The Expository Bible Commentary (EBC) is a staple for students, teachers, and pastors worldwide. Here’s why:
- Comprehensive yet succinct
Today, with commentaries on a single book of the Bible often extending into multiple volumes, the need for a comprehensive yet succinct commentary is pressing. The EBC is a go-to resource for pastors and students who can’t afford an extensive library on each book of the Bible but who want solid exposition, guidance, and reflection from scholars committed to the authority of the Holy Scriptures.
- Relevancy
The revised 13-volume EBC continues the Gold-Medallion Award winning-legacy of the original set but has been updated to reflect current trends in biblical studies. Commentators critically engage in recent academic discussion and provide updated bibliographies so that pastors, teachers, and students can keep abreast of modern scholarship.
- Commitment to the authority of Scripture
The authors are committed to the divine inspiration, complete trustworthiness, and full authority of the Bible. They have demonstrated commitment to the church and the pastoral dimension of biblical interpretation as well as proficiency in the biblical book that is their specialty.
- Confessional and geographical diversity
Each volume is written from an evangelical viewpoint, but the 56 contributors (from all over the world) share perspectives from a variety of denominations, including Anglican, Baptist, Brethren, Methodist, Nazarene, Presbyterian, and Reformed. The series uses a balanced and respectful approach toward marked differences of opinion.
- Focus on grammatico-historical interpretation
The EBC adheres to the chief principle of grammatico-historical interpretation. The Bible was not written for our information but for our transformation. It is not a quarry to find stones with which to batter others but to find the rock on which to build the church. It does not invite us simply to speak of God but to hear God and to confess that his Son, Jesus Christ, is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Php 2:10). It also calls us to obey his commandments (Mt 28:20). It is not a self-interpreting text, however. Interpretation of the Holy Scriptures requires sound learning and regard for history, language, and text. Exegetes must interpret not only the primary documents but all that has a bearing, direct or indirect, on the grammar and syntax, historical context, transmission, and translation of these writings.
—Adapted from The Expositor’s Bible Commentary
Each section of commentary includes:
- An introduction: background information, a short bibliography, and an outline
- An overview of Scripture to illuminate the big picture
- The complete NIV text
- Extensive commentary
- Notes on textual questions, key words, and concepts
- Reflections to give expanded thoughts on important issues
For insightful exposition, thoughtful discussion, look no further than the Expositor’s Bible Commentary.