Top Commentaries on Every Book of the Bible from Nathan W. Bingham

This post from Ligonier is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to begin or expand their commentary library. Bingham's insights are well founded and I'm sure there are more one can add to the list for each book of the Bible. 

What commentaries have been most helpful to you?

 

New Hebrews Commentary Coming Soon by Michael Kruger

Micheal Kruger, President and Professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte North Carolina, has a new commentary coming out in March. More instructive and devotional rather than strictly academic, I'm sure this will be worth the purchase price!

Check out his blog post here and you can pre-order his commentary here. 

Commentary Review: ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians Volume 10

There are a myriad of commentaries on the market today. For the layman or pastor one must do their research to find those that employ sound exegesis, excellent theology, and readability. Crossway's new commentary series has them all. Volume 10 of the series, ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians, is enjoyable, instructive, and pastoral.

Contributions include Robert W. Yarbrough (Romans), Andrew David Naselli (1 Corinthians), Dane Ortlund (2 Corinthians), and Frank Thielman (Galatians), all well known names in their field. Each author has an engaging style that is easily readable yet scholarly.

Each book begins with an introduction and every passage studied has a section overview, section outline, comment section, and response. This commentary is fully engaging and helpful.

This would be an outstanding addition to any library. Its usefulness cannot be overstated for teachers, preachers, and layman.  ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians can be purchased at Amazon or at WTS Books.

Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review - Galatians: Freedom through God’s Grace by Phillip J. Long

I have always found commentaries useful. My eyes light up when I come across a new commentary especially by an author I respect. Such was the case with Phil Long’s new commentary, Galatians:Freedom through God’s Grace, published by Wipf & Stock.

Commentaries come in all types but can often be broken down into two types. Those that are technical (exegetical and expositional) which are often scholarly, go deep into historical data, will often have Greek translations of specific words or variants, and more that will aid in an in-depth study for pastors and teachers. Long’s commentary falls in the other category which is more devotional. It contains little of the above but is rich with material for the laymen although may still be utilized by pastors and teachers.

Long breaks down his commentary into convenient chunks for personal or group study. Each chapter concludes with helpful study questions. The writing is not technical in the least which again, makes it ideal for personal study. Long’s goal is to emphasize Paul’s overall point in the letter and he does it well.

At 156 pages this is not a difficult read. A good suggestion would be to study along with the author in each section as he has them laid out. To give the reader an idea what to expect, below is the table of contents:

1 Introducing Galatians | 1

2 One Gospel | 9

3 Paul and Judaism | 17

4 Paul and the Apostles | 27

5 The Antioch Incident | 37

6 Crucified with Christ | 48

7 Law and Faith | 60

8 Law and Promise | 72

9 Being Children of God | 84

10 Stop Acting Like a Slave | 91

11 Sarah and Hagar | 101

12 Freedom in Christ | 110

13 Life in the Spirit | 119

14 Doing Good to All | 135

15 Bearing the Marks of Jesus | 145

Bibliography | 155

Highlights? Yes! There are too many to mention in this brief review but I found that throughout the work Long’s emphasis on Paul’s point is worth noting, such as what we find on page 132:

Paul argues throughout the letter the Gentiles are not converting to Judaism and they are therefore not under the Mosaic covenant. But Paul does not release Gentiles from all moral responsibility.

Also worth noting is Long’s explanation of each Fruit of the Spirit.

This is a 5-star work. I benefited greatly from the author’s insights. Galatians: Freedom through God’s Grace would be an excellent study for any men’s study, women’s study, adult Sunday School class or personal study. I highly recommend it.

Wipf & Stock has provided a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Alec Motyer (1924-2016)

Alec Motyer

We mourn the passing of Alec Motyer (maw-teer). Our loss is his gain. He was a beloved author and theologian and we shall be the less without him. He has authored several works worth investing our time and study in. Below are just a few of his works. We are truly grateful for his service. Read more about him here.

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary
By J. Alec Motyer

 

 

 

 

 

Look to the Rock: An Old Testament Background to Our Understanding of Christ
By Alec Motyer

 

The Message of Exodus: The Days of Our Pilgrimage (Bible Speaks Today)

By J. A. Motyer

 

 

 

 

 

Isaiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries)
By J. Alec Motyer

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Message of Philippians (Bible Speaks Today)
By J. Alec Motyer

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Message of Amos (Bible Speaks Today)
By J. Alec Motyer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I’m not really a scholar,” says J. Alec Motyer softly, “I’m just a man who loves the Word of God.”. . . . - Alec Motyer from an interview in May 2000.

 

Epistle of Jude Resources

In the adult Sunday school class at Redeemer Church we are studying through the Epistle of Jude.  This often over looked book in the New Testament is worthy of our study. Below are a few resources for the student of Scripture to dig deeper in this single chapter book.

Jude-2 Peter, Volume 50 (Word Biblical Commentary)
By Dr. Richard Bauckham

 

 

 

 

 

The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Peter, Jude (New American Commentary, 37)
By Thomas R. Schreiner

 

 

 

 

 

Jude (Crossway Classic Commentaries)
By Thomas Manton

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 & 2 Peter & Jude: Christians Living in an Age of Suffering (Focus on the Bible)
By Paul Gardner

 

 

 

 

 

2 Peter and Jude (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries)
By E. Michael Green

 

 

 

 

 

More commentaries and other Reformed books can be found at the Reformed Book Cellar.

For various study helps such as sermons, web pages, .pdf files, and audio check out Monergism's Jude page.

Don't forget to look in at the CCEL website. Just type in Jude commentary in the search and you will find a wealth of information to assist you in your studies. 

If you'd like to listen in on Redeemer's class on Jude just click here to listen and search through all of our audio.

A Little Eye Candy for the Calvinist Reader

A few and notable works for this month. Take a look...

Merciful: The Opportunity and Challenge of Disciplining the Poor Out of Poverty by Randy Nabors.

Read an online interview here at byFaith magazine.

Apologetics: A Justification of Christian Belief by John Frame
Available 12 June 2015

Renowned theologian John Frame sheds much-needed light on the message and method of genuinely Christian apologetics in this landmark title. He insightfully examines apologetics in terms of proof, defense, and offense and clarifies the relationships of reason, proofs, and evidences to faith, biblical authority, and the lordship of Christ.

Defending Substitution by Simon Gathercole

Read the new release blog post at Baker here.

The Accidental Feminist by Courtney Reissig

Check out the online interview with the author here.

Hebrews: An Anchor for the Soul by R. Kent Hughes

In this insightful commentary, readers will find a gold mine of helpful discussion related to a book of the Bible that is easily misunderstood and often overlooked. Written by a pastor with decades of ministry and preaching experience, this volume abounds with wise insights into the book of Hebrews. With divisions and outlines that are never forced but flow naturally from the Biblical text, this commentary will be a great resource for anyone studying or teaching the book of Hebrews.

Pick Three Numbers Commentaries

Here's our pick three for commentaries on the book of Numbers.

Numbers by Gordon Wenham

Product Description
"Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah" is one of the best-known hymns in the world. Yet the book of numbers, whose story that hymn summarizes, is seldom read. Why? "Its very title puts the modern reader off," writes Gordon Wenham. "In ancient time numbers were seen as mysterious and symbolic, a key to reality and the mind of God himself. Today they are associated with computers and the depersonalization that threatens our society." In his effort to bridge the great gulf between the book and our age, Wenham first explains the background of Numbers, discussing its structure, sources, date and authorship as well as its theology and Christian use. A passage-by-passage analysis follows, which draws useful insights on Old Testament ritual from modern social anthropology. The original, unrevised text of this volume has been completely retypeset and printed in a larger, more attractive format with the new cover design for the series.

Numbers: God's Presence in the Wilderness by Iain Duguid

Product Description
The book of Numbers tells the story of Israel’s experience, ranging from their exodus out of Egypt to their entrance into the Promised Land. The lives of two generations are recorded: the first lacking in faith and receiving their just punishment from God, and the second believing the Word of God and so entering into their inheritance as his children. Like those generations of Israelites, Christians today are also on a journey between events of deepest significance—from the work of Christ that provides our exodus from bondage to sin and death to Jesus’ second coming that ushers his children into the true and final promised land of heaven.
Author Iain Duguid aids both pastors and laypeople on this journey by explaining the profundities of the biblical text, especially its less transparent portions, and communicating the lasting message of God’s devotion to those who follow him in faith.

Numbers: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture by Dennis R. Cole

Product Description

THE NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY is for the minister or Bible student who wants to understand and expound the Scriptures. Notable features include: * commentary based on THE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION; * the NIV text printed in the body of the commentary; * sound scholarly methodology that reflects capable research in the original languages; * interpretation that emphasizes the theological unity of each book and of Scripture as a whole; * readable and applicable exposition.

 

Thoughts? Leave your comments here or on our Facebook page.

Pick Three Commentaries on Revelation

In the very near future Redeemer Church in Hudson, Ohio (my church) will begin a new sermon series on the Book of Revelation. For the record, choosing a commentary on Revelation is a difficult task for many reasons. Nevertheless, here's  a few commentaries worth digging into in preparation for our series or just for your own studies.

Revelation by Leon Morris

Product Description
"The book of Revelation is, I fear, a very neglected book. Its symbolism belongs to the first century, not to our own age," says Leon Morris in the preface to his commentary on Revelation. Here he explains the significance of the symbolism and shows the bearing of the message of Revelation on the problems of the day in which it was written. The original, unrevised text of this volume has been completely retypeset and printed in a larger, more attractive format with the new cover design for the series. The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study.

The Book of Revelation by G. K. Beale

Product Description
Many Reformed and evangelical scholars argue that Beale has written the best available contemporary commentary on Revelation. In many respects, it is outstanding. Beale’s commentary is the place to turn for insight on the many Old Testament allusions and echoes in the book of Revelation. - Keith Mathison




Revelation by Simon Kistemaker

Product Description
Revelation completes Baker's award-winning New Testament Commentary series composed for the benefit of pastors and serious Bible students who desire high-quality evangelical scholarship communicated with clarity.
In this volume, Kistemaker provides a comprehensive look into one of the most intriguing books of the Bible. He shows that the Book of Revelation is indeed "a divinely constructed volume in which God shows his handiwork."
Simon J. Kistemaker (Ph.D., Free University, Amsterdam) is emeritus professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando. He received Gold Medallion Awards for four of the volumes in this series: Hebrews, James and 1-3 John, Acts, and 1 Corinthians.

Pick Three Leviticus Commentaries

Here's our top three...

Leviticus: Holy God, Holy People by Kenneth A. Matthews
Product description
This new Preaching the Word commentary reveals how the regulations detailed in Leviticus point to the perfection and fulfillment of Christ in the New Testament age.

It is the message that God spoke to his people through Moses as they prepared to depart for the Promised Land. It details regulations for holy living and sacrificial worship in Old Testament Israel. But does Leviticus have anything to say to Christians today?
Knowing that readers of the Bible often get hung up on the seeming irrelevance of Leviticus, Kenneth Mathews counters with this insightful Preaching the Word commentary. His chapter-by-chapter analysis reveals much about not only the demands of a holy God but about the kind of relationship he wants with his people and his standards for worship in any age.
As Mathews illuminates the significance of Israel's sacrificial system and symbols, he draws parallel after parallel to Jesus as their perfect fulfillment. His commentary will train pastors, teachers, and serious readers in how Leviticus foreshadows the saving work of Jesus, and the many ways God made accommodation for human sin through Christ.

The Book of Leviticus by Gordon J. Wenham
Product desription

Leviticus used to be the first book that Jewish children studied in the synagogue. In the modern church it tends to be the last part of the Bible that anyone looks at seriously. Because Leviticus is largely concerned with subjects that seem incomprehensible and irrelevant today -- rituals for sacrifice and regulations concerning uncleanness -- it appears to have nothing to say to twenty-first-century Christians.
In this excellent commentary on Leviticus, Gordon Wenham takes with equal seriousness both the plain original meaning of the text and its abiding theological value. To aid in reconstructing the original meaning of the text, Wenham draws from studies of Old Testament ritual and sacrifice that compare and contrast biblical customs with the practices of other Near Eastern cultures. He also closely examines the work of social anthropologists and expertly utilizes the methods of literary criticism to bring out the biblical author’s special interests.
In pursuit of his second aim, to illumine the enduring theological value of Leviticus, Wenham discusses at the end of each section how the Old Testament passages relate to the New Testament and to contemporary Christianity. In doing so, he not only shows how pervasive Levitical ideas are in the New Testament but also highlights in very practical ways the enduring claim of God’s call to holiness on the lives of Christians today.

Word Biblical Commentary: Leviticus by John E. Hartley
Product description
Although it is at the heart of the Pentateuch, the book of Leviticus is sometimes dismissed as dry and legalistic material with little relevance to modern religious concerns. But in this commentary Dr. John Hartley perceives that the message of Leviticus—the significance of pure worship and holy living—is also the heart of vital faith in any age. Amid the prescriptions for sacrifice and ritual to be observed by Israel in the wilderness, the author finds useful observations for the people of God today.
The emphasis of Leviticus on true worship, and on ordering the ethical life according to the will of Yahweh instead of idols, was at the heart of Israel’s raison d’etre, Dr. Hartley notes. Viewed in this light, such prescriptions as the “Holiness Code” (chapters 17-26) are far more than a list of ritual observances; they are Israel’s response to God’s charge to “be holy, for I, Yahweh, your God, am holy.”
Leviticus’ focus on the Aaronic priesthood also receives special attention in this treatment. The Levites are the designated communicators charged with transmitting God’s law through Moses—indeed, the purpose of the book “to preserve divine sermons for the instruction of the congregation in cultic and ethical matters.” Yet, despite their insistence on correct form and content in worship, the Levites do not become authoritarian protectors of a secret code in the manner of pagan priests. Since the formulas were proclaimed to the congregation, they became an informed laity exerting a balancing dynamic on the priests as well as receiving ministry from them.

Pick Three Exodus Commentaries

Here's our "pick three" for outstanding Exodus commentaries.

The Book of Exodus; A Critical, Theological Commentary by Brevard Childs

Description

Taking a pioneering approach to commentary writing, Brevard Childs gives an entirely original treatment to the book of Exodus. Apart from the philological notes and translation, this commentary includes a form-critical section, looking at the growth of the tradition in its previous stages; a consideration of the meaning of the text in its present form; and a consideration of its meaning in its total Old Testament context.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.

Exodus: Saved for God's Glory by Philip Graham Ryken

Description

To read Exodus is to encounter God. The book is about the mercy, justice, holiness, and glory of almighty God, who rules history by his sovereign power, saves the people of his covenant, and delivers his people from bondage. Once heard, the stories recorded in Exodus leave a lasting impression. Readers return to these great acts of redemption again and again because they give captives the hope of freedom.
In this Preaching the Word volume, Philip Graham Ryken mines the majestic book of Exodus for knowledge of God's character and instruction for his followers. So much can be learned about God through the accounts of his deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, his many divine interventions for them, and his transformation of them into an independent nation.
At once theologically instructive and decidedly practical, this commentary moves readers to great rejoicing at God's work in the life of every person following him on the path to spiritual freedom. Ryken skillfully relates how the Israelites' deliverance from slavery anticipated the salvation accomplished in Jesus Christ, proving that God remembers his covenant and always delivers on his promises. For those who preach, teach, and study God's Word, this book is more than just a commentary; it is a celebration of God's faithfulness.

The Message of Exodus: The Days of Our Pilgrimage by J.A. Motyer

Description

When the Lord promised the land of Canaan to Abram and his descendants (Gen 15:7), every part of it was already occupied by other peoples. The long journey to possession of the Promised Land was prepared by God, yet it led through a path of adversity. We, the readers of the Old Testament, are left to wonder why. In this engaging commentary on Exodus, J. Alec Motyer explores the character of God through his covenant promises and persistent faithfulness to the people of Israel. Through the story of Israel we are exposed to an unquenchable fire: God the Savior, the Companion and the Indweller, who will not fail those who so often fail him.


Do you have any of these? Do you have another recommendation? Would you like to post a review? Let's talk. Leave a comment here or on our Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you.
Iron sharpens iron...

Pick Three of Genesis Commentaries

Its always tough to pick a commentary. And, there are different types which offer a different focus, academic, devotional, etc. Nevertheless, commentaries are often vital to sermon or Sunday school prep, personal or family study and let's face it, whether you need it right now or not, they're just plain good to have around for reference. Thus, let's start looking at a few commentaries every week and of course we welcome your suggestions. So, here we go...

Genesis by Derek Kidner

Genesis--the Bible's account of human origins and the harbinger of human destiny--is a book teeming with critical problems. Who wrote it? When? Does the account of creation square with modern science? What about Adam and Eve? Derek Kidner not only provides a running exegetical commentary, but lucidly handles the tough issues that Genesis raises. His clear prose and theological insight will expand readers' understanding of God's character and of human nature and destiny.





World Biblical Commentary Volume 1 & Volume 2 by Gordon Wenham

Pastors and scholars alike will herald the appearance of this second volume of Gordon Wenham’s analysis of Genesis as a landmark event in the critical study of the Pentateuch. Dr. Wenham devoted fourteen years of his considerable scholarship and exegetical skills to write this exceptional work.








New American Commentary Volume 1 & Volume 2 by Kenneth Matthews

The New American Commentary is for the minister or Bible student who wants to understand and expound the Scriptures. Notable features include: * commentary based on THE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION; * the NIV text printed in the body of the commentary; * sound scholarly methodology that reflects capable research in the original languages; * interpretation that emphasizes the theological unity of each book and of Scripture as a whole; * readable and applicable exposition.





 Dig in, do your research and get a commentary. As always, comments here and on Facebook are welcome. Please join us in our journey as we search out the best in Reformed theology.

What Makes a Good Commentary?

Don Carson explains what a good commentary is and how to use it. You might be surprised.

 Good all-round commentaries help readers think their way through the text—which requires adequate handling of words, sentences, flow of thought, genre, theological presuppositions, knowledge of historical setting, and, ideally, a commentary writer who is humble and of a contrite spirit and who trembles at God's Word. But most commentaries do not do all these things (and other things—e.g., interaction with some other commentaries) equally well. That is one of the reasons one is usually wise to consult at least two or three commentaries with different emphases.

Read the interview here and start thinking about what commentaries are lacking in your library. You can find Carson's book, New Testament Commentary Survey here.