A friend requested that I suggest some excellent New Testament commentaries by members of the church for busy Christians who need to get to the heart of things quickly and well. Since no one has unlimited funds to invest in books, what are one or two excellent books to have on each book or section of the New Testament? Keeping these matters in mind, we can proceed.
A number of men who’ve spoken at Polishing the Pulpit and who have been appreciated for their lifetime of service to the Lord’s church have produced volumes that one may wish to add to their library. Here’s a few to consider. Tom Holland has produced helpful sermon outline books on virtually every New Testament book. Wayne Jackson’s New Testament Commentary masterfully gets to the heart of things in a concise, amazingly profitable way. Robert R. Taylor has written useful study guides / commentaries on just about every book of the New Testament. William Woodson’s Perfecting Faith (studies in 1 Thessalonians) is a treasure chest of rich sermon and Bible class information. Johnny Ramsey’s Cover to Cover and Bible Treasures have blessed countless lives.
Now – let’s get to basic and helpful commentaries for the books of the New Testament (1 or 2 recommendations per book – and it’s NOT easy!).
- Matthew – Jack P. Lewis, The Living Word Commentary, Sweet Publishing or ACU Press, 1976 (2 volumes).
- Mark – J.W. McGarvey, Commentary on Matthew and Mark (Gospel Light, Delight, AR, publisher).
- Luke – H. Leo Boles, A Commentary on the Gospel by Luke, Gospel Advocate.
- John – Guy N. Woods, John, Gospel Advocate series on the NT. Frank Pack, The Living Word Commentary, Sweet or ACU Press, 1975 (2 volumes).
- Acts – Wayne Jackson, The Acts of the Apostles, Christian Courier Publications, 2000. David L. Roper, Acts in the Truth for Today Commentary, Resource Publications, 2001 (2 volumes).
- Romans – R. L. Whiteside, A New Commentary On Paul’s Letter to the Saints at Rome, Gospel Teachers Press, 1945. The Book of Romans, The 1983 Spiritual Sword Lectures (Getwell church of Christ, Memphis, TN). Elkins & Warren, eds. Various speakers.
- 1 & 2 Corinthians – Studies In 1 Corinthians, Studies In 2 Corinthians , Annual Denton Lectures, Valid Publications, Dub McClish, editor. 1982 and 1989 editions.
- Galatians – Studies In Galatians, Annual Denton Lectures, 1986. Dub McClish, ed., Valid Publications. Various speakers.
- Ephesians – Avon Malone, The Purpose and the People, 21st Century Christian, 1994. The Book of Ephesians, The Ninth Annual Spiritual Sword Lectures, 1984. Elkins and Warren, eds. Various speakers.
- Philippians – Wayne Jackson, The Book of Philippians, Quality Printing, 1987. Avon Malone, Press to the Prize, 21st Century Christian, 1991.
- Colossians – Franklin Camp, A Study of the Book of Colossians, Brother’s Inc., publisher. No date. John L. Kachelman, Jr., Studies in Colossians, Quality Printing, 1985.
- Philemon – Studies in 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Philemon, 1988 Annual Denton Lectures, Dub McClish, ed. Valid Publications.
- 1 & 2 Thessalonians – Raymond Kelcy, The Living Word Commentary, Sweet Publishing or ACU Press, 1968.
- 1, 2 Timothy & Titus – Wayne Jackson, Before I Die, Christian Courier Publications, 2007. Denny Petrillo, Commentary on 1, 2 Timothy & Titus, Quality Publications, 1998.
- Hebrews – Neal R. Lightfoot, Jesus Christ Today, Baker Book House, 1976. Jimmy Allen, Survey of Hebrews, Privately published, 1980.
- James – Guy N. Woods, James, Gospel Advocate, 1978. J.W. Roberts, The Living Word Commentary, Sweet or ACU Press, 1977.
- 1 & 2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude – Guy N. Woods, Peter, John & Jude, Gospel Advocate, 1979. Raymond Kelcy, The Letters of Peter and Jude, The Living Word Commentary, 1975. Everett Ferguson, The Letters of John, The Way of Life Series, 1984. Roy H. Lanier, Epistles of John, Quality Publications, 1992.
- Revelation – Homer Hailey, Revelation, Baker, 1979. David Roper, Revelation in the Truth for Today Commentary (2 volumes), Resource Publications, 2008.
NOTE: Mentioning a volume does NOT mean endorsement of everything in the particular volume. Read any book with good judgment. Most of these books can be obtained through stores like Gospel Advocate, Chula Vista Books or Tucker’s Bookstore. — Mike Vestal
