To read Exodus is to encounter God. The book is about the mercy, justice, holiness, and glory of almighty God, who rules history by his sovereign power, saves the people of his covenant, and delivers his people from bondage. Once heard, the stories recorded in Exodus leave a lasting impression. Readers return to these great acts of redemption again and again because they give every captive the hope of freedom.

In this Preaching the Word volume, Philip Graham Ryken mines the majestic book of Exodus for knowledge of God's character and instruction for his followers. So much can be learned about God through the accounts of his deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, his many divine interventions for them, and his transformation of them into an independent nation.

At once theologically instructive and decidedly practical, this commentary moves readers to great rejoicing at God's work in the life of every person following him on the path to spiritual freedom. Ryken skillfully relates how the Israelites' deliverance from slavery anticipated the salvation accomplished in Jesus Christ, proving that God remembers his covenant and always delivers on his promises. For those who preach, teach, and study God's Word, this book is more than just a commentary; it is a celebration of God's faithfulness.

Paul’s letter to the Galatians stands as a key book in the Bible, especially as it relates to the Old Testament Law and to the Christian’s “freedom in Christ.” Paul’s emphasis on Jesus’s substitutionary death, justification by faith, and the work of the Spirit makes the letter crucial for a complete understanding of the New Testament’s teaching on salvation through faith in Christ. Combining scholarly depth with practical wisdom, pastor Todd Wilson has written a commentary based on years of ministry experience and biblical reflection, resulting in a resource that is exegetically engaged, theologically informed, and pastorally relevant. Paul’s passionate exhortation for the Galatians to return and cling to the gospel that saved them remains relevant today, reminding modern readers of the importance of God’s grace for all of life.

The book of Genesis contains some of the most beautiful and well-known stories in the Bible: the garden, the flood, the tower of Babel, and the lives of the patriarchs. But these are more than just good stories. They lay the groundwork for God’s relationship with humanity and for his plan for our salvation, making Genesis foundational to understanding everything else that happens in the Bible. Genesis reveals much about human nature and the nature of God. From the actions of the first man and woman, we see where our rebellious, sinful nature originates. And through the whole book we see the hand of a sovereign God who is loving and merciful, but also just and holy. Time and again in Genesis, God showers his grace upon undeserving humanity, giving us our first tastes of God’s enduring faithfulness that shines throughout the entire Bible. R. Kent Hughes, respected pastor and author of many other commentaries in this series, takes readers back to the beginning of the Bible and moves through Genesis with careful exegesis. He explores the superbly crafted structure of the book as well as the weighty themes it contains. For those who preach, teach, and study God’s Word, this exceptionally detailed work will reveal much about the beginnings of God’s great story.

The book of Hebrews conveys a double dose of spiritual power. It not only presents the greatness of Christ in ways no other New Testament writing does, but it repeatedly demands a heart response from the reader. No one can study Hebrews and not grow spiritually and come face to face in a new way with Christ.

It is also true that no New Testament book has had more background research than Hebrews, and none has spawned a greater diversity of opinion. However, virtually all agree that the grand theme of this epistle is the supremacy and finality of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Life-changing themes come from God to us in this marvelous epistle. The unequalled glories of Jesus Christ—the solemn danger of drifting away from dependence on divine grace—a heavenly high priest who understands and is ever ready to help—the rest only God can give, even in the middle of trials and of demanding ministry—the hope that is ours through a blood covenant with an awesome God—these and other topics from Hebrews must be understood and put to work practically if we are to live and serve as God's people today.

Those who preach, teach, and study the Word of God will find this book a gold mine of helpful discussion a Bible book easily misunderstood and often overlooked. With divisions and outlines that are never forced but flow naturally from the text, Hebrews will be a great resource for all who desire to communicate God's truth and seek to grow in their own faith through personal Bible study.

The book of Hebrews conveys a double dose of spiritual power. It not only presents the greatness of Christ in ways no other New Testament writing does, but it repeatedly demands a heart response from the reader. No one can study Hebrews and not grow spiritually and come face to face in a new way with Christ.

It is also true that no New Testament book has had more background research than Hebrews, and none has spawned a greater diversity of opinion. However, virtually all agree that the grand theme of this epistle is the supremacy and finality of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Life-changing themes come from God to us in this marvelous epistle. In this follow-up volume, respected pastor and author R. Kent Hughes continues his study of a marvelous Scriptural document. The delights and challenges of personal relationship with Jesus Christ—the perils of apostasy—perseverance in one's walk with God—the true meaning of trust and surrender as seen in God's "Hall of Faith"—the benefits of divine discipline—right and wrong in personal and church life—these and other lofty themes lead to increased commitment to Christ and holier living.

Those who preach, teach, and study the Word of God will find this book a gold mine of helpful discussion on a Bible book easily misunderstood and often overlooked. A practical commentary on an important Bible book, it will help preachers, teachers, and all students of the Word of God experience new levels of spiritual power and effectiveness in ministry.

Isaiah is widely considered the deepest, richest, and most theologically significant book in the Old Testament. It is, without question, a profound statement by God about his own sovereignty and majesty spoken through his chosen spokesman, the prophet Isaiah.

In this accessible commentary on the book of Isaiah, Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. argues that Isaiah imparts a single vision of God throughout all sixty-six chapters. It is a unified, woven whole that ultimately shows that God saves sinners. He saves them from their own self-invented salvations, so that they can walk in the light of his love.

Ultimately, the message of Isaiah offers us a God-centered confidence that enables us to face anything while challenging us to trust God in new ways.

One of the most practical books in the New Testament, the book of James is a call to action. This epistle focuses on the outworking of the Christian life, pointing us to the necessary relationship between faith and works. In a world of trials, temptation, conflict, and conceit, James urges us to demonstrate our faith through the way we live.

Pastor Kent Hughes walks readers through what James has to teach us about persevering through suffering, taming the tongue, recognizing true wisdom, and living out the Word of God. With relevant discussions and practical applications, this commentary will help anyone teaching or studying the letter of James understand a crucial truth about genuine faith: it always produces good works.

R. Kent Hughes (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hughes is also a founder of the Charles Simeon Trust, which conducts expository preaching conferences throughout North America and worldwide. He serves as the series editor for the Preaching the Word commentary series and is the author or coauthor of many books. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, and have four children and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren.

The “Weeping Prophet,” the rabbis said, began wailing the moment he was born. Jeremiah had reason to weep—he witnessed the devastating consequences of life without God.

Sadly, the relativism Jeremiah saw in ancient Israel predominates in America today. That’s why his words are so relevant for our lives. Better than anyone else, Jeremiah exemplifies—through his courage, passion, even his sufferings—how believers can live for God in a society that has turned against Him.

While the book of Jeremiah shared the last, desperate days of the Jerusalem he loved, Lamentations expresses the cries of his heart. Yet they reveal more than the prophet’s grief—they are an attempt to reflect on the meaning of human suffering. Lamentations gives voice to the deepest agonies, with the hope that some comfort may come from crying out to God for mercy. Together the two books illustrate the eternal principle that man reaps what he sows.

It is a lesson the world—and the church—needs to learn. With the heart of a pastor and the knowledge of a scholar, Philip Graham Ryken applies these words of life to us today. His commentary will not only help you understand and teach from these spiritually relevant books, but also it will inspire you with the courage and passion of God’s personal call for you to live in these times.

Life can be hard, and sometimes it seems like God doesn’t even care. When faced with difficult trials, many people have resonated with the book of Job—the story of a man who lost nearly everything, seemingly abandoned by God.

In this thorough and accessible commentary, Christopher Ash helps us glean encouragement from God’s Word by directing our attention to the final explanation and ultimate resolution of Job’s story: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Intended to equip pastors to preach Job’s important message, this commentary highlights God’s grace and wisdom in the midst of redemptive suffering.

Taking a staggeringly honest look at our broken world and the trials that we often face, Ash helps us see God’s sovereign purposes for adversity and the wonderful hope that Christians have in Christ.

While each of the Gospels presents Christ with a distinct emphasis, the Gospel of John focuses on His greatness. As the timeless Creator-God of the universe. As the Word made flesh. As the gracious Lover of our souls who is the only Way to the Father.

Instead of detailing the facts and events of His earthly life, as the other Gospel writers did, John concentrates on the meaning of Jesus' words and the message of His works, clearly presenting Him as the long-awaited Messiah with one mission in mind—to do the work of the Father who sent Him.

The apostle's tremendous vision of Christ has, time and time again, opened the eyes of unbelievers to who Jesus is and to His singular role in our redemption. But its effect on Christians is equally profound, because in John's account the serious reader finds an ongoing, expanding view of the Savior's greatness and the wondrous meaning of His ministry. A view that widens and deepens with each return to this Gospel.

Follow along with Pastor Kent Hughes in this engaging, verse-by-verse commentary as he leads you through this magnificent Gospel. His careful exposition and wise application will guide you to a richer understanding of not only God's greatness, but of His great goodness to us all.

Following closely on the heels of the Exodus story, the book of Joshua recounts the mighty acts of God as he fulfills his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is, quite profoundly, a testimony to God’s awesome power and enduring faithfulness.

Written to aid pastors in their preaching and churches in their reading, this accessible commentary guides us through the history of Joshua’s leadership in Israel and God’s direction of his covenant people to their promised “rest” in the land of Canaan.

With warmth and wisdom, David Jackman ultimately encourages us to trust God’s promises more deeply and obey his commands more wholeheartedly—that we might fully enjoy all the blessings secured for us in and through our Joshua—Jesus Christ.

The book of Judges powerfully demonstrates the chaos that can arise when sin reigns in people’s hearts. In contrast, the book of Ruth offers a message of redemption and hope following disorder. Set in a time when everyone “did what was right in his own eyes,” both books work together to highlight God’s faithfulness in the midst of Israel's disobedience.

Exploring the stories of figures such as Gideon, Samson, Naomi, and Ruth, this accessible commentary emphasizes the countless ways God protected and preserved his people in the Bible. Experienced preacher Barry Webb explores important connections between Judges and Ruth, reminding us of God’s promises to his people and offering practical applications for daily life—pointing us toward the hope of the coming King of kings, Jesus Christ.

This new Preaching the Word commentary reveals how the regulations detailed in Leviticus point to the perfection and fulfillment of Christ in the New Testament age.

It is the message that God spoke to his people through Moses as they prepared to depart for the Promised Land. It details regulations for holy living and sacrificial worship in Old Testament Israel. But does Leviticus have anything to say to Christians today?

Knowing that readers of the Bible often get hung up on the seeming irrelevance of Leviticus, Kenneth Mathews counters with this insightful Preaching the Word commentary. His chapter-by-chapter analysis reveals much about not only the demands of a holy God but about the kind of relationship he wants with his people and his standards for worship in any age.

As Mathews illuminates the significance of Israel's sacrificial system and symbols, he draws parallel after parallel to Jesus as their perfect fulfillment. His commentary will train pastors, teachers, and serious readers in how Leviticus foreshadows the saving work of Jesus, and the many ways God made accommodation for human sin through Christ.

Luke's carefully researched and "orderly account" of the life of Christ is one of the finest pieces of historical writing in all of ancient literature. Yet it also accomplishes its divinely appointed—and more personal—purpose: that people of every century "may know the truth."

"Those who study Luke cannot stay the same," says commentator R. Kent Hughes. "He took great pains to present the gospel with maximum power under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The result is a compelling story." Especially when it is read and studied in sequence, as Hughes has done in these two volumes.

Luke's breadth—with entire sections that are recorded nowhere else in the New Testament—and its celebratory tone set it apart from the other Gospels. Luke resounds with praise to God from beginning to end. Taking readers from just prior to Jesus' birth to His ascension into heaven, this spirited report communicates the joy and the glory of the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ. And Pastor Hughes's insightful commentary, which unveils both Luke's approach and purpose in recording the life of Christ, and the implications of that life, adds compelling perspective to help you communicate God's Word more effectively.

Luke the historian—with his painstaking reporting—will make you certain about the truth of not only his Gospel, but the gospel. Luke the theologian—with his careful recounting of Christ's mercy and compassion—will touch you with God's love and grace. And Luke the physician—with his heart for people, especially the less privileged—will help you to love others more deeply. This may well be the only commentary you'll ever need to teach and preach the power, the celebration, the glorious message of Luke's beloved Gospel. Part of the Preaching the Word series.

Luke's carefully researched and orderly account of the life of Christ is one of the finest pieces of historical writing in all of ancient literature. Yet it also accomplishes its divinely appointed purpose: that people of every century "may know the truth."

The breadth of Luke's Gospel–with entire sections that are recorded nowhere else in the New Testament–and its celebratory tone set it apart from the other Gospels. Taking readers from just prior to Jesus's birth to his ascension into Heaven, this spirited report communicates the joy and the glory of the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Additionally, Pastor Hughes's insightful commentary unveils Luke's approach and purpose in recording the life of Christ, adding compelling perspective to help you communicate and understand God's Word more effectively.

Luke the historian–with his painstaking reporting–will make you certain about the truth of not only his Gospel, but also the gospel. Luke the theologion–with his careful recounting of Christ's mercy and compassion–will touch you with God's love and grace. And Luke the physician–with his heart for people, especially the less privileged–will help you to love others more deeply. Ultimately, those who study Luke's Gospel cannot stay the same.

In our age of aggressive evil and apathetic faith, the Gospel of Mark resounds with the dynamic power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps the most dramatic and action-packed of the synoptic Gospels, Mark's writing continues to inspire increased commitment in the Church at large.

Mark's portrayal of Christ as the Servant-Savior takes on fresh relevance in these masterful expositions by respected pastor/author R. Kent Hughes. With careful exegesis, the author draws from the text many practical lessons for everyday living and effective ministry. His numerous illustrations reflect wide interests, extensive reading, and years of experience pastoring and counseling those who seek to know Christ and walk in his ways.

This first volume covers Mark 1:1-9:1, the main part of Jesus' teaching and healing ministry. As the Messiah confronts evil spirits, heals the helpless, and challenges the orthodox, a final conflict with the religious establishment becomes inevitable—and we, like the ancient world, must decide if we will acknowledge him as our Lord and Savior.

Those who preach, teach, and study will find this book a gold mine of helpful information. With divisions and outlines that are never forced, but flow naturally from the text, Mark will be a great boon to those charged with communicating the Word, and to all who seek to grow in their faith through personal Bible study. Part of the Preaching the Word series.

This second volume covers Mark 9:2-16:20, the culmination of Jesus's ministry on earth. Seen in glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, challenged by religious skeptics, the Christ moves inexorably toward the cross, where history's greatest battle would be fought and won. And so we, like the ancient world, are confronted with the crucified and risen Christ and must decide if we will acknowledge him as our Lord and Savior.

Thus in our age of aggressive evil and apathetic faith, the Gospel of Mark resounds with the dynamic power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps the most dramatic and action-packed of the Synoptic Gospels, Mark's writing continues to inspire increased commitment in the Church at large.

Mark's portrayal of Christ as the Servant-Savior takes on fresh relevance in these masterful expositions by respected pastor/author R. Kent Hughes. With careful exegesis, the author draws from the text many practical lessons for everyday living and effective ministry. His numerous illustrations reflect wide interests, extensive reading, and years of experience pastoring and counseling those who seek to know Christ and walk in his ways.

Those who preach, teach, and study will find this book a gold mine of helpful information. With divisions and outlines that are never forced, but flow naturally from the text, Mark will be a great boon to those charged with communicating the Word, and to all who seek to grow in their faith through personal Bible study.

Jesus is King. Standing as a central theme of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ kingly authority has profound implications for our lives today—changing the way we view the world, interact with others, and respond to blessings and hardships.

In this reader-friendly commentary, seasoned pastor Doug O’Donnell leads us through the first book of the New Testament, highlighting key themes and offering contemporary illustrations for preaching. Drawing on years of pastoral experience, O’Donnell helps us to see how Matthew’s various emphases—including Jesus’ messianic titles, fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, teaching on the kingdom of heaven, and present and future role as judge—all relate to Christ's kingship over all of creation.

Full of biblical insights aimed at both pastors and laypeople, this volume ultimately highlights Matthew’s call to all people to worship and obey Jesus, our humble King and gracious Savior.

The book of Numbers tells the story of Israel’s experience, ranging from their exodus out of Egypt to their entrance into the Promised Land. The lives of two generations are recorded: the first lacking in faith and receiving their just punishment from God, and the second believing the Word of God and so entering into their inheritance as his children.

Like those generations of Israelites, Christians today are also on a journey between events of deepest significance—from the work of Christ that provides our exodus from bondage to sin and death to Jesus’ second coming that ushers his children into the true and final promised land of heaven.

Author Iain Duguid aids both pastors and laypeople on this journey by explaining the profundities of the biblical text, especially its less transparent portions, and communicating the lasting message of God’s devotion to those who follow him in faith.

The four chapters of Philippians contain some of the most-quoted and beloved passages in Scripture: "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," "Rejoice in the Lord always," "Do not be anxious about anything," "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." Yet in our familiarity with the Apostle Paul's words to his favorite church, we must be careful not to miss the deeper themes, says commentator R. Kent Hughes. Themes such as the robust fellowship and unity that Paul shared with the Christians at Philippi based on their mutual commitment to the gospel.

Theirs was a partnership we rarely see today—between people who were bound together in the great cause of unfurling the gospel flag in cities, countries, and other cultures—undergirded by Paul's central call to let their "manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ." It was a joyous cause, a unity, a manner of life that should be ours as well.

The characteristics of such true Christian conduct and spirit are detailed throughout this epistle and this commentary, with every aspect ultimately centering in Christ. Hughes's faithful exposition and application will reveal how much Philippians is about Christ and about people in Christ Jesus, as well as about people who are in the joyful fellowship of the gospel together because they are in Christ. Part of the Preaching the Word series.

How exactly does one become wise? With the overwhelming flood of information and opinion in our times—much of it a mixture of spin, sound bites, and trivialities—it is crucial we turn back to the Bible and pay close attention to the deep insights that have stood the test of time.

Proverbs 1:20 tells us that “Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice.” The wisdom of God does not stand aloof, but instead graciously moves toward us, into the world where we live and struggle day by day—offering us her very best, if we will only listen.

Pastor and teacher Ray Ortlund unpacks the book of Proverbs in twenty-one straightforward sermons, providing a biblical worldview on everything from money, sex, and power to that of the daily routines of an average life. Drawing relevant parallels from ancient culture to present day, he helps us understand how the book of Proverbs is practical help for ordinary people going through everyday life.

Most importantly, Ortlund shows how the Proverbs point to Jesus and his counsel for the perplexed, his strength for the defeated, his warning to the proud, his mercy for the broken. With careful treatment of the Scriptures and uncomplicated language, Proverbs: Wisdom that Works bridges the gap between real-life experience and the scholarly depth of many commentaries.

The Psalms are treasured poetry that reflect the prayer and praise of ancient Israel. Every generation opens the Psalms for inspiration, comfort, hope, and encouragement.

They’re also are a rich source of truth about God, humanity, and salvation. The authors of the New Testament understood this, quoting the Psalms more than any other Old Testament book to establish key doctrines. The Psalms tell the story of God’s anointed king, his kingdom, and his people. They point forward to the Messiah—David’s Greater Son who reigns forever and ever.

In the first volume of a three-volume commentary on the Psalms, pastor James Johnston walks readers through Psalms 1 to 41, offering exegetical and pastoral insights along the way. Accessible and engaging, this resource will help anyone interested in studying, teaching, or preaching the Bible read the Psalms in a deliberately canonical and Christ-centered way.

In the book of Revelation, God unveils the world as it really is, identifying an unseen spiritual war and announcing a very real day of judgment. As the end approaches, we need to be convinced that Jesus is reigning as the risen King. We need to have him speak to the situation in our churches. We need to see how God will pulverize wickedness, answer those who oppose him, and establish his eternal kingdom. Revelation has exactly what we need.

Useful for personal study, as well as for preaching and teaching, the thirty-seven sermons in this volume have a clear structure and even include helpful charts and tables to highlight key themes and literary elements. In each sermon, professor and pastor James Hamilton grabs the reader’s attention, raises awareness of a real need, and states the main point of the biblical text. In addition to explaining the meaning of each passage, Hamilton connects the main ideas to applicable analogies and actionable points.

Revelation is a prophecy of epic proportions and Hamilton invites readers to love God and his people by expositing this revelation of Jesus, and to say along with the apostle John, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

Few Christians would dispute that the book of Romans is one of the most powerful and influential books ever written. After all, Paul’s epistle has been the written force behind some of the most significant conversions of church history: St. Augustine was convicted of his sin after reading some verses from the thirteenth chapter; Martin Luther recovered the doctrine of salvation by faith from his study of Romans 1:17; John Wesley felt his heart “strangely warmed” and transformed while listening to the reading of Luther’s preface to the book of Romans; and John Bunyan was so inspired as he studied the great themes of Romans that he wrote the immortal Pilgrim’s Progress. There is no doubt about the power of the book of Romans.

Pastor Kent Hughes invites us now to experience the same power that was exhibited in the lives of great Church leaders such as Augustine, Luther, Wesley, and so many others. The fundamental truths expressed in Paul’s letter—the themes of justification by faith, abounding grace, and freedom from sin—come to life as we explore the book that has so challenged and nourished followers of Christ for centuries.

The three chapters of Matthew known as the Sermon on the Mount contain truths so rich and powerful that even a lifetime of study could not exhaust their depths. For centuries, Jesus’s majestic portrait of the kingdom of heaven and his unparalleled instructions for godliness have captivated Christians and non-Christians alike. In this classic commentary, now revised with a fresh look and ESV Bible references, seasoned pastor R. Kent Hughes guides readers through this glorious portion of the Bible with exegetical precision, expositional clarity, and practical sensitivity. Whether used by preachers, small group leaders, or individual laypersons, this resource will prove invaluable for illuminating the Sermon on the Mount’s enduring power to enliven hearts and transform minds.

Our culture holds the megaphone when it comes to talking about sex today. Yet the church has maintained a reputation for keeping quiet, hesitant to teach people about this sacred aspect of life. The Song of Solomon, however, holds nothing back as it sings loudly about the holy practice of sexuality and pushes us into the conversation with godly theology.

While this biblical text has been subject to a broader range of interpretation probably than any other book in the Bible, Wisdom Literature expert Doug O’Donnell offers this comprehensible guide to help uncoil its complexities and solve its riddles. He explores the poetry, themes, and wisdom of this song from a Christocentric perspective, and gives us a profound, rich, and witty reflection that encourages right thinking and behavior.

Showing how this “song of songs” is meant to teach us about biblical sexuality and God’s heart for his people, O’Donnell elucidates on the greatest subject of all time—love.

Reviews

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® (POSB) is a practical and comprehensive commentary set that gives the pastor or teacher everything they need to preach or teach God’s Word. Covering every book of the Bible, POSB is the perfect resource for expository or topical teaching.

With over a million copies sold in print, POSB is unlike any other commentary you will encounter. Each volume gives you detailed, verse-by-verse exposition for every Bible passage. Along with the biblical commentary, POSB includes extensive outlines with sub-points, thoughts on practical application, deeper studies on key biblical topics and themes, and full cross references.

You will quickly see the added value and ease of use that comes with having this commentary in your Olive Tree library. The Olive Tree edition separates the outlines and commentary to make POSB even easier to use. Instead of scrolling back and forth (or flipping pages), you can see the commentary and outlines side-by-side as you study or prepare your sermon. POSB is also fully functional with the Resource Guide and is configured to help you get to the information you need quickly. You can both drill down to the verse you want to study and easily find all the introductory material on each book of the Bible.

The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible makes it easy to create life-changing sermons and lessons. Everything you need to understand any passage of the Bible is right at your fingertips. And this resource is not just for preachers and teachers; it’s perfect for any Christian who wants to know God’s Word better.

POSB features include:

• Detailed outlines for every book of the Bible
• Well researched and easy to read commentary
• Practical application for godly living
• Deeper studies to dive into key topics and themes
• Full text cross references (no need to look them up)

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does what very few of today's students of the Bible could do for themselves. With the aid of computer technology, the vast array of writings from the church fathers—including much that is available only in the ancient languages—have been combed for their comment on Scripture. From these results, scholars with a deep knowledge of the fathers and a heart for the church have hand-selected material for each volume, shaping, annotating and introducing it to today's readers. Each portion of commentary has been chosen for its salient insight, its rhetorical power and its faithful representation of the consensual exegesis of the early church.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is an ecumenical project, promoting a vital link of communication between the varied Christian traditions of today and their common ancient ancestors in the faith. On this shared ground, we listen as leading pastoral theologians of seven centuries gather around the text of Scripture and offer their best theological, spiritual and pastoral insights.

Today the historical-critical method of interpretation has nearly exhausted its claim on the biblical text and on the church. In its wake there is a widespread yearning among Christian individuals and communities for the wholesome, the deep and the enduring. The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does not seek to replace those excellent commentaries that have been produced in the twentieth century. Rather, it supplements them, framing them with interpretive voices that have long sustained the church and only recently have fallen silent. It invites us to listen with appreciative ears and sympathetic minds as our ancient ancestors in the faith describe and interpret the scriptural vistas as they see them.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is a postcritical revival of the early commentary tradition known as the glossa ordinaria, a text artfully elaborated with ancient and authoritative reflections and insights. An uncommon companion for theological interpretation, spiritual reading, and wholesome teaching and preaching.

About the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon volume:

Among the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon were all thought by the early church fathers to have derived from the hand of Solomon. To their minds the finest wisdom about the deeper issues of life prior to the time of God's taking human form in Jesus Christ was to be found in these books. As in all the Old Testament they were quick to find types and intimations of Christ and his church which would make the ancient Word relevant to the Christians of their day.

Of extant commentaries on Ecclesiastes none is so profound as the eight homilies of Gregory of Nyssa, even though they cover only the first three chapters of the book. Joining Gregory among those most frequently excerpted in this volume are Augustine, Ambrose, Gregory the Great, Origen, John Cassian, John Chrysostom, Athanasius, Bede the Venerable and Jerome. Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil the Great and Cyril of Jerusalem lead a cast of other less frequently cited fathers, and then there remains a large cast of supporting players, some of whose work is translated here into English for the first time.

This volume edited by J. Robert Wright thus offers a rich trove of wisdom on Wisdom for the enrichment of the church today.

The book of Proverbs is the most practical book in the Bible. Its instruction in the art of living has been long tried and long proven. Its proverbial seeds of discernment are ready to be planted and rooted in the receptive soil of Wisdom's sons and daughters today.

But as much as we glean from the surface of Proverbs, there remains still more in its depths. David Atkinson's commentary wonderfully illumines the ancient cultural and religious background of the discourses and sayings of Proverbs. Wisdom's values are brought into sharp relief. More important, Atkinson brings the wisdom of Proverbs into conversation with the wisdom of God now more fully displayed in Christ. In this way the place of Proverbs in the pattern of God's Word is clearly accented.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.