Since the translation of the Bible into English for the masses, bought and paid for by the blood of noble martyrs, God has given to the English-speaking world scores of gifted men to help explain the text of the Bible. So that now the English-speaking world is the richest deposit of helps to understanding the Bible of any language group. In Grand Rapids, MI, you can walk through a used book store that boasts of over 120,000 volumes of used religious and theological books.
Unfortunately, at this smorgasbord of helps there are some attractive morsels which are filled with poison. How can a person pick out that which is good and helpful on the market today? Let me give four suggestions. First of all, ASK for counsel of older, widely-read men. “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 11:14). Second, take time to LEARN the general theological stands of the publishers. Most publishers have definite doctrinal positions and publish books in accordance with those statements. There are still a few “safe” publishers around. However, the ones with the toughest stands are normally not the biggest. Then thirdly, READ the introduction and preface of the book before you make your purchase. This will normally tell you what the author thinks of the Scripture and his stand on certain doctrines that will be expounded in the book. And last of all, LOOK up a passage that may be difficult or revealing as to the doctrines of the author. Commentaries abound today, so spend your resources wisely.
Let’s talk about New Testament commentaries this time and let me suggest two tools you can trust. First is a one-volume commentary by William MacDonald called The Believer’s Bible Commentary. Most of the readership of this column will be familiar with him. He has been a respected Bible teacher for more years than he would like to admit. Let’s just say that my mother enjoyed his classes when she attended evening school at Emmaus Bible School in Chicago when she was a young lady. Over the years, he has proven to be an expositor who is clear, concise, and sound. He has not been swayed by “every wind of doctrine” that comes along and thus “speaking the truth in love” has been a helper of many. This commentary is the fruit of years of study and teaching. One of the interesting aspects of this volume is the treatment of thirty-seven doctrinal subjects that are often battle grounds among believers. He gives solid scriptural answers and will cause you to think carefully about the subject, even if you don’t agree with his conclusions. You can be sure his conclusions have been molded in the fires of study, meditation, and experience. This one is worth the money.
Once you have digested that one, you are ready for one of the finest sets of commentaries on the market today. It is called What the Bible Teaches and will be nine volumes when it is completed. Seven volumes are out now and this set deserves a four-star rating. Published in Scotland by Ritchie Publishers, this set is written a little more technically than Mr. MacDonald’s but certainly within the reach of all who are serious about Bible study. The various authors read like a Who’s Who of teachers and preachers who have ministered the Word of God among the assemblies of God’s people in Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the U. S. Each one of these men know their God and their Bibles, and are committed to the careful exposition of the Word of God with a view to increasing our love and devotion to Him. A careful blend of exposition and devotion without dodging the tough passages make these volumes some of the finest I have read.
You will find all these men will defend the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Scriptures, their authoritative and infallible teaching of the Word of God, the impeccability of Christ, the distinctive roles of men and women in the Church, and the pretribulation rapture.
If you have no other New Testament commentaries on your shelf than these, you will be greatly enriched and your understanding of the Scriptures will be greatly enhanced.