lesson includes full scripture references, discussion-ready content, and all the tools you need to deepen your faith understanding. WHY THESE CHANGES MATTER As First Principles grows, we're committed to maintaining a consistent, high-quality experience across all our Bible study series. The 1st Principles format gives every church's studies—whether from Boston, Hampton Roads, Johannesburg, Chicago, Orange County, or others—a unified look and feel while preserving each community's unique voice and teaching. OFFLINE, ALWAYS READY Whether you're using Boston's redesigned lessons or exploring Hampton Roads' newest content, remember that First Principles works completely offline. Download your studies once and access them anytime, anywhere—no internet required. Tap any scripture reference to expand and read the full verse, take notes, and share insights with your community. SHARE YOUR FAITH Use First Principles to deepen your personal study and strengthen group discussions. Carry your entire library in your pocket and share scriptures and lessons with friends, family, and your church community whenever the moment is right. Thank you for using First Principles. We're grateful for the churches and communities that make these studies available to the global church. ### 4.0.9 — 2026-08-10 Added Johannesburg — Making Disciples: 18 studies including The Cross, Evidences, the Holy Spirit series, and studies on marriage and family. Added Hampton Roads — Bible Study Series: 10 studies. Chicago — Foundations of Discipleship: scripture corrections across all 11 files. ### 4.0.8 — 2026-08-08 We take special care with this series, since it's the original 1979/1993 First Principles material. Nothing in the teaching itself has been changed. This update only fixes a few scripture references that didn't match our standard 1984 NIV translation, corrects some formatting, and gives the series a visual refresh to match the newer studies in the app. ### 4.0.7 — 2026-07-26 The Orange County Church of Christ series is now complete — 30 studies in all. WHAT'S NEW 16 Follow-Up Studies for new Christians. Prayer, Bible study, relationships, service, giving, academics, confession, persecution, and more — the everyday walk after baptism. 5 Restoration Studies for anyone returning to God after time away. Remaining in Christ, repentance, recovering a first love that grew cold, the church, and the relationships that hold a life together. Together with the seven core lessons and the introduction, Foundations of Faith now carries someone from the first conversation, through the new walk, all the way to coming home. Every scripture reference is tappable. Tap it and the complete passage opens right there — no jumping to another app, no searching, no losing your place. All of it in the 1984 NIV, checked verse by verse against the source. STILL THE SAME PROMISE No ads. No account. No internet required. Every study you've downloaded works on an airplane, in a basement, or standing in a parking lot after church. Thanks for using First Principles. If something looks wrong or a link doesn't open, tap Email Feedback in the menu — it comes straight to me. ### 4.0.6 — 2026-07-21 We are catching up on our outdated studies. So, this update introduces a brand-new Bible study series for the Chicago Church of Christ: Foundations of Discipleship. The series includes 8 in-depth lessons walking through the Word of God, discipleship, church community, sin, the cross, repentance, baptism, and counting the cost — plus three additional resources on preparing for baptism, what's new in this series, and guidance on pacing your studies. As always, every scripture reference is tap-to-expand for easy in-app reading. ## Apps similar to First Principles | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Bible Studies in Depth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible-studies-in-depth/id6443432780) | 4.8 (92) | Free | Reference | | [First Principles - USD21](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-principles-usd21/id6755126580) | 5.0 (6) | Free | Reference | | [Church of Christ Scripture App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/church-of-christ-scripture-app/id1508878180) | 5.0 (10) | Free | Reference | --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-13.*