Recommended Resources
Recommended Resources:
COMMENTARY

Note: Links to Christianbook and Amazon are paid links, meaning I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases. - Greg Williamson/AC21DOJ

Commentary recommended by: BestCommentaries.com | Best Bible Commentaries | DesiringGod.org | Ligonier Ministries | Tim Challies

Article: Carson Explains What Makes a Good Commentary

Single Volume | Multi Volume: OT+NT / NT | FREE Online

Single Volume
One-volume Bible commentaries are designed for width more than depth. They typically include brief introductions to Bible books and, while key thoughts from key verses are included, they tend to cover several verses (or even whole chapters) at a time rather than each individual verse. One-volume commentaries are great for the new Christian who desires to know what the Bible teaches without feeling overwhelmed by tons of information and/or technical details. That said, one-volume commentaries can also benefit the seasoned Bible student in need of a quick, brief explanation and/or overview such as for devotional reading. (See excerpts for a commentary comparison using Mark 1:1.) (AC21DOJ)

Believer's Bible Commentary
William MacDonald and Arthur Farstad | (excerpt)
Author William MacDonald has compiled an insightful and applicable commentary, with introductions, notes, and bibliog raphies for each book of the Bible. This commentary is both a verse-by-verse exposition (in the New Testament, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes) and a paragraph-by-paragraph exposition (all other Old Testament books). Passages in the Old Testament which point toward Christ are given special attention. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon (2nd ed./2016) | Christianbook (2nd ed./2016)
Ebook: e-Sword | Logos 

The Big Book of Bible Difficulties: Clear and Concise Answers from Genesis to Revelation
(formerly: When Critics Ask: A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties)
Norman L. Geisler and Thomas Howe | (excerpt)
Increase your confidence in God's Word and learn to defend its integrity -- even in the face of difficult questions! Geisler and Howe's comprehensive volume offers answers to over 800 questions often raised by skeptics, critics, and cults that misuse isolated verses. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament
{Technical}
(Various)
Readers of the New Testament often encounter quotes or allusions to the Old Testament that may be unfamiliar or obscure. [This resource features] a distinguished team of scholars to isolate, catalog, and comment on both the obvious Old Testament quotations and the more subtle allusions found in the New Testament. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible
(now: Baker Commentary on the Bible)
(Various) | (excerpt)
The purpose of this commentary, is to help the average reader of the Bible understand what the text says. Using the NIV as a basis for its comments, this commentary is a totally new work, not a reprint or a revised edition. Thirty-eight contributors representing some of the finest American evangelical scholars present their articles in clear, easy-to-understand language. (Logos)
Book: Amazon (new ed.) | Christianbook (new ed.)
Ebook: Logos (new ed.)

Hard Sayings of the Bible
Walter C. Kaiser Jr., Peter Davids, F. F. Bruce, and Manfred T. Brauch
Biblical scholars ... offer this handy reference compiled from five earlier Hard Sayings books. The short, easy-to-read historical, cultural, and linguistic explanations help you interpret the meanings of 500 perplexing passages and show their relevance for believers today. (Christianbook) - Publisher's Preface (pdf)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: e-Sword | Logos 

KJV Bible Commentary
(Various) | (excerpt)
For readers of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, this commentary is a must have. Both practical and doctrinal, this work draws on the expertise of top evangelical scholars to offer a complete, verse-by-verse commentary on the entire Bible. The goal of this commentary is to offer a complete, authoritative explanation of the meaning of each book of the Bible, and the Bible as a whole. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos

Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary
(Various) | (excerpt)
At last -- a comprehensive, illustrated Bible commentary you don't need a Ph.D. to use! Compiled by leading evangelical scholars, this wonderful resource is designed to put the latest scholarship and historical research at the fingertips of ordinary believers. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon 
Ebook: e-Sword | Logos 

New Bible Commentary
(Various) | (excerpt)
For 40 years, the New Bible Commentary has set the standard for works of its kind. Now in this completely revised fourth edition (including over 80% new and updated material), the best one-volume commentary is now even better. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos

Revelation: Four Views
Steven Gregg
[This resource] is a comprehensice, even-handed resource that offers a clear, fair presentation of the four most important interpretations of the book, allowing you to evaluate and decide for yourself which view is most convincing. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon (rev. ed./2012) | Christianbook (rev. ed./2012)
Ebook: Logos

The Words and Works of Jesus Christ
J. Dwight Pentecost
The words, the miracles, and overarching message of the Messiah come alive in flowing and detailed chronology, set against the cultural, political, and religious setting of his day. You'll gain new understanding of why Jesus came, how he operated, and what he accomplished. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon 

**Also see: BIBLE VERSIONS + STUDY BIBLES**

BackToTop

Multi-Volume: OT + NT
In general, multi-volume Bible commentaries are much more detailed than one-volume commentaries. Depending on its aim and purpose, a multi-volume commentary will include lots of information related to historical background, the original language (Hebrew/Greek), and/or personal application. Multi-volume commentaries vary widely in regard to the amount and types of information they provide depending on their intended audience -- scholar, pastor, or avid Bible student. A word of caution: Because quality among individual volumes within a set can vary greatly, not every volume of a commentary set generally considered excellent will in fact be so. (See excerpts for a commentary comparison using Mark 1:1.) (AC21DOJ)

The Bible Exposition Commentary
{Devotional}
Warren Wiersbe | (excerpt)
Countless pastors, teachers, and students have pored over the best-selling Be series -- and now these insightful studies are available in one complete set for a spectacular price! From Genesis to Revelation, Wiersbe unpacks the meaning and message of Scripture with a skilled exposition that remains ever-mindful of practical application. (Christianbook) - OT Foreword (pdf) | NT Foreword (pdf)
Book: Amazon link  | Christianbook link
Ebook: Logos: OT /  NT 

The Bible Speaks Today
{Devotional}
(Various) (list of authors) | (excerpt)
The Bible Speaks Today series, according to John Stott, is characterized by the following threefold ideal:

(Logos) - Preface (pdf)
Book: Christianbook  (NT) | (See here for Amazon & Christianbook links to individual volumes)
Ebook: LogosOT / NT 

The New American Commentary
{Pastoral}
(Various) (list of authors) | (excerpt)
In its attempt to make a unique contribution to the Christian community, the New American Commentary focuses on two concerns. First, the commentary emphasizes how each section of a book fits together so that the reader becomes aware of the theological unity of each book and of Scripture as a whole. The writers, however, remain aware of the Bible's inherently rich variety. Second, the New American Commentary is produced with the conviction that the Bible primarily belongs to the church. Scholarship and the academy provide an indispensable foundation for biblical understanding and the service of Christ, but the editors and authors of this series have attempted to communicate the findings of their research in a manner that will build up the whole body of Christ. Thus, the commentary concentrates on theological exegesis, while providing practical, applicable exposition. (Logos) - Preface (pdf)
Book: (See here for Amazon & Christianbook links to individual volumes)
Ebook: Logos 

The New International Commentary on the Old & New Testaments
{Technical} {Pastoral}

Old Testament
(Various) (list of authors)
All of the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications. (eStudySource)
Book: Amazon link | Christianbook link | (See here for Amazon & Christianbook links to individual volumes)
Ebook: e-Sword link | Logos link (OT+NT)

New Testament (excerpt)
(Various) (list of authors)
ECPA winner: 1 Corinthians (original ed.)
Since its formation by an international team of NT scholars, the NICNT series has become recognized by pastors, students, and scholars alike as a scholarly yet faithful commentary marked by the best of evangelical biblical scholarship. These volumes offer the best of scholarship while remaining faithful to the infallible Word of God. (eStudySource)
Book: (See here for Amazon & Christianbook links to individual volumes)
Ebook: e-Sword link | Logos link (OT+NT)

The NIV Application Commentary
{Pastoral} {Devotional}
(Various) (list of authors) | (excerpt)
This award-winning series helps you understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its original context. All the elements of traditional exegesis -- in concise form—are discussed. But the authors don't stop there -- they bridge the gap between the world of the Bible and the world of today, between the original context and the contemporary context, by focusing on both the timely and timeless aspects of the text. The authors dwell on the contemporary significance of the Bible by focusing on contemporary contexts in which the Bible can be applied today. (Logos) - Introduction (pdf)
Book: Amazon (NT) | Christianbook (NT) | (See here for Amazon & Christianbook links to individual volumes)
Ebook: Logos: OT / NT / OT+NT

Preaching the Word Commentary
{Pastoral} {Devotional}
(various) (list of authors) | (excerpt)
Noted for its steadfast commitment to biblical authority, its readability, and its clear exposition of Scripture, the Preaching the Word Series is an ideal resource for pastors, teachers, and those seeking to enrich their personal Bible study. This set of commentaries on the Old and New Testaments is edited by renowned pastor, R. Kent Hughes, of College Church in Wheaton Illinois. In this collection, experienced pastors exemplify expository preaching and provide practical applications of 45 books of the Bible, as well as the Sermon on the Mount. (Logos)
Book: Amazon (NT set) | Christianbook (NT set) | (See here for Amazon & Christianbook links to individual volumes)
Ebook: Logos

Tyndale Commentary Series
{Pastoral} {Devotional}
(Various) (list of authors) | (excerpt)
An outstanding set with a deserved reputation of reliability, accessibility, and relevance. Penned by distinguished scholars, each volume's introduction offers in-depth information on the authorship, date, and historical background -- while commentary examines main themes, individual verses, and challenges of interpretation. Essential for pastors, students, and anybody who needs a trustworthy commentary in succinct English. (Christianbook) - Preface (pdf)
Book: Christianbook
Ebook: Logos

Understanding the Bible Commentary Series
W. W. Gasque, R. L. Hubbard Jr., R. K. Johnson, gen. eds.
This user-friendly commentary series helps any reader navigate the Bible's sometimes-difficult terrain. Each of the 36 volumes breaks down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds, revealing the power and meaning of the biblical texts to contemporary readers. ... The Understanding the Bible Commentary Series offers pastors, students, and laypeople commitment to accessibility without sacrificing serious scholarship. (Logos) - Foreword (pdf)
Book: Christianbook
Ebook: Logos 

Word Biblical Commentary
{Technical}
(Various) (list of authors) | (excerpt)
The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship. (Logos)
Book: (See here for Amazon & Christianbook links to individual volumes)
Ebook: Logos

BackToTop

Multi-Volume: NT only
Baker's New Testament Commentary
{Technical} {Pastoral}
(Various) list of authors | (excerpt)
ECPA winner: Acts | Romans | 1 Corinthians
[This resource] is the only complete commentary on the New Testament written solely from a Reformed perspective. The award-winning twelve-volume hardcover set features verse-by-verse exegesis and applications, critical notes on the Greek text, chapter summaries. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon
Ebook: Logos

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series
{Devotional}
(Various) (list of authors) | (excerpt)
Pastors with a passion for sound exposition and scholars with a heart for pastoral leadership have joined forces to produce this exciting, accessible, and informative commentary series. Each volume, informed by the best of up-to-date evangelical scholarship, presents passage-by-passage commentary based on the NIV along with background information on authorship, setting, theme and various interpretive issues. A unique format allows the main commentary to focus on the vital message of the New Testament book being studied for today's church, while bottom-of-the-page notes include valuable scholarly information to support those who use the volumes as a resource for preaching or teaching preparation. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: e-Sword | Logos | FREE BibleGateway online version

Life Application Bible Commentary: New Testament
{Devotional} {Pastoral}
(Various) (list of authors) | (excerpt)
The Life Application Bible Commentary takes the popular Life Application Bible and greatly expands the amount of information given, for a fuller and deeper look at the Bible. This set, which includes commentaries on the entire New Testament, offers a cohesive look at the major themes, issues, and doctrines that Christians are seeking to apply in their own lives. It's numerous maps, charts, diagrams, quotes and illustrations make it extremely useful in helping Christians to grow in their understanding and maturity. (Christianbook)
Book: Amazon | Christianbook
Ebook: Logos

The New International Commentary on the New Testament
{Technical} {Pastoral}
(Various) (list of authors) | (excerpt)
ECPA winner: 1 Corinthians (original ed.)
Since its formation by an international team of NT scholars, the NICNT series has become recognized by pastors, students, and scholars alike as a scholarly yet faithful commentary marked by the best of evangelical biblical scholarship. These volumes offer the best of scholarship while remaining faithful to the infallible Word of God. (eStudySource)
Book: (See here for Amazon & Christianbook links to individual volumes)
Ebook: e-Sword link | Logos link (OT+NT)

The New International Greek Testament Commentary
{Technical}
(Various) (list of authors) | (excerpt)
This commentary series is established on the presupposition that the theological character of the New Testament documents calls for exegesis that is sensitive to theological themes as well as to the details of the historical, linguistic, and textual context. Such thorough exegetical work lies at the heart of these volumes, which contain detailed verse-by-verse commentary preceded by general comments on each section and subsection of the text. (Logos) - Foreword (pdf)
Book: (See here for Amazon & Christianbook links to individual volumes)
Ebook: Logos link

Pillar New Testament Commentary
{Pastoral} {Technical}
(Various) (list of authors) | (excerpt)
Designed both for serious students and for general readers of the Bible, the PNTC volumes seek above all to make clear the meaning of the text of Scripture as we have it. The scholars writing these volumes interact with the most important, informed contemporary debate yet avoid undue technical detail. The result is a blend of rigorous exegesis and exposition, scholarship and pastoral sensitivity, with an eye alert both to biblical theology and to the contemporary relevance of the Bible. (Logos) - Series Preface (pdf)
Book: Amazon  (See here for Amazon & Christianbook links to individual volumes)
Ebook: Logos: here & here 

Socio-Rhetorical Commentary
{Technical}
(Various) (list of authors) | (excerpt)
Examine the New Testament in greater depth with the Socio-Rhetorical Commentary Series. This 10-volume collection offers the first sustained attempt to read and study the New Testament as both an ancient biography (as regards the Gospels) and as a form of ancient rhetoric. Using sociorhetorical criticism, the New Testament is interpreted within the context of the world in which it was written and read -- the rhetorical method makes use of ancient or classical writings and strategies of communication, while the social science method notes issues of cultures and customs. (Logos)
Book: (See here for Amazon & Christianbook links to individual volumes)
Ebook: Logos 

BackToTop

Free Online

BackToTop