This volume 13 in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary (EBC) series, revised edition, thoroughly updates the old volume 12 of the original series. In fact, only one author from the original series is retained in this volume. What you have here is an outstanding commentary covering nine books of the New Testament.

On the book of Hebrews, R. T. France has replaced Leon Morris. Though I love the writings of Leon Morris, I must admit that it was in need of updating as it was never rated as highly as Mr. Morris’s other commentaries. Mr. France is a highly respected scholar who has written major exegetical commentaries on other books of the New Testament. In the Introduction, he covers an overview of what sort of writing Hebrews is, which is basically a discussion of genre. From there, he discusses author, destination, and date, basic theme and structure, Hebrews as an expositor of other biblical text, its use of the Old Testament, and theology. He also gives a bibliography and outline before he jumps into the commentary. The commentary proper is a success, though if you’re familiar with his other writings his brevity might seem out of place. Actually, he hits perfectly on what this commentary series aims for.

The Book of James is handled by George Guthrie, who is another highly respected New Testament scholar who has written several major commentaries. The introduction only comes in at eight pages and discusses authorship, date, destination on occasion, structure and main themes, before jumping into a bibliography and outline. The commentary itself is well done.

The Books of First and Second Peter and Jude are handled by J. Darrell Charles, who replaces Edwin Blum. He gives a separate introduction and commentary for each of these three books. The outline of the introduction is similar in all three cases. He will discuss, in one way or the other, history of interpretation that will include authorship and dating questions, canonical considerations, composition and literary form, literary relationship to the other two letters, recent scholarship, and purpose and prominent themes. It’s an outstanding work for pastors.

Tom Thatcher handles the Epistles of John. With brevity and clarity, he provides another solid conservative commentary. The introduction offers some opening comments, discusses authorship and historical setting, followed by structure and summary. He also gives a short bibliography and outline.

Alan F. Johnson revises his work on Revelation. Though it is not a major revision, it gives new life to one of the most respected pre-millennial interpretations in a nice scholarly vein on the Book of Revelation. The EBC series has been unjustly criticized by some reviewers because pre-millennial scholars were given the main prophecy books of the Bible in the series. What can’t be overlooked, however, is the quality of good writing and scholarship that are present in these books. Johnson does a marvelous job here. His introduction discusses the general nature and historical background of the book, unity, authorship and canonicity, date, purpose, theological problems, text, interpretive schemes, use of the Old Testament, and structure. I count this book a major success.

Volume 13 holds up to the lofty standards and reputation of the EBC series. It is an economical, helpful commentary on the last nine books of the New Testament. Pastors and Bible students will love it and I highly recommend it!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.