Have you ever looked for a book to give newer Christians, or those who are struggling with understanding in Bible reading, help with grasping the Bible? You might want to check out this volume by Drs. William H. Boyd and Boyd Seevers and published by Bethany House.

Their stated aim is illuminating the big picture in each of the 66 books of the Bible. Most of the books of the Bible get 3-6 pages to help you get oriented before you begin reading. Key books, like the Gospels, get a little extra coverage. The volume covers setting, summary, and significance for each book. Setting and summary are helpful while significance by necessity is selective.

Space constraints mean they are selective in what they share. Some aspect you feel should be discussed might be missing, but the most critical ones are mentioned usually.

I do not feel this is a volume pastors or experienced Bible students will consult as much as some others, but for its real audience–beginners in Bible study–it is quite valuable. As a pastor, I would gladly recommend this book to those who come for help in getting more out of personal Bible reading.

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.

Do you need a quality exegetical commentary on an area of Scripture that is, comparatively, poorly served? You might, then, want to check out this newest title in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series. Though this is my first title from the series, this volume on Kings by Lissa Wray Beal shows this series one to consider. On a technical level, it has some comparison to the World Biblical Commentary series in my view.

The commentary was actually more conservative than I expected. There wasn’t endless discussions about sources. The commentary focused on the text we have. The introduction was enlightening in many ways. I personally could not agree with the author’s chronological conclusions. Thiele is a truer guide in that area in my judgment.

Since I have especially studied the lives of Elijah and Elisha, I really focused on that area in this volume. The comments were helpful and at times spiritually insightful. The exegetical judgments were reasonable and the conclusions often sound. Of course there are points where I would disagree. For example, I don’t see the evidence in stating that the account of Elisha is compiled from all over his ministry and put in II Kings 4 rather than being true chronologically.

Pastors will find the “Comments” section superior to the “Form and Structure” one. Every verse is discussed, which is essential in a good exegetical commentary. As a pastor myself, if forced to have only two exegetical commentaries on Kings, I would choose the NAC volume by Paul House and this fine commentary. This commentary is worthy of your consideration.

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.

Are you looking for an excellent exegetical commentary on I Corinthians? Are you a pastor or teacher who wants help without the scholarly side paths that mar many modern commentaries? Look no farther than the latest entry the New American Commentary series published by B & H Publishing.

The brief introduction helps get your orientation before he delves into quality commentary. Don’t let the size fool you. Spend some time in the footnotes and you will see Mr. Taylor needs feel no inferiority to authors of larger works. He has sifted much before he comes to conclusions.

As a test of this volume’s quality, I really analyzed his commentary on oft-debated passages. As you know, I Corinthians has no shortage of them. Chapter 5 with its incest and church discipline was well covered. Whether you would agree with him or not, you : a) knew what the issues were, b) knew the main opinions held, c) knew what Mr. Taylor concluded. That is what makes a good commentary in my judgment. He was equally good on marriage and divorce in chapter 7 and following.

This series is, perhaps, the best for the pastor. I have them all and use them. I am glad just a handful remain to be published before the entire Bible will be covered. As an added bonus, it has the best price structure of any series. I give this volume the highest recommendation!

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.

Do you need a really quality commentary on Judges and Ruth? Look no farther than this latest in the Kregel Exegetical Commentary series, this time by Robert Chisholm. Mr. Chisholm has 30 years teaching this portion of Scripture under his belt and it shows. Though a major commentary, this volume is effectively aimed at pastors and teachers. Instead of the rubbish approach of “speculative fancy that litters the history of biblical higher criticism”, he takes the superior and helpful “literary-theological” approach. That means he takes the text as he finds it! As a pastor, I am glad to have this book.

His Introduction for Judges is extensive and covers all the issues we might wonder about as well as the issues that scholars wrestle with. Chronological questions are the trickiest, but whether you finally come down where Mr. Chisholm did or not, you will for sure have the information to decide for yourself. The section entitled “What Is The Point Of Judges?” is exceptionally good. In addition, the section on female characters, of which Judges has many, is fascinating as a backdrop for the abject failure of men in those dark days. Preachers will love his suggestions on how to approach preaching the book as well.

The commentary itself is good. Just look at, for example, his explanation of Jeththah’s vow or of the Levite and his concubine shows he will tackle hard passages with verve. He thoroughly gives the different viewpoints, yet never fails to argue passionately for his point of view. I so prefer that approach whether I agree with the commentator’s conclusion or not.

He is equally as good on Ruth. I was unconvinced on his arguments against Daniel Block on the wrongness of Naomi’s sons marrying Moabites, but feel I know the issues involved like never before. There is no skepticism here.

In this second release in this series, Kregel is batting one thousand. If they can keep this level of quality, I say keep them coming!

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 . 

Related article: Psalms Volume 1- Kregel Exegetical

When the Apostles turned to their Bible, what was it for them? In clear, accessible style, Gareth Lee Cockerill shows us that it is what we call the Old Testament. More than that, he rescues the Old Testament from the oblivion that some would banish it to. He discusses it with gusto because he believes it is critical for Christians today. Unlike many scholars, he follows what the New Testament told Christians to do with the Old Testament–1 Corinthians 10:11 “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.“–that is, mine its pages for great spiritual treasure! Thank you Mr. Cockerill.

This book succeeds on every level. It accomplishes its goal of reigniting passion for the Old Testament. In reading it you get a good overview or even an Old Testament survey. Even better, you get it without the dryness that some scholars are ever handicapped to write with. As a substantial bonus, and what separates this book from many competitors, there is real application for the Bible student or pastor scattered all along the way. The Charts added real value as well. They actually taught something. I was particularly blessed as seeing the parts and the whole in a better way.

The Appendix on “Why are these books in our Old Testament?” was exceptional. With all the critical questions on the Canon being thrown around today, I can hardly think of a more succinct presentation. He lands where many of us believe. In a small compass you really got the help you need.

I enjoyed reading this volume straight through, now it will find its way onto my shelves for reference when I begin study of a new book. Such books have always proven a great boon to me.

I read this book thinking I wish more scholars wrote this way. On every page I felt that Mr. Cockerill believes– he really believes! That is more of a problem in the scholarly world than some realize. I know he is a respected scholar because he has recently released a major commentary on Hebrews (that makes sense) in the prestigious NICNT series. I want to get that book now too.

A+ all the way here. I recommend it for Bible teachers and pastors, but studious layman can handle it too. Master this volume’s contents and a better Bible understanding you will have.

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.