New International Biblical Commentary: New Testament (18 Vols.)

The 18-volume New International Biblical Commentary: New Testament offers the best of contemporary scholarship in a format that both general readers and serious students can use with profit. The aim of the series is to provide reliable guides to the books of the Bible presented in a style that does not require formal theological education to understand. Based on the widely used New International Version translation, each volume in the New International Biblical Commentary: New Testament presents an introductory chapter detailing the background of the book, its audiences, authorship, important themes, and other helpful information.

Matthew

• Author: Robert Mounce
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1990
• 287 pages

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This volume in the New International Biblical Commentary series draws on the best traditional and contemporary scholarship in an informed, balanced way. Dr. Mounce shows how Matthew's five major teaching blocks simultaneously gave the growing early church a compendium of Jesus sayings and demonstrated how he fulfilled messianic prophecies. Technical and textual notes are kept separate from Mounce’s clear, section-by-section exposition.

Robert H. Mounce is President Emeritus of Whitworth College and the author of several books, including a major commentary on Revelation, included in this collection, and the New American Commentary: Romans.

Robert H. Mounce . . . is a gifted educator and communicator. He blends scholarship with exposition, and the result is consistently helpful for study, encouraging for sermon or lesson preparation, and a personal blessing for those desiring to grow in understanding God’s word. . . . Mounce offers insight as well as refreshment.
—Book News & Notes

Mark

• Author: Larry W. Hurtado
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1995
• 320 pages

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In this insightful commentary, Hurtado displays an uncommon appreciation for the entire Gospel of Mark and its original audience, making their concerns understandable to modern readers. He masterfully highlights Marks unique emphases, such as the messianic secrecy and the portrayal of the seemingly obtuse disciples who become an object lesson. Both Bible students and scholars will find this commentary engaging.

Larry W. Hurtado is Professor of New Testament Language and Literature and Director of the University of Edinburgh Centre for the Study of Christian Origins. He is the author of numerous articles and books.

Hurtado has an excellent feel for Mark, focusing especially on the theological meaning of the gospel. He is surefooted in exposition of difficult passages, refusing to get bogged down in detail but at the same time refusing to provide a superficial answer. . . . The high quality of Hurtado’s scholarship shines through his engaging prose.
—Dr. K. E. Brower, British Isles Nazarene College

Luke

• Author: Craig A. Evans
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1990
• 416 pages

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Plenty of important questions vie for attention in contemporary Lucan scholarship. In this NIBC volume, Craig Evans not only demonstrates a firm grasp of them, but makes them perfectly comprehensible to laypeople. His clear writing and logical explanations lay open both difficult Lucan passages and scholarly arguments about them.

Craig A. Evans is Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada. He is a frequent contributor to scholarly journals and the author or editor of numerous publications, including Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 34b: Mark 8:27-16:20 and IVP Dictionary of New Testament Background.

The New International Biblical Commentary is an important new series which happily strikes the balance between the detailed technical commentary . . . and the popular level commentary . . . Craig Evans' volume on Luke is a model of the series. The writer is as aware of the main questions which dominate Lucan scholarship today as he is of its methods and useful findings.
—Max Turner, London Bible College

This commentary fulfils the aims of the series in an admirable way. . . . The presentation of the major themes and emphases is concise and well done. Because of contemporary controversies there is a special section on the problem of the supposed anti-Semitic aspects of Luke. . . . [Craig Evans] shows his mastery of Lucan study. . . . The commentary ought to be in all theological libraries.
—P. M. Meagher, Institute of Religious Studies

John

• Author: J. Ramsey Michaels
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1989
• 400 pages

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This volume in the New International Biblical Commentary introduces and analyzes the major themes of the Fourth Gospel and carefully weaves those themes into the whole story of the good news. Michaels takes pains to offer modern readers fresh insights into John's mysteries and symbols that first-century readers would not have missed. The commentary's format will suit both general readers and serious students—the section-by-section commentary is based on the NIV, technical notes are presented separately, and all Greek is transliterated.

J. Ramsey Michaels is former Professor of Religious Studies at Southwest Missouri State University and the author of several books including The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: Revelation and Interpreting the Book of Revelation.

Acts

• Author: David J. Williams
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1990
• 512 pages

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This work on Acts by David Williams approaches the book as historical, yet takes seriously the discussion surrounding this aspect of the book. The Introduction takes into account issues of date, occasion, sources and historical accuracy. The commentary itself focuses on each event in Acts and comes with copious notes. This is a good commentary for the scholar and advanced layperson.

David J. Williams served as Vice Principal of Ridley College, University of Melbourne. He was the author of The Promise of His Coming and of the New International Biblical Commentary on First and Second Thessalonians, included in this collection. He contributed many articles to scholarly journals, and he also served as a translator for the New International Version of the Bible.

The book of Acts is a current focus of scholarly debate, and it is valuable to have [Williams'] substantial contribution . . . careful and accurate in his background, details, and discussions . . . this is a very sound, all-round treatment of Acts.
—Colin J. Hemer

Williams has left virtually no stone unturned in his attempt to bring every feature of interest and debate to the reader's attention . . . this well-written commentary is recommended to all, teacher and student alike.
—Craig A. Evans

Romans

• Author: James R. Edwards
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1992
• 416 pages

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Martin Luther called Romans the clearest gospel of all. But centuries of interpretive tradition and dogma have muddied the waters! Edwards's careful exposition pays attention to literary detail and historical context to clarify the epistles significance for its original readers and for the church today. The New International Biblical Commentary format (section-by-section exposition, all Greek transliterated, and separate textual and technical notes) make this commentary ideal for laypeople and pastors.

James R. Edwards is Professor of Religion at Jamestown College. Besides being a frequent contributor to scholarly journals, he is also co-author of The Layman's Overview of the Bible, and the author of the Pillar New Testament Commentary - The Gospel According to Mark.

James Edwards . . . has written the commentary I have been looking for: an exposition of the English text of Romans that takes account of the latest scholarship, refuses to duck the tough theological questions that keep popping up in Romans, and communicates in uncluttered English and effective illustrations. . . .
—Critical Review of Books in Religion

1 Corinthians

• Author: Marion L. Soards
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1999
• 416 pages

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With keen sensitivity, Marion L. Soards helps readers span the gap between one of the earliest Christian communities—with its concerns over Wisdom, in-groups and out-groups, manifestations of the Holy Spirit, Christian behavior, and the resurrection of Christ—and the Christian of today. He presents Paul’s apocalyptic-eschatological outlook as perhaps a key to unlocking some of the more knotty passages in 1 Corinthians and helps readers realize the nature of that radical theological worldview.

Marion L. Soards is professor of New Testament Studies at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He is the author of many books, including The Apostle Paul: An Introduction to His Writings and Teaching. Soards is also an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Soards' commentary is a clear, up-to-date, balanced, religiously sensitive treatment of 1 Corinthians. Aimed at the general reader, it will find a welcome home in college and seminary classrooms and in the pastor's study.
—Charles H. Talbert, Baylor University

This commentary is solid but readable, welcoming yet challenging. It focuses attention on the biblical text rather than on scholarship about the text. This commentary should be the first one students read when studying 1 Corinthians.
—Alan Culpepper, McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University

Here is a commentary abreast of contemporary scholarship communicated in a readable style. It fulfills the goal of the series for which it is written. I recommend it for college and seminary students.
—Restoration Quarterly

2 Corinthians

• Author: James M. Scott
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1998
• 304 pages

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James Scott explores 2 Corinthians, shedding light on the personal aspect of Paul's problems at Corinth. Emphasizing the two major motifs of the merkabah (heavenly throne-chariot) and Korah's rebellion, Scott suggests that Paul saw his embattled situation as parallel to that of Moses during the rebellion. This volume includes a brief introduction and references.

James M. Scott is assistant professor of biblical studies at Trinity Western University. He is the author of Paul and the Nations, Adoption as Sons of God, and Exile.

Don't be fooled by its size! Scott's commentary is to the point, clearly written, and filled with provocative proposals for reading this complex letter. From the centrality of Paul's self-understanding and the unity of the letter to merkabah mysticism, Korah's rebellion, and the Jewish concept of the nations, Scott's reading rightly reminds us of just how Jewish the Apostle to the Gentiles was and of how much we must know his milieu to understand his message! Here is an insightful introduction to both the influences and intent of 2 Corinthians.
—Scott J. Hafemann, Wheaton College

Galatians

• Author: L. Ann Jervis
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1999
• 192 pages

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Paul's letter to the Galatian churches is among the most riveting, personal, and rich of the apostle's writings. It arose in the midst of a crisis situation in which Paul is battling with "Judaizers" over the loyalty and doctrine of the Gentile Galatians. Ann Jervis provides delightful insights into the nuances of this battle. She shows how important Paul's gospel is to him both by detailing the many ways he asserts its truthfulness and by pointing out his adamant opposition to the gospel of his adversaries.

L. Ann Jervis is associate professor of New Testament at Wycliffe College. She is the author of The Purpose of Romans and co-editor of The Gospel in Paul.

An informed, perceptive, and readable exposition of Galatians—a truly excellent introductory commentary for 'the Christian community at large,' which is its intended audience.
—Richard N. Longenecker, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, McMaster Divinity College, Canada

The most helpful contribution that this commentary brings to its intended audience is its concise and even-handed introduction. Jervis addresses the situation and opponents and the date and audience options in a way that would be very helpful for a lay Bible reader who might otherwise be overwhelmed by the competing theories expressed in a more technical commentary. . . . Another feature that adds value to the commentary is the additional notes contained at the end of each section. These notes reflect Jervis’ expertise in the field, and often include excellent exegetical comments, added background information, helpful bibliographic references, and surveys of the various ways in which a phrase or verse have been interpreted. . . . In the end Jervis’ commentary is a very concise, well-written and reliable exposition of the 'New Perspective' approach to Galatians.
—Ashland Theological Journal

Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon

• Author: Arthur G. Patzia
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1990
• 336 pages

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The New International Biblical Commentary is a conservative treatment of the Scriptures. This volume on Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon begins with an introductory section which discusses the origin, authorship, purpose, and contents of these letters. The commentary is scholarly yet readable and draws out Paul's message to each church. This is a good commentary for students or informed readers.

Arthur G. Patzia is Director of Fuller Theological Seminary's Extended Education Program in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also an Associate Professor of New Testament.

The NIBC has been written by internationally respected experts in biblical studies. Scholarly arguments are carefully analyzed and presented in a way that anyone concerned to gain a deeper understanding of the New Testament will find both accessible and helpful. Christians of many different traditions will welcome this series as a valuable resource that will promote better understanding of the Bible and its message.
—John W. Drane, University of Stirling

Philippians

• Author: F. F. Bruce
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1989
• 208 pages

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F. F. Bruce shares the riches of a lifetime of Pauline studies in this commentary on Paul's letter to his beloved church at Philippi. Bruce's practical and theological exposition steers readers to better appreciate the contemporary relevance of Paul's wisdom and confidence in the all-sufficiency of the Gospel, and to share in Paul's joy of knowing Christ.

F. F. Bruce was Professor Emeritus at the University of Manchester and a well-known author of numerous articles, books, and major commentaries, including Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 45: 1 & 2 Thessalonians and The Epistle to the Galatians - New International Greek Testament Commentary.

This is a valuable commentary. . . . I find [F. F. Bruce’s] exposition and exegetical/philological judgments and comments very competent and insightful. He is very fair and gives the opinion of others in detail while he justifies his own judgments with good argumentation.
—P. M. Meagher, Institute of Religious Studies

1 and 2 Thessalonians

• Author: David J. Williams
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1992
• 192 pages

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The first Christians at Thessalonica struggled with persecution and with how to live a holy life until Jesus' return. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? In this new New International Biblical Commentary volume, Williams discusses the background of Paul's two Thessalonian letters and explains the significance of Greek terms so that the force of Paul's words comes through. The easy-to-use NIBC format includes section-by-section exposition, all Greek transliterated, and separate textual and technical notes.

David J. Williams served as Vice Principal of Ridley College, University of Melbourne. He was the author of The Promise of His Coming and of the New International Biblical Commentaries on Acts, also available in this collection. He contributed many articles to scholarly journals, and he also served as a translator for the New International Version of the Bible.

Dr. Williams has given us a fine commentary on the Thessalonian correspondence. He writes explicitly for the general reader but that does not mean that he has overlooked difficult or controversial passages. He deals with them simply in a way that we can all understand. A feature of the commentary is the way the author takes pains to explain the significance of Greek terms and thus to bring out the force of what the Apostle has written. Dr. Williams writes simply and clearly and he has put us all in his debt.
—Leon Morris, former principal of Ridley College

1 and 2 Timothy and Titus

• Author: Gordon D. Fee
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1989
• 352 pages

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Dr. Fee's commentary on 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus is revised and reset in an accessible but in-depth format for pastors, students, and laypeople. An introductory chapter deals with basic questions of authorship, background, and themes, and each section of Scripture is expounded, accompanied by notes on items in the text that need further clarification.

Gordon D. Fee is Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and is the author of numerous works, including New Testament Exegesis, Third Edition: A Handbook for Students and Pastors; To What End Exegesis? Essays Textual, Exegetical, and Theological; Listening to the Spirit in the Text; The First Epistle to the Corinthians (New International Commentary); The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: Philippians; and, with Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth.

[Fee's commentary on 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus] . . . is ideal for students, pastors, and teachers. It is a model of clarity and organization and consistently reflects a judicious examination of exegetical issues. Indeed . . . I think it is one of the best available [commentaries] on the pastoral epistles. Fee's skill in writing commentaries is as evident in this volume as it was in his magisterial volume on 1 Corinthians.
—Thomas R. Schreiner, Bethel Theological Seminary

Hebrews

• Author: Donald A. Hagner
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1990
• 304 pages

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Of all the major New Testament books, the letter to the Hebrews probably needs the most exposition and elucidation for modern readers. How can a peculiarly Jewish messiah be the world's redeemer? In this commentary based on the NIV, Donald Hagner allows Hebrews to speak for itself. Preachers and laypeople alike will profit immeasurably from this clear commentary.

Donald A. Hagner is George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California. His publications include The Jewish Reclamation of Jesus, New Testament Exegesis and Research: A Guide for Seminarians, and Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 33a: Matthew 1-13.

Of all the major New Testament books none perhaps stands in greater need of elucidation and exposition for the modern reader than the letter to the Hebrews. It is therefore an occasion of much interest to the Bible-reading public that such a volume as Dr. Hagner's edition for the New International Biblical Commentary is on hand to assist them. . . . His writing shows that he is en rapport with the epistle, determined to let it speak its own relevant message to those who wonder how the Jewish messiah can be the world's redeemer, and anxious to help those who find this part of the New Testament strange and forbidding.
—Ralph P. Martin, University of Sheffield

James

• Author: Peter H. Davids
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1989
• 192 pages

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This volume in the New International Biblical Commentary provides insightful answers for the modern reader confronted by the puzzles of James's thoroughgoing Jewish character. Davids demonstrates how the Jewishness of the epistle, including its stress on poverty and piety, stems actually from its primitive Christian character. Careful section-by-section exegesis with the NIV as the base text renders James's message accessible and relevant to students of all abilities.

Peter H. Davids is Professor of Biblical Studies in New Testament Literature at Canadian Theological Seminary and the author of numerous articles and books. He has authored The Epistle of James - New International Greek Testament Commentary, The Letters of 2 Peter and Jude - Pillar New Testament Commentary. He is also an editor for the IVP Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments.

The NIBC has been written by internationally respected experts in Biblical Studies. Scholarly arguments are carefully analyzed and presented in a way that anyone concerned to gain a deeper understanding of the New Testament will find both accessible and helpful. Christians of many different traditions will welcome this series as a valuable resource that will promote better understanding of the Bible and its message.
—John W. Drane, University of Stirling

1 and 2 Peter, Jude

• Author: Norman Hillyer
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1992
• 320 pages

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Based on the widely used New International Version translation, this commentary presents careful section-by-section exposition with key terms and phrases highlighted and all Greek transliterated. A separate section of notes at the close of each chapter provides additional textual and technical comments. Included is also a selected bibliography as well as Scripture and subject indexes.

Norman Hillyer, formerly librarian at Tyndale House, Cambridge, England, was revision editor of the Illustrated Bible Dictionary.

Hillyer's commentary on the Petrine epistles and Jude is both concise and incisive even in its exegesis of difficult verses. His volume, written from an evangelical perspective and based on the NIV, is most appropriate as a text for undergraduate biblical students and as a supplement to personal Scripture reading for educated laity. . . . Another value of this commentary is the wealth of background that the author brings to the letters from the Old Testament, Jewish intertestamental works, and other literary sources.
—Barth Campbell, Themelios

1, 2, and 3 John

• Author: Thomas F. Johnson
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1993
• 224 pages

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Tom Johnson combines familiarity with recent scholarship and lucidity of thought and expression into a fine and readable commentary on the epistles of John. While packed full of exegetical, philosophical and historical notes that help the reader to make sense of the argument and thought of the epistles in their original setting, the commentary is not overly loaded with the freight of technical jargon and debate. Johnson deftly leads the reader through difficult passages, but provides plenty to chew on in the process. The student who wants a reliable guide to the thought of the epistles will be well served by this volume.

Thomas F. Johnson is the president of Sioux Falls College, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Revelation

• Author: Robert W. Wall
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, 1991
• 320 pages

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Horsemen, signs, seals, weeks—this volume in the popular New International Biblical Commentary tackles the New Testament book that puzzles and intrigues laypeople and students alike. Wall takes a sane, common-sense approach to Revelation, explaining both its historical setting and its apocalyptic character. Like other NIBC volumes, this commentary uses the NIV for clarity and accessibility.

Robert W. Wall is Paul T. Walls Professor of Biblical and Wesleyan Studies at Seattle Pacific University. Besides being a frequent contributor to numerous scholarly journals, he is also the author of numerous books including Called to be Church and The New Testament as Canon: A Reader in Canonical Criticism, with the Journal for the Society for New Testament Studies Supplement series. He is also author of The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: Colossians & Philemon.

Wall’s commentary is a valuable contribution to the study of Revelation. It interacts well with most of the leading contemporary scholarship in the field. It provides an angle of perspective on John’s vision that opens some new vistas into its meaning and provides healthy correctives of many misconceptions. This is a useful resource for college and seminary classes on Revelation and a helpful tool for those with theological/biblical training who would lead Bible studies on Revelation.
—M. Robert Mulholland, Jr., Asbury Theological Seminary