This set of detailed commentaries provides valuable exegetical, historical, cultural, and linguistic information on the original text. Over the years this series has been instrumental in shedding light on the Scriptures so that translators all over the world could complete the important task of putting God's Word into the many languages spoken in the world today. Over the years church leaders and Bible readers have found the UBS Handbooks to be useful for their own study, since many of the issues Bible translators must address when trying to communicate the Bible's message to modern readers are the ones Bible students must address when approaching the Bible text as a part of their own private study and devotions.
“So here life and godliness means ‘godly life’ or ‘the way God wants us to live.’” (Page 74)
“Self-control is once again a Greek virtue, one which is possessed by people who are masters of their own selves and who by self-discipline can tame their passions and desires and thus refrain from excessive physical indulgence.” (Page 80)
“The expression for make every effort is found only here in the whole New Testament and is an invitation to do your best, regardless of the cost.” (Page 78)
“In the New Testament, and among Christians, the word came to mean affection between fellow-believers, including sympathetic concern for others and the care of those in need.” (Page 80)
“‘But you should continue to experience more and more of the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and grow in your understanding of him.’” (Page 167)