Bible commentaries
Never before in history has the Bible been studied so thoroughly by scholars from a variety of perspectives as now. The result has been a plethora of books, dictionaries, and commentaries about the Bible. These Bible commentaries and dictionaries have become tools of the pastoral trade.
Pastors need to be selective in choosing commentaries. Dr. Herbert Kiesler, New Testament scholar of the Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, suggests they shop around and find the best commentaries on any given book of the Bible. For example, if you plan to research the book of Romans, examine its treatment in several commentary sets. When you find the one you like best, buy only the volume on Romans. Kiesler also suggests blending your commentaries, choosing the best of evangelical and critical scholarship for a balanced study. For critical scholar ship, you may consider the International Critical Commentary (T & T Clark, Ltd., Edinburgh, Scotland), as it analyzes each text thoroughly. According to Kiesler, the best in evangelical scholarship is offered in the Word Biblical Commentary. Among one-book commentaries, Kiesler also commends Jerome's Bible Commentary (Catholic) and Peake's Commentary (Protestant).
The following list contains recent Bible dictionaries and commentaries you may want to investigate.
"All" Bible Study Series, Herbert Lockyer, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, 17 volumes, $19.95 each; or complete set available monthly through Christian Book Distributors, P.O. Box 3758, Peabody, Massachusetts 01961, for $11.95 each, hardcover.
Dr. Lockyer, an English theologian who came to the United States under the auspices of Moody Bible Institute, carried on an extensive lecturing ministry for many years. He died in 1985 but left this study set as his unique legacy.
The series is a collection of writings on Bible subjects. They include such titles as All the Miracles of the Bible, All the Parables, All the Women, All the Men, All the Promises, All the Doctrines (recommended by F. F. Bruce), All the Messianic Prophecies, All the Prayers. The list goes on to include children, books and chapters, apostles, kings and queens, divine names and titles, holy days, teachings of Jesus, the last words of saints and sinners, and trades and occupations.
The Anchor Bible Dictionary, DavidNoel Freedman, ed., Doubleday Publishers, New York, Toronto, London, Sydney, 6 volumes, US$60.00, Cdn$70.00 each, 1,200 pages per volume, hardcover.
With almost 1,000 contributors, this series contains 6,200 entries and about 7 million words. Scholars from varied disciplines and viewpoints make this a rare eclectic mix of biblical study. The work integrates scholarly findings of the past 30 years, including those of the Dead Sea scrolls and Nag Hammadi codices. Maps, photographs, charts, and illustrations illuminate the text.
The Asbury Bible Commentary, Eugene E. Carpenter and Wayne McCown, eds., Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, 1992, 1,296 pages, US$37.90, Cdn$51.50 (available through Harper Collins, Scarborough, Ontario), hard cover.
Nearly 50 scholars collaborated on this one-volume evangelical Wesleyan commentary based on the NIV. Their study reinforces the view of scriptural infallibility.
Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament, Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Minneapolis, 1982-1990, 15 volumes, US$195.00, Cdn$234.00 per set (prices of volumes vary from US$13.95, Cdn$16.75 to US$19.95, Cdn$23.95).
Written for students, laity, teachers, and pastors, each volume presents an over view and verse-by-verse commentary.
Complete Biblical Library, World Library Press, Inc., Springfield, Missouri, 1991,16 volumes (9 volumes, New Testament Study Bible; 6 volumes, Greek/ English Dictionary, 1 volume, Harmony of the Gospels), $29.95 per volume.
Scholarly and yet easy to follow, this 10,000-page reference set is the result of 20 years of work by 360 Bible scholars from across denominational lines. An interlinear arrangement helps the reader understand the original Greek text. Using five lines, the Study Bible includes the Greek spelling, the pronunciation, the literal meaning of the word, the grammatical construction of the word, and the number that leads the reader to the listing in the Greek/English Dictionary (with more than 5,000 New Testament Greek words). Each commentary has an important overview of its biblical book. The large print makes reading Greek easy. The Harmony of the Gospels shows each gospel in four parallel, color-coded columns for easy identification. A fifth column adds a diatessaron, an interwoven account of Jesus' life combining what all four writers have recorded. Pastors will find this a helpful set to own.
Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Joel B. Green, Scot McKnight, and Howard Marshall, eds., InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois, 1992, 1,000 pages, US$34.95, Cdn$44.95, hardcover.
A valuable resource for pastors, this dictionary presents contemporary authoritative evangelical scholarship. More than 200 articles, written by an international team of 90 New Testament scholars, address topics not usually found in such source books.
Eerdmans Handbook to the Bible, David and Pat Alexander, eds., Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, 1992,680 pages, $19.95, paper.
A section-by-section guide to the Bible, with notes on difficult areas, 60 articles on the setting and use of the Bible and subjects of specialized interest, 437 pictures, 68 maps, and a complete index.
Eerdmans Bible Dictionary, Allen C. Myers, ed., Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, 1992, 1,104 pages, $32.50, hardcover.
Evangelical in focus, this dictionary objectively addresses a broad spectrum of interpretation. It includes nearly 5,000 entries identifying every person and place named in the Bible, examines the con tents and background of each biblical book and related writings, describes the physical and cultural aspects of the Bible, and explains important emphases of biblical theology.
Harper's Bible Dictionary and Harper's Bible Commentary, boxed set, Paul J. Achtemeier and James L. Mays, with the Society of Biblical Literature, Harper San Francisco, available through Harper Collins, Scarborough, Ontario, 1991, US$69.00, hardcover.
The Society for Biblical Literature is a 5,000-member international group of experts on the Bible and related fields. The Dictionary explains every aspect of the Bible, including archaeology, culture, related writings, influence, history, flora and fauna, concepts, environment, and much more. The Commentary features individual writings on each biblical book, the apocrypha, maps, photographs, diagrams, and bibliographies.
Hermeneia, A Critical and Historical Commentary on the Bible, editorial board, Fortress Press, Minneapolis, prices vary from US$21.95, Cdn$26.50 to US$47.95, Cdn$47.95, hardcover.
Still in the production process, this set now includes 10 Old Testament volumes and 11 New Testament volumes. Hermeneia includes the work of significant worldwide scholars. Each volume gives in-depth interpretation of the canonical and extra-biblical literature with reference to the latest historical evidence and contemporary studies.
Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, James L. Mays, Patrick D. Miller, and Paul J.Achtemeier, eds., Westminster/John Knox, Louisville, Kentucky, 24 volumes completed, prices vary from $12.95 to $24.95, hardcover.
Interpretation is a set of full-length, practical commentaries to assist preachers in their homiletic and educational work. This set bridges the gap between critical and expository commentaries combining biblical scholarship with textual expositions. Beginning in 1982, about two volumes a year have come off the presses.
Jerome's Bible Commentary, Raymond Brown, ed., Prentice-Hall, New York, $71.95, hardcover.
One of the best commentaries in a single volume, Jerome's contains the cream of Catholic scholarship and a wealth of information.
The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, John MacArthur, Jr., Moody Press, Chicago, 1990,8 volumes, $137.60 per set, hardcover.
This set is designed for pastors and those who want not only to comprehend the message but live it. Using illustrations and perceptions with clear exegesis, MacArthur explores the practical application of the Word. Matthew (4 volumes), 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, and Hebrews.
The New American Commentary, David S. Dockery, general editor, Broadman Press, Nashville, 1991,1992, hardcover.
This 40-volume set will be published over a seven-year period. Volumes so far available: Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon ($22.95), Mark ($19.95), Mat thew ($24.95), Acts ($24.95), 1, 2 Timothy, and Titus ($19.95).
The commentary includes the NIV text, exegesis, applicable exposition, background material, and documentation of original language citations and reference support. Widely acclaimed by leading evangelical scholars, this should prove to be a popular reference work for many pastors.
The New Bible Commentary, D. Guthrie, J. A. Motyer, A. M. Stibbs, and D. J. Wiseman, eds., Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, 1992, 1,325 pages, $34.95, hardcover.
Originally printed in 1953 using 51 international scholars and revised in 1973, this evangelical commentary on the Bible is a one-volume work, with an appeal to those with an unqualified belief in the Bible's inspiration.
Peake's Commentary on the Bible, Mat thew Black and. H. Rowley, eds., Tho mas Nelson Publishing, Nashville, 1987, 1,126 pages plus maps, $39.95, hard cover.
The original Peake's appeared in 1919 and became a standard reference work over the years. This new volume contains the latest scholarship of some 60 contributors from every branch of the Protestant church in Europe and North America.
The SDA Bible Commentary, Review and Herald Publishing Association, Hagerstown, Maryland, 10 volumes, US$329.50, Cdn$411.90, hardcover. Available from Adventist Book Centers.
Regarded as the most complete re source for Bible study by Seventh-day Adventist students of the Bible. More than 40 scholars worked on the first seven volumes, basing their verse-by-verse commentary on the original Greek and He brew for ultimate accuracy. Supplementary articles (1978) cover history, geology, and archaeology. An index gives instant access. Comments from the works of Ellen White are referenced at the chapter ends. The set also includes the SDA Bible Dictionary, the SDA Bible Stu dents' Source Book, and the SDA Encyclopedia.
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White, Jr., Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nash ville, 1992, 1,128 pages, $19.95, hard cover.
This classic reference book lists more than 6,000 biblical words in their original Greek or Hebrew and gives their meanings. The volume is keyed to Strong's reference numbers.
Word Biblical Commentary, Word Publishing, Waco, Texas; Word Canada, Richmond, British Columbia, 52-volume series, prices vary from US$22.99 to $24.99, hardcover.
Advertised as the "best in evangelical scholarship," this series represents the latest historical, textual, linguistic, structural, theological, and archaeological scholarship. It is recommended by Andrews University Seminary Studies.
Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible, Robert Young, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, $21.95, hardcover.
With more than 300,000 entries based on the KJV Bible, the concordance lists original words so readers can see how Hebrew and Greek words may be translated.
Young's Literal Translation of the Bible (revised), Robert Young, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, $19.95, paper.
Even those with no knowledge of languages can evaluate the plethora of versions and paraphrases with this word-for-word translation that strives for total fidelity to Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic.
Recently Noted
A Guide to Selecting and Using Bible Commentaries, Douglas Stuart, Word Publishing, Waco, Texas, Word Canada, Richmond, British Columbia, 1992, US$6.99, paper.
Dr. Stuart, an experienced professor, administrator, and pastor, evaluates more that 1,000 commentaries.
Who's Who in Theology, From the First Century to the Present, John Bowden, Crossroad Publishing Co., New York, 1992,152 pages, $18.95, hardcover.
Here is a concise and compact hand book containing information about men and women who have been important in the history of Christian theology. It tells what they thought, said, and wrote. It also contains a listing of the popes with brief biographical entries on each one. This is an excellent resource work for pastors.
My Problem With Christianity Is . . ., Paul Weston, Harold Shaw Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 1991,80 pages, $6.95, paper.
A survey of over 600 people between the ages of 18 and 30 reveals the six most common problems people have with Christianity. While Christian denominations quibble over their individual traditions, most of the world rejects the gospel because: There's no proof, it's irrelevant, they've never really thought about it, problems with the church, there's so much suffering in the world, it can't be the only way to God.
Weston answers these questions in a volume that will make an excellent give away book for the non-Christian or secularist people you know.
