Author: jimmyreagan

Misconceptions About The Truth Revolution (IBTR #63)

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Being misunderstood is a risk with any passionate writing. Misconceptions will almost always arise when dealing with painful problems. The status quo will always have its champions. To do good on any level will always strike someone as evil. Such is life.

In this Truth Revolution, from the day I penned the first article, I went in with both eyes open. Perhaps you think me ill advised, but I was not naive. I knew. I always knew what losses might follow the gains I sought. I counted the cost, understood the calculated risk, and wrote the series anyway. I used the picture of Revolutionary War soldiers in the original article for a reason. Forgive the illusions of grandeur, but I saw myself writing like the Founding Fathers did. They paid and so could I. (On the other hand, I never saw myself as that big aimagevoice–hopefully just one small voice in a growing number of voices.)

I offer no apology. I have no regrets for what I have written. I am sure it could have been better in ways, but I will stand by it, such as it is.

Still, misconceptions by good people can happen, just as logical criticisms can be offered up. I would like to address a few.

1. You Give Fodder To All Who Attack A Pastor.

While I have written extensively about pastors or leaders abusing people, that in no way denies that people can sin grievously against a pastor. I am a pastor and have had that experience before myself. Every situation must be looked at honestly, carefully, and Scripturally. Still, we must realize that the extra authority of leadership also demands greater cost, even putting up with more. Our accountability must, then, be higher. We can do more damage from a position of authority than those who do not have it and that must be taken into account.

2. You are hurting Independent Baptists.

I remain convinced that those of us who address our problems instead of acting as if they do not exist do Independent Baptists the most good.  My goal is not to destroy but to salvage. Still, my first prerogative is to be true to Scripture and Christ. His Name is more important to me than the name Independent Baptist. As it turns out, there is no shame besmirching His Name while there is in too many of the groups in Christianity including our own.

3. You are encouraging those leaving the Independent Baptist world.

I am aware some are leaving. There have even been a few isolated cases, I am told, where someone hands a printout of one of these articles to a pastor while walking out the door. That was not my original purpose, but even if it is done in a case where the church member is wrong that no more makes this series look bad than someone quoting the Bible out of context makes the Bible look bad! We must remember, too, that people leave. We must let them leave without harassment. It is only cults that do that! Letting them leave in peace is normal and allows them to more easily come back if they ever choose.

4. You are harming the good pastors.

One of the really good guys said, “how are if ever going to get out from under this if we keep discussing it.” It can only hurt us, though, if we are guilty of it–that is the beauty of “independent.” When we pastors are faced with criticism, we have a process to go through. First, we must examine ourselves to see if it is true, and if it is, we should fix it. If it is not, we must let it go realizing that we are partaking in the sufferings of our often-critiqued Savior. The truth is, we should just do right and lies won’t stick except with folks who have issues anyway. Let’s treat our flock with such love that any discussion of abuses could have no effect on our people because they know better about us. Lies can never alter truth anyway.

5. Do you even think you are accomplishing anything worthwhile?

I am not in a position to know the lasting effects of this series. It probably will be completely forgotten in ten years. I get letters from people who say it has helped, but that is, I know, anecdotal evidence at best. Maybe it helps a few; is that worth it?

I will just leave that to the Lord.

Find all articles in the series here.

Dead Wake by Erik Larson

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The last crossing of the Lusitania gets a vivid, dramatic telling in this superb volume. This was my first go with Mr. Larson, but I found his writing matched the superlative blurbs I’ve seen for his other books. My knowledge was limited on the Lusitania, so learning and exciting reading met together here.


The book never drags and is filled with tension throughout as you know what is coming. We meet several of the passengers, see the dynamics of personality of Captain Turner, and back office workings of the Cunard ship company. You get to know them to the point that their fate during the actual sinking is high drama. The scene of the dead wake itself, the torpedoe coming across the water and being seen by many, is well done too.


 We learn of Room 40 and what the Admiralty, including Churchill, knew about the U-boats. They could not tip their hand and risk losing the Germans knowing about the codes that they had broken. Then, from German records of the captain of U-20, we watch the story unfold from their perspective. We learn too of complications because of war that added to the horror of the event that could have possibly been avoided. 


In a few paragraphs here and there President Wilson’s story is brought into the story. You will be convinced his budding romance had a great effect on what he did during these critical events.


Though this volume can hold its own with a great novel, I truly believe it passes the test of being well researched as well. Though Mr. Larson made some good conclusions, he seemed to strive make you and I able to make our own. The book succeeded on every level (except the attractive book needed pictures) and I highly recommend it as 5-star plus!

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.    


  

The Message Of Jeremiah (BST) by Chistopher Wright

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Are you looking for a clear, helpful commentary on Jeremiah that focuses less on technical exegesis and more on explaining the meaning of the text you read? Then I strongly recommend this volume in The Bible Speaks Today series published by IVP.

The first thing you will notice and appreciate is the passion that exudes from Mr. Wright for Jeremiah. In fact, he displays a belief and love for all of God’s Word that is sadly lacking in some modern commentaries. It doesn’t hurt, either, that his prose sparkles on page after page. That is a distinct bonus in commentary writing.

This volume replaces the volume by the quintessential short commentary writer Derek Kidner. That man could say so much in a few words. Though I plan to continue using the Kidner Volume (IVP has republished it as a classic commentary), this new volume surpasses it. Mr. Wright gives us help on every passage, which Kidner could not do because of stricter space constraints.

After a truly helpful, short introduction for Jeremiah, the bulk of the 444 pages explain the text. In reviewing this volume I especially studied his comments on about ten passages that I had studied in-depth and preached on previously in my pastoral ministry. His commentary was outstanding in each case and I look forward to using this volume often in the years ahead as it will take a prominent place on my shelves. He gives great explanation coupled with real spiritual insight.This volume is a real boon to the expositor!

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.    

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Interpreting The Prophets by Aaron Chalmers

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There is no doubt that the Prophets of the Old Testament are the most difficult portion of Scripture to get a handle on. You can go astray in so many ways from an interpretive standpoint. Mr. Chalmers, teacher of the Old Testament and hermeneutics, writes to assist us in that quest  in this volume published by IVP.

He specifically wants to deliver something different from what most of us have on our shelves. Other prophecy handbooks aim at content about the individual prophetic books and the prophets themselves. He feels that what is more needed is an ability to get in these books and sensibly interpret ourselves. Though I appreciate the content-driven volumes myself, I can see his point. The volume he has given us, accordingly, is about the complicated hermeneutics of the prophets rather than a traditional volume.

He has succeeded, in my view, on some levels. His threefold division of the historical world, the theological world, and the rhetorical worlds is logical. In the historical world section, he spends time well explaining what an Old Testament prophet is. I take issue with some assumptions he makes in regards to the writing process of the prophetical books. Though he is kind to conservatives, he seems to lean more toward a critical perspective of redaction taking place over centuries. There is no concrete evidence to cause me to believe that position, but admittedly a large part of the scholarly world agrees with him. It seems to me Mr. Chalmers’ theological position stands close to John Goldingay, who is, in fact, oft quoted in this volume.

The latter part of the historical section was interesting as was the theological one. The rhetorical section made distinctions that scholars wrestle with more than pastors or Bible students. The distinction between prophecy and apocalyptic sometimes, in my view, confounds more than it enlightens. Still, he will explain it as well as it can be.

This volume appears like a textbook at times, and would not make a profound difference if you were going, to say, preach a sermon on a text in Obadiah this Sunday; but you would gain insight in how to think about the prophets overall and that is the value you will find between the covers of this book.

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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.    

I’m Out! (IBTR #62)

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imageI’m out! Well, I am and will later in this article explain where I am out. Those words reverberate loudly often, in the reverse, in the Independent Baptist world as well. That is worthy of discussion too.

Perhaps you have watched a show that fascinates my family called “Shark Tank”. It is not my favorite program, and usually I will read while they watch, but in my home you can’t help watching it some. If you haven’t seen it, it is a show where entrepreneurs needing money to propel their business forward come before five filthy rich business magnates and pitch their business to see if one or more of the five will give the money for a stake of the company. Those five have succeeded for a reason and can spot a bad business plan or product as quickly as a dog can a bone. There is even one shark in the center called Mr. Wonderful (never has the bar for wonderful been set so low) who often reenergizes the term “painfully honest”.

In accordance with the typical vicarious reality-TV experience of our generation, the camera will pan from the face of the entrepreneur to the shark. The tension is seeing if the shark will make a deal or say those dreaded words: “I’m out!” Though it seems personal, the viewer must not forget that those sharks surely have a right to invest where they choose. They seem in most cases to be fairly cordial afterwards to those they just dropped the bomb of “I’m out” on. Still, you can see the fear in the eyes of the entrepreneurs that the “I’m out” may come.

In the Independent Baptist world, and I imagine in a few other corners of Christianity, we have almost that same scenario, except worse. The words “I’m out” are altered to “You’re out.”  It is not I am going to pack up my toys (or money) and go home, but I am going to pack up your toys (or fellowship) and send you home. The former is unpleasant, but the latter is devastating.

We have had much communication with those on both sides of the “You’re out”. There are those who have heard it and are trying to recover from what has been an emotional crisis involving family or friends. If that doesn’t strike you as a big deal, it only proves you have not been through it. Someone I dearly love has had the “you’re out” hurled at them this very year.

Then there are those with that look of terror in their eyes who fear the words may come at any time. They wrestle with sticking to what they believe or selling their souls to avoid the “You’re out”.

O I almost forgot—you may be wondering what events precipitated the pronouncement of “You’re out”. Believe it or not, this complete or near-complete breaking of fellowship were over things like (in order of occurrence): dress standards, complete obedience to a certain clique’s position, unquestioned support of a questionable leader, and music standards. I will refrain from sarcasm here and just suggest you join many others of us in rolling your eyes.

I want to give a word to those who have heard the painful “You’re Out” since I know several readers of this blog fall in that category. Imagine being in a plane and the other riders decided you were not enough in agreement with them and opened the door and threw you out barely giving you time to strap on a parachute. There is the sheer terror of falling (at least that is how I visualize it as the last guy who will ever volunteer to jump out of a plane), the hurt of being treated so by those you expected more of, and the fear of the unknown and how exactly you handle the landing since you have never done this before. A little overwhelming, wouldn’t you agree?

But then imagine that as you drift down in your parachute in a torrent of emotion that you see the plane you were thrown out of slam into the side of a mountain. That would, of course, only make for even more strong emotions, but would not one of those new emotions be gratitude that you were no longer on the plane? Hurting one, what I am trying to say is that the plane you were thrown out of is going to crash.

Please don’t think I am saying: they hurt you and they will pay. That is God’s business and our thoughts must not go there. What I am saying is that a life where we must earn God’s love, where our soul liberty is brutalized, where the priesthood of the believer we possess is sabotaged, and the Lordship of Christ we must give to Jesus is high jacked– that life cannot succeed. That is not the Life that Jesus gave us. It is not really life at all. Be thankful you are no longer on the plane. Hurting or not, you are far better off.

O, before I go, I said I would explain where “I’m out”. I do not direct those words to any Independent Baptist people or institutions. Probably I can just wait for them to say “You’re out” to me and it will all sort itself out. Those who never say “You’re out” to me will find that I will remain friendly to the end. The Truth Revolution is not personal over characters in IFB for me, but personal about Christ Who I love. I love being a Baptist with its blood-stained heritage, but not what some Baptists have defrauded of that heritage.

So, I’m out to being sucked into bondage. I’m out over someone dictating to my conscience. I’m out to being forced to conform to feeble men’s demands. I’m out over forced or made up Bible (mis-) interpretations. I’m out to someone robbing me of the joy Christ so freely gives. I’m out to men’s opinion overtaking the Word of God. I’m out to voices that would drown out the Word of God. I’m out to having freedom and liberty in Christ taken from me. I have a wonderful Savior and I am free and I love it—so I’m out.

Find all articles in the series here.

Seeing God In The Dark by J. I. Packer

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“Unraveling the Mysteries of Holy Living” says the subtitle of this theologically penetrating volume by Packer and published by Hendrickson Publishers. While that might be misleading to some degree since he is a writer who would command a large audience if he wrote a new volume on that subject, this is actually a collection of articles all across Mr. Packer’s career. Don’t let that scare you away.  While on the surface that sounds dull, in this case it succeeds.

First, someone has chosen well in assembling this collection. While it would not be necessary to read the chapters in order in a collection of this sort, there even seems to be good logic in that ordering. They speak to our generation without surrendering faithfulness to Scripture. That is not to say, that there are not a few chapters where I strongly disagree with him. He sees predestination as strongly as any popular writer today. Still, he is incredibly gracious and gets one really thinking.

In some strange way he reminds me of C. S. Lewis and Lloyd-Jones in writing style, even if the three would disagree at points. It is all the metadiscourse in their writings. If you and I wrote so much about our writing as we wrote, it would destroy us. In some way they do it and hold your attention firmly in their grips.

My favorite chapters were the ones on revival and Christian living. The very last chapter was one of the best, so be sure to go all the way to the end. Another interesting feature was the way he addressed those with charismatic beliefs. I never saw anyone so gracious while disagreeing with them. I think he went even farther than I could in finding their good traits.

For what this volume sets out to give, it delivers!

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.

 

 

So Who Is Your Lord And Master? (IBTR #61)

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Who really calls the shots in your life? Who is the one you truly answer to? I must address an ugly problem. You see it inside churches. You see it inside circles of pastors. This one has crept into some corner of every part of Christianity, I want to share what I have seen among some in the Independent Baptist world. What am I speaking of? Having someone as Lord and Master of your life who is not named Jesus Christ!

Let’s start with pastors and others in ministry. Most of them would vociferously proclaim that Christ is their Lord and Master, but there is creepy evidence that it is not so. What would be the clearest proof? If some well known person, a known leader, can call you up, tell you something, and it will necessarily bring some change in your course of action, that person is slipping into the role of your master. (I am not especially picking on these leaders because if you are crazy enough to always do what another says you are putting an insurmountable temptation before them–who could resist?)

So there be no misunderstanding, let’s readily admit that it can be a good thing to listen to others. Respect for someone may fairly require a more vigorous due diligence in weighing the issue, but that is all. The question becomes can we, at the end of the day, say “no” and therefore not violate our consciences before Him Who is truly the Master? Often it does not work out this way.

While this is clearly a breach in our Christianity, that is not to say it is easily overcome. The pressure is real, perhaps even relentless. There is the larger group you are part of. If that leader writes you off, you may be done–at least in the circle you are most likely to be accepted in. That is terrifying. If you can muster the courage to withstand that loss, then there are your friends, or maybe even your family, that you could be in very real danger of losing. This is more than many can bear to face. Sad to say, this may not be your imagination running away from you, but a real foreboding of coming events.

Still, for all that agony, we have no right to give away to others Christ’s deserved Lordship. How do we rationalize it? It seems to me that we count the cost but with faltering arithmetic. There is a cost both ways, but we fail in seeing which is truly greater. My suspicion, too, is that we know the Lord will love us if we fail Him, but we figure these others might not. May God grant us a little fortitude

Now let’s turn our attention to the rank and file. Actually it is the same problem with only the slightest variation on a theme. The actors switched. Above it was pastors before well-known leaders and the corresponding peer group, and now it church members before pastors. Everything else is pretty much the same. Pressure. Fear. And finally, failure.

The only apparent difference is that the church member stands in closer proximity to the pastor and might not have the same luxury of sneakiness as the case where the leaders and peer group are miles away.

You would think that pastors would remember how that pressure feels to them and be more gentle with their flocks. Usually, the reverse is true. They must, I suppose, decide that if I am going to be closely watched and have the bit ever held tightly in my mouth, then you people will too. They must, sadly, come to believe that is how the game is played.

But that is not how the game is played. In fact, we are not playing a game. The plan of salvation our Savior wrought is anything but a game. He was ever so serious when He said we were bought with a price. The real pain we feel in pressure and loss of prestige, friends, or even family, is little compared to the pain He gladly suffered for us. We need no further arguments for what we ought to do. We know. It is, only, time to answer the question sincerely: So who is your Lord and Master?

Find all articles in the series here.

 

The Song of Songs by Iain Duguid (TOTC)

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Here is a jewel of a commentary by a writer always worth reading–Iain Duguid. He writes in venerable Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series (TOTC) on a book of the Bible, Song of Solomon, where many commentaries are disappointing. This volume, for me, was a breath of fresh air.


It is a specimen of succinctness while still speaking on all the important issues that larger volumes tackle. (You can do as I did and take a glance at Duane Garrett’s WBC for meticulous detail on interesting subjects raised here). While the old Tyndale volume on the Song by Carr was a good commentary, I found this one more helpful.


For one thing he respects the allegorical approach (or as he explains, a typological approach). He gently discusses where there might be problems, but he also does on the natural approach. He finally comes to a natural interpretation, minus sexual excess, with a dash of typology. I personally would have more a typological approach with a dash of natural interpretation, but I was enriched by this outstanding volume. 


For another, he is talented as a commentary writer wrestling with the text. He has other commentaries out there worth getting too. I found a few places in the text where I disagreed with his conclusions, but again, he writes well and fair. Pastors and Bible students will be glad to get this wonderful, economical commentary. Five stars all the way.

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.



It’s Not Who’s Right, But What’s Right (IBTR #60)

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“It’s not who’s right, but what’s right.” That was the statement I heard someone make that keeps ringing in my ears. How often have we seen the reverse–it’s not what’s right, but who’s right –lived out in front of us? It is a temptation to every group in Christianity, and Independent Baptists certainly have their struggles with it too.

 

When we live under the canopy of who’s right we are reduced to Christian politics. I can think of no two words more ill suited for each other than “Christian” and “politics”. It no longer is what Christ actually said that drives us, but which group is best at following what He said. That may appear a subtle distinction to you, but it is vast.

 

When I follow Christ by following which group or clique best follows him, I am no longer listening directly to Him. Now that is an incredible mistake to make. It is adding a middle man where none is needed. It is denying that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man. It is exalting those to priests in your life who are not worthy of the role.  

 

Over time it makes us forgetful too. We forget we answer to Him. We forget to seek Him. We feel right with Him when we are right with them. We forget that if they are wrong, we will be too by default. Sadly, then we are in a place to not even realize it. 

 

That same gentleman also said, “It’s fraternity instead of orthodoxy.” We must realize that those two things are not the same. Orthodoxy is holding to Scriptures because God said it while fraternity is holding to something because either my buddies or my heroes said it. See the difference?

 

Orthodoxy is me following an infallible Book. Perhaps I will misinterpret it, but I do so from a pure source. Fraternity is me following fallible men who range from sincere to duplicitous. Again, see the difference?

 

This is not to say that some group may not be right–only that is not the point. That is not to say that I may not associate with a group that I feel most closely aligns with God’s Word–only that is not the deciding factor in what I do or believe. No, fraternity, for all its good features, must bow to orthodoxy. And we will answer at the end of the way not for who’s right, but most assuredly, for what’s right. May God help us to never forget it. 

Find all articles in the series here.

 

 

Bible Commentaries

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In the work of preparing sermons and Bible lessons, Bible commentaries are necessary tools. It is my privilege to review books and have now done a few commentaries and plan to do more. Plus I will be doing blog posts on sets and individual books of the Bible. This post will be the index for all such posts going forward.

There are several commentary series being published today. Pastors certainly will not find them to be of equal value. To make it worse, many of these volumes are overly expensive. Only in a few sets do I have all the volumes, but in most I have some volumes and have arrived at an opinion. Such as it is, I will share it here. I plan to update this article going forward as I acquire additional volumes. Here is a discussion of each series with some individual reviews attached.

MAJOR SERIES ON THE WHOLE BIBLE:

1. New American Commentary

The NAC is the pastor’s best option for an exegetical commentary series. The volumes are conservative, of appropriate length, engaging, and helpful. They “interact” with other scholarship without getting bogged down. All the volumes are satisfactory while some of them are standout. Sometimes a few elitist scholars regulate them to little-brother status, but those ministering on the front lines will find them totally superior. In some cases, the scholarly world must confess certain individual volumes stand out. Some criticism turns out to really only a thinly veiled barb at some volumes’ premillennialism. I rejoice that my set is currently complete. The series only lacks a Psalms and Ephesians volume which I hope comes out soon. They should be commended for putting out the series in a timely fashion. In addition, they have the best price structuring of any major series. You can’t miss with this series!

Deuteronomy

Job

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon

Daniel

Matthew

Luke

Acts

1 Corinthians by Mark Taylor

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon

2. Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Revised Edition)

Another conservative series with the whole Bible covered in 13 volumes. If you have the old series, you’ll find that half the authors are different and the others were updated by the original authors. It’s a more succinct approach than some of the other series, but still incredibly helpful. A great set! My appreciation grows with each volume I peruse!

Volume 1 Genesis-Leviticus

Volume 2 Number-Ruth

Volume 3 Samuel-Kings

Volume 4 Chronicles-Job

Volume 5 Psalms

Volume 6 Proverbs-Isaiah

Volume 7 Jeremiah-Ezekiel

Volume 8 Daniel-Malachi

Volume 9 Matthew-Mark

Volume 10 Luke-Acts

Volume 11 Romans-Galatians

Volume 12 Ephesians-Revelation

3. Evangelical Exegetical Commentary

This new series was originally intended to be a digital-only series, but fortunately, they changed their minds and offered print copies for those of us who will have nothing less. This is your series for quality, exhaustive, detailed exegetical help. These early volumes lead me to believe that they will be the best in that category. They are the opposite of the succinct EBC revised series above. Brevity is of no concern, but nothing imaginable is missed. They live up to evangelical too, and for that reason, I love them!

Exodus–2 volumes

Esther

Ephesians

Philippians–2 volumes

1,2,3 John

Jude

4. Kregel Exegetical Commentary

Here is another rival for a commentary to reach to pastors. The series is in the early stages, but if it can continue its quality I predict it will be popular. Slightly more expensive than the NAC, but containing the same helpful qualities. Probably a good priority on your purchasing list. Its release schedule is a little slower than I expected.

Psalms Volume 1
Psalms Volume 2

Psalms Volume 3
Judges and Ruth
Exodus
Chronicles

3. New International Commentary (NICOT & NICNT)

This series has been around almost since Bible times (or so it seems). As a series it is mostly conservative, friendly to pastors, highly respected, but was poorly managed for several years. Some of its earlier volumes (which are quite good and worth picking up used) were replaced decades ago. On the other hand, several books of the Bible have never been blessed with a volume from this series. The volumes are good, but priced a little too high. This series is well worth getting, if you can find volumes reasonably priced. Newer volumes are more academic rather than aimed at pastors as was the case in its earlier history. It does hold a respected place in the scholarly world.

First Samuel

Psalms

Haggai and Malachi
Zechariah

John

First Corinthians (revised)

Colossians

Timothy and Titus

Philemon

James

4. Word Biblical Commentary

A little more scholarly than the NAC and worth owning. My set is complete and I have used many of the volumes. While there are some duds, several volumes are held in high regard. The theological spectrum is a little too broad for my taste, though I love several volumes.The infamous layout is probably not the problem most claim since the series has been around 30 years and we are all used to it. It actually makes it easier for the reader to skip the part pastors would find least helpful and just read the real commentary. This poor series has been snake bitten in delivering us the Acts and 1 Corinthians volumes. Good to see, though, a nearly complete series and one with a sensible revision schedule. More reasonably priced than many series. You might only want some of the volumes in this series.

Joshua

 

6. Anchor Bible Commentary

Famous for archaeology and deep detail. Always fairly liberal and becoming more so with a new editor. Older volumes are easy to pick up second hand. Newer ones are priced way too high to ever have a wide readership. Sometimes you will find a detail that will amaze you and you will find nowhere else while at other times you will be horrified by what you read. Very technical.

7. International Critical Commentary

There is a rumor this series exists but it is priced so high that they apparently were not written to actually be read. You could perhaps mortgage your home or sell a few children and pick up a few copies to rank this one for yourself. The older volumes (pre-1952) can be found used. Think liberal and very technical.

MAJOR SERIES ON THE NEW TESTAMENT

1. Pillar Commentary

This fine series, edited by the eminent D. A. Carson, only tackles the New Testament. Pastors will find its volumes accessible and enjoyable in most cases. (I own and have used about half of them). It is not complete either and I will never understand why its Romans volume by the preeminent scholar Leon Morris would be replaced before we get the first volume on several books of the New Testament. Another series with a little too-high pricing structure, but one you will enjoy having and likely the very best for a series only on the NT.

Luke

Acts

Romans

1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians

 

2. Zondervan Exegetical New Testament Commentary

I’m just getting into this series, but so far I’m really loving it. There’s some Greek, but it’d easy to follow. My appreciation grows with every volume I review.

Mark

Luke

John

Acts

1 Corinthians

Galatians

Ephesians

Colossians and Philemon

Thessalonians

James

1,2,3 John

3. Baker Exegetical Commentary

A series that lacks the fame of the above series, though some are ranked high. I have the two volumes of Luke and the one on Matthew that are good as well as a few others. Not priced as well as some. At this point, I do not rank as high as the other series above. The format is less ideal than ZECNT. Still, you will probably want several of the volumes.

4. New International Greek Testament Commentary

This is a major series. It’s one of the most detailed, scholarly that we have. For that reason, scholars may love it more than pastors. Still, it is impressive.

Matthew

Mark

Romans

I Corinthians

II Corinthians

Colossians and Philemon

Thessalonians

Hebrews

Revelation

MAJOR SERIES ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

1. Apollos Old Testament Commentary

This is a fine series. On the technical side it seems a little below the Word Biblical Commentary series but far better on commentary. Worth checking out, though some volumes may be less conservative than others from reports I have seen. Still, my opinion rises with every new volume I get! A slower release schedule than I expected.

Exodus

Leviticus

Deuteronomy
Joshua
Ruth
Samuel
Kings
Ecclesiastes & Song of Songs
Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

2. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on OT

What has been released so far is outstanding! I love the format!

Ruth

Obadiah

Jonah

3. Baker Old Testament Commentary on OT Wisdom & Psalms

I have only used the volume on Proverbs and it is really good. The other volumes have a good reputation though some have thought the 3 volumes on Psalms went farther left than expected. Only covers five books of the Bible, but the series is complete.

Other Major Series:
My experience with the Hermeneia and Old Testament Library series is that they will not please pastors with their overly technical and liberal offerings. Eerdmans Critical Commentaries are somewhat similar to the Anchor series and will not get much love. The digital-only format they have now switched to will drive away even more. The Black’s NT series (formerly Harper’s) has some worthwhile volumes, but would not be my first pick.  The New Interpreter’s Bible is a big, expensive set that I feel few actually use. The old Broadman’s set is trash dump material. A series entitled Bible Student’s Commentary has excellent volumes translated from Dutch scholars. They are well known for theology but only cover Genesis-Ruth, Isaiah, Matthew, and John.

MID-LEVEL SERIES (More expositional & less technical)

Not only will Sunday School teachers use these types of volumes, but pastors may find them good to arrive at the big picture, or to pick up a few more hints.

1. Tyndale Commentary Series

These are exceptional and I can recommend to anyone. The OT volumes are being reassigned. These are a real help. Work at getting them all. I have loved my complete sets. Several OT volumes have recently been revised and I find them especially helpful. The NT is under revision as well. Economical.

Deuteronomy

Judges and Ruth
Esther
Psalms

Proverbs
Song of Solomon
James
Leviticus
Jeremiah and Lamentations
Haggai, Zechariah & Malachi

Mark

Luke

John

James

2. The Bible Speaks Today

Another outstanding set with some really good contributors. The series is now complete and economical. I enjoy these commentaries and am glad my set is complete. I recommend them all.

Joshua
Kings
Ezra/ Haggai
Esther
Jeremiah
Daniel
Lamentations
Malachi

3. NIV Application Commentary

Think help with application with solid scholarly foundation. Far better on the whole than others of its kind.

Judges & Ruth

Esther

4. IVP New Testament Commentary series

Here’s a helpful series just on the New Testament. Similar to, but better than NIBC.

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Romans

Thessalonians

5. Cambridge Bible For Schools And Colleges

This old series from the late 1800s and early 1900s is well worth looking up on the used market. Solid as the Tyndale series and you will enjoy having both.

6. Old Testament Library & New Testament Library

Here is a critical perspective. I disagree with many conclusions here, but there are many theological insights. It’s helpful to have at least one volume to check that perspective. Most volumes read well.

Ruth

Samuel

Kings

Chronicles

Esther

Job

Proverbs

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Micah

Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah

Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

Mark

Luke

John

Acts

Galatians

 

7. God’s Word For You series

Watch for this new, exciting series. I highly recommend what I have seen so far.
Romans 1-7
Romans 8-16
1 Samuel
Titus

8. New International Biblical Commentary

A little too brief at times, but still valuable. There are a few standout volumes.

9. Daily Study Bible

This is really two sets. William Barclay does the entire NT. He is incredibly interesting but oddly anti-supernatural at times. The OT set ( I have them all) greatly varies both in the level of help and orthodoxy.

10. Communicator’s Commentary

These give homiletic help and are easy to find used. Written by scholarly pastors.

11. Interpretation

Another critical series. Some entries are better than others. A good option to get the critical perspective in usually well-written volumes.

Exodus

Deuteronomy

Ruth

Esther

Isaiah 1-39

Isaiah 40-66

1 Corinthians

Others:

The New Century series (and the old one actually) are rather bland, brief, and liberal. My limited interaction with the Abingdon series has not excited me. The Interpretation series can provide interesting theological comment at times and nonsense at others. If you find cheap used copies of the following, they are worthwhile: Bible Student’s Commentary (Zondervan), Shield Bible Study commentaries, Everyman’s Bible Commentary, Jensen’s Bible Commentaries. They are all older, smaller paperbacks and are worth a dollar or two each.

Though not part of an official series, Cyril Barber has written on most of the historical books. Find them if you can as they are hidden jewels.

SPECIAL EXPOSITIONAL SERIES

Here are some series that are especially helpful to expositors and are less well known. They overlap some with categories above, they make for especially enjoyable reading. Some of them come from the UK and are harder to track down. They tend to be reformed, but all are warm and hold a high view of Scripture. They are strong exactly where exegetical commentaries are weak. Hard to find bargains, but valuable for sure.

1. Mentor

The ones I have had the privilege to use are exceptional.

2. EP Study Commentary

Very similar to Mentor. John Currid is highly regarded in the volumes he did, as are several others. Which is better: Mentor or EP? It is 50-50, and you will be a winner either way.

Acts

3. Focus On The Bible

Smaller but containing a few of my favorites including, especially, the wonderful volumes by Dale Ralph Davis on most of the OT historical books. SS teachers will love, but pastors will too.

It takes time and money to build a good commentary library. Happy searching!

[Revised 3-26-2018]

Related:
Commentary Sets— here is a review of older sets as well as more devotional ones too.
Bible Atlas

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