Each volume features the author's detailed interaction with the Greek text, and admirably achieves the dual aims of the series--academic sophistication with pastoral sensitivity and accessibility--making it a useful tool for professors, students, and pastors. The acclaimed user-friendly design includes shaded chapter introductions summarizing the key themes of each thought unit.

15 volume set available for Easy Install on Mac and the iOS for $699.99. Order here.

Matthew – David L. Turner

New Testament scholar David Turner offers a substantive yet highly accessible commentary on Matthew in this addition to the BECNT series. With extensive research and thoughtful chapter-by-chapter exegesis, Turner leads readers through all aspects of the Gospel of Matthew--sociological, historical, and theological--to help them better understand and explain this key New Testament book.

As the first Gospel in the canon, Matthew has received a great deal of attention through the centuries from both scholars and preachers. Turner attempts to stand between the two groups and offer a commentary that is fresh, accessible, and insightful. He emphasizes Matthew as a literary work in its own right (rather than in relation to Mark and Luke) and includes important insights into the Jewish background of this Gospel, explaining Matthew in the context of Second Temple Judaism as a book for Christian Jews living among non-believing Jews.

Mark – Robert H. Stein

In this addition to the BECNT series, respected New Testament scholar Robert Stein offers a substantive yet highly accessible commentary on the Gospel of Mark. The commentary focuses primarily on the Markan understanding of the Jesus traditions as reflected in this key New Testament book. The author analyzes each section in Mark to show how it fits the immediate and larger context of the Gospel. He offers verse-by-verse comments on the words, phrases, sentences, and themes found in the section and explores what Mark is seeking to teach.

Luke, vol. 1 and 2 – Darrell Bock

In this two-volume set on the Gospel of Luke, Darrell L. Bock offers students of the New Testament a substantive yet highly accessible commentary. With extensive research and thoughtful chapter-by-chapter exegesis, Bock leads readers through all aspects of the third Gospel--sociological, historical, and theological. The result is a guide that clearly and meaningfully brings this important New Testament book to life for contemporary readers.

John – Andreas J. Kostenberger

In this major commentary on the Gospel of John, Andreas Kostenberger presents comprehensive and up-to-date analysis. His detailed study of one of the most important books in the New Testament is sure to become a standard resource for preachers, students, and scholars.

A well-respected New Testament scholar, Kostenberger begins with a thorough introduction to John and the topics relevant to its interpretation. He discusses the book's authorship, date of writing, theological emphasis, and relation to other New Testament writings.

In the commentary proper, each exegetical unit is introduced and translated by the author. A full verse-by-verse exposition is followed by additional notes of a more technical nature. Throughout the commentary, Kostenberger interacts with the best recent scholarship and presents his conclusions in an accessible manner. When dealing with particularly problematic sections, he considers the full range of suggested interpretations drawn from a broad spectrum of commentators before offering his own understanding.

Acts – Darrell L. Bock

Following his authoritative two-volume commentary on Luke in the acclaimed BECNT series, Darrell Bock provides a substantive yet highly accessible commentary on Acts. With extensive research and thoughtful chapter-by-chapter exegesis, Bock leads readers through all aspects of the book of Acts--sociological, historical, and theological--to help them better understand and explain this key New Testament book.

Romans – Thomas R. Schreiner

In the latest addition to BECNT, Pauline scholar Thomas Schreiner presents a fresh analysis of the substantive Book of Romans. It features many distinctives. "I have tried to write a scholarly commentary that fulfills the goals of brevity and lucidity," Schreiner explains. "One of my goals has been to trace the flow of thought in the letter so that the reader can understand how the argument unfolds. I have also tried to wrestle with the meaning of Romans theologically. . . . In particular, I have attempted to demonstrate inductively that the glory of God is the central theme that permeates the letter."

1 Corinthians – David E. Garland

David Garland has written a major new commentary on Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. His detailed study of one of the most important epistles in the New Testament is sure to become a standard resource for pastors, students, and scholars.

After an introductory chapter that considers the context of the epistle and what is known about the social setting and cultural world of Corinth, Garland turns to his exegetical study. In order to maintain the overall flow of Paul's thought and show the larger themes more clearly, the verse-by-verse comments are organized in larger exegetical units. For each unit, the author provides a summary that locates it within the broader context of the surrounding material, and he provides his own translation of the Greek text.

The author's wealth of knowledge and exhaustive research is evident in his exposition. To clarify the meaning of the text, he incorporates references from parallel material in the Pauline corpus and from extrabiblical sources that highlight relevant aspects of the religious, cultural, and social context. Throughout his study, Garland interacts with notable previous commentators and provides extensive notes for the reader's consideration and further research. Relevant text-critical issues are discussed in a section labeled "Additional Notes." There biblical scholars will find comments on the more technical aspects of the text, including variant readings and grammatical issues.

Ephesians – Frank Thielman

Noted New Testament scholar Frank Thielman offers a substantive yet accessible commentary on Ephesians in this addition to the award-winning BECNT series. With extensive research and thoughtful chapter-by-chapter exegesis, this beautifully written commentary leads readers through all aspects of the book of Ephesians--sociological, historical, and theological--to help them better understand its meaning and relevance.

Philippians (2nd ed.) – Moises Silva

With its user-friendly design, this commentary by Moises Silva provides a substantive yet accessible discussion of Philippians to help pastors, students, and teachers understand and explain this letter.

Each passage is presented in three parts: Silva's own translation of the Greek text; exegesis and exposition of each unit of thought; and additional notes on textual matters. Throughout the commentary, Silva asks what is distinctive about this letter and shows how each passage contributes to Paul's overall argument.

The second edition has been updated to interact with important recent scholarship on Philippians and to incorporate the well-regarded BECNT layout.

James – Dan C. McCartney

Dan McCartney, a highly regarded New Testament scholar and an expert on biblical interpretation, offers a substantive yet accessible commentary on James in this latest addition to the award-winning BECNT series. With extensive research and thoughtful chapter-by-chapter exegesis, McCartney leads readers through all aspects of the book of James--sociological, historical, and theological--to help them better understand its meaning and relevance.

1 Peter – Karen H. Jobes

In this addition to the acclaimed BECNT series, Karen H. Jobes provides a fresh, insightful commentary on 1 Peter that will help students and pastors understand and apply this important letter to the world in which we live.

Throughout the commentary, Jobes emphasizes the Christian's relationship to culture and the place of suffering in the Christian life. She also presents a new suggestion about the original recipients of the letter, highlights the insights provided by the use of the Septuagint in the letter, and challenges prevailing assumptions about the nature of the Greek in the letter.

Jude and 2 Peter – Gene L. Green

In this addition to the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (BECNT), respected New Testament scholar and teacher Gene Green offers a substantive yet highly accessible commentary on the books of Jude and 2 Peter. With extensive research and thoughtful chapter-by-chapter exegesis, Green leads readers through the sociological, historical, and theological aspects of these New Testament books.

1-3 John – Robert W. Yarbrough

Robert Yarbrough, coauthor of the leading New Testament survey text Encountering the New Testament, here offers a historical and theological commentary on the Johannine Epistles. The commentary explores the relationship between John's Epistles and Jesus's work and teaching, interacts with recent commentaries, reviews the history of interpretation, and seeks to relate these findings to global Christianity. Yarbrough looks at the Johannine Epistles from several perspectives--sociological, historical, and theological. The result is a guide that clearly and meaningfully brings 1-3 John to life for contemporary readers.

Revelation – Grant R. Osborne

The Book of Revelation contains some of the most difficult passages in Scripture. Grant Osborne's commentary on Revelation aims to interpret the text while also introducing readers to the perspectives of contemporary scholarship in a clear and accessible manner.

Osborne begins with a thorough introduction to Revelation and the many difficulties involved in its interpretation. He discusses authorship, date of writing, and the social and cultural setting of the work. He also examines elements that complicate the interpretation of apocalyptic literature, including the use of symbols and figures of speech, Old Testament allusions, and the role of prophetic prediction. Osborne surveys various approaches commentators have taken on whether Revelation refers primarily to the past or to events that are yet future.

Osborne avoids an overly technical interpretative approach. Rather than exegeting the text narrowly in a verse-by-verse manner, he examines larger sections in order to locate and emphasize the writer's central message and the theology found therein. Throughout, he interacts with the best recent scholarship and presents his conclusions in an accessible manner. When dealing with particularly problematic sections, he considers the full range of suggested interpretations and introduces the reader to a broad spectrum of commentators.

The New International Commentary on the New Testament, (18 volumes in print, plus two now out of print) now released in Accordance
General Editors: Ned B. Stopnehouse, F. F. Bruce, Gordon D. Fee

“. . . undertaken to provide earnest students of the New Testament with an exposition that is thorough and abreast of modern scholarship and at the same time loyal to the Scriptures as the infallible Word of God.”

This statement reflects the underlying purpose of The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Begun in the late 1940s by an international team of New Testament scholars, the NICNT series has become recognized by pastors, students, and scholars alike as a critical yet orthodox commentary marked by solid biblical scholarship within the evangelical Protestant tradition.

While based on a thorough study of the Greek text, the commentary introductions and expositions contain a minimum of Greek references. The NICNT authors evaluate significant textual problems and take into account the most important exegetical literature. More technical aspects — such as grammatical, textual, and historical problems — are dealt with in footnotes, special notes, and appendixes.

Under the general editorship of three outstanding New Testament scholars — first Ned Stonehouse (Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia), then F. F. Bruce (University of Manchester, England), and now Gordon D. Fee (Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia) — the NICNT series has continued to develop over the years. In order to keep the commentary “new” and conversant with contemporary scholarship, the NICNT volumes have been — and will be — revised or replaced as necessary.

The newer NICNT volumes in particular take into account the role of recent rhetorical and sociological inquiry in elucidating the meaning of the text, and they also exhibit concern for the theology and application of the text. As the NICNT series is ever brought up to date, it will continue to find ongoing usefulness as an established guide to the New Testament text.

• The Gospel of Matthew R. T. France 2007
• The Gospel of Mark William L. Lane 1974
• The Gospel of Luke Joel B. Green 1997
• The Gospel According to John Leon Morris 1995 (out of print)
• The Gospel of John J. Ramsey Michaels 2010 (NICNT2)
• The Book of the Acts F. F. Bruce 1988
• The Epistle to the Romans Douglas J. Moo 1988
• The First Epistle to the Corinthians Gordon D. Fee 1987
• The Second Epistle to the Corinthians Paul Barnett 1997
• The Epistle to the Galatians Ronald Y. K. Fung 1996
• The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians F. F. Bruce 1984
• Paul's Letter to the Philippians Gordon D. Fee 1995
• The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians Gordon D. Fee 2009
• The Letters to Timothy and Titus Philip H. Towner 2006
• The Epistle to the Hebrews F. F. Bruce 1997
• The Epistle of James James B. Adamson 1994 (out of print)
• The Letter of James Scot McKnight 2011 (NICNT2)
• The First Epistle of Peter Peter H. Davids 1990
• The Epistles of John I. Howard Marshall 1978
• The Book of Revelation Robert H. Mounce 1997

This series has a print value over $1000, our regular price is only $599!  Order NICNT and Easy Install this series today. The individual volumes are also available.

The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (set of 23 volumes)

General Editors: R. K. Harrison, Robert L. Hubbard Jr.

Whether we know it or not, we all want to. Well, at least all of us who want to know what the Bible has to say on a given subject. Ever wondered which church has the truth? Or if you're confident your church definitely has the truth, have you ever wondered about where all those other churches and traditions get their strange ideas? Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about the theological controversies, political issues, and societal problems that people wrestle with today? Then you have wanted to find the answers those thick systematic theology books try to provide.

Simply put, a systematic theology tries to present everything the Bible has to say on a given subject, and it tries to organize those subjects according to some logical system of arrangement. Different theologians have organized the subjects of theology along different lines. The Medieval Scholastic Theologian Thomas Aquinas organized his Summa Theologica using Aristotelian categories. John Calvin organized his Institutes of the Christian Religion (the first systematic presentation of Protestant theology) by following the major divisions of the Apostles' Creed. The Apostles' Creed itself is a brief but systematic presentation of theology organized along Trinitarian lines. Many other systematic theologies have followed a logical arrangement which begins with God, proceeds to man, addresses how God accomplishes man's redemption, discusses how the redeemed should live in the world, and explores how redemption will finally be completed. While theologians may argue about which system of arrangement is best, they are all helpful insofar as they aid the reader in finding the desired theological topic.

Of course, Accordance makes it easy to find the relevant sections of a systematic theology no matter how it's organized. Simply search the Title field for your topic and you'll likely find a helpful discussion. If you still want more, try searching the Content field for a word or phrase related to your topic.

If you have a number of works of theology (and if you have the Library Standard or Premier packages, you already do), you can use the Search All window to search all of them at once. That way, you can compare the conclusions of different theologians from different backgrounds and traditions.

One final advantage of having systematic theologies in Accordance is that you can take them with you on your laptop, iPad, or iPhone and read them anywhere. It's much easier than lugging around those thick books and multi-volume sets!

A pastor I know describes systematic theology as "just a fancy term for the process of getting to know God." In other words, the value of systematic theology is that it helps us develop a more complete picture of who God is so that we can enjoy a more complete relationship with Him. Think of that the next time you turn to a systematic theology for information, and it becomes impossible to think of it as a dry and academic exercise.

Several factors have remained constant in each country:

• the gracious hospitality of our hosts and their willingness to go out of their way to make and keep us safe and comfortable, and to get us where we needed to go
• the gratitude of users and others for our coming, and for the training they received
• the enthusiasm of our users and the amazement of those who saw Accordance for the first time
• the thrilled response to the demonstration of the Bible in the local language
• the willingness of each Bible Society to help us obtain their Bibles for Accordance.

We were also impressed by the energy of the people, the rapid development of the cities, the huge investment in public buildings, public transport, and infrastructure. Clearly, Asia is rising.

Each country presented entirely different challenges to our team.

South Korea, home to the largest mega churches in the world, has a massive and active Christian community. Our first stay was at a Presbyterian seminary with 1,700 students, and we went on to visit thriving Methodist, Catholic, and Evangelical campuses in Seoul. However, S. Korea is a very tough market for Apple which had almost no penetration until the advent of the iPhone and iPad. We hardly saw a Mac apart from our own, at any of the seminars. The students and professors who hosted us had a hard time getting their peers to come to a session. We had a table outside a conference of NT scholars, but they showed no interest at all. Even pastors who used Accordance were too busy administering their churches to take time to learn the software. Clearly there is enormous potential for Accordance in Korea. We planted seeds, and orders are coming in, but it is tough going.

Although people talked a little about N Korea, we found the country as a whole to be rather like the USA: self-contained and self-sufficient.

In Japan the first seminary has 10 students, what a contrast! The second about 20. Christians and Jews are a tiny minority, yet there is a thriving School of Theology which covers the three great monotheistic religions. In general we found in Japan a high level of scholarship and interest in the original languages. Mac use is high here, and those who didn't already have a Mac wanted to buy one after the seminar. We traveled on the famous bullet trains as far south as Osaka and points in-between, and managed to keep to our tightly packed schedule, ending with a large group at the Olympic Center in Tokyo.

People were extremely grateful, even surprised, that we came at all, given the problems after the tsunami. Some users and pastors were away on trips to assist the suffering people. We could sense a sad and serious mood in the country, and the bright lights of Tokyo were dimmed to save energy, but, apart from a few relatively mild earthquakes, we experienced nothing of the aftermath of the tragedy.

In Hong Kong it had been hard to find a host for the seminar. Accordance has a number of users, mainly pastors, but most were not in a position to set something up. As in Korea, the Mac is slowly gaining market share. The city is the West's gateway to China, in more ways than one. We sensed the growing influence of mainland China in many areas of life. The churches are eager to exploit the opportunities to strengthen their fellow mainland churches, both registered and unregistered. Perhaps our best contribution at the one seminar was to link users together so that they can encourage one another, and plan for more exposure for Accordance "next time."

Singapore is another city-state which feels threatened by the surrounding huge countries, mainly Muslim rather than communist. It is a tightly regulated country which protects a multi-cultural society: Muslim, Christian and other religions, Chinese, Malays, Indonesians, and Indians. Although English is the official language, it's no longer the Queen's English, so communication can be interesting, to say the least. The church is a large and strong minority, but very aware of its position in a Muslim world. The one seminar was packed out, and full of Mac users, no problems there. We were warmly welcomed at this one school, but others apparently felt no need to learn more about Accordance. We sense the huge potential of this country, at the crossroads of East and West, Christianity and Asian Islam as well as communist China.

We have made new friends, gained new users, and strengthened many pre-existing ones. We have gained much in understanding these small parts of Asia, and made progress towards releasing a number of Asian Bibles. All in all, it was a very rewarding experience which we will treasure until the next time...

To help you select the right one for you we have a comparison table of many of our modern commentaries with links to extensive excerpts from each commentary series, from Exodus and/or Matthew.

See also: Why-Buy-Commentaries-In-Accordance

Excerpts of these Commentaries

Bible Speaks Today—NT, normally $115, on sale $79
Purpose: Preaching and Application
Coverage: Entire New Testament in 22 volumes

Comment on Matthew 24:34:
The fall of Jerusalem

Jesus clearly foresees this terrible event as the anticipation in their lifetime of the end of all things (34). Verses 15–22 are particularly concerned with the fall of Jerusalem. It was a terrible siege, lasting nearly four years, and it involved unimaginable hardships. The city was hard to capture, and was defended with fanatical zeal. The Romans made a sustained attempt to starve its inhabitants into submission. Parents were reduced to cannibalism. There was indeed unparalleled affliction, as Jesus had predicted (21). In AD 70 the troops determined as a last resort to storm the city and the temple, and so they did. The temple, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of antiquity, made of marble and faced with gold, was smashed to pieces. The city was reduced to rubble. The carnage and slaughter were terrible. More than a million Jews died in the operation, and Josephus, who was there, tells us that more than 97,000 Jews were taken captive. The Romans were so pleased and relieved at the satisfactory solution of the Jewish problem (as they thought) that they erected Titus’ Arch in the Forum at Rome to celebrate the victory.

Just as Antiochus Epiphanes had brought the abomination that causes desolation (15) into the temple in 168 BC when he sacrificed swine’s flesh on the altar and turned the rooms of the temple into brothels in a determined attempt to stamp out the Jewish faith, so history would repeat itself. Titus would desolate the holy site even more efficiently by razing it to the ground, and the reader would understand (15) how thoroughly Daniel’s prophecy had been fulfilled. That is the time to flee the city and make for the hill country of Judea (16). They should pray that their flight be not impeded by its taking place in winter storms or on the Sabbath day (20; the law allowed only a very short journey on the Sabbath; moreover, gates would be shut and provisions unobtainable). Pregnant women and mothers with young children would face particular traumas (19), as television pictures of refugees in Kosovo, Chechnya and Mozambique brought home to us. And the air would be thick with talk of messianic pretenders and their marvellous credentials (4–6, 23–26), and of wars and rumours of wars, with nation rising up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom (6–7). They must not be alarmed (6). They must not be deceived (23, 26). They must not be surprised: this must happen (6) before the longed-for return of the Son of Man.

All this came true. The years AD 68–70 saw the Roman world tottering on the edge of total ruin from internal wars and rumours of wars. After the death of Nero in AD 68, the next year or so saw no fewer than four contestants for the supreme office of emperor fighting it out. It was a period in which, so Roman writers tell us, people were widely expecting the end of the world. That is what was happening on the broad international front.

On the Jewish front, there were the siege and capture of Jerusalem, accompanied by false messiahs, horrors and devastation. But even this was not the end of the world, though many thought it would be. There is a link between this (the events of v. 2) and the end of the age (3), but it is not the link of straight chronological sequence. ‘The end is still to come’ (6) . . .

Expositor's Bible Commentary (EBC), normally $129, on sale $89
Purpose: Non-technical Exposition, with technical notes
Coverage: Entire Bible in 12 volumes

Comment on Exodus 6:2–3:
3-5 Once again God reminded Moses that he was the God who had promised the land of Canaan to the patriarchs and that he had also seen the affliction of his chosen people (vv.3-5). Moreover, whereas in the past the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, had known him in the character and in his capacity as El Shaddai (see Notes on the beth essentiae in be’el shadday ), the name that disclosed his power to impart life, to increase the goods of life, and to deal with all unrighteousness, now he would be known as Yahweh. The name El Shaddai appears six times in the patriarchal narrative: Genesis 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; 43:14; 48:3; and in part in 49:3. In Job it is used thirty times. Whether Shaddai reflects the Hebrew shd (“breast”) or the Ugaritic th dy (“mountain”) is not clear; hence we cannot say for certain whether El Shaddai is “God the Nourisher” or “God of the Mountain.” But it is certain that the name does reflect the might and power of God to work miracles. The LXX rendered El Shaddai in Job as ho pantokrator (“the All-Ruler” or “Almighty”; see Kaiser, Theology pp. 97-99, 101, 106).

Moses and Israel (and even the Egyptians later) would shortly know what “I am the LORD” means. This would not be the first instance of the use of that name, for already it had occurred some 162 times in Genesis, with 34 of those examples on the lips of speakers in Genesis. Significantly, men “began to call on the name of the LORD [Yahweh]“ as early as Genesis 4:26; and the place where he almost sacrificed Isaac, Abraham named “The LORD Will Provide [Yahweh-Yireh]“ (Gen 22:14). Similarly, the names Jochebed and Joshua are theophoric, i.e., have Yahweh elements in them. It is difficult to claim these all are later modernizations for the older name of God.

Yahweh is the God who would personally, dynamically, and faithfully be present to fulfill the covenant he had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The patriarchs had only the promises, not the things promised. The fullness of time had come when God was to be known in the capacity and character of his name Yahweh/Jehovah as he fulfilled what he had promised and did what he had decreed. These deeds may now be further enumerated and spelled out in the following seven promises of vv.6-8: “Therefore, say.”

Comment on Matthew 24:34:
34 “I tell you the truth” emphasizes the importance of what it introduces. “This generation” (see on 11:16; 12:41-42; 23:36; cf. 10:23; 16:28) can only with the greatest difficulty be made to mean anything other than the generation living when Jesus spoke. Even if “generation” by itself can have a slightly larger semantic range, to make “this generation” refer to all believers in every age, or the generation of believers alive when eschatological events start to happen, is highly artificial. Yet it does not follow that Jesus mistakenly thought the Parousia would occur within his hearers’ lifetime. If our interpretation of this chapter is right, all that v.34 demands is that the distress of vv.4-28, including Jerusalem’s fall, happen within the lifetime of the generation then living. This does not mean that the distress must end within that time but only that “all these things” must happen within it. Therefore v.34 sets a terminus a quo for the Parousia: it cannot happen till the events in vv.4-28 take place, all within a generation of A.D. 30. But there is no terminus ad quem to this distress other than the Parousia itself, and “only the Father” knows when it will happen (v.36).

Holman Bible Commentary, normally $480, on sale $229
• NT only, normally $180, on sale $99
• OT only, normally $300, on sale $159
Purpose: Preaching and Application
Coverage: Entire Bible in 32 volumes (20 OT/12 NT)

Comment on Exodus 6:2–3:
6:1–8. God reassured Moses by reaffirming his promise that he would bring his people out of captivity and into the land of Canaan. Many hardships awaited Moses on this long journey to Canaan, and he needed to learn the strong consoling name of Yahweh was all he needed. Moses would need to lift up the hearts of thousands of travelers in the coming decades, and he would have to learn where to find encouragement in times of distress. He would also learn more and more about the God he now served. Part of this knowledge comes through knowing the names of God, which signified more than mere attributes but revealed something of the character of God.

But now the time of deliverance drew near. Now you will see, the Lord said to Moses, what he would do to Pharaoh. He would not only yield to the Lord’s command and let the people go but would drive them out himself. God further encouraged his prophet by pointing out his original covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He did not reveal himself as fully to them as he would to Moses.

Although God did reveal his covenant name to Abraham (Gen. 15:7), he was primarily known to them as a God of power and might. With Moses he would more fully disclose his name and character, as the self-existing faithful God who would bring rest to the tired people of his covenant. The patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob wandered through the land of Canaan as aliens, but Moses would lead the people to the brink of the land of permanent dwelling. The self-existing God of the covenant cared for his afflicted people and heard the groaning of the Israelites.

Comment on Matthew 24:34:
24:34-35. Jesus alerted his disciples to the importance of his next statement with I tell you the truth. He promised that this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

Jesus underscored the faithfulness and reliability of his teaching (24:35). His words will stand even after heaven and earth … pass away. Jesus’ words are firmer than earth’s bedrock, more sound than the foundations of heaven (cf. Ps. 119:89-90; Isa. 40:6-8). Christ’s words are more certain than even the existence of the universe.

The disciples would put their lives repeatedly on the line. Jesus knew they needed strong assurance that his review of future history was accurate and that their hardship for his sake would be worth the cost.

JPS Torah Commentary, list $375, normally $200, on sale $159
Perspective: Jewish
Purpose: Semi-technical Exposition, Application
Coverage: Genesis–Deuteronomy in 5 volumes

Comment on Exodus 6:2–3:
2–3. Were this statement to mean that a previously unknown divine Name—YHVH—is now to be revealed for the first time, the effect of the “I am” formula would be vitiated, the credibility of a promise is undermined, not enhanced, if it is issued by one whose name is unfamiliar. Furthermore, the phrase “I am YHVH” appears scores of times in the Bible and is widespread in corresponding form in Northwest Semitic royal inscriptions, such as “I am Mesha,” “I am Shalmaneser,” “I am Esarhaddon.” It cannot, therefore, reflect the introduction of a new name. On the contrary, precisely because the bearer of the name is well known, and its mention evokes such emotions as awe, reverence, honor, and fear, its use as the source and sanction of a law or edict reinforces its authority and encourages compliance. In the present context the invocation of a hitherto unknown divine name would hardly serve to counteract the widespread demoralization— which is, after all, the very function of God’s declaration.

In light of these considerations, the meaning of this verse needs to be reexamined. In the ancient Near Eastern world names in general, and the name of a god in particular, possessed a dynamic quality and were expressive of character, or attributes, and potency. The names of gods were immediately identified with their nature, status, and function, so that to say, “I did not make myself known to them by My name YHVH,” is to state that the patriarchs did not experience the essential power associated with the name YHVH. The promises made to them belonged to the distant future. The present reiteration of those promises exclusively in the name of YHVH means that their fulfillment is imminent. This, indeed, is how Rashi, Rashbam, Bekhor Shor, and others construed verses 2–3.

Support for the understanding that “knowing the name of YHVH” means witnessing or being made to experience the display of divine might is found in several biblical passages. 4 The two most illuminating are Isaiah 52:6 and Jeremiah 16:21. The first reads: “Assuredly, My people shall learn [Heb. yeda'] My name, / Assuredly [they shall learn] on that day / That I, the One who promised, / Am now at hand.” The second passage states: “Assuredly, I will teach them [Heb. modi'am], / Once and for all I will teach them [Heb. 'odi'em] / My power and My might. / And they shall learn [Heb. ve-yade'u] that My name is Lord [YHVH].”

El Shaddai The reference is to Genesis 17:1–8 and 35:11–12. Although this divine Name is usually translated “God Almighty,” there are no convincing traditions as to its meaning and little etymological justification for that particular rendering. With the advent of Moses, El Shaddai became obsolete; it is preserved only in poetic texts. See Excursus 4.

MacArthur NT Commentary, normally $329, on sale $219
Purpose: Preaching and Application
Coverage: Most of New Testament in 28 volumes (Lacks Mark, Luke 6-24, 1 Thessalonians)

Comment on Matthew 24:34:
Giving further application, Jesus said, Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. As explained in chapter 2 of this volume, this generation refers to the generation living during the end time. The signs of Matthew 24-25 will be experienced within one generation, the generation living when Christ returns.

This generation cannot refer to the disciples’ generation, as many interpreters have maintained. Some who hold that view believe Jesus simply made a human guess and was mistaken. “After all,” they argue, “didn’t Jesus say that ‘of that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone’?” (Mark 13:32). But that is a spurious argument. Jesus does not here specify the historical time of His coming but rather the events that will identify it. And it is one thing to recognize that it was in God’s sovereign plan for the Son not to have certain knowledge during His incarnation, so that He did not know the exact timetable and knew He did not know it. It is quite another thing to contend that He was capable of bad guesses and liable to propagating an idea He had no idea was wrong or questionable. If Jesus was wrong about the time of His coming, He could have been wrong about any or every other thing He taught. His temporary, divinely-imposed limitations during His time of humiliation in no way imply that what He taught may have been less than perfectly truthful or authoritative.

Some of those who believe Jesus was speaking of the disciples’ generation claim the terrible events He mentions here refer to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in A.D. 70. But as we have noted before, the events of Matthew 24 are much too universal and cataclysmic to represent the dreadful but geographically limited devastation of Jerusalem. That did not involve “famines and earthquakes” (Matt. 24:7), believers’ being “hated by all nations” (v. 9), false Christs and false prophets (vv. 5, 11), the preaching of the gospel to the whole world (v. 14), or the abomination of desolation (v. 15). Nor were the sun darkened, the moon extinguished, or the stars dislodged from their places (v. 29). Most important of all, Jesus certainly did not appear then. It is strange logic to argue that Jesus could accurately foretell the destruction of Jerusalem some forty years hence but be mistaken about His returning at that time. Or if, as some suggest, the teaching here was merely symbolic and allegorical, with the limited destruction of Jerusalem representing the vastly greater destruction of the end time, what event in A.D. 70 could possibly have symbolized Jesus’ return, which is the main subject of the discourse?

Those who hold that the fig tree is Israel usually affirm that this generation refers to the Jewish people, indicating they would not pass away as a race until these things take place. That idea is true, and the perpetuity of the Jews is clearly taught elsewhere in Scripture, but it does not seem to fit this context. All Jews firmly believed in God’s promise of an everlasting kingdom of David, and for Jesus to have meant that the Jews would survive until the Messiah ushered in His kingdom would have been superfluous and pointless. And if Jesus had intended that meaning, He could easily have referred to the Jews as “My people,” “God’s people,” or the like. To allude to them as this generation would seem obtuse and confusing.

Another interpretation is that this generation refers to the Christ-rejecting people of Jesus’ day. In that case Jesus would have been saying that ungodly, rebellious mankind would survive until the Messiah’s coming. Genea (generation) was sometimes used to represent a particular kind of people. In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) the term is used to refer to a righteous people as well as an unrighteous people. But again, although that interpretation is linguistically possible, it does not fit the context and also would have been superfluous and pointless, because no Jew doubted that many unbelieving, ungodly people would be alive to be judged when the Messiah came. In the minds of most Jews, the essential work of the Messiah would be to deliver Israel from its ungodly oppressors. He could hardly judge the nations and put His enemies under His feet if they had already been eradicated.

We are left then with the simple and most reasonable interpretation that the leaves of the fig tree represent the birth pains and the other signs of His coming Jesus has mentioned in this chapter and that this generation refers to the people living at the end time who will view those signs. In partial answer to the disciples’ question concerning the when of His coming, Jesus said that it will occur very soon after those signs are witnessed, before the generation who sees them has time to pass away. He is speaking to the same prophetically distant “you” He has been addressing throughout the chapter (see vv. 4, 6, 9, 15, 25). As mentioned previously, Jesus was speaking as some of the Old Testament prophets often spoke, as if they were standing directly before future generations (see, e.g., Isa. 33:17-24; 66:10-14; Zech. 9:9).

Matthew 24:34 is an explanation of the parable of the fig tree. The idea is that, just as the budding of fig leaves means it is not long until summer, so the generation alive when the signs occur will not have long to wait for Christ’s appearance. Those who witness the birth pains will witness the birth. As the books of Daniel and Revelation make clear, the total time of the Tribulation will be but seven years, and the period of the Great Tribulation, in which the signs will appear, will only be three and a half years (cf. Dan. 12:7; Rev. 11:2-3; 12:6).

Among those who believe that this generation refers to those who will be alive during the end time, there are two basic views as to the makeup of that future people. . .

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Comment on Exodus 6:2–3:
6:2–5 God’s reassurance to Moses continues with covenant language, reminding him that he is Yahweh (v. 2), the God of the patriarchs, that the patriarchs worshiped him by that name, and that the patriarchal promises included their descendants’ possession of Canaan. To possess Canaan required leaving Egypt, and therefore the patriarchal covenant was always, implicitly, also an exodus promise. This is the first time in Exodus that God says “I am Yahweh” (NIV “I am the LORD”). He had said these words ('anî yahweh) only twice before, in Gen 15:7 to Abraham and in Gen 28:13 to Jacob, each time in connection with the promise of the land to their descendants. Again here the promise of the land follows. On the theological significance of this statement, see comments on v. 8.
In v. 3 God explains to Moses something else that up to this point had been only implicit:

He, Yahweh, was the El Shaddai (“God the Mountain One”; the NIV, following LXX tradition, God Almighty) referred to in the patriarchal stories (Gen 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; 43:14; 48:3; cf. also the early use of the name in Job 8:5; 13:3; 15:25, and the later use in Ezek 10:5). Thus Moses should assume full continuity between the promises to the patriarchs and the need for confidence in the present difficulties. Those promises held central the eventual gift of the land to the descendants of Abraham after their being enslaved in a foreign land and mistreated but liberated and enriched in the process—in other words, the whole exodus story in a very compact form:

Then the LORD said to him, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” (Gen 15:13–16)

What the patriarchs trusted would one day happen was now underway, and God encouraged Moses here to believe that fact.

Comment on Matthew 24:34:
24:32-35 So what about the perennial desire of disciples for signs to specify when Christ’s return is near? Like tender fig tree branches and new leaves that portend the arrival of summer, all the events of Matt 24 point to the nearness of Christ’s return (vv. 32-33). But nearness simply implies that nothing more in God’s plan of redemption must occur before the end can come. Verse 34 does not imply that Christ will return within the lifetime of his hearers or within some later period of thirty to forty years during which all the signs occur. Nor is it necessary to follow the NIV margin and translate genea as “race,” referring to Israel, a much less likely rendering of the Greek than “generation.” Rather, “all these things” in v. 34 must refer to “all these things” of v. 33, which show that Christ’s return is near and which therefore cannot include Christ’s return itself. “All these things” will then refer to everything described in 24:1-26 but will not include the Parousia itself (described in vv. 27-31).

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Comment on Matthew 24:34:
24:34. Matthew reproduces Mark’s language without significant change. He is happy to reproduce the emphatic ‘Amen, I say to you’, which he likes so much (discussed at 5:18). When the phrase is taken with the following ‘will not pass away’ and ‘until all . . . [things] happen’ (ἕως ἂν πάντα γένηται, which is translated in 5:18 as ‘until it has all happened’), a very significant set of words is repeated in identical Greek from 5:18; this one can add the close similarity between ‘heaven and earth will pass away’ in 24:34 and ‘until heaven and earth pass away’ in 5:18. What are we to make of this very powerful echo? Syntactically ‘this generation’ in 24:34 and ‘my word’ in v. 35 each take the place of the reference in 5:18 to the smallest detail of the law: Jesus asserts the fate of this generation as confidently as he insists on the continuing validity of every detail of the Mosaic Law; and Jesus’ own word is given the same enduring validity as the Mosaic Law.

Matthew uses γενεά here for the tenth time. Though his use of the term has a range of emphases, it consistently refers to (the time span of) a single human generation. All the alternative senses proposed here (the Jewish people; humanity; the generation of the end-time signs; wicked people) are artificial and based on the need to protect Jesus from error. ‘This generation’ is the generation of Jesus’ contemporaries.

At several points in our exploration of Mt. 24 we have already had reason to note the difficulties of taking the text as a straightforward account of (future) historical events (see at vv. 15, 17–18, 21). I have commented elsewhere on the tension involved here between prediction and event in Luke’s version of Mt. 24.

As the prophets before him had regularly done, the Gospel Jesus presents as part of a single development things that belong together in principle but turn out to be separated chronologically in a manner that he did not anticipate. (Caird [Language and Imagery, 243–71] has argued forcefully that, at least in part, this involved a deliberate use in a metaphorical manner of end-of-the-world language in connection with what the prophets well knew was not the end of the world. The present and immediately future events were to be seen in the light of and somehow as participating in the reality of what would one day be fully true eschatologically. His insights are pertinent to the present discussion [and have been widely followed] but are not capable in themselves of eliminating the difficulty over timing.) The fundamental driving force for the sentiment expressed . . . is the conviction that Jesus’ Jewish contemporaries in Palestine (“this generation”) were to find themselves at a climax point in the purposes of God in judgment (cf. esp. [Luke] 11:49–51), just as they had been experiencing a climax point of God’s saving purposes in the ministry of Jesus. As with the earlier prophets, the anticipation of the future was first and foremost an interpretation, in the light of a knowledge of God, of the significance of the present and of the nature of its development out of the past.

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Comment on Matthew 24:34:
34. The solemn “Truly I tell you” (see on 5:18) introduces an important statement. Unfortunately there are problems relating to the meaning of this statement, the most important being the significance we should attach to the words this generation, the generation that will not pass away until the occurrence of all the things of which Jesus has been speaking. On the surface of it, the meaning is that he will be returning in glory during the lifetime of people then living, and indeed some exegetes hold to this view, claiming that Jesus thought that he would reappear on earth not so long after his death, perhaps at the fall of Jerusalem, to usher in the end of the world, which, of course, means that he was mistaken. In view of the fact that two sentences later he says that he does not know when it will occur (v. 36), this appears to be an erroneous interpretation of the words. A better view is that all these things refers to the distress indicated in verses 4–28, which must occur before Jesus comes again but which does not mean that his coming will follow immediately. A difficulty with this view is that it is not easy to see why all these things should include the events of verses 4–28, but not those of verses 29–31. So others have suggested that the generation is the Jewish nation (it means “not just the first generation after Jesus but all the generations of Judaism that reject him,” Schweizer, p. 458; so also Ryle, Hendriksen, and others) and point to its continuation through the centuries. Others think that the reference is to the human race, but this view has little to be said for it.

We should notice that in the Old Testament the term is sometimes used for a kind of person, as when we read of “the generation of the righteous” (Ps. 14:5) or “the generation of those who seek him” (Ps. 24:6). From passages like this some have taken Jesus to mean that the church will survive to the end (e.g., Green). But the term is used also of the wicked, as when the Psalmist prays, “guard us ever from this generation” (Ps. 12:7); or it may refer to “the generation of his wrath” (Jer. 7:29). If this is its meaning, Jesus is saying that this kind of person, “this generation,” will not cease until the fulfilment of his words. It is perhaps relevant to notice that a little earlier Jesus said of people to whom he was speaking, “you killed” Zechariah (23:35), a statement that implies the solidarity of the race through the years. Mounce draws attention to the phenomenon of multiple fulfilment. He points out that the “abomination of desolation” had one fulfilment in the desecration effected by Antiochus Epiphanes and another in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies. “In a similar way, the events of the immediate period leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem portend a greater and more universal catastrophe when Christ returns in judgment at the end of time.” Right up to the time when all these things happen there will be people of the same stamp as those who rejected Jesus while he lived on earth.

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Comment on Exodus 6:2–3:
6:2–13. Renewed calling by God. Some scholars regard this as a second account of Moses’ initial calling: but certainly in the present context it fits well as renewed encouragement and reassurance of call, at a moment when Moses is most conscious of failure.

2. I am YHWH. The speech begins and ends (verse 8) with this sonorous declaration, which guarantees all the contents. I appeared. This is to assert that the patriarchal experience of God was just as valid as that of Moses. It also asserts, in spite of some modern views, that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all worshipped one and the same God. Further, it is to assert the identity of the God worshipped by the patriarchs with the God experienced by Moses at Sinai. This is fundamental to the understanding of the Mosaic revelation.

3. God almighty (Heb. 'el shadday). The use of this name or title for God in patriarchal days can be proved independently, from the occurrence of archaic proper names like Ammi-shaddai (Num. 1:12) alongside Ammiel (Num. 13:12). The name was not used later, except in poetry as a conscious archaism, so its very meaning was forgotten. Later Hebrew orthodoxy translated it as ‘the all-sufficient One’, but this is impossible philologically. It appears to be an old Mesopotamian divine title, connected with the root ‘mountain’: compare the way in which ‘rock’ is often used as God’s title in early days (Deut. 32:4), perhaps as a symbol of stability and as a place of safety. In view of patriarchal origins in Mesopotamia, such a linguistic ‘fossil’ is not surprising

By my name YHWH I did not make myself known to them. This seems a very clear statement that the name YHWH had not been used by the patriarchs as a title for God. This is borne out by the fact that YAH or YO (in either case the shortened form of YHWH) does not appear as a formative element in Israel’s personal names before the time of Moses (with the one possible exception of the name of Moses’ mother, Jochebed, Exod. 6:20). In the generation after Moses, such names appear only slowly, but religious conservatism could account for the continued use of ‘El’. An example is Hoshea, son of Nun, whose name was deliberately changed by Moses to Joshua, thus containing the new name YHWH (Num. 13:16). From then onwards, such forms are increasingly common in the Old Testament, convincing proof of the date of introduction of the new title. But if this is so, how do we explain the use of YHWH as a divine name from Genesis 2:5 onwards, whether by itself or in connection with Elohim, the more general word for God? or what appears to be the specific statement of Genesis 4:26 that, in the primeval days of Enoch, the name YHWH was first used? The first is not a serious question: it would be natural to use the later name when telling the earlier story. Indeed, even had it been done consciously, it might be seen as an assertion of the identity of the God worshipped in early days with the God of the Mosaic revelation (see Hyatt, p. 80, for a possible explanation of the combination of the two names). The common critical division of the Pentateuchal material into the so-called ‘sources’ J and E derives from the belief that one recorder of tradition (J) prefers the later ‘particularized’ name, even when its use is strictly an anachronism, while the other (E) uses the ‘generalized’ and earlier name throughout. Even the most extreme critic would admit that both J and E knew the later name since, on his count, both lived well after Moses. Genesis 4:26 is a problem of more substance: it seems to say that, in the primeval days of Seth or Enosh, men began to ‘call upon the name of YHWH’. Either it means that the name was known from a very early age, but not in Israel (only a tiny fraction of Enosh’s descendants being reckoned as Israel), or the phrase ‘call on the name of YHWH’ must be used in its later and general sense (Ps. 116:17) meaning ‘pray’. In that case, the reference might simply be to the origins of organized worship, known to be of vast age, here attributed to the time of Seth and Enosh. (See Hyatt, p. 79, for possible use of similar forms to the divine name among early Amorites, presumably related to Israel.)

Comment on Matthew 24:34:
34. The time of this catastrophic event is now even more closely specified, and the solemn Truly, I say to you marks this out as a pronouncement to be noted. Those who interpret this passage as referring to the parousia must therefore either conclude that it proved to be untrue, or that this generation does not here carry its normal meaning. It has, for instance, been taken to mean ‘the Jewish race’, or ‘unbelieving Judaism’. It is unlikely that such an improbable meaning for the noun would have been suggested at all without the constraint of apologetic embarrassment! Nor can all these things easily be taken to exclude the events described in the immediately preceding verses. On the natural understanding of this verse either Jesus was wrong (or Matthew has misunderstood him), or the discourse has not yet taken up directly the question of v. 3b, the ‘sign of your parousia and of the close of the age’, but has rather concentrated entirely so far on the first part of the disciples’ question, ‘When will these things (the destruction of the temple) be?’

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Comment on Exodus 6:2–3:
2–3 Pharaoh must consider the command absurd. He has no experience of any Yahweh, thus no reason to pay any mind to what he says, and of all the actions he is likely to undertake, sending out Israel is not one of them. This king of Egypt is presented as a no-nonsense ruler, completely sure of himself, whose time is being wasted.

The first result of Pharaoh’s decisive and unyielding response, however, is the demoralization of Moses and Aaron. Whatever the original reference of v 3, if in fact the verse is older than its present context, it has been marvelously woven into this sequence as the chagrined reply of the erstwhile deliverer and his assistant. They are outclassed and overwhelmed by this Pharaoh: since he knows no Yahweh, they now refer to “the God of the Hebrews” (see Comment on 1:19); apologetically they explain that the command to pilgrimage was quite unexpected; they return to the three-day limit for the trip; and they plead fear of Yahweh’s reprisal, which would of course mean a loss to Pharaoh greater than the loss of three days’ work. There is no hint now of any command; their confidence is gone, and they are begging favors from a powerful superior.

Comment on Matthew 24:34:
34 The πάντα ταῦτα, “all these things,” of this verse can include no more than the same phrase in the preceding verse and thus cannot include the coming of the Son of Man (so too Blomberg). The phrase refers not only to general marks of the interim period such as tribulation, distress, pseudo-messiahs, and false prophets but specifically, and dramatically, to the desecration of the temple and the destruction of Jerusalem (cf vv 15–22). As in the other imminence sayings (cf 16:28; 10:23; 23:36), all of which like the present logion are prefaced by the emphatic ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, “truly I tell you,” formula, the main point is that the fall of Jerusalem was to be experienced by that generation (pace Kidder), those listening there and then to the teaching of Jesus (ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη, “this generation,” is used consistently in the Gospel to refer to Jesus’ contemporaries; cf 11:16; 12:41–42, 45; 23:36). The attempt to explain ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη, “this generation,” as the generation alive at the time of the parousia or more generally as the human race or people of God goes against the natural meaning of the phrase and makes the words irrelevant both to Jesus’ listeners and to Matthew’s readers. The fact that, as Lövestam has shown, the expression clearly alludes to a sinful generation, one ripe for judgment, fits the fall of Jerusalem (and not merely the end of the age, which is Lövestam’s conclusion).

Temple Mount and Western Wall area from southwest

The photographers certainly had a more immediate goal — to sell pictures to visiting tourists. In addition, their photographs were published in newspapers, magazines, and books around the world. The images told stories with great meaning to their contemporaries. In their day, many would never be able to make the long and expensive voyage to the Holy Land, and thus the photographs served as a substitute for a visit. In our day, travel is more affordable and much faster, and many are able to make a pilgrimage or study trip. Thus photographs like these no longer serve the same function as they did originally. Instead of transporting the viewer geographically, today these photographs transport the viewer chronologically.

A chief value of this photograph collection is that it allows us to revisit the land and its people the way they used to be. We can go back, through the lens of the photographer, to sites before they were excavated, panoramas before they were polluted, villages before they were urbanized, and people before they abandoned the way of life of their fathers. More than that, in many photographs we can witness the history that transformed the land, its government, and its inhabitants. With a continual presence in Jerusalem from the late 1800s, the American Colony photographers witnessed many important historical events and personages throughout the subsequent five decades. Their work is a splendid visual record that today gives us insights that the contemporary eyewitnesses might never have thought to commit to writing.

Recreation of feast in fields of Bethlehem, such as described in the book of Ruth

This particular collection, drawn from the larger Matson archive at the Library of Congress, has a  decidedly educational purpose. The images selected and the format used is aimed particularly at teachers and students who want to dig deeper into the history of Bible lands. It is directed toward those unsatisfied with modern photographs or videos, or even their own visits. It is for those who ask when and how and why. The photographs don’t provide all of the answers, and indeed, they raise new questions. Photographs, even those unaltered by Photoshop or its primitive predecessors, are not necessarily unbiased. The photographers had commercial interests, some of which involved the reenactment of ancient scenes or events. The editor of the present collection has his own biases, and despite his best efforts otherwise, the selection and organization of the photographs here may unfairly emphasize or exclude certain realities of history.

The selection of 4,300 images from a total of 14,000 available was determined by several factors. First, many images were eliminated because they were duplicates or shared similar content with other photos. Second, some images did not fit within the interests of this collection, such as photographs of Uganda and Kenya. Third, some images were not deemed to be of significant value to a modern audience, such as black and white photographs of flora and fauna. Fourth, some images were too poorly preserved to be of use. Fifth, after much effort, some of them could not be correctly identified. Of those that were selected for inclusion, the intention has been to present them without regard for any political or scholarly agenda. Ideally, we believe that our selection and presentation closely reflects the larger collection as a whole, preserving any biases that were present in the original photographers and those who organized their work. In short, our goal has been perpetuation of the most useful images for understanding the ancient world and recent historical events of import.

Specifically, what are the contributions that this collection makes for us today? We cannot always know what will impress others, but these are some of the reasons that motivated us initially to begin what turned out to be a five–year project and that continue to convince us of its value today.

We love the photographs of the land before modern alterations. . .

Excavations of northern end of Jericho (Tell es-Sultan) from east

• Biblical sites as they looked when first discovered, prior to excavation and reconstruction. Examples of these are Caesarea Philippi, Chorazin, Capernaum, Beth Shean, Robinson’s Arch, Gadara, Gerasa, and the Amman acropolis.
• Ancient cities which were excavated early in the 20th century but the ruins are not well preserved today. Jericho is an outstanding example.
• Important sites that are inaccessible to most visitors today, including Samaria and the Shechem area, Upper and Lower Beth Horon, Hebron (including the “oak of Abraham” and “pool of David”), and the library of St. Catherine’s Monastery.
• Biblical locations that have been “improved” in modern times, such as Ein Harod, where Gideon chose his men, and the Jordan River, which is dammed and no longer floods annually.
• Sites that are now covered by churches or mosques, such as Jacob’s Well, Tabgha, the summit of Mount Tabor, and the Pool of Siloam.
• Landscape now covered with cities, such as the area of Shechem, the slopes of Mount Carmel, Tiberias, Nazareth, the area of the shepherds fields in Bethlehem, and the City of David in Jerusalem.
• Landscape now obscured with trees, shrubbery, and parks, such as Aphek (Antipatris) and Shiloh.
• Historic sites that have experienced major alterations, such as Beth Guvrin, Masada, and Philae Island, before it was completely submerged and the temple moved.
• Oases in the Sinai that are today identified with stops of the Israelites in the wilderness, such as Ayun Musa (Marah?), Wadi Gharandel (Elim?), and Wadi Feiran (Rephidim, Massah, Meribah?).
• Panoramic views with crystal-clear air. With today’s pollution, such views are rare. For example: Mt. Hermon from the Sea of Galilee; the western Galilee coast from Mt. Carmel, including the mountains of Lebanon; the wilderness, Dead Sea, and mountains of Transjordan from Jerusalem; the Bekaa Valley from Mount Hermon; and the Dead Sea and Judean wilderness from Mount Nebo.
• Aerial photographs of the pyramids of Giza, the Nile River, Jerusalem, the Jordan River, and Sidon.

We love the photographs of the traditional way of life. . .

Fishermen drawing in dragnet on Sea of Galilee

• The ancient practices of shepherds, homemakers, potters, fishermen, weavers, carpenters, and merchants.
• Traditional celebrations by religious Christians, Druze, Jews, Muslims, and Samaritans.
• The agricultural cycle, including the festive times of wheat harvest and grape pressing. The complete cycle of the grain harvest is documented, from plowing and sowing, to gathering, threshing, winnowing, and sifting, to the feast that followed.
• A special emphasis on women and their daily activities, including home life, food preparation, and transportation of materials.
• The centrality of water in life, including springs, wells, and the use of the shaduf to draw water from the Nile.
• Ancient villages now no longer inhabited, such as Magdala and En Dor.
• Reenactment scenes of biblical stories, such as Ruth and Boaz, the Christmas story, and Psalm 23.
• Ceremonies as they were practiced by the native peoples for hundreds of years, including weddings and sacrifices.
• Travel as it was in antiquity, with camel caravans crossing the desert.
• A special presentation of locust invasions in the land of Palestine, narrated with a first-hand report that originally appeared in National Geographic magazine in 1915.

We love the photographs of world-changing history unfolding. . .

Visit of Kaiser Wilhelm II to Jerusalem, 1898

• Historic events that have changed the character of the land, such as the visit of German Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1898, the Turkish surrender to the British in 1917, and the earthquake of 1927.
• The city of Jerusalem under Turkish rule, including the presence of soldiers and the camel corps.
• The founding of early Zionist settlements, such as Kibbutz Ein Gev on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, with its tower and stockade.
• Historic visits to Palestine by Field Marshal Edmund Allenby, Lawrence of Arabia, Winston Churchill, and Lord Balfour.
• The city of Jerusalem under British rule, including photographs of Mandatory administrators Herbert Samuel and Edward Keith-Roach.
• The dedication of Hebrew University on April 1, 1925.
• Various Arab leaders including Emir Abdullah, King Faisal of Iraq, King Hussein of Jordan, King Farouk of Egypt, Sultan el-Atrash, and Haj Amin al-Husseini.
• Critical moments in the modern Arab-Israeli conflict, including the riots of 1920 and 1929, the Arab protest of the opening of Hebrew University, the Shaw Commission of Inquiry in 1929, the Jewish response to the White Paper of 1939, and the Jewish bombing of the King David Hotel in 1946.

We love the photographs of so many things that we’ve heard about, but not seen. . .

Interior of Golden Gate, Jerusalem

• Extraordinary, rare photographs inside the Golden Gate, Solomon’s Stables, the Double Gate, Barclay’s Gate, and the Dome of the Rock.
• Historic archaeological excavations in process, such as Tell Beit Mirsim under William F. Albright, Tell Beth Shemesh under Elihu Grant, Hazor under John Garstang, Mizpah (Tell en-Nasbeh) under William F. Badè, Bethel (Beitin) under James Leslie Kelso, Tell el-Farah South under W. M. Flinders Petrie, and the City of David under Raymond Weill and later J. W. Crowfoot and G. M. Fitzgerald.
• Visitors arriving in Palestine by boat at Jaffa, before there was an airport. Various bridges and ferry boats across the Jordan River.
• Solomon’s Pools when they were still in use for water distribution.
• The Dead Sea with a high water level, as well as commercial activity on and around the lake.
• Modern cities in their infancy, such as Tel Aviv, Ramallah, and the new city of Jerusalem.
• The Western (Wailing) Wall before the demolition of the Mughrabi Quarter for the prayer plaza.
• Crusader decorative lintels at the entrance of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
• The Dung Gate when it was only a pedestrian path.
• The great synagogues of the Jewish Quarter before their destruction in the 1948 war.

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Bible Lands Atlases

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• The Illustrated Bible Atlas with Historical Notes
• Bible History Atlas Study Edition
• The Onomasticon by Eusebius of Caesarea

Jerusalem

• The Illustrated Atlas of Jerusalem
• Carta's Historical Atlas of Jerusalem
• Jerusalem in the Time of Nehemiah
• Jerusalem in the Year 30 A.D.

Temple

• The Quest
• Carta's Illustrated Encyclopedia of The Holy Temple in Jerusalem
• The Holy Temple of Jerusalem

Save with Carta combos.

Watch the Carta podcast describing each volume and showcasing the wonderful illustrations.

Upgrade policy: we cannot offer upgrades from one module or combo to another, but our three month grace period applies: if you buy a combo, any modules your purchased during the previous 3 months will be credited towards the price.

This lets you convert any module purchase into any combo which includes it, at no penalty.

The Catalyst Conference team will stop at nothing to keep attendees on the edge of their seats at their yearly conference for Next Generation Leaders. Just ask the human cannonball who was fired through the rafters of the Gwinnett Arena at Catalyst 2010! The loud boom was enough to make us wonder what was going on in the meeting, and we looked in from time to time to observe the proceedings. But most of our Accordance team’s time was spent introducing people to--and doing demos of--Accordance.

Catalyst is a very diverse community, not only hailing from all parts of the U.S., but representing a wide generational range. The conference was begun by members of Andy Stanley’s NorthPoint Church here in the Atlanta area to fill the gap in training for Christian leaders in their twenties and thirties. However, there are a large number of pastors in the 40-60 age demographic that attend as well, often flanked by members of their staffs. People flock to Catalyst because below the slick and well-organized presentation of the conference (replete with diverse entertainment!), lies a desire to communicate practical wisdom on church leadership on topics ranging from social justice to staff development and dynamics. To that end, Accordance fits right in, as each generation of leaders turns to solid study of the Bible as foundational for life and ministry. What more efficient and elegant way to dig deep into the context in which the Bible was written, or access it in its original languages, than in Accordance?

As a member of our text development team, I don’t do as many demos of Accordance as some members of our staff, but it was a lot of fun to show the Catalyst attendees what Accordance is capable of. Some attendees who had little knowledge of original languages were amazed to see how easy it is to do simple word studies, armed with little more than a Strong’s-numbered text and a good original-language dictionary (Like NIDNTT or HALOT). Many were amazed to see Accordance’s Atlas and Photoguide in action, as 2-D and 3-D images remind us that the Biblical texts were written by real people in real places. The simplicity of Accordance’s interface likewise allowed people who were just interested in reading a few translations in parallel and scrolling with commentaries to do so simply by clicking on on a few workspace icons. Of course, those who wanted to do searches in the original languages were pleased at the drag-and-drop simplicity of the Construct windows, which in Accordance 9 are really easy to manage in zones! And the speed and simplicity of our improved Search All and My Groups impressed those who wanted to check entire groups of tools and texts at once.

Many Catalyst attendees were Mac-users and/or iPhone/iPad users and a lot of them asked about our iOS app. To wit, I was able to give them a quick demo of the current beta version, complete with quick GoTo-style passage lookup, side-by-side display of reference tools and texts, double-tap access to Strong’s number information, and “pinching” a few graphics in our Photoguide. Being able to do a quick COUNT 1 search of the tagged Greek New Testament, for hapax legomena was a treat for anyone interested in original languages. We are excited to see the app’s release draw closer and closer!

Although our booth had no people dressed in spacesuits or playing music while suspended from wires (à la Bon Jovi), our team had some great opportunities to interact with attendees about Accordance. Particularly, I enjoyed sharing one of the ways Accordance benefits me personally: it establishes a high “ceiling” for Bible study. My initial interactions with Accordance consisted of little more than simple passage lookup or word searches. However, Accordance has offered so many simple ways of doing more complex searches (especially using Strong’s numbers and Analysis graphs) that I’ve grown in my study methods. Thankfully, Accordance is always growing too, so there’s little chance that I’ll ever “bump my head” on its technological “ceiling.” With its focus on keeping the Bible and searching central, I’m never obstructed or distracted by more information than I need. Accordance has enhanced my Bible study, not just made it quicker, establishing a healthy “growth curve” for years to come.

Our hope at Accordance is that all of our users, including some of the new friends we met this year at Catalyst, will establish their own Bible Study growth curve by putting the power of Accordance, and its prodigious array of texts and tools, to work for them. For a human cannonball, what goes up must come down. But for Accordance, the sky’s the limit.

Once installed, it worked great. I have no complaints – it met my needs. But the qualification here is, once installed. My PC had all kinds of weirdness attached to it and each time I wanted to upgrade the settings drove me nuts. At one point, I had to uninstall and reinstall everything. The problem was not Accordance Bible Software (which is wonderful) but the PC and working under the Mac emulator.

And then the day finally came when I began working for OakTree Software and I HAD to get a Mac. Just one small problem: I had to work on a PC AND a Mac (again, the nature of the beast regarding the work I’m doing). Now what? My husband encouraged my out-of-the-box thinking and after much discussion with Accordance staff, we came up with the solution: A Mac-Mini with Accordance Bible Software installed on it, a switchbox, and my PC, all connected to the same keyboard, monitor, and mouse. These hardware components, together with shared network drives on both the Mac-Mini and my PC make working with Accordance Bible Software a truly cost-effective way to work. And I can still use my professional software which, unfortunately, is only available for PCs

It sounds a lot more complicated than it is. You simply connect everything, and it works! (Well, I admit the Windows-PC still has a few issues, but it has always had issues…) If you have a network set up in your home for multiple computers (such as Internet or printers access), it is easy to set up the Mac-mini so that you can share between computers and send to a printer, also via the network.

Now I have the best of both worlds. My Mac-mini was a top-of-the-line model costing around $800, but you can get one for as low as $500, good enough to meet your needs if all you want is to get the most out of your Accordance Bible Software. True, you won’t get the laptop, take along functionality. But you can still copy and paste whatever you want to text files and seamlessly move them to your PC for use in Word, WordPerfect, PowerPoint, or whatever other software you use on your PC.

Obviously, it would be nice to be able to work on only one computer, but for people like me whose career depends on their Windows-based PC skills but who want Accordance Bible Software for their Bible studies, this is an option definitely worth considering. So why don’t you treat yourself? Upgrade to Accordance V9 (which is amazing), and enjoy it to the fullest by installing it on a Mac-Mini.

Convenient, flexible, and concise, The Holman Bible Commentary now joins the ever-swelling library of commentaries available for Accordance Bible Software. The twenty-volume Old Testament set and twelve-volume New Testament set were produced by Broadman & Holman with the express purpose of providing “the church with the food to feed the spiritually hungry in an easily digestible format.” The Accordance release of the NIV-based Holman Bible Commentary augments that aim with superior searchability and usability, increasing its value to the pastor or layperson in need of concise biblical reference materials.

Convenient Format

Each volume of the Holman Bible Commentary is organized into chapters, each of which follow a consistent outline:

• Introduction
• Commentary
  A verse-by-verse explanation of the chapter.
• Conclusion
  An overview of the principles an applications from the chapter
• Life Application
  Melding the chapter to life
• Prayer
  Tying the chapter to life with God
• Deeper Discoveries
  Historical, geographical, and grammatical enrichment of the commentary
• Teaching Outline
  Suggested step-by-step group study of the chapter.
• Issues for Discussion
  Zeroing the chapter in on daily life.

Readers familiar with the structure of the outline can quickly find the kind of information they are searching for. Accordance users will be able to survey the outline of a chapter and its subheadings by using the browser.

Flexible for Different Settings

The Holman Bible Commentary lends itself well to several different uses. Pastors in need of illustrative materials for sermon preparation will benefit from the quotes preceding each chapter as well as the anecdotes in the chapter Introduction. Laypeople preparing lessons on particular biblical books may want to consult the Teaching Outline for help in organizing their thoughts. Small groups and Sunday School classes wishing to use the Holman Commentary to study a particular book of the Bible will find the Issues for Discussion a helpful springboard to conversation and personal application. The Conclusion, Life Application and Prayer sections of each chapter will prove invaluable for readers wishing to use this commentary for devotional reading. “Deeper Discoveries” will take readers who want to investigate issues raised in the commentary further in their study of the Bible. Whatever the situation, Accordance allows for customization of the presentation of the text. Fonts, background colors, text colors, and highlighting are all available at the user’s fingertips.

Concise When Time is of the Essence

The main body of the Commentary can be read in detail when one has time to proceed verse-by-verse through the biblical text. As always, readers can open their favorite Bible, open a Reference pane, and the Holman Commentary will scroll along in synch.

When devotional or preparation time is brief, however, the Holman Bible Commentary quickly summarizes key points in the text in two ways. “In a Nutshell” offers readers a summary of the events or key themes of a chapter before its Introduction. “Main Idea” and “Supporting Idea” statements found in grayed text boxes throughout the Commentary sections sum up smaller portions of biblical text. Formatting within Accordance distinguishes these from the body of the Commentary, closely mirroring the print text.

Also in Accordance

Accordance also allows the reader instantaneous access to any Reference entry covered by the Holman Bible Commentary. Searching for comments on an individual verse or a lengthy passage is simple and readers can scroll through relevant hits at their leisure. Mouse over a hyperlinked verse and the Instant Details box displays the passage in the reader’s Bible of choice.

Citation of the text or following along with others in a group is made simple by the Page Number field. Captions for maps and Table Titles can likewise be searched for graphical aids. Each volume also features a Glossary which can be accessed easily by means of hyperlinks throughout the text, which display the relevant definition in Instant Details. The full Holman Commentary boasts over 800 hyperlinks to other Accordance tools, including Hymns, Schaff’s Church Fathers, NIDNTT, and Word Biblical Commentary, to name but a few. And of course, amplifying to another Accordance module (such as the Atlas or Photoguide for additional context for a place name) is as simple as selecting the text and choosing from the Resource Palette.

Conclusion

Accordance makes the accessibility of the Holman Bible Commentary even more accessible by building on its strengths of convenience, flexibility and conciseness. To paraphrase the series’ tagline “The more precious your preparation time, the more essential The Holman Bible Commentary (in Accordance) is to your success.”

The entire set is available in the following modules:

Holman Old Testament Commentary: $300, sale …$250

Holman New Testament Commentary: $180, sale …$150

Holman Bible Commentary: $480, sale …$350

See details of the volumes.

Each volume answers the questions students of the Bible ask rather than the ones Bible scholars play with, but are unable to provide clear answers for. An eight-step approach to Bible study grabs the reader's attention, shows the main points of the text, leads verse by verse through the logic of the Bible writer as he taught his original readers, then brings it all home in principles and applications illustrated for the modern reader.

Quotations from the church's important voices, the teaching in a nutshell, and a quick statement of the main point of the text prepares the reader to study.

The eight-point study leads the reader from an introduction with contemporary illustrations, through verse-by-verse commentary, to a conclusion and life application. Deeper discoveries help the reader understand the most important words, phrases, and teaching of each chapter. A teaching outline allows the reader to review what has been read, organize its message, and prepare to share it with others. The 'Final Issues for Discussion' section brings closure to the reader's study.

The 32 volumes in these two series were edited by Max Anders.

See Review: Why the Holman?

Old Testament Volumes (HOTC):

• Volume 1: Genesis -- Kenneth O. Gangel, Stephen J. Bramer
• Volume 2: Exodus, Leviticus & Numbers -- Glen S. Martin
• Volume 3: Deuteronomy -- Doug McIntosh
• Volume 4: Joshua -- Kenneth O. Gangel
• Volume 5: Judges & Ruth -- W. Gary Phillips
• Volume 6: 1 & 2 Samuel -- Stephen J. Andrews, Robert D. Bergen
• Volume 7: 1 & 2 Kings -- Gary Inrig
• Volume 8: 1 & 2 Chronicles -- Winfried Corduan
• Volume 9: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther -- Knute Larson, Kathy Dahlen
• Volume 10: Job -- Steven J. Lawson
• Volume 11: Psalms 1-75 -- Steven J. Lawson
• Volume 12: Psalms 76-150 -- Steven J. Lawson
• Volume 13: Proverbs -- Steven J. Lawson
• Volume 14: Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon -- David George Moore, Daniel L. Akin
• Volume 15: Isaiah -- Trent C. Butler
• Volume 16: Jeremiah & Lamentations -- Fred M. Wood, Ross McLaren
• Volume 17: Ezekiel -- Mark F. Rooker
• Volume 18: Daniel -- Kenneth O. Gangel
• Volume 19: Hosea-Micah -- Trent C. Butler
• Volume 20: Nahum-Malachi -- Stephen R. Miller

New Testament Volumes (HNTC):

• Volume 1: Matthew -- Stuart K. Weber
• Volume 2: Mark -- Rod Cooper
• Volume 3: Luke -- Trent C. Butler
• Volume 4: John -- Kenneth O. Gangel
• Volume 5: Acts -- Kenneth O. Gangel
• Volume 6: Romans -- Kenneth Boa and William Kruidenier
• Volume 7: 1 & 2 Corinthians -- Richard L. Pratt Jr.
• Volume 8: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians -- Max Anders
• Volume 9: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon -- Knute Larson
• Volume 10: Hebrews & James -- Thomas D. Lea
• Volume 11: 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2 & 3 John and Jude -- David Walls
• Volume 12: Revelation -- Kendell Easley

The entire set will be available in the following modules:

Holman Old Testament Commentary: $300, sale …$250

Holman New Testament Commentary: $180, sale …$150

Holman Bible Commentary: $480, sale …$350

Available for download.

General Editor: Terry Muck

We are thrilled to announce the release of this ground-breaking series from Zondervan, the first-fruits from the recent press release.

The new NIVAC-NT Commentary was thoroughly reviewed by Rick Mansfield on his This Lamp blog.

About the NIV Application Commentary Series

Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from our world to the world of the Bible. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. They focus on the original meaning of the passage but don’t discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuable—but the job is only half done! The NIV Application Commentary Series helps bring both halves of the interpretive task together. This unique, award-winning series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into our present-day context. It explains not only what the Bible meant but also how it speaks powerfully today.

Volumes and Authors

Old Testament Prophets ($250)

• Isaiah -- John N. Oswalt
• Jeremiah, Lamentations -- J. Andrew Dearman
• Ezekiel -- Iain M. Duguid
• Daniel -- Tremper Longman III
• Hosea, Amos, Micah -- Gary V. Smith
• Joel, Obadiah, Malachi -- David W. Baker
• Jonah, Nahum, Hab, Zeph -- James Bruckner
• Haggai, Zechariah -- Mark J. Boda

NIVAC New Testament ($600)

• Matthew -- Michael J. Wilkins
• Mark -- David E. Garland
• Luke -- Darrell L. Bock
• John -- Gary M. Burge
• Acts -- Ajith Fernando
• Romans -- Douglas J. Moo
• 1 Corinthians -- Craig L. Blomberg
• 2 Corinthians -- Scott J. Hafemann
• Galatians -- Scot McKnight
• Ephesians -- Klyne Snodgrass
• Philippians -- Frank Thielman
• Colossians, Philemon -- David E. Garland
• 1& 2 Thessalonians -- Michael W. Holmes
• 1&2 Timothy, Titus -- Walter L. Liefeld
• Hebrews -- George H. Guthrie
• James -- David P. Nystrom
• 1 Peter -- Scot McKnight
• 2 Peter, Jude -- Douglas J. Moo
• Letters of John -- Gary M. Burge
• Revelation -- Craig S. Keener

From the Series Introduction

THE NIV APPLICATION COMMENTARY SERIES is unique. Most commentaries help us make the journey from our world back to the world of the Bible. They enable us to cross the barriers of time, culture, language, and geography that separate us from the biblical world. Yet they only offer a one-way ticket to the past and assume that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. Once they have explained the original meaning of a book or passage, these commentaries give us little or no help in exploring its contemporary significance. The information they offer is valuable, but the job is only half done.

Recently, a few commentaries have included some contemporary application as one of their goals. Yet that application is often sketchy or moralistic, and some volumes sound more like printed sermons than commentaries.

The primary goal of the NIV Application Commentary Series is to help you with the difficult but vital task of bringing an ancient message into a modern context. The series not only focuses on application as a finished product but also helps you think through the process of moving from the original meaning of a passage to its contemporary significance. These are commentaries, not popular expositions. They are works of reference, not devotional literature.

The format of the series is designed to achieve the goals of the series. Each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning, Bridging Contexts, and Contemporary Significance.

Original Meaning

THIS SECTION HELPS YOU UNDERSTAND the meaning of the biblical text in its original context. All of the elements of traditional exegesis—in concise form—are discussed here.
These include the historical, literary, and cultural context of the passage. The authors discuss matters related to grammar and syntax and the meaning of biblical words. They also seek to explore the main ideas of the passage and how the biblical author develops those ideas.

After reading this section, you will understand the problems, questions, and concerns of the original audience and how the biblical author addressed those issues. This understanding is foundational to any legitimate application of the text today.

Bridging Contexts

THIS SECTION BUILDS A BRIDGE between the world of the Bible and the world of today, between the original context and the contemporary context, by focusing on both the timely and timeless aspects of the text.

God’s Word is timely. The authors of Scripture spoke to specific situations, problems, and questions. The author of Joshua encouraged the faith of his original readers by narrating the destruction of Jericho, a seemingly impregnable city, at the hands of an angry warrior God (Josh. 6). Paul warned the Galatians about the consequences of circumcision and the dangers of trying to be justified by law (Gal. 5:25). The author of Hebrews tried to convince his readers that Christ is superior to Moses, the Aaronic priests, and the Old Testament sacrifices. John urged his readers to “test the spirits” of those who taught a form of incipient Gnosticism (1 John 4:1−6). In each of these cases, the timely nature of Scripture enables us to hear God’s Word in situations that were concrete rather than abstract.

Yet the timely nature of Scripture also creates problems. Our situations, difficulties, and questions are not always directly related to those faced by the people in the Bible. Therefore, God’s word to them does not always seem relevant to us. For example, when was the last time someone urged you to be circumcised, claiming that it was a necessary part of justification? How many people today care whether Christ is superior to the Aaronic priests? And how can a “test” designed to expose incipient Gnosticism be of any value in a modern culture?

Fortunately, Scripture is not only timely but timeless. Just as God spoke to the original audience, so he still speaks to us through the pages of Scripture. Because we share a common humanity with the people of the Bible, we discover a universal dimension in the problems they faced and the solutions God gave them. The timeless nature of Scripture enables it to speak with power in every time and in every culture.

Those who fail to recognize that Scripture is both timely and timeless run into a host of problems. For example, those who are intimidated by timely books such as Hebrews, Galatians, or Deuteronomy might avoid reading them because they seem meaningless today. At the other extreme, those who are convinced of the timeless nature of Scripture, but who fail to discern its timely element, may “wax eloquent” about the Melchizedekian priesthood to a sleeping congregation, or worse still, try to apply the holy wars of the Old Testament in a physical way to God’s enemies today.

The purpose of this section, therefore, is to help you discern what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible—and what is not. For example, how do the holy wars of the Old Testament relate to the spiritual warfare of the New? If Paul’s primary concern is not circumcision (as he tells us in Gal. 5:6), what is he concerned about? If discussions about the Aaronic priesthood or Melchizedek seem irrelevant today, what is of abiding value in these passages? If people try to “test the spirits” today with a test designed for a specific first-century heresy, what other biblical test might be more appropriate?

Yet this section does not merely uncover that which is timeless in a passage but also helps you to see how it is uncovered. The authors of the commentaries seek to take what is implicit in the text and make it explicit, to take a process that normally is intuitive and explain it in a logical, orderly fashion. How do we know that circumcision is not Paul’s primary concern? What clues in the text or its context help us realize that Paul’s real concern is at a deeper level?

Of course, those passages in which the historical distance between us and the original readers is greatest require a longer treatment. Conversely, those passages in which the historical distance is smaller or seemingly nonexistent require less attention.

One final clarification. Because this section prepares the way for discussing the contemporary significance of the passage, there is not always a sharp distinction or a clear break between this section and the one that follows. Yet when both sections are read together, you should have a strong sense of moving from the world of the Bible to the world of today.

Contemporary Significance

THIS SECTION ALLOWS the biblical message to speak with as much power today as it did when it was first written. How can you apply what you learned about Jerusalem, Ephesus, or Corinth to our present-day needs in Chicago, Los Angeles, or London? How can you take a message originally spoken in Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic and communicate it clearly in our own language? How can you take the eternal truths originally spoken in a different time and culture and apply them to the similar-yet-different needs of our culture?

In order to achieve these goals, this section gives you help in several key areas.

1. It helps you identify contemporary situations, problems, or questions that are truly comparable to those faced by the original audience. Because contemporary situations are seldom identical to those faced by the original audience, you must seek situations that are analogous if your applications are to be relevant.
2. This section explores a variety of contexts in which the passage might be applied today. You will look at personal applications, but you will also be encouraged to think beyond private concerns to the society and culture at large.
3. This section will alert you to any problems or difficulties you might encounter in seeking to apply the passage. And if there are several legitimate ways to apply a passage (areas in which Christians disagree), the author will bring these to your attention and help you think through the issues involved.

In seeking to achieve these goals, the contributors to this series attempt to avoid two extremes. They avoid making such specific applications that the commentary might quickly become dated. They also avoid discussing the significance of the passage in such a general way that it fails to engage contemporary life and culture.

Above all, contributors to this series have made a diligent effort not to sound moralistic or preachy. The NIV Application Commentary Series does not seek to provide ready-made sermon materials but rather tools, ideas, and insights that will help you communicate God’s Word with power. If we help you to achieve that goal, then we have fulfilled the purpose for this series.

The Editors

It is for this reason that Philip Comfort embarked upon a fifteen-year project to explain every textual variation indicated in the notes of the major English versions of the Bible. He recounts an experience he encountered as a professor:

"... when one of my New Testament students at Wheaton College a number of years ago asked me, 'Where is there a book that explains these textual variants?' I had to tell him, 'There isn't one, really-unless you know Greek.'"¹

"Since then," he goes on to explain, "I have felt the need to provide such a book for English readers as well as for those who know Greek and are seeking information on how textual criticism might affect translation and exegesis."²

We are proud to accompany Comfort in his quest to aid these readers by announcing the release of his New Testament Text and Translation Commentary. This commentary offers detailed explanations of the nearly three thousand textual notes that occur in the New Testament of the major English versions. In addition, it includes an introduction packed with useful information on textual criticism, the editions of the Greek New Testament, and a glossary of technical terms. Lastly, it includes four essays on textual criticism (Appendixes A-D).

The Accordance edition can be displayed in parallel with any New Testament text. It also offers several enhancements such as the ability to search multiple fields, instant hyperlinks which define all major manuscript symbols and technical terms, and over 200 links to other resources in your Library. Let's take a look at these enhancements in more detail, as well as how it stacks up with the scholarly standard commentary in this field, Bruce M. Metzger's, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament (TCGNT).

Parallel Commentary

As with all of our Reference Tools, the NTTTC can be displayed in parallel with any Biblical text (NT in this case). Add an additional commentary or study Bible and you have a powerful reading workspace to aid in the crafting of your next sermon or Bible study.

Multi-field Searching

Before I show examples of the power of multi-field searching, let's quickly look at the

different fields in the NTTTC.

The first four fields: Reference, Titles, English Content, and Scripture are standard in every Reference Tool. The Bibliography and Page Numbers fields are self-explanatory as well. But the other fields are relatively unique, so I will briefly explain them:

Primary Variant: contains the Greek text for the particular reading adopted by the majority of English translations. This field is prefaced by the version of the GNT that contains this text (WH, NU, or TR).

Alternate Variant: contains the (unaccented) Greek text of the additional variants for that verse. These are usually numbered variant 1, 2, etc.

Greek Content: contains Greek text in the commentary body, intro, or appendices.

English Translation: contains the English translation for the Primary and Alternate Variants.

Manuscripts: contains the manuscript symbols and witnesses that support a particular reading or are mentioned in the body of the commentary.³

English Versions: Contains every reference to the English versions referenced in the commentary.

Now, let's take a look at an example using multi-field searching.

In this screen shot I searched the Alternate Variant field for all content ( *? ), and added an extra field to search the English Versions field for KJV. Knowing that this would yield a lot of hits throughout the entire commentary, I disclosed the Browser contents and right-clicked on Mark to select that book as the range for my search (yielding 1,004 hits). This search approximately finds the instances in Mark where the KJV adopts a reading that is different from the majority of the English versions. (Note that this is not an exact search but with a minute amount of scanning you can easily detect irrelevant hits). In this example you can see that all the major English versions adopt the primary variant, except for the KJV and NKJV (although it does have the support of several important manuscripts A D W, in addition to Maj). Looking at the comment on this verse you can see that the variant is probably the result of scribal harmonization; a technical term which is defined in the glossary and instantly displayed in the Instant Details box upon hovering over it. You can also hover over any of the major manuscript witnesses and get instant information on its date and contents.

In another example of multi-field searching, you can see the precision with which you can search this resource.

Here I replicated the same search as before except that I added one more field, and searched for all Primary Variant content NOT in the same article. This search finds the five verses in Mark, which are omitted by the majority of English versions, but added in the KJV.

These are just a few of the types of searches you can perform, but already you can see the wealth of information that is accessible, and the relative ease of discovering it. Imagine how long it would take you to find just those five verses (or more if you expanded the search range to the synoptic gospels, Pauline epistles, or entire NT).

Metzger vs. Comfort

Bruce Metzger's Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament (2d ed; UBS: 1994) has long been heralded as the most detailed commentary that explains the inner workings of the translation committee's decisions for the text of the United Bible Societies' Greek New Testament (4^th rev. ed.).⁴ However, for those without a basic understanding of Greek and textual criticism, this resource can be difficult to navigate. It also does not concentrate on indicating where the major English versions differ, or why.

This is where Comfort's NTTTC shines. In addition to filling some of the same needs of the TCGNT (often with greater detail), it also provides information on which route the English translations take.⁵ Note the following example from Romans 5:1:

Both resources note that although the external support for ἔχωμεν ('let us have...') is greater than ἔχομεν ('we have...'), the internal evidence makes more sense of Paul's thought. However, Comfort gives more technical information on the manuscript evidence (including an extended discussion on the text of 0220), shows which route the English versions take, and provides complementary information on the greater weight of the internal evidence. All of this is accomplished in an easy to read, yet technically precise manner—sufficient for both the layperson and academic. And, because Comfort provided explanations of the manuscript witnesses and symbols, we were able to create instant hyperlinks to them. In addition, Comfort makes reference to the TCGNT over one hundred times in the commentary notes, and each of these is hyperlinked to the relevant verse of the TCGNT in Accordance, creating a seamless transition while investigating the text in both of these resources.

In the end, although I believe Comfort is the winner of this text-critical duel, both resources complement each other and make a perfect pair.

Conclusion

In this article I showed how Accordance takes the wealth of information in the NTTTC and makes it easily accessible. Multi-field searching makes it easy to perform complex searches and provides in-depth information that would otherwise take hours to unearth. Instant hyperlinks to manuscript symbols and technical terms save untold time in flipping to the introduction, while hyperlinks to other resources such as Metzger's TCGNT creates a seamless transition from one resource to the other. Suited for anyone interested in the text of the New Testament, the NTTTC also pairs perfectly with a technical commentary such as the WBC or Hermeneia.

¹ Philip W. Comfort, New Testament Text and Translation Commentary, Accordance electronic ed. (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 2008), vii.

² Ibid.

³ This field uses our MSS font. For help using this font select the drop down menu: Window > Character Palette; or view the Accordance Fonts PDF.

⁴ The UBS⁴ contains the same text as the NA²⁷.

⁵ Comfort was the New Testament textual critic for the translation committee of the New Living Translation.

List of contents

The Series

A trusted and treasured series, the Tyndale Commentary is a valuable addition to Accordance.  This series is a classic and a valuable resource for Bible study, helpful to the layman and the scholar as well, and recognized as one of the best basic-level commentary series available.

The Tyndale Commentary Series was written by such notable evangelical scholars as Leon Morris, Bruce Waltke, F. F. Bruce, Wayne Grudem, John Stott, and N.T. Wright.  These authors are dedicated to presenting clear, readable, section-by-section explanations of Scripture.  Written with the dual aim of reaching to the depths of Biblical meaning and displaying its message clearly, the Tyndale Commentary Series digs into authorships, dates, historical backgrounds, and more.  The texts are thoroughly examined.  Issues relating to problems of interpretation are also clearly analyzed. Also noteworthy are the many excurses scattered throughout the text.  Called Additional Notes, these short asides provide more detailed information on topics mentioned in the Biblical texts.

With a conservative, evangelical perspective, the Tyndale Commentary Series intends to bring careful scholarly research into a tool that can be accessed easily.  Readers comment, “I can understand…yet I am challenged to grasp the wonderful truth,” and “packed with enough information for the scholar.”  It is also described as “comprehensive,” “excellent,” and “helpful.”

In Accordance

Accordance has made this valuable resource available to you today.  And with the addition of some helpful features, it is now more useful than ever.  The text is fully searchable by title, content, or Scripture reference, making it easy to find any place a given phrase or reference is mentioned.  And as always, the Instant Details Box displays any verses mentioned in the body of the text.

The series is also hyperlinked to many various tools and texts such as Hymns, Hymn Writers, Apostolic Fathers, Josephus (JOSEPH), Philo (PHILO-E), and apologists such as Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (APOL-E).

As in any module, the user can also amplify the text by selecting a word or passage in the commentary and then choosing any tool or text from the Resource Palette.

When the series includes a chart or map, Accordance displays it as a thumbnail.  This feature makes it easy for the user to zoom in and out of the graphic, exploring and navigating it at will.

Like a growing number of Accordance modules, the Tyndale Commentary is page-numbered and compatible with Accordance 8.4, meaning it is easier than ever to save text as a citation or a footnote and paste it into a new document, displaying all information needed for a complete citation automatically.

Summary

The Tyndale  Commentary Series is an important addition to the Accordance library of anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge of the Bible, seeking a readable yet thorough examination of Scripture.  The clear, reliable, informative commentary, combined with the helpful, intuitive, enhancing features Accordance brings, makes the Tyndale Commentary Series an invaluable resource.

List price for the entire 49 volume set is $260 (print value $773). Order here for the sale price of $219.99

Contents of the Tyndale Commentaries

Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (TOTC)

• Genesis by Derek Kidner
• Exodus by R. Alan Cole
• Leviticus by R. K. Harrison
• Numbers by Gordon J. Wenham
• Deuteronomy by John A. Thompson
• Joshua by Richard S. Hess
• Judges & Ruth by Arthur E. Cundall and Leon Morris
• 1 & 2 Samuel by Joyce G. Baldwin
• 1 & 2 Kings by Donald J. Wiseman
• 1 Chronicles by Martin J. Selman
• 2 Chronicles by Martin J. Selman
• Ezra & Nehemiah by Derek Kidner
• Esther (1st ed.) by Joyce G. Baldwin
• Esther (2nd ed.) by Debra Reid
• Job by Francis I. Andersen
• Psalms 1-72 by Derek Kidner
• Psalms 73-150 by Derek Kidner
• Proverbs by Derek Kidner
• Ecclesiastes by Michael A. Eaton
• The Song of Solomon by G. Lloyd Carr
• Isaiah by J. Alec Motyer
• Jeremiah & Lamentations by R. K. Harrison
• Ezekiel by John B. Taylor
• Daniel by Joyce G. Baldwin
• Hosea by David Allan Hubbard
• Joel & Amos by David Allan Hubbard
• Obadiah, Jonah, Micah by T. Desmond Alexander, David W. Baker and Bruce Waltke
• Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah by David W. Baker
• Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi by Joyce G. Baldwin

Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (TNTC)

• Matthew by R. T. France
• Mark by R. Alan Cole
• Luke by Leon Morris
• John by Colin Kruse
• Acts by I. Howard Marshall
• Romans by F. F. Bruce
• 1 Corinthians by Leon Morris
• 2 Corinthians by Colin Kruse
• Galatians by R. Alan Cole
• Ephesians by Francis Foulkes
• Philippians by Ralph P. Martin
• Colossians & Philemon by N. T. Wright
• 1 & 2 Thessalonians by Leon Morris
• The Pastoral Epistles by Donald Guthrie
• Hebrews by Donald Guthrie
• James by Douglas Moo
• 1 Peter by Wayne Grudem
• 2 Peter & Jude by Michael Green
• The Letters of John by John R. W. Stott
• Revelation by Leon Morris

Like any other commentary series, The Pillar New Testament Commentary has specific aims. Designed both for serious students and for general readers of the Bible, the PNTC volumes seek above all to make clear the meaning of the text of Scripture as we have it. The scholars writing these volumes interact with the most important, informed contemporary debate yet avoid undue technical detail. Their ideal is a blend of rigorous exegesis and exposition, scholarship and pastoral sensitivity, with an eye alert both to biblical theology and to the contemporary relevance of the Bible.

While the New International Version is the translation of choice for the English text, Pillar authors base their exposition on the Greek New Testament. They are deeply committed to a fresh wrestling with the text, using every means at their disposal to “loosen the Bible from its pages” to help readers understand what the text says and how to apply it to life today.

Underlying the approach of this series is the fact that God stands over against us rather than we in judgment of him. When God speaks to us in his Word, those who profess to know him must respond with reverence, a certain fear, a holy joy, and a questing obedience. These attitudes are reflected in the profoundly Christian stance of the PNTC authors toward the text. With these values in place, the Pillar commentaries will continue to be warmly welcomed by pastors, teachers, and students everywhere.

Individual volumes: Matthew, Mark, John, Romans, Ephesians, 1-2 Thessalonians, James, Letters of John, 2 Peter & Jude.

Feb. 2012 update adds Acts, 1 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossian & Philemon, and Hebrews.

Unlock any volume or the complete set.

Published by InterVarsity Press
Series Editor: Thomas C. Oden

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 six 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 seeks not to replace those excellent commentaries that have been produced in the twentieth century. 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.

Individual volumes included:

• OT-1, Genesis 1–11: ed. Andrew Louth
• OT-2, Genesis 12–50: ed. Mark Sheridan
• OT-3, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, ed. Joseph T. Lienhard
• OT-4, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, ed. John R. Franke
• OT-5, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, ed. Marco Conti
• OT-6, Job: ed. Manlio Simonetti and Marco Conti
• OT-7, Psalms 1–50: ed. Craig A. Blaising and Carmen S. Hardin
• OT-8, Psalms 51–150: ed. Quentin F. Wesselschmidt
• OT-9, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, ed. J. Robert Wright
• OT-10, Isaiah 1–39: ed. Steven A. McKinion
• OT-11, Isaiah 40–66: ed. Mark W. Elliott
• OT-12, Jeremiah, Lamentations: ed. Dean O. Wenthe
• OT-13, Ezekiel, Daniel: ed. Kenneth Stevenson and Michael Glerup
• OT-14, The Twelve Prophets: ed. Alberto Ferreiro
• OT-15, Apocrypha: ed. Sever J. Voicu
• NT-1a, Matthew 1–13: ed. Manlio Simonetti
• NT-1b, Matthew 14–28: ed. Manlio Simonetti
• NT-2 (2nd Ed.), Mark: ed. Thomas C. Oden and Christopher A. Hall
• NT-3, Luke: ed. Arthur A. Just Jr.
• NT-4a, John 1–10: ed. Joel C. Elowsky
• NT-4b, John 11–21: ed. Joel C. Elowsky
• NT-5, Acts: ed. Francis Martin
• NT-6 (2nd Ed.), Romans: ed. Gerald Bray
• NT-7 (2nd Ed.), 1-2 Corinthians: ed. Gerald Bray
• NT-8 (2nd Ed.), Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, ed. Mark J. Edwards
• NT-9, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, ed. Peter Gorday
• NT-10, Hebrews: ed. Erik M. Heen and Philip D. W. Krey
• NT-11, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude, ed. Gerald Bray
• NT-12, Revelation: ed. William C. Weinrich

The ACCS Complete retails at $385, now on sale for $308.

• Commentary based on the New International Version (NIV).
• Sound scholarly methodology reflecting capable research in the original languages.
• Interpretation emphasizing the theological unity of each book and Scripture as a whole.
• Readable and applicable exposition.

Current NAC Modules

To enable our users to purchase the commentaries they need, we are offering three purchase options: the entire set, two modules for Old and New Testament sets, or 8 modules with 2 to 6 volumes in each set. If you purchase all the parts of a bigger set you may receive the code for the single volume. The larger sets offer the best value. All these modules are available as unlocks on the NAC CD-ROM:

• NAC: with all 38 extant volumes $599 (print value over $1,100)
• NAC-OT: with the 23 Old Testament volumes $449 (print value about $690)
• NAC-NT: with the 15 New Testament volumes $299 (print value about $450)
• NAC-Pentateuch: 6 volumes $138 (print value about $180)
• NAC-History: 6 volumes $138 (print value about $180)
• NAC-Wisdom: 2 volumes $46 (print value about $60)
• NAC-Major Prophets: 4 volumes $92 (print value about $120)
• NAC-Minor Prophets: 5 volumes $115 (print value about $150)
• NAC-Gospels-Acts: 6 volumes $138 (print value about $180)
• NAC-Pauline Epistles: 6 volumes $138 (print value about $180)
• NAC-General Epistles: 3 volumes $69 (print value about $90)

Endorsements

"The scholarship behind The New American Commentary is first rate, but the books are written clearly enough for ordinary people to understand them....These books bring out something of the profound meaning of the original writers".
Leon Morris, Melbourne, Australia

"The strength of the New American Commentary is that it genuinely focuses on what the text says. This does not mean that the authors are out of touch with the vast array of secondary literature; rather it means they are committed to putting first things first. Pastors and Bible teachers will be grateful for this resource for years to come."
D.A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

A Critical and Historical Commentary on the Bible

OakTree is thrilled to announce the release of this long awaited commentary from Augsburg Fortress, with a value in print of over $2,650. All 43 volumes are available on CD-ROM for $1,200. On sale now for only $699!

Unique, authoritative, indispensable, Hermeneia has in a generation produced many of the most influential and informative commentaries on the Bible in the English language. This new version of Hermeneia on CD-ROM includes these recent volumes:

• Mark by Adela Yarbro Collins
• Acts by Richard I. Pervo
• Matthew 1–7 by Ulrich Luz, the completion of Luz’s three-part commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

Now with Accordance, the premier Bible software for Mac, Hermeneia on CD-ROM
captures the full text and aparatus of each published volume, and includes the
NRSV. Advanced Accordance features enable any scholar or teacher to:

• navigate and search the text of all Hermeneia volumes
• move seamlessly and accurately between Hermeneia and any other Accordance resources
• view the commentary in parallel with any Bible texts.

As new volumes are published, they will be made available to previous purchasers
at an “update only” price.

“Taken together, Hermeneia represents some of the best recent biblical scholarship. . . . 
I have no hesitation in recommending them for students.”
—Morna D. Hooker, University of Cambridge, Faculty of Divinity

“Hermeneia will be the benchmark and reference point for all future work.”
—Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary

From the Publisher

The name Hermeneia, Greek, has a rich background in the history of biblical interpretation as a term used in the ancient Greek-speaking world for the detailed, systematic exposition of a scriptural work. It is hoped that the series, like its name, will carry forward this old and venerable tradition. A second, entirely practical reason for selecting the name lies in the desire to avoid a long descriptive title and its inevitable acronym, or worse, an unpronounceable abbreviation.

The series is designed to be a critical and historical commentary to the Bible without arbitrary limits in size or scope. It will utilize the full range of philological and historical tools, including textual criticism (often slighted in modern commentaries), the methods of the history of tradition (including genre and prosodic analysis), and the history of religion.

Hermeneia is designed for the serious student of the Bible. It will make full use of ancient Semitic and classical languages; at the same time, English translations of all comparative materials—Greek, Latin, Canaanite, or Akkadian—will be supplied alongside the citation of the source in its original language. Insofar as possible, the aim is to provide the student or scholar with full critical discussion of each problem of interpretation and with the primary data upon which the discussion is based.

Hermeneia is designed to be international and interconfessional in the selection of authors; its editorial boards were formed with this end in view. Occasionally the series will offer translations of distinguish commentaries which originally appeared in languages other than English. Published volumes of the series will be revised continually, and eventually, new commentaries will replace older works in order to preserve the currency of the series. Commentaries are also being assigned for important literary works in the categories of apocryphal and pseudepigraphical works relating to the Old and New Testaments, including some of Essene or Gnostic authorship.

The editors of Hermeneia impose no systematic-theological perspective upon the series (directly, or indirectly by selection of authors). It is expected that authors will struggle to lay bare the ancient meaning of a biblical work or pericope. In this way the text's human relevance should become transparent, as is always the case in competent historical discourse. However, the series eschews for itself homiletical translation of the Bible.

The editors are heavily indebted to Fortress Press for its energy and courage in taking up an expensive, long-term project, the rewards of which will accrue chiefly to the field of biblical scholarship.

Hermeneia Series

Anchored by a renowned board of editors, this monumental series has over the last 40 years produced the most authoritative and influential commentaries on the Bible in the English-speaking world.

Old Testament Editorial Board

• Frank Moore Cross
  Harvard University (Emeritus), chair
• Klaus Baltzer
  University of Munich (Emeritus)
• Paul D. Hanson
  Harvard University
• S. Dean McBride, Jr.
  Union Theological Seminary in Virginia
• Peter Machinist
  Harvard University
• Susan Niditch
  Amherst College
• Christopher Seitz
  University of St. Andrews

New Testament Editorial Board

• Helmut Koester
  Harvard University (Emeritus), chair
• Harold W. Attridge
  Yale Divinity School
• Adela Yarbro Collins
  University of Chicago
• Eldon Jay Epp
  Case Western Reserve University (Emeritus)
• James M. Robinson
  Claremont Graduate School

Volumes

• Acts of the Apostles: A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles
  Hans Conzelmann; Eldon Jay Epp, ed.;
  A. Thomas Kraabel and James Limburg (Translators)
  Price: $56.00
• Acts: A Commentary
  Richard I. Pervo; Harold W. Attridge, ed.
  Price: $85.00
• Amos: A Commentary on the Book of Amos
  Shalom M. Paul
  Price: $55.00
• The Apostolic Tradition: A Commentary
  Paul F. Bradshaw, Maxwell E. Johnson, L. Edward Phillips; Harold W. Attridge, ed.
  Price: $49.00
• A Commentary on 1 Chronicles
  Ralph W. Klein
  Price: $56.00
• 1 Corinthians: A Commentary on the First Epistle to the Corinthians
  Hans Conzelmann; George W. MacRae S.J., ed.
  James W. Leitch (Translator)
  Price: $49.00
• 2 Corinthians 8 and 9: A Commentary on Two Administrative Letters of the Apostle Paul
  Hans Dieter Betz; George W. MacRae S.J., ed.
  Price: $39.00
• Colossians and Philemon: A Commentary on the Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon
  Edward Lohse; Helmut Koester, ed.;
  Robert J. Karris and William R. Poehlmann (Translators)
  Price: $45.00
• The Critical Edition of Q
  Paul Hoffmann, John S. Kloppenborg, and James M. Robinson, eds.
  Price: $80.00
• Daniel: A Commentary on the Book of Daniel
  John J. Collins
  Price: $60.00
• Deutero-Isaiah: A Commentary on Isaiah 40–55
  Klaus Baltzer, Peter Machinist, ed.;
  Margaret Kohl (Translator)
  Price: $79.00
• The Didache: A Commentary
  Kurt Niederwimmer; Harold W. Attridge, ed.
  Price: $55.00
• Enoch 1: A Commentary on the Book of 1 Enoch, Chapters 1–36; 81–108
  George W. E. Nickelsburg; Klaus Baltzer, ed.
  Price: $82.00
• Ezekiel 1: A Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, Chapters 1–24
  Walther Zimmerli; Leonard Jay Greenspoon, ed.;
  Ronald E. Clements (Translator)
  Price: $82.00
• Ezekiel 2: A Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, Chapters 25–48
  Walther Zimmerli; Leonard Jay Greenspoon and Paul D. Hanson, eds.;
  James D. Martin (Translator)
  Price: $82.00
• Fourth Ezra: A Commentary on the Book of Fourth Ezra
  Michael Edward Stone; Frank Moore Cross, ed.
  Price: $65.00
• Galatians: A Commentary on Paul’s Letter to the Churches in Galatia
  Hans Dieter Betz
  Price: $58.00
• Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews
  Harold Attridge; Helmut Koester, ed.
  Price: $50.00
• Hosea: A Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Hosea
  Hans Walter Wolff; Paul D. Hanson, ed.;
  Gary Stansell (Translator)
  Price: $49.00
• Ignatius of Antioch: A Commentary on the Letters of Ignatius of Antioch
  William R. Schoedel; Helmut Koester, ed.
  Price: $49.00
• James: A Commentary on the Epistle of James
  Martin Dibelius; Helmut Koester, ed.;
  Michael A. William (Translator)
  Price: $56.00
• Jeremiah 1
  William L. Holladay; Paul D. Hanson, ed.
  Price: $65.00
• Jeremiah 2: A Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, Chapters 26–52
  William L. Holladay; Paul D. Hanson, ed.
  Price: $55.00
• Joel and Amos: A Commentary on the Books of the Prophets Joel and Amos
  Hans Walter Wolff
  S. Dean McBride, Jr., Charles A. Muenchow, eds.
  Waldemar Janzen (Translator)
  Price: $115.00
• John 1: A Commentary on the Gospel of John, Chapter 1–6
  Ernst Haenchen; Ulrich Busse and Robert W. Funk, eds.
  Price: $49.00
• John 2: A Commentary on the Gospel of John, Chapters 7–21
  Ernst Haenchen; Ulrich Busse and Robert W. Funk, eds.
  Price: $50.00
• The Johannine Letters: A Commentary on 1, 2, and 3 John
  Georg Strecker
  Price: $53.00
• The Johannine Epistles: A Commentary on the Johannine Epistles
  Rudolf Bultmann; Robert W. Funk ed.
  R. Philip O’Hara, Lane C. McGaughy, Robert W. Funk (Translators)
  Price: $65.00
• Luke 1: A Commentary on the Gospel of Luke 1:1–9:50
  Francois Bovon; Helmut Koester, ed.
  Christine M. Thomas (Translator)
  Price: $60.00
• Mark: A Commentary
  Adela Yarbo Collins; Harold W. Attridge, ed.
  Price: $80.00
• Matthew 1–7: A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew
  Ulrich Luz; Helmut Koester, ed.;
  James E Crouch (Translator)
  Price: $75.00
• Matthew 8–20: A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew
  Ulrich Luz; Helmut Koester, ed.;
  James E Crouch (Translator)
  Price: $69.00
• Matthew 21–28
  Ulrich Luz
  Price: $90.00
• Micah: A Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Micah
  Delbert R. Hillers; Paul D. Hanson, ed.
  Price: $35.00
• The Pastoral Epistles: A Commentary on the Pastoral Epistles
  Hans Conzelmann and Martin Dibelius; Helmut Koester, ed.;
  Philip Buttolph and Adela Yarbro (Translators)
  Price: $39.00
• 1 Peter: A Commentary on First Peter
  Paul J. Achtemeier; Eldon Jay Epp, ed.
  Price: $50.00
• A Commentary on Psalms 51–100
  Frank Lothar Hossfeld and Erich Zenger; Klaus Baltzer, ed.;
  Linda M. Maloney (Translator)
  Price: $65.00
• Qoheleth: A Commentary
  Thomas Kruger; Klaus Baltzer, ed.;
  Jr. O. C. Dean (Translator)
  Price: $55.00
• Romans: A Commentary on the Book of Romans
  Robert Jewett; Eldon Jay Epp, ed.
  Price: $90.00
• The Sermon on the Mount: A Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, including the Sermon on the Plain (Matthew 5:3–7:27 and Luke 6:20–49)
  Hans Dieter Betz
  Price: $80.00
• The Shepherd of Hermas
  Carolyn Osiek; Helmut Koester, ed.
  Price: $49.00
• The Song of Songs: A Commentary on the Book of Canticles or The Song of Songs
  Roland E. Murphy; S. Dean McBride Jr, ed.
  Price: $49.00
• Zephaniah: A Commentary on the Book of Zephaniah
  Marvin A. Sweeney; Paul D. Hanson, ed.
  Price: $49.00

Order the entire Hermeneia CD-ROM for $1,200. On sale now for only $699!

The MacArthur New Testament Commentary

Respected preacher and Bible teacher Dr. John F. MacArthur needs no introduction to the Christian community in North America. His popular New Testament Commentary series has been published over the years since 1984. The main objective of the MacArthur NT Commentary is to explain and apply Scripture, focusing on the major doctrines and how they relate to the whole of the Bible.

The current new Accordance edition includes 28 volumes of the commentary covering most or all of 24 New Testament books, as shown below. The print value of the individual volumes is over $600, but of course Accordance adds value in terms of live hypertexts links, instant comparison of Bible versions and other commentaries, and the ability to search this commentary for any word, phrase or scripture, or to select anything in the commentary and find it instantly in any other module you own.

Click for full size image.

Volumes Included in the Current MacArthur NTC-2 Module

• Matthew 1-7
• Matthew 8-15
• Matthew 16-23
• Matthew 24-28
• Luke 1-5
• John 1-11
• John 12-21
• Acts 1-12
• Acts 13-28
• Romans 1-8
• Romans 9-16
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthians
• Galatians
• Ephesians
• Philippians
• Colossians & Philemon
• 2 Thessalonians
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Hebrews
• James
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter & Jude
• 1-3 John
• Revelation 1-11
• Revelation 12-22

From the Preface to Each Volume

It continues to be a rewarding divine communion for me to preach expositionally through the New Testament. My goal is always to have deep fellowship with the Lord in the understanding of His Word, and out of that experience to explain to His people what a passage means. In the words of Nehemiah 8:8, I strive "to give the sense" of it so they may truly hear God speak and, in so doing, may respond to Him.

Obviously, God's people need to understand Him, which demands knowing His Word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15) and allowing that Word to dwell in us richly (Col. 3:16). The dominant thrust of my ministry, therefore, is to help make God's living Word alive to His people. It is a refreshing adventure.

This New Testament commentary series reflects this objective of explaining and applying Scripture. Some commentaries are primarily linguistic, others are mostly theological, and some are mainly homiletical. This one is basically explanatory, or expository. It is not linguistically technical, but deals with linguistics when this seems helpful to proper interpretation. It is not theologically expansive, but focuses on the major doctrines in each text and on how they relate to the whole of Scripture. It is not primarily homiletical, though each unit of thought is generally treated as one chapter, with a clear outline and logical flow of thought. Most truths are illustrated and applied with other Scripture. After establishing the context of a passage, I have tried to follow closely the writer's development and reasoning.

My prayer is that each reader will fully understand what the Holy Spirit is saying through this part of His Word, so that His revelation may lodge in the minds of believers and bring greater obedience and faithfulness--to the glory of our great God.

The MacArthur NT Commentary release 2 is now available for purchase for $329, on sale for only $219.

published by Thomas Nelson

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

Update 3/17/2012: Individual volumes are now available, as well as the OT and NT sets. Multiple volumes for a single book are combined.

Best value is still the entire set, regular price $1199 -- Now on Sale for $599!

The Accordance edition includes the following 58 volumes, with a print value of about $2500:

• 1 Genesis 1-15 Gordon J. Wenham
• 2 Genesis 16-50 Gordon J. Wenham
• 3 Exodus John I. Durham
• 4 Leviticus John E. Hartley
• 5 Numbers Phillip J. Budd
• 6a Deuteronomy 1:1–21:9 (2nd Ed.) Duane L. Christensen
• 6b Deuteronomy 21:10–34:12 Duane L. Christensen
• 7 Joshua Trent C. Butler
• 9 Ruth, Esther Frederic W. Bush
• 10 1 Samuel Ralph W. Klein
• 11 2 Samuel A. A. Anderson
• 12 1 Kings (2nd Ed.) Simon J. DeVries
• 13 2 Kings T. R. Hobbs
• 14 1 Chronicles Roddy L. Braun
• 15 2 Chronicles Raymond B. Dillard
• 16 Ezra-Nehemiah H. G. M. Williamson
• 17 Job 1-20 David J. A. Clines
• 19 Psalms 1-50 (2nd Ed.) Peter C. Craigie
• 20 Psalms 51-100 Marvin E. Tate
• 21 Psalms 101-150 (Rev. Ed.) Leslie C. Allen
• 22 Proverbs Roland Murphy
• 23a Ecclesiates Roland Murphy
• 23b Song of Songs/Lamentations Duane Garrett and Paul R. House
• 24 Isaiah 1-33 (Rev. Ed.) John D. W. Watts
• 25 Isaiah 34-66 (Rev. Ed.) John D. W. Watts
• 26 Jeremiah 1-25 Peter C. Craigie, Page H. Kelley, and Joel F. Drinkard, Jr.
• 27 Jeremiah 26-52 Gerald L. Keown, Pamela J. Scalise, and Thomas G. Smothers
• 28 Ezekiel 1-19 Leslie C. Allen
• 29 Ezekiel 20-48 Leslie C. Allen
• 30 Daniel John E. Goldingay
• 31 Hosea-Jonah Douglas Stuart
• 32 Micah-Malachi Ralph L. Smith
• 33a Matthew 1-13 Donald A. Hagner
• 33b Matthew 14-28 Donald A. Hagner
• 34a Mark 1-8:26 Robert A. Guelich
• 34b Mark 8:27–16:20 Craig A. Evans
• 35a Luke 1-9:20 John Nolland
• 35b Luke 9:21-18:43 John Nolland
• 35c Luke 19-24 John Nolland
• 36 John (2nd Ed.) George R. Beasley-Murray
• 38a Romans 1-8 James D. G. Dunn
• 38b Romans 9-16 James D. G. Dunn
• 40 2 Corinthians Ralph P. Martin
• 41 Galatians Richard N. Longenecker
• 42 Ephesians Andrew T. Lincoln
• 43 Philippians (Rev. Ed.) Ralph P. Martin
• 44 Colossians-Philemon Peter T. O’Brien
• 45 1 & 2 Thessalonians F. F. Bruce
• 46 Pastoral Epistles William Mounce
• 47a Hebrews 1-8 William L. Lane
• 47b Hebrews 9-13 William L. Lane
• 48 James Ralph P. Martin
• 49 1 Peter J. Ramsey Michaels
• 50 2 Peter and Jude Richard J. Bauckham
• 51 1,2,3 John Stephen S. Smalley
• 52a Revelation 1-5 David E. Aune
• 52b Revelation 6-16 David E. Aune
• 52c Revelation 17-22 David E. Aune

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