New Testament Commentary on CD-ROM
By Simon J. Kistemaker & William Hendriksen / Baker

Quality evangelical scholarship, comprehensive coverage, instant accessibility---now you can access Kistemaker and Hendriksen's award-winning series electronically! The only complete New Testament commentary from a Reformed perspective * Penetrating verse-by-verse comments and practical applications * Fresh translations of every book * Critical notes on the Greek text * Chapter summaries * Libronix compatible * 128MB RAM * Windows 98/00/ME/XP

WORDsearch 7 MacArthur New Testament Commentary on CD-ROM
By Wordsearch Corp.

New Testament, Intervarsity Press Bible Background Commentary
By Craig Keener / Inter-varsity Press

This one-of-a-kind commentary takes you verse by verse through the New Testament and explains the cultural background of each passage. Its wealth of helps---glossaries of cultural terms and important historical figures, maps, charts, and timelines---makes other reference works obsolete. Want more? It has up-to-date bibliographies and tips for using all this great material for preaching, teaching, and personal study times. 800 pages, hardcover.

I snapped this up as soon as it came on the market. It provides up-to-date background material unavailable elsewhere. Best of all, it is in book-chapter-and-verse order so that you can easily relate its insights to the text you are studying. —Steve

The Victor Bible Background Commentary: New Testament
By Lawrence Richards / Cook Communications

Want to teach God's Word more effectively and understand it more clearly? This commentary pays special attention to the New Testament passages that are the most teachable and preachable. Each chapter features an overview of the teaching unit; word studies; and background, interpretation, and application of passages.

Note: This book is identical to sku #61507: New Testament Life & Times.

Richards is well known as an expert in teaching techniques. Look to this volume for the teaching application; Keener's work above is probably better for cultural background. —Steve

New Testament Background Commentary: A new dictionary of words, phrases and situations in Bible order
By W. Harold Mare / Christian Focus Public

The New Testament is a fascinating collection of documents that illuminate the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. It contains an amazing number of details in its texts that can easily be lost on the modern mind. This means that the full impact can pass by the reader, yet sometimes that snippet of information has major consequences for the meaning of the passage.

Although commentaries are of some use, they cannot always pause long enough to develop the detail as they explain the main teaching of the passage. Bible dictionaries are helpful, but they are more interested in expressing the meaning of words rather than the significance of situations.

Harold Mare has helped the modern reader by combing the best elements of both in his New Testament Background Commentary. It is both a commentary and a dictionary of words, phrases, and situations that shed light on the point the writer is making. He accomplishes this by placing the explanations in Bible order so that it is easy to access the background comments of this book as you read through the Bible passage.

Hellenistic Commentary on the New Testament
By M.E. Boring, K. Berger & C. Colpe, eds. / Abingdon Press

(PUBAbingdon) Arranged in canonical order for ease of use, this is the only complete collection of Hellenistic texts relating to the New Testament available in English: Greco-Roman authors, Jewish literature, papyri, Nag Hammadi sources, early church fathers, rabbinic writings. 798 pages, hardcover.

This is another volume I snapped up as soon as it was available. Unfortunately, very little about Hellenistic background can be found even in some of the best commentaries. This volume gather the most relevant information into one, easy-to-use reference. Sometimes, however, you may share my experience of failing to see the pertinence of the parallels. Yet too much information is much preferred over too little. —Steve

Parallel Commentary on the NT
By C. Spurgeon, J. Wesley & M. Henry / Amg Publishers

Dig deeper into Scripture with giants of the faith! Providing a unique opportunity for comparing the perspectives of three classic commentators, this probing resource pairs the complete KJV text with portions of Charles Spurgeon's sermons on the left-hand pages and excerpts of the writings of John Wesley and Matthew Henry on the right-hand pages. Approx. 1200 pages, hardcover from AMG.

Keep in mind that the most recent of these is about 150 years old. Yet comments by any one of these three giants of expository insight are worth considering. Much of what is available here you can read online for free (see my "Depths – Mind" pages.  —Steve

Parallel Classic Commentary on the New Testament
By John Calvin et al., compiled & edited by Mark Water / Amg Publishers

Here's your opportunity to compare the perspectives of conservative evangelical thinkers with the interpretations of John Calvin. This probing resource pairs the complete KJV text with portions of the Reformer's writings on the left-hand pages and excerpts from the works of Adam Clarke, Robert Haldane, Martin Luther, F. B. Meyer, and others on the right-hand pages. 1200 pages, hardcover from AMG.

All of these centuries-old expositons are still being used because they are so good and helpful. —Steve

The Expositor's Bible Commentary-Abridged Volume 2: New Testament
By Kenneth Barker / Zondervan Corp.

If your Bible study needs call for more than a brief one-volume commentary but less than a large expensive set, The Expositor's Bible Commentary - Abridged Edition is indispensable. An abridgment of the critically acclaimed Expositor's Bible Commentary, this Gold Medallion Award-winning resource gives you in two volumes all the essential information and practical insights of the original twelve-volume set while trimming off cumbersome technical details. For Scholarliness, usefulness, convenience, and excellence in design, The Expositor's Bible Commentary-Abridged Edition shines. It is one member of your core reference library that you'll reach for often for the depth it brings to your Bible study. Formerly titled Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the New Testament
By John Walvoord / Cook Communications

Our best-selling "small" commentary set for laypeople is The Bible Knowledge Commentary duo, edited by John Walvoord and Roy Zuck. (We call it "small" because it's just one volume on the Old Testament and one on the New---but in every other way this set is BIG!) Each Bible book is introduced and outlined, then clearly and reliably explained, passage by passage. Maps, charts, and diagrams will expand and enrich your understanding. Based on the NIV. 2580 pages total, two hardcovers, Victor.

If you get this volume, keep in mind that Walvoord was one of the leading voices of dispensational premillennialism. —Steve

Courson's Application Commentary: New Testament
By Jon Courson / Thomas Nelson / W

In a unique blend of pertinent information and inspiration, this commentary sheds light in a fresh way on the timeless truths of God's Word. Courson has amassed a wealth of interesting topics in a very readable and comfortable expositional style. He combines a thorough and comprehensive teaching of every paragraph of Scripture in the New Testament along with practical in-depth topical studies. His unique ability to articulate insightful spiritual truths with valid life applications makes this commentary a valuable tool for anyone who wants to be a witness for Jesus Christ in the twenty-first century and for those who teach from the pulpit each week.

Jon Courson is an Associate Pastor to Chuck Smith at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California. Calvary Chapel is a worldwide ministry with 25,000 members, more than 1200 churches in the United States, and 2,500 churches worldwide. He is the author of more than 1,500 Bible teachings, devotional writings, and topical studies as well as A Future and a Hope and A Place for You. Pastor Jon's Searchlight Radio program is heard around the world.

Features: verse by verse devotional exposition, 179 Topical studies/sermons laced throughout the commentary, background illustrations and colorful information, and insights that are both relevant and vivid.

Jewish New Testament Commentary
By David Stern / Messianic Jewish Publishers

The Jewish New Testament Commentary deals with "Jewish issues" that confront readers of the New Testament --questions Jews have about Yeshua (Jesus), the New Testament and Christianity; questions Christians have about Judaism and the Jewish roots of their faith; and questions Messianic Jews have about being both Jewish and Messianic. It is a companion volume to the Jewish New Testament, Stern's translation from the original Greek into English in a way that brings out its essential Jewishness.

The author calls this a "consciousness-raising" commentary. The reader should come away understanding that the New Testament is a Jewish book--written by Jews, largely about Jews, and was meant for both Jews and Gentiles. Jews should know that the New Testament presents Yeshua from Natzeret (Nazareth) as the Son of David, Israel's long-awaited Messiah, essential for Jewish individual and corporate salvation. Christians should be certain that they are forever one with the Jewish people, and that the New Testament gives no ground for anti-Semitism in any form.

Woman's Evangelical Commentary: New Testament
By Edited by Dorothy Kelley Patterson & Rhonda H. Kelley / Broadman / Holman

This is the first volume in The Women's Evangelical Library. This commentary is written and edited by women for women. The editors and writers of this commentary believe the complementarian view of the relationship between men and women most accurately represents God intent as expressed in Scripture. This view is often caricatured and greatly distorted by both the secular media and some church leaders. This commentary enables readers to move beyond those caricatures and see God's marvelous design and plan for men and women.

The Holman Christian Standard Bible is the primary English translation, since this translation shares with the commentary editors and writers a passion for accurately presenting what the Scriptures say without distortion or augmentation by 21st-Century social agendas. In addition to careful interpretation of the text, this commentary includes extended discussion and application of passages that speak to issues of special concern to women. This commentary features introductory background (author, recipients, setting, outline and themes), charts, maps, and word studies, verse-by-verse exposition, character sketches of women, pronunciation guide for difficult names or places, archaeological notes, devotional insights and inspirational notes, and a suggested bibliography for further study.

"Complementarian" means that God has assigned to men and women roles that are distinct, each from the other, and yet that dovetail in such a way that each fulfills what the other lacks. I believe that this is truly what is taught in Scripture about gender roles. This volume should be helpful, because it gives special attention to women's concerns, something far too many commentaries written by men fail to do. —Steve

Life Application New Testament Commentary
By Bruce Barton, ed. / Tyndale House

Based on the best-selling series, Barton's handy single-volume commentary offers practical, concise insights on every verse in the New Testament. Pastors, students, and Bible teachers can access useful background information without getting bogged down in cumbersome details. A streamlined, straightforward resource offering clarity of understanding and practical application of the biblical text. 1026 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

Bible Commentary, New Testament
By Warren Wiersbe / Thomas Nelson / W

Nelson's Pocket Reference Bible Commentary of the New Testament covers every book of the Bible. Its comprehensive chapter-by-chapter commentary is in a convenient, easy-to-use pocket-size format.

The Applied New Testament Commentary
By Tom Hale / Cook Communications

An award-winning commentary that makes God's Word more understandable and relevant to your life. Hale and Thorson's extensive life applications, word definitions, articles on important Christian concepts, clear explanations, and book introductions use uncomplicated language and a non-denominational emphasis. 1064 pages, hardcover from Kingsway.

The People's New Testament Commentary
By M. Eugene Boring & Fred B. Craddock / Westminster / John Knox

Do you have questions about the New Testament? Boring and Craddock provide honest, trustworthy answers as they examine the theological themes and messages of Scripture that speak to the life of discipleship. This one-volume commentary examines theological themes relating to discipleship and clarifies historical, cultural, geographical, literary, and translation issues and is the perfect resource for clergy and church schoolteachers alike, who seek a reference tool midway between a study Bible and a multivolume commentary on the Bible.

Boring is a good scholar on biblical background, and Craddock is famous for his teaching and books on expository preaching. This one should be good. —Steve

Pocket Bible New Testament Commentary
By Warren Wiersbe / Thomas Nelson / W

This pocket-sized commentary is designed to be a supplement to your Bible and not a substitute for it. Its main purpose is to assist you in discovering and applying some of the basic spiritual lessons found in Scripture. Explanations of difficult texts are given where needed, but this is not an explanatory commentary for the most part. This is part of the Nelson's Pocket Reference Series. [TOP]

The NIV Application Commentary on the New Testament on CD ROM
By Zondervan Corp.

Imagine a freight train full of biblical research and practical application---supercharged with the sports-car speed of computer software. That's what this program delivers to your desktop! Superb for pastors, teachers, and small-group leaders, it harnesses the top-notch scholarship and rich contemporary insights of the 20-volume commentary to the swift search and navigation of Pradis. 64MB RAM, Windows 98/00/ME/XP. From Zondervan.

WORDsearch 7 Life Application Commentary of the New Testament on CD-ROM
By Wordsearch Corp.

Access all the resources of this popular conservative reference set without rearranging your library shelves. The NIV/NRSV-based commentary features verse-by-verse practical exposition with quotable insights from Calvin, Luther, Charles Wesley, A. W. Tozer, C. S. Lewis, and others. Discusses major themes, issues, and doctrines; and includes an extensive bibliography. No original language knowledge required. 64MB RAM; Windows 98SE/00/XP.

New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT), 16 Volumes
By Edited by Gordon D. Fee / Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Comprehensive and accessible, the New International Commentary on the New Testament is one of the most highly regarded resources of current scholarship. Prepared by world-renowned authorities, it reflects exacting study of the original Greek and offers careful exegesis with preachers' and teachers' concerns in mind. Critical comments are footnoted; grammatical, textual, and historical details are appended. New International Commentary on the New Testament comprises 16 volumes in hardcover published by Eerdmans. Titles include: Gospel of Mark, Gospel of Luke, Gospel of John, Acts, Romans, 1st Corinthians, 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians/Philemon/Ephesians, Philppians, Thessalonians, Hebrews, James, 1st Peter, Epistles of John, and Revelation.

Highly recommended for their careful exegesis, conservative theological stance, and practical application. Many of these volumes are among the best New Testament commentaries available in English. —Steve

The Bible Exposition Commentary: New Testament, 2 volumes
By Warren Wiersbe / Cook Communications

Warren Wiersbe's Biblical Expositors series (BE) has captured the hearts of readers with its clear, concise look at biblical life and meaning. Now all of his New Testament BE books are available in a two-volume hardcover set. Wiersbe's accessible style and his extensive knowledge of the biblical background make this set an indispensable part of any layperson's library. With its emphasis on personal application, it is perfect for Christians across the spectrum, from pastor to student to interested laypeople.

BE books included in this set:

Wiersbe is known for being easy to understand, with very practical applications. If that's what you are looking for, I would recommend this volume. Do not look for detailed exposition or reference to the original languages in Wiersbe's work. —Steve

Interpretation New Testament Commentary, 17 Volumes
By Edited by James L. Mays & Paul J. Achtemeier / Westminster / John Knox

Now available for the first time in one complete set! Every New Testament book is now included to help you in your educational or homiletic work--or your own personal Bible study. Mays, Miller, and Achtemeier bridge the gap between critical and expository commentaries, combining the most exciting biblical scholarship with illuminating textual expositions.

Overview of the Interpretation Commentary series:

• Theologically moderate/progressive, depending on the individual author
• Non-technical (no knowledge of Greek or Hebrew needed)
• Written from an expositional perspective using a section-by-section format based on either the RSV, the NRSV, or the NIV
• Geared for students or pastors

Tyndale New Testament Commentary, 20 Volumes
By Leon Morris, ed. / Eerdmans Publishing Co.

The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these twenty volumes offer clear, reliable, and relevant explanations of every book in the New Testament.

These Tyndale volumes are designed to help readers understand what the Bible actually says and what it means. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date, and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. The aim throughout is to get at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.

I have used these commentaries extensively and can recommend them as conservative and reliable. This is one of the best for a serious Bible student who has no knowledge of the original languages. —Steve

The Preacher's Commentary New Testament 12 Volumes
By Edited by Lloyd J. Ogilvie / Thomas Nelson / W

New sermon and teaching outlines make this outstanding series even better! General editor Ogilvie brings together an exceptional team of skilled communicators to help you better present the Scriptures to your congregation. Blending sound scholarship, section-by-section expositions, and life-related illustrations, it offers a well-rounded resource for pastors and Bible study leaders. Formerly titled The Communicator's Commentary. 12 softcovers from Nelson

Life Application Bible Commentary New Testament Set
By Tyndale House

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. Each volume is split into three sections: an introduction, the commentary itself, and a reference section. Insight from various church leaders including John Calvin, Martin Luther, Charles Wesley, A. W. Tozer, and C. S. Lewis communicate truths in a clear and understandable way, with the goal of aiding further communication of the life-changing message of the Gospel.

Overview of the Life Application Bible Commentary:

• Theologically conservative (evangelical)
• Non-technical (no knowledge of Greek necessary)
• Uses the New International Version (NIV) and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) predominantly, but also quotes from the New King James Version (NKJV) and the King James Version (KJV)
• A verse-by-verse exposition of the entire New Testament
• Geared for general Christians seeking to grow in their understanding and maturity, but helpful for teachers and pastors as well

• Introduction, commentary and references for each book of the New Testament
• Charts, diagrams, maps and illustrations helpful for applying the text to one's life
• Practical application tips and information
• Highlighted (in bold text) verses for easy reference
• Bibliographies for each volume

Holman New Testament Commentary, 12 Volumes
By Broadman / Holman

Save preparation time when you teach or preach from the New Testament. This easy-to-use 12-volume set gives you the freedom to prayerfully appropriate Scripture as you spend more time with the text. Features include choice quotations, capsule summaries, illustrations for openers, verse-by-verse commentary, points of application, teaching plans, discussion starters, and closing prayers. Hardcovers, from Broadman & Holman.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary: New Testament Set, 5 Volumes
By Frank E. Gaebelein / Zondervan Corp.

One of the best New Testament commentaries available today, the EBC is clear, usable, and consistently evangelical. It features new scholarship (all volumes published 1976-1984), book introductions and outlines, bibliographies, and transliteration and translation of Semitic and Greek words. And it's based on the NIV! Includes mammoth commentaries by D.A. Carson on Matthew, and by Merrill C. Tenney on John. Five hardcover volumes, 3229 pages, Zondervan.

New Testament Commentary, 12 Volumes
By William Hendriksen & Simon J. Kistemaker / Baker

This set is ideal for pastors and serious Bible students of the Reformed tradition. It is the only complete commentary on the New Testament written solely from a Reformed perspective. This award-winning twelve-volume hardcover set features verse-by-verse exegesis and applications, critical notes on the Greek text, chapter summaries, and extensive bibliographies and indexes.

New International Biblical Commentary (NIBC): New Testament Set, 18 Volumes
By Edited by W.W. Gasque / Hendrickson Publishers

The best in contemporary scholarship for general readers and serious students alike. This 18-volume set covering the New Testament is based on the popular NIV translation. Each volume presents an introduction detailing the background of the book, its authorship and original audience, key themes, and other helpful information---all in a clear, concise style. Softcovers, from Hendrickson.

Lenski's New Testament Commentaries, 12 Volumes
By R. C. H. Lenski / Hendrickson Publishers

Pastors, students, and anybody wishing to better understand the New Testament will find a wealth of valuable help in these clearly written commentaries. Richard Lenski provides a literal translation of the original Greek text along with a section-by-section exposition. Written from a conservative perspective, this classic series is an excellent resource for sermon preparation or serious Bible study.

Lenski is good for helping you understand the nuances of the Greek. Unfortunately, however, he sometimes goes overboard in making too much of minute grammatical differences. You can't put your full weight on his discussions of the Greek. —Steve