Commentary series helps teachers apply Scripture

By David Daniels and ChristianWeek | May 21, 2010

Bible teachers and preachers continually seek quality resources to assist them in understanding the message of Scripture. The New American Commentary series (Broadman & Holman Publishers) is one popular and respected series representing some of the best of contemporary evangelical scholarship. Aimed primarily at pastors, teachers and students, this series assumes inerrancy and is committed to helping the Church's teachers accurately and practically apply the truth of Scripture to the concerns of 21st century Christianity.

The first of a projected 40 volumes rolled off the press in 1991 (Philippians, Colossians, Philemon), and by the end of 2009, just six volumes were left to be published in the series: Psalms (two volumes), 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Hebrews and Revelation. Described by Ralph P. Martin (professor of biblical studies at The University of Sheffield) as "just what the preacher needs," this series is "scholarly and well-researched without pedantry or obtuseness."

Designed to bridge the 20th and 21st centuries, this series stands in continuity with an important 19th century series known as An American Commentary, edited by Alvah Hovey. Significant in that older series is the commentary on Matthew by the venerable Baptist preacher John A. Broadus, from whom the current series partly derives its name—Broadman.

But as helpful as these commentaries are, there are times when the Bible student wishes the commentator had gone deeper into an issue at hand. As those who have long used and appreciated the New American Commentary series will know, Broadman & Holman is addressing this need with a valuable companion series: the NAC Studies in Bible & Theology.

The first of eight currently available volumes is God's Indwelling Presence (2006), by James M. Hamilton Jr., assistant professor of biblical studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Houston campus, Texas). It explores the question of how the Spirit of God related to the people of God in both the Old and New Testaments. Were Old Testament believers regenerated in the same way as New Testament believers? What are the similarities and differences between the Spirit's working in both Testaments?

In Future Israel (2007), Barry Horner, pastor of Christ's New Covenant Church (Tuscon, Arizona), tackles the problem of Christian anti-Judaism. He wants to "persuade readers concerning the divine validity of the Jew today (based on Romans 11:28), as well as the nation of Israel and the land of Palestine." He sees a "consistent pro-Judaic direction" in Scripture. Though many evangelicals will not necessarily agree with his conclusions, Horner has done an exemplary job in presenting his understanding of the important issues involved. This is a book Christians of all persuasions could profit from.

John Piper says that in his 40 years of ministry "no biblical issue has proved more recurrent or more vexing than the nature of the Mosaic law as it relates to the gospel and the new covenant." The pastoral implications of one's understanding of the relationship between law and gospel affects evangelism, teaching on sanctification, counselling those struggling with sin, and bringing individuals into membership in a local church. The End of the Law: Mosaic Covenant in Pauline Theology (2009) by Jason Meyer, assistant professor of religion at Louisiana College, with its extended look at key (2 Corinthians 3-4; Galatians 3-4; and Romans 9-11) has given readers a carefully written, thorough exegesis of Paul's letters, particularly as they concern the interface of law and grace.

Due to hit the shelves in June, 2010 is Messianic Hope: Is the Old Testament Really Messianic? by Jewish Studies professor (Moody), Michael Rydelnik. The Old Testament, according to Rydelnik, was intended to be read and understood as a messianic primer with the text providing important messianic prophecies. This will undoubtedly be an excellent volume for Christians who wish to discuss the gospel with Jewish friends.

David L. Allen, dean of the School of Theology and professor of preaching at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Fort Worth, Texas) will see two books published by Broadman & Holman this year: his commentary on the book of Hebrews in the New American Commentary series, and Lukan Authorship of Hebrews in the NAC Studies in Bible and Theology series. Allen contends for Luke's authorship of Hebrews.

Following a detailed examination for his view, readers discover how Hebrews informs our understanding of Luke and Acts, two books readily accepted by biblical scholars as having been penned by Luke.

Other published volumes include extended treatments of believer's baptism, the eternal character of our salvation and a theology of worship derived from the manner in which God reveals himself in the Old Testament. Visit www.bhpublishinggroup.com, and search for NAC Studies in Bible and Theology for the latest information on the entire series.

This excellent series, still in progress, will continue to provide detailed exegetical-theological studies of key biblical texts and themes. Indepth, robust and thoroughly evangelical, they are readily accessible to any serious student of the Scriptures. They will be of great interest to pastors committed to expositional teaching and preaching ministries.