I’d like to form a resource for teachers, preachers, and students of the Bible. What are some of the most helpful commentaries or study resources for the 27 books of the New Testament?
Please respond in the comments with the book, name of the commentary series (if that applies), and the author. A sentence or two review of why you find it helpful would also be nice, but not necessary. I’ll compile your suggestions and publish them here in a later post.
I’ll get things started by suggesting one of my favorite commentaries. This is one that I’ve gone back to numerous times. Given the fact that the Revised Common Lectionary will take many communities through the Gospel of Luke this year, this recommendation may be especially timely: The Gospel of Luke (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)
I look forward to hearing from you in the comments – your vote for most helpful New Testament commentary.
Previous post: My Oldest Son Turned 11
Next post: Preparing for Lent: Renewal and Rest
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
“Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels” by Kenneth E. Bailey – An excellent look at several Gospel texts, allowing insight into the middle eastern culture context of Jesus world and time. Excellent.
“Matthew: Brazos Theological Commentary of the Bible” by Stanley Hauerwas – A wonderful and accessible exploration of the Gospel of Matthew by the noted theologian. Refreshing and challenging.
Thanks Jamie – I was hoping to hear from you, especially on Matthew!
I’ve enjoyed following your walk through the sermon on the mount there at your blog – I think it is, in itself, a great resource.
Look forward to checking out the Bailey resource – I’ve gone back to his Peasant’s Eyes/Poet and Peasant many times. Good stuff!
What is Jamie’s blog address? I am always looking for new insights on the SOTM!!
Hi Darryl – I think you can just click on his name/picture from one of his comments to get to Jamie’s blog home. Here is the link to the most recent entry in his SOTM series: http://www.missional.ca/2010/02/ask-seek-knock-sotm-13/ -
Thanks for checking in. I’d love to hear any suggestions you have for N.T. resources -
Thanks Wayne. Hopefully my book on the Sermon on the Mount will someday be considered an important resource. Time will tell!
This may not be exactly what you are looking for, but there is an online resource Study Guide for the entire ESV bible at http://www.esvstudybible.org/search?q=Matthew
You have to sign up for an account there to use the study guide resource or you can purchase an ESV bible to get unlimited access. The ESV study guide is very well done. I have enjoyed reading the letters of Paul and also, Revelation with this guide close by.
Thank you, PaulFan – I appreciate the link and the resource there at the ESV site.
Good to hear from you!
Wayne
Forgive the outdated look on the website, Wayne, but we are running a four-part series on NT commentaries at http://www.catalystresources.org/. Right now, the November 2009 issue is still on the homepage, but this should be moved to the archives shortly — replaced by the February 2010 issue. March and April are on the way. I wrote the essay on the Gospels & Acts. If I were doing writing it today, I would say even more positive things about the NIGTC commentaries by Nolland (Matthew) and France (Mark). I’ve worked with them more since I wrote that essay and have been even more impressed. Even with a little Greek, one can make use of their good insights.
It’s not a commentary, but the new book by Kavin Rowe, _World Upside Down_ (Oxford University Press) is a fresh and important theological study of the Acts of the Apostles.
Joel – thanks so much for the link. Definitely will be looking for the subsequent issues.
Thank you for stopping in and contributing!
Wayne-
Darrell Bock has a 2-volume commentary (Baker Academic) on Luke that I have been reading that is both helpful and insightful.
http://www.barbarabrowntaylor.com/_i_feasting_on_the_word__preaching_the_revised_common_lectionary__i___westminste_77386.htm
The above commentary set is based off of the RCL and looks promising offering 4 essays on each of the 4 texts for the week.