Even in parts of the Bible that are more familiar to you, such as the Four Gospels are likely to be, commentaries have value to: give you a good overview; give you the historical, archaeological, and cultural background; explain difficult passages; define ambiguous terms and phrases; and provide practical applications that may not be obvious. Commentaries are available over quite a range from basic to in-depth. Where possible, I will try to provide you with some guidance; my notes will be in this navy color. —Steve
[One-Volume] [Commentary Sets]
MacArthur Bible Commentary
Publ. by Thomas Nelson / WA
This commentary is the crowning achievement from one of America’s leading Bible teachers! Bringing the same expositional skill and down-to-earth style to this one-volume commentary as he has to his best-selling multivolume New Testament set, MacArthur offers a non-technical passage-by-passage examination of the whole Bible. Short introductions, cross-references,
and word-study sidebars complement MacArthur’s masterful analysis. 1800 pages, hardcover from Nelson.
Believer’s Bible Commentary
By William MacDonald / Thomas Nelson / W
Written to give “the average Christian reader a basic knowledge of what the Holy Bible is all about,” the Believer’s Bible Commentary is a one-volume commentary on the entire Bible based on the New King James Version (NKJV). Author William MacDonald has compiled an insightful and applicable commentary, with introductions, notes, and bibliographies for each book of the Bible. This commentary is both a verse-by-verse exposition (in the New Testament, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes) and a paragraph-by-paragraph exposition (all other Old Testament books). Passages in the Old Testament which point toward Christ are given special attention.Overview of the Believer’s Bible Commentary:
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- Theologically conservative (Evangelical)
- Based on the New King James Version (NKJV)
- A combination of verse-by-verse and paragraph-by-paragraphy exposition
- Numerous charts, maps, and illustrations
- Non-technical (no knowledge of Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic necessary)
- Geared toward the average Christian, but helpful to pastors and students as well
- Thorough and comprehensive, yet accessible
Tyndale Old and New Testament Commentaries on CD-ROM Windows XP/Vista
By IVP Academic
The Tyndale Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study, and now these forty-nine volumes, written by some of the world’s most distinguished evangelical scholars, are available digitally to make your study of Scripture even easier. This powerful tool provides clear, reliable and relevant explanations of every book in the Old and New Testaments, all in a highly convenient searchable digital format and runs on Windows XP or later. Features
- Includes the whole Old and New Testaments
- Forty-nine volumes
- Helpful resource for preachers, teachers and students
- A money-saving package
- Easy-to-use software that will allow you to study within minutes
- A free KJV Bible
- Complete user’s manual included free on the CD
- Unlockable versions of the Bible, including NASB, NLT, NRSV, RSV and The Message
- The widely used Libronix Digital Library System (TM)
- A resource fully integrated with all other Libronix products
System Information: Works on Windows XP or higher, including Windows 7. Runs on the Libronix Digital Library System. 192 MB RAM is required. 512 MB RAM is recommended.
The Bible Exposition Commentary
By Warren W. Wiersbe / David C. Cook / Hard cover
Countless pastors, teachers, and students have pored over the best-selling Be series—and now these insightful studies are available in one complete set for a spectacular price! From Genesis to Revelation, Wiersbe unpacks the meaning and message of Scripture with a skilled exposition that remains ever-mindful of practical application. Approx. 3000 pages total, six hardcovers from Cook.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
By Matthew Henry / Thomas Nelson / W
Get the best of Matthew Henry—from his acclaimed writings to his insightful study outlines—in one affordable edition! This classic collection provides chapter-by-chapter outlines of the whole Bible that are perfect for developing lessons or for devotional reading. Pastors and students still revere Henry’s works because of his simple eloquence in expressing profound spiritual truths. 1288 pages, softcover from Nelson.Keep in mind how old this commentary is. You won’t find anything about developments in biblical studies in the last three centuries, which include significant contributions from archaeology, linguistics, literary criticism, systematic theology, etc. What you will find are spiritual insights, contextual analysis, and practical applications. This commentary is now available for free on the Internet in full-length or concise versions. Check them out before you purchase. – Steve
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
By Robert Jamieson / Hendrickson Publishers
Long considered one of the best conservative commentaries on the entire Bible, the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary offers practical insight from a Reformed Evangelical perspective. The comments are an insightful balance between learning and devotion, with an emphasis on allowing the text to speak for itself. Volume one covers Genesis through Esther, volume two covers Job through Malachi, and volume three covers the entire New Testament (Matthew through Revelation). Introductions are offered for the Pentateuch, the Mosaic account of creation, Hebrew poetry, and for each book in the Old Testament, as well as for the gospels, Acts, Romans, and the entire corpus of the epistles.Overview of the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown:
- Theologically conservative (Reformed Evangelical)
- Uses the King James Version (KJV) or the Authorized Version (AV)
- Covers every book of the Bible
- A verse-by-verse commentary from the original languages
- Semi-technical (some knowledge of Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic necessary to fully understand all of the comments
This commentary is now available for free on the Internet here. You may want to check it out before you buy. —Steve
New Bible Commentary, 21st Century Edition
By Inter-varsity PressThe best one-volume commentary is now even better. Editors D.A. Carson, R.T. France, J.A. Motyer, and G.J. Wenham have compiled a completely revised edition from the original New Bible Commentary(1953) and the first revision (1970). The New Bible Commentary: 21stCentury Edition offers laypeople and teachers a clear, understandable explanation and application of all sixty-six books in the Bible, along with numerous maps, diagrams, and tables. Seven new introductory articles have been added as an overview of biblical history and types of biblical literature. They include:
- Approaching the Bible, by Donald Carson
- Biblical History, by Gordon McConville
- The Pentateuch, by Gordon Wenham
- Poetry in the Bible, by Philip Jensen
- Apocrypha and Apocalyptic, by Roger Beckwith
- Reading the Gospels, by R.T. France
- Reading the Epistles, by Donald Carson
Contributors include: T. Desmond Alexander, George R. Beasley-Murray, Donald Carson, Richard T. France, Donald Guthrie, Gordon P. Hugenberger, Philip A. Jensen, J.A. Motyer, Moisés Silva, Douglas Stuart, Gordon J. Wenham, and others.Overview of the New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition:
- Theologically moderate/conservative
- Non-technical (no knowledge of Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic needed)
- For laypeople and teachers
- Uses the New International Version (NIV) Bible as its English base [TOP]
The scholars who contributed to this volume are outstanding conservative commentators. This commentary is highly recommended. —Steve
Sets of New Testament Commentaries
Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament & New Testament
By Edited by John F. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck / Cook Communications
Edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary features insightful exposition and commentary on the entire Bible from members of the distinguished Dallas Theological Seminary faculty. For commentary from the historical-grammatical and premillennial perspectives, its hard to beat this commentary, and the commitment to scriptural inerrancy is unmatched. Thoroughly conservative and Evangelical, this commentary showcases what Dallas Theological Seminary has become world famous for, and offers all students of the Bible an insightful and applicable commentary.
Overview of the Bible Knowledge Commentary:
- Theologically conservative (Evangelical)
- Based on the New International Version (NIV)
- Mainly a section-by-section commentary, with a good amount of verse-by-verse commentary as well
- Non-technical (all original languages are transliterated)
- Designed for all Christian students and learners
Special features:
- Introduction, outline, commentary and bibliography for each book of the Bible
- Explanations of problem passages, alleged discrepancies, customs, geographical locations, and key Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic words
- Numerous maps, charts and diagrams for easy reference
- A presentation of each book’s argument, and how that book’s purpose unfolds and develops
- Numerous cross-references to parallel topics and passages
If you choose this volume, just keep in mind Walvoord’s dispensational premillennial stance. Amillennialists may want to choose an alternative. –Steve
Calvin’s Commentaries, 22 Volumes
By John Calvin / Baker
A towering figure in the Reformation and prolific scholar and theologian, John Calvin authored not only his famousInstitutes of the Christian Religion, but commentaries on twenty-four books of the Old Testament and all of the New Testament except for 2 and 3 John and Revelation. These classic commentaries continue to be valued exegetical reference works for pastors and serious students of the Bible today.Please note: Due to the weight of Calvin’s Commentaries (Item 24442), an additional $50.00 shipping charge will be added to an International order for each occurrence of Calvin’s Commentaries in your bookbag. These additional charges will be automatically added to the Order Summary Page.
Calvin’s commentaries are now available for free on the Internet here. You may want to check them out before you buy. —Steve
The Pulpit Commentary, 23 Volumes
By Hendrickson Publishers
Vast in scope and exhaustive in content, this commentary has proven over the years to be one of the most valuable sources for reference and sermon material available. Able expositions of text, suggested sermon outlines, and solid research are designed to meet the needs of evangelical preachers and students. 95,000 entries in 23 hardcovers, from Hendrickson. Please Note: Due to the weight of this set, we must charge our International Customers an additional $50.00 Postage Surcharge to help cover our shipping costs.The entire Pulpit Commentary is now available for free online here (zip files to download and unzip). Check it out before purchasing.
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 12 Volumes: Old and New Testaments
By Frank E. Gaebelein / Zondervan Corp.For more than 20 years, the EBC has been widely
recognized by preachers, teachers, and laypeople as one of the best commentaries available. Each Bible book features an insightful introduction, detailed outline, penetrating theological and critical exposition, and useful bibliography. Notes on textual difficulties are kept separate and all Hebrew and Greek is transliterated. This commentary uses the New International Version for its text, but freely refers to other translations and the original languages.
Note to our international customers: Due to the weight of The Expositor’s Bible Commentary Complete Set (OT & NT), 12 Volumes, this product has an additional $50.00 international shipping surcharge to help us cover our actual shipping costs. The surcharge will be reflected on the final checkout screen before you submit your order.
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 5 Volumes: New Testament
By Frank E. Gaebelein / Zondervan Corp.One of the best New Testament commentaries available today, theEBC is clear, usable, and consistently evangelical. It features new scholarship (all volumes published 1976-1984), book introductions and outlines, bibliographies, and transliteration and translation of Semitic and Greek words. And it’s based on the NIV! Includes mammothcommentaries by D.A. Carson on Matthew, and by Merrill C. Tenney on John. Five hardcover volumes, 3229 pages, Zondervan.
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary 4 Volume Set
By Edited by Clinton E. Arnold / Zondervan Corp.
In response to the request from average Christians for more information about the historical and socio-cultural backgrounds of the New Testament, Zondervan has released the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary. Evangelical scholars offer background information from relevant papyrii, inscriptions, archaeological discoveries, and the study of Judaism, Roman culture,Hellenism, and other features of the New Testament world, supplemented by stunning photographs, maps, and diagrams, which combine to offer one of the most visually appealing commentaries on the market.
Contributors:
Clinton E. Arnold – General Editor/Acts/Ephesians/Colossians
Michael J. Wilkins – Gospel of Matthew
David E. Garland – Gospel of Mark
Mark L. Strauss – Gospel of Luke
Andreas Kostenberger – Gospel of John
Douglas J. Moo – Romans/James/2 Peter/Jude
David W.J. Gill – 1 Corinthians
Moyer V. Hubbard – 2 Corinthians
Ralph P. Martin, Julie L. Wu – Galatians
Frank Thielman – Philippians
Jeffrey A.D. Wiema – 1 & 2 Thessalonians
S.M. Baugh – 1 & 2 Timothy/Titus/Philemon
George H. Guthrie – Hebrews
Peter H. Davids – 1 Peter
Robert W. Yarbrough – 1, 2 & 3 John
Mark W. Wilson – Revelation
Overview of the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary:
- Theologically conservative (Evangelical)
- Non-technical (no knowledge of Greek or Aramaic necessary)
- Based on the New International Version (NIV)
- A section-by-section look at the socio-cultural and historical background of the New Testament and its context
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Abridged Edition–2 Volumes
By Kenneth L. Barker & John R. Kohlenberger III / Zondervan Corp.
One of the best commentaries available is now easily affordable! Get the essential content of the award-winning 12-volume set—distilled into two space-saving studies. Editors Barker and Kohlenberger retain the original in-depth biblical insights but avoid unnecessary technical details. Includes maps, charts, and pictures, as well as Goodrick/Kohlenberger numbers for Greek and Hebrew words. 2832 pages total, two hardcovers from Zondervan.