The books of Ezra and Nehemiah often are trotted out at church just in time for a building campaign or a shift in vision. These Old Testament books about the Jewish return from exile and the literal and spiritual rebuilding undertaken give great lessons in leadership, priorities and faithfulness.

But it doesn’t take long to realize, surrounding these important themes, there is a great deal of historical context that needs to be understood to exegete the texts properly.

For pastors and teachers, we can be grateful for the scholarship of those who have come before us, whose published commentaries aid in our work. The following commentaries served as useful resources for me as I taught an 18-week Bible study series on Ezra and Nehemiah at my church.

The NIV Application Commentary: Ezra-Nehemiah by Donna Petter and Thomas Petter

The NIV Application Commentary series has become a favorite of pastors for its balance of both biblical exposition and life application. Each section is divided into three parts: “Original Meaning,” “Bridging Contexts” and “Contemporary Significance.” As such, reading any given section tends to walk you through the steps of preparing a sermon or Bible study.

Donna and Thomas Petter do an excellent job explaining the biblical text succinctly, offering literary and historical context when helpful, without overwhelming the reader. Their applications are more hit-or-miss but always are thought-provoking. They also do an excellent job navigating exegetically difficult passages, such as those in Ezra dealing with ethnic “purity.”

In terms of bang for your buck, it’s difficult to beat the NIV Application Commentary, which is both scholarly and readable. I started my research with this volume each week and rarely was disappointed.

Word Biblical Commentary: Ezra & Nehemiah by H.G.M. Williamson

The Word Biblical Commentary series is renowned for its robust scholarship. Williamson’s treatment of Ezra and Nehemiah is no exception.

Verse by verse, this commentary offers detailed textual criticism, engaging with both the manuscripts themselves and with outside scholarship. Extensive bibliographies are offered, and you always are confident while reading that you are dealing with an expert on the subject matter.

Pastors and teachers may struggle with the depth of scholarship, especially if your Hebrew is rusty (guilty!). I often found myself needing to go back and reread the paragraph I had just finished to make sure I was mining all the gold and not leaving something important behind.

Furthermore, Williamson won’t provide your sermon application for you. This is a critical commentary, not a pastoral one. So, don’t expect a tidy life application at the end of each section. But for the reader willing to buckle down and focus, this volume will reward you with information and insights.

The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 3: Ezra-Nehemiah by Ralph W. Klein

Perhaps my favorite multivolume commentary set is the New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary, which focuses on biblical exposition, but typically offers some sort of application-oriented “reflections” when appropriate. Entries are detailed but to-the-point, and the reflections rarely strain credulity.

Ralph Klein’s work on Ezra-Nehemiah is useful, though not groundbreaking on both fronts. If this was your only commentary on the books, you would be helped by the information he provides and the larger exegetical point he makes. But if reading this alongside other commentaries, it is more likely to take the bronze medal than the gold, as is the case here.

Other commentaries

Other highly regarded commentaries on Ezra-Nehemiah include those in the Anchor Yale Bible and Zondervan Academic series, both of which offer the kind of intensive treatment you get with Williamson’s Word Biblical Commentary. These are doorstop books, far from light reading, but Ezra and Nehemiah require a little extra help for the expositor.

Hopefully, these commentaries will aid you as you seek to exegete Ezra and Nehemiah faithfully.

Daniel Camp serves as the pastor of South Garland Baptist Church in Garland. He is a graduate of Baylor University and Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.

In my early years of ministry working in church leadership and Christian higher education, I quickly learned Christian leadership is less about charisma and more about character, conviction and consistency.

As I transitioned into mid-level and now senior-level administration in a Christian context, Paul’s pastoral epistles, especially his letter to Titus, have become a compass for shaping gospel-centered, doctrinally sound and relationally faithful leadership.

Titus offers a timeless framework for forming leaders, building healthy communities and cultivating a culture of integrity in the face of cultural presence.

Introduction to Titus

The book of Titus is a short but potent letter written by the Apostle Paul to his trusted companion Titus, left in Crete to “set in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5).

This pastoral epistle addresses the need for sound doctrine, godly leadership and gospel-shaped living in a culture known for corruption and immorality.

Paul emphasizes truth and godliness are inseparable. He urges believers to live in such a way that their actions “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (2:10). This is not about behavior modification, but about lives transformed by grace (2:11-14).

Paul also warns against false teachers who disrupt households and promote divisive teachings for personal gain.

Though brief—only three short chapters—Titus provides timeless guidance for church leaders and members alike. It highlights the importance of healthy doctrine, the training of new believers and the call to do good works as a natural response to the gospel.

Here are some key resources to equip your reading and study of Titus.

Print resources

New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Letter to Titus by Philip H. Towner

This standalone volume, distinct from Towner’s broader work on Paul’s pastoral epistles, is one of the most detailed exegetical treatments of Titus available.

Towner provides rigorous linguistic and historical analysis, theological reflection and application insights. His work balances academic depth with pastoral sensitivity, making it highly valuable for preachers, scholars and ministry leaders alike.

The Pauline Epistles: Collected Essays on Titus edited by George H. van Kooten and Joseph Verheyden

While part of the broader academic series Bibliotheca Ephemeridum Theologicarum Lovaniensium, this volume collects scholarly essays that isolate Titus as a case study in Pauline authorship, early Christian ethics and Greo-Roman cultural engagement.

The essays explore Titus’ literary structure, theological themes and missional purpose in depth, offering unique insights for researchers and advanced Bible students.

Other commentaries and books

Thomas Lea and Hayne Griffin’s 1, 2 Timothy, Titus in the New American Commentary series is a well-balanced, evangelical commentary with accessible exposition and pastoral application.

R. Kent Hughes’ 1-2 Timothy and Titus: To Guard the Deposit in the Preaching the Word series is a pastoral and devotional commentary filled with practical insight.

Andreas Köstenberger’s Entrusted with the Gospel is a valuable collection of essays exploring theology, ethics and church structure in Paul’s pastoral epistles.

George Knight III’s The Pastoral Epistles in the New International Greek Testament Commentary series is a scholarly and technical commentary offering deep exegetical insights, especially useful for pastors and seminary students.

Digital resources

The Bible Project’s “Titus” is a free, animated video overview of Titus, summarizing the structure and themes of the letter, emphasizing transformation through grace.

David Mathis’s sermon series on Titus is practical and explores the central message of grace-fueled godliness.

GotQuestions.org is a robust website answering many questions about the Bible and Christianity. The article “What is the Epistle to Titus?” is a concise, lay-friendly summary of Titus’ authorship, context and theological themes.

Why Titus matters

Titus is far more than a leadership manual for first-century elders. It is a gospel blueprint for building resilient Christian communities in any age. Whether in the local church, the Christian university, the mission field or the workplace, Titus shows us how to lead and live with integrity in the midst of cultural confusion.

In a world where moral compromise is normalized and trust often is subjective, Titus reminds us doctrine and character are inseparable. Right belief always should lead to right living.

Paul’s instruction that church leaders must be “blameless, faithful, self-controlled” (1:6-8) isn’t merely about qualifications. It’s a call to cultivate a culture where grace and truth work together to form credible witnesses to the gospel.

Titus equips the church to be a light in dark places, not by spectacle or slogan, but by soundness, service and Spirit-shaped lives—whether leading a classroom, congregation, boardroom or family.

Luis Juárez is a graduate of Baptist University of the Américas and Dallas Baptist University and is pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He is vice president of student affairs and dean of students at Criswell College. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.

CORRECTION: The Titus sermon series preacher was corrected to David Mathis.

Song of Songs—also known as Song of Solomon—is a very difficult book to interpret. It represents a unique genre expressed through poetry without any direct historical anchors.

While Solomon is mentioned seven times in four distinct sections of the song, he never speaks directly nor is he spoken to. This suggests the author wants readers to use Solomon’s historical legacy as a launching point for a discussion of marital love.

This can be parallelled with how David is used within the book of Psalms. Just as there are certain sections of the book of Psalms that lead the reader to reflect on David’s life as described in 1-2 Samuel, there are sections of Song of Songs that lead the reader to reflect on Solomon’s life found in 1 Kings.

For example, 1 Kings 1:10–2:9 and Song of Songs 1:1 relate to Solomon’s entrance, 1 Kings 2:12–10:29 and Song of Songs 1:5 and 3:3-11 relate to Solomon’s greatness, and 1 Kings 11:1-8 and Song of Songs 8:10-12 relate to Solomon’s condemnation.

Understanding certain features of Hebrew poetry then lays a foundation for dealing with the purpose of this paralleled connection.

Identifying a poetic referent

Hebrew poetry often compresses a thought as a metaphor, with the expectation the reader will work to identify the historical referent in a “familiar” text. For Song of Songs, the Old Testament canon contains the listing of “familiar” texts.

For example, Song of Songs 1:5 mentions the woman’s beauty is comparable to the tents of Kedar and the curtains of Solomon. The tents of Kedar are mentioned in Psalm 120:5–6, but the Old Testament never mentions any “curtains of Solomon.”

Instead, the reader must infer these curtains are connected to the greatness of Solomon, since he took the ark of the covenant from its “curtains” (see 2 Samuel 7:2), placed it within the temple (see 1 Kings 8:1–11), and created buildings even greater than the temple (see 1 Kings 7:1–12).

Thus, in Song of Songs 1:3, the author pulls together a phrase from the book of Psalms in conjunction with some inferences from 2 Samuel and 1 Kings to signal the woman’s beauty.

Identifying references is just the first step in seeking to deal with the metaphors found within Song of Songs. Each of these then need to be analyzed considering several other factors I don’t have space to list here.

Almost every modern commentary argues Song of Songs should be understood as a collection of erotic love poems. In various ways, they each provide compelling reasons for why Song of Songs is understood best considering ancient Egyptian love poems.

Still, scholars differ on how the poems of Song of Songs are related to each other and how this relates to the book’s overall message. I would recommend combining the insights of several scholars.

New International Commentary on the Old Testament: Song of Songs by Tremper Longman III

Tremper Longman III’s Song of Songs in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament series provides a model for reading Song of Songs as an anthology of disparately connected songs.

Longman’s commentary is very accessible and thorough regarding every important technical and interpretative issue found in Song of Songs. He gives a very good argument for why Song of Songs 1:5 has nothing to do with the modern preoccupation with racism, given that many consider this when they read her saying she is “black and/but lovely.”

Also, Longman’s commentary keeps the ideal of monogamy in view throughout, which is not a frame of reference every commentator sees in Song of Songs.

Still, one fault of Longman’s commentary is he does not always focus on every aspect of the poetic line. In his comments on Song of Songs 1:5, Longman only explains the first part of the verse without really dealing with the second half that refers to Solomon’s curtains.

Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Song of Songs by Richard Hess

Richard Hess’s Song of Songs in the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament series contrasts slightly with Longman’s view in that Hess sees Song of Songs as a unified whole that does not follow a structured story.

For Hess, there are some moments in Song of Songs that suggest monogamy is in view, but the focus is more on the nature of proper desire.

In relation to Song of Songs 1:5, Hess comments on all parts of the verse and explains how this entire section (Song of Songs 1:2–7) focuses on the five human senses. Hess highlights how 1:5 emphasizes sight. He then concludes his comments on the entire unit (Song 1:2–2:7) with a “Theological Implications” section. This is something entirely lacking in Longman’s commentary.

In all, Hess’s commentary is much more concise and structurally focused than Longman’s.

Story of God Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs by George Athas

George Athas’ Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs in the Story of God Bible Commentary series contrasts with both commentaries mentioned above.

Athas interprets Song of Songs as a unified collection that follows a storyline in the form of a drama—a ballad, to be precise. While Longman and Hess both argue against reading Song of Songs this way, Athas joins in with a host of early and medieval interpreters who identified a drama within Song of Songs. I also fall in this camp.

Athas notes Song of Songs is designed to be read repeatedly, just as one listens to their favorite song on repeat. He understands the reference to Solomon’s curtains in Song of Songs 1:5 to be related to the woman being held in one of Solomon’s chambers.

Final thoughts

In the end, each of these commentaries does well to help the reader understand how God’s design for erotic love helps one return to the paradise of Eden. They each point out how Song of Songs 7:10 reverses the curse pronounced in Genesis 3:16 through the common use of the word “desire” (teshûqâh) in the inverse syntactical order.

They also demonstrate Song of Songs should be treated similarly to the book of Revelation. Christians might not always agree on how to deal with every element of these books, but they always have agreed God’s good design for the world should lead us to honor him as Lord.

Ron Lindo Jr. is assistant professor of Christian ministry at East Texas Baptist University. He received his Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a specialization in Old Testament studies. He is the author of Literary Allusions in Esther, and he wrote “Introduction to Esther” in The Hebrew Scriptures. He is an active member at Mobberly Baptist Church. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.

The Gospel of Luke presents a detailed and compassionate account of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, with a strong emphasis on Jesus as the Savior of all people.

Its central theme is the universality of salvation. Jesus came not only for the Jews, but also for Gentiles, the poor, the marginalized, women and social outcasts.

Theologically, Luke highlights God’s plan of salvation unfolding in history. The Gospel begins with the birth narratives of John the Baptist and Jesus, linking them to Old Testament prophecy and showing God’s faithfulness. Prayer, joy and praise are recurring motifs, underscoring the proper human response to God’s redemptive activity.

Luke’s Gospel is the longest of the four Gospels and is part of a two-volume work with Acts, providing a continuous narrative from Jesus’ birth to the birth and expansion of the early church. Luke emphasizes historical context and includes details often omitted in the other synoptic Gospels.

Luke, therefore, provides as deep and rich an opportunity for study as any other biblical writing. The following resources have been extremely helpful in mining the depths of the Gospel of Luke.

New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Gospel of Luke by Joel B. Green

Green’s commentary stands out for its careful attention to the narrative structure of Luke and the socio-cultural context of the first-century world. Rather than focusing solely on word-by-word exegesis, Green emphasizes how Luke shapes his narrative to communicate theological themes such as salvation, discipleship, the role of the marginalized and the mission of Jesus.

One of the major strengths of this volume is its accessibility combined with academic depth. Green integrates historical-critical scholarship with theological reflection, making it valuable for both pastors and serious students of the Bible. He also brings a distinctive focus on the ethical dimensions of Luke, highlighting the Gospel’s concern for justice, mercy and inclusion.

The commentary is well-researched, drawing on a wide range of sources, including Greco-Roman and Jewish backgrounds. It avoids technical jargon, making it readable without sacrificing scholarly rigor.

New Testament for Everyone: Luke for Everyone by N.T. Wright

Wright’s work is a fresh, accessible and engaging commentary that brings the Gospel of Luke to life for a wide audience. As part of the New Testament for Everyone series, this volume combines Wright’s scholarly insight with pastoral warmth, making it ideal for personal devotions, small group studies or introductory biblical exploration.

One of the key strengths of this commentary is Wright’s ability to communicate profound theological truths in everyday language. He explains the historical and cultural background of Luke’s Gospel in a way that deepens understanding without overwhelming the reader.

Reading the New Testament: Reading Luke: A Literary and Theological Commentary on the Third Gospel by Charles H. Talbert

This commentary offers a concise yet intellectually rich examination of Luke’s Gospel, ideal for students, pastors and thoughtful readers seeking both literary and theological depth. As part of the Reading the New Testament series, this commentary emphasizes how the structure, narrative techniques and literary artistry of Luke contribute to its theological message.

One of the commentary’s major strengths is Talbert’s ability to combine historical-critical scholarship skillfully with literary analysis, showing how Luke’s narrative strategies shape the reader’s understanding of Jesus, salvation and discipleship. Talbert pays close attention to recurring themes such as divine necessity, reversal and fulfillment of Scripture, highlighting how Luke communicates his vision of God’s redemptive plan.

Talbert’s background in ancient biography and Greco-Roman literary context enriches his analysis, making Luke’s message clearer and more compelling.

New Cambridge Bible Commentary: The Gospel of Luke by Amy-Jill Levine and Ben Witherington III

Levine and Witherington provide a unique and compelling exploration of Luke that blends historical insight, literary analysis and theological reflection. The collaboration between Levine, a Jewish scholar, and Witherington, an evangelical New Testament expert, brings a distinctive interfaith and interdisciplinary perspective that enriches the interpretation of the text.

One of the commentary’s greatest strengths is its balanced approach. It provides careful attention to the cultural, religious and socio-political contexts of the first century, helping readers understand how Luke’s Gospel would have been heard in its original setting.

The authors explore Luke’s concern for the marginalized, his use of Old Testament imagery, and the Gospel’s overarching message of salvation and inclusion.

The format is accessible and well-organized, with helpful sidebars, historical notes and discussions of key Greek terms. The commentary avoids heavy theological jargon while maintaining academic rigor.

A Rabbinic Commentary on the New Testament: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke by Samuel Tobias Lachs

This commentary is a groundbreaking work that offers a unique Jewish perspective on the Synoptic Gospels. As a scholar deeply rooted in both rabbinic literature and New Testament studies, Lachs provides readers with an invaluable resource for understanding the Jewish cultural, linguistic and theological context in which the Gospels were written and first received.

One of the major strengths of this commentary is its extensive use of rabbinic texts—such as the Mishnah, Talmud and Midrash—to illuminate the sayings and actions of Jesus within his first-century Jewish environment.

Lachs demonstrates many of Jesus’ teachings resonate with or respond to Jewish thought of the time, offering a more nuanced understanding of his message and its original audience.

The Story Luke Tells: Luke’s Unique Witness to the Gospel by Justo L. Gonzalez

Gonzalez has written a concise, insightful and theologically rich commentary that explores the distinct voice and perspective of Luke’s Gospel.

Written by one of the most respected historians and theologians in the field of church history, this volume offers readers a clear and compelling overview of Luke’s narrative with a special focus on its theological implications for today.

González emphasizes how Luke uniquely presents the story of Jesus as part of God’s unfolding plan of salvation, with particular attention to themes such as inclusion, reversal, justice and the role of the marginalized.

One of the commentary’s great strengths is its accessibility. It is written in a conversational and engaging style, making it ideal for lay readers, pastors and students alike.

Ellis Orozco served as a senior pastor for 30 years and is now professor of biblical studies and public theologian in residence at Stark College & Seminary in Corpus Christi. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.

The biggest lie I believed growing up was that I was not like other guys. My lack of ability in sports, the struggle to fit in and having unique interests separated me from my peers.

School bullies, verbal abuse by adults and growing self-doubt made things worse.

Writing and drawing helped me to escape into a world that didn’t remind me that I was an alien in a world full of people who I couldn’t connect with.

Growing up in the church also made a difference. The more I got involved in learning and using my gifts, the more real and enticing the lie felt as I entered my teen years.

The issue for me became a point of pride. In my view, I was serving in the church. I was an honor student. I was not causing trouble. I wasn’t a troublemaker. I didn’t fit cultural or social stereotypes.

As I continued in my faith walk, I learned the truth. As unique as the Lord made me, I was also like every other man on earth. I needed mercy. I needed grace. I needed salvation. I needed Jesus.

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Imagine going before the Lord in prayer. But instead of repentance, thanksgiving and asking for his help and guidance, you deliver to him your resume of good works.

In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus shares a parable about those who trust in themselves and operate in their own righteousness while despising others.

A Pharisee and a tax collector went up to the temple to pray. The Pharisee prayed, thanking the Lord that he was not like other men—an extortioner, unjust, adulterer, or even like the tax collector.

The tax collector, who was standing far off, would not raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.”

Jesus said the tax collector was justified instead of the Pharisee, and “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14).

The heart of the matter

Jesus addresses the heart of the matter in the parable. It is fascinating that the Pharisee engaged in the routine to come to the temple to pray, but he didn’t seem to need much from God except acknowledgement of his own good works.

This kind of posture is dangerous for the Christian believer and is commonplace in our culture.

When we see people in trouble, struggling, or going through trials, our initial reactions shouldn’t be “God, at least I’m not like them.”

Our reactions to issues that impact us socially and culturally are rife with the self-righteous claims that somehow, we are better than somebody else, even by the smallest margin.

When we compare ourselves to others before God, we’re already missing the mark.

Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

The outwardly pious, religious man opens his prayer to God with a list of what he’s not. But Jesus’ standards are higher than that when you consider the Sermon on the Mount.

In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus reminds those listening of the command not to murder. But Jesus goes further, explaining that anyone who is angry at someone without cause is liable to judgment.

In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus addresses adultery and again goes deeper as he addresses looking at a woman with lustful intent.

In both cases, Jesus helps us by requesting us to be reconciled with one another as it relates to the issue of anger and murder. In the matter of adultery, Jesus encourages us to take radical steps in cutting off those things that cause us to sin.

Humbling ourselves

All of us are going through a patchwork of challenges and circumstances, some of which are because of our choices and others beyond our control.

Followers of Christ take to heart the depth of the parable shared by Jesus. We need to ask hard questions as we evaluate ourselves: Am I dependent upon my own version of righteousness in any way and do I despise others? How do I treat my neighbor or the person with an opposing view or lifestyle?

The more I learned and understood what the Bible taught about our human condition, the more I let go of the lie that I was set apart from such conditions by my own merit.

I’m also reminded of Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” As I pray for the lord to have mercy on me, I’m moved to extend mercy as well as grace to others around me.

Even on our best day, our prayer should be “Lord, have mercy on me.”

The book of Judges stands as an important counterpoint to the book of Joshua within the Deuteronomic History (Joshua-2 Kings).

While Joshua demonstrates the blessings that come when a unified people obey God, Judges paints a clear picture of the chaos that results when a disjointed people continually turn away from God. The ancient writers of this text have painted this picture through the masterful use of wordplay and irony.

For example, Ehud, the left-handed “son of the right hand” (from the tribe of Benjamin) sacrifices the fatted “calf” (Eglon) prior to the battle.

Gideon refuses to be made king but names his son “my father is king” (Abimelech), who then becomes the oppressor of Israel. Gideon is “clothed with the Spirit of God” and immediately tests God and is convinced to fight only after overhearing the description of a dream of a Midianite.

No judge is “filled with the Spirit of God” more than Samson, yet he never acts with the intent of delivering Israel from the Philistines, but only as revenge for wrongs done against himself or a woman.

The artistry of the composers also is demonstrated in the overall narrative structure of the book. The book often is associated with the cycle of Israel’s idolatry, divine judgement through a foreign oppressor, the outcry of the people to God and God’s provision of a deliverer. Yet, while this cycle fits for the first few judges, it gradually breaks down.

Beginning with the story of Jephthah, the people no longer are crying out to God but seek their own deliverer who ultimately killed 42,000 Israelites, more than the total of non-Israelites killed by all the other judges.

While God does send Samson, it is not directly in response to the people’s outcry, and Samson would only “begin to save Israel.”

Following Samson, the cycle is entirely missing, and God is completely absent from the narrative as 11 of the tribes turn to fratricide against Benjamin, the tribe of the first judge. The gradual breakdown of this cyclical pattern seems subtly to highlight the collapse of society as everyone “did what was right in their own eyes.”

Old Testament Library: Judges by Susan Niditch

Susan Niditch offers a masterful contribution to biblical scholarship that combines literary sensitivity, theological depth and historical awareness. Her readings highlight the artistry of the text—its irony, characterization and recurring motifs.

Niditch brings a balance of critical insight and interpretive nuance to this often violent and perplexing book by situating the text within its ancient Near Eastern setting, while engaging modern questions of ethics, power and identity from her particular feminine perspective. This is especially evident in her valuable insight into the stories of the women in Judges, particularly figures like Deborah, Jael and the Levite’s concubine.

Niditch also is attuned to the theological ambiguities of Judges. Rather than offering tidy resolutions, she underscores the fragmented moral landscape of the book, where divine presence and human violence often are intertwined in disturbing ways.

Her treatment of divine agency, particularly in narratives like Jephthah’s vow, resists apologetic readings and instead invites ethical engagement.

Overall, Niditch’s Judges is a lucid, provocative and deeply informed commentary. It is indispensable for scholars, students and clergy seeking to understand the complex interplay of narrative form, cultural background and theological meaning in one of the Hebrew Bible’s most challenging books.

Blackwell Bible Commentaries: Judges by David Gunn

Unlike traditional commentaries focused primarily on historical-critical or theological exegesis, David Gunn’s volume exemplifies the series’ commitment to reception history by tracing how Judges has been interpreted, adapted and contested across diverse cultural contexts—from art and literature to film, politics and popular media.

Gunn excels in demonstrating how the book of Judges, with its morally ambiguous characters and stark portrayals of violence, persistently has challenged and inspired readers. His treatment of key figures draws on a vast array of interpretive sources, including medieval midrash, early modern drama, feminist criticism and contemporary cinema.

Particularly compelling is his analysis of the Levite’s concubine narrative, which Gunn explores through the lenses of feminist theology, psychoanalytic theory and political discourse on gendered violence.

One of the strengths of Gunn’s work is his ability to show how the biblical text is not static but dynamically reshaped by each community and context that engages it. This approach broadens the scope of biblical scholarship and invites interdisciplinary dialogue, although it may challenge readers expecting more traditional verse-by-verse commentary or theological synthesis.

This points to one potential drawback to the volume. It occasionally presumes a high level of familiarity with both biblical studies and critical theory, which may limit accessibility for general readers. Nevertheless, Gunn’s Judges is a landmark work as it reorients the interpretive focus from what the text “meant” to what it has come to “mean.”

New International Commentary on the Old Testament: The Book of Judges by Barry G. Webb

Barry Webb’s Judges is a theologically rich commentary that reflects the series’ evangelical orientation, while engaging critically with the text’s literary and historical dimensions.

Webb brings a deep sensitivity to the book’s narrative structure by presenting Judges as a coherent literary work shaped by the Deuteronomistic editors yet bearing distinct theological insights of its own.

He identifies patterns of degeneration and cyclical violence within the narrative, interpreting them not merely as historical records, but as theological indictments of Israel’s covenantal unfaithfulness. His analysis of the “judges” as deeply flawed deliverers supports his central thesis that Judges is a tragedy pointing to the need for righteous kingship.

Webb also engages seriously with the moral and theological difficulties of the text, such as the violence in the Samson narrative or the harrowing tale of the Levite’s concubine. While his commitment to a redemptive theological reading sometimes leads to less sustained critique of these episodes, Webb nonetheless does not shy away from their ethical complexity.

Overall, Webb’s Judges serves both pastors and academics who seek to understand the theological heartbeat of Judges while grappling with its literary artistry and ethical challenges.

Don Raney is the graduate academic adviser and adjunct professor of biblical studies at the Lubbock campus of Wayland Baptist University. He has a Ph.D. in Old Testament and has served as a pastor and hospice chaplain. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.

The Gospel of John, the fourth Gospel, offers a unique perspective on the life of Jesus.

Admitting Jesus performed many more miraculous signs than are written in his Gospel, John offers his explicit purpose statement: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31, NIV2011).

Thus, one can read with a view to seeing how each event, each discourse reveals some aspect of Jesus as Messiah.

There is much conversation about the authorship of the Gospel—tied to the identity of the beloved disciple—as well as the relationship of John to the Synoptic Gospels and thus also the historicity of its contents given the differences from them.

One who preaches through or from the Gospel of John will want to work through those issues. Recent research supports renewed confidence in the traditional views on these topics.

While time can be spent in reading and preaching the Gospel of John in some relationship to the other Gospels, the artistry, perspective and design of this Gospel warrants treating it as its own witness to the life of Jesus as Messiah and what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Resources for the study of this Gospel abound. Commentaries, monographs and special studies appear in droves year after year. Below are some key commentaries—print and online—as well as a resource originally developed as a textbook for a college setting, but also helpful to the pastor or Bible teacher in a church setting.

NIV Application Commentary: John by Gary M. Burge

The value of Burge’s commentary on John is the fact he takes the expositor through three stages of reading the biblical text: “Original Meaning,” “Bridging Contexts” and “Contemporary Significance.”

The “Original Meaning” section guides the reader to understand the basic insights needed for a proper interpretation of the text. It does not delve deeply into linguistic matters. The presentation is very readable and clear.

This section by itself is where most basic-level commentaries would stop. But the series in general and Burge specifically with the Gospel of John offers additional thoughts for the preacher or teacher in the next two sections.

The “Bridging Contexts” section helps the reader go from what the text meant in its time to draw out principles for contemporary times.

The “Contemporary Significance” section suggests application of the text. While the preacher or teacher can use the suggestions in the application section, as the whole series has aged, some applications may be outdated. As a result, this section can serve better to aid the preacher or teacher in brainstorming updated contemporary applications for the audience.

Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to John by D.A. Carson

As with the other volumes in the Pillar New Testament Commentary series, Carson’s contribution on John offers a straightforward commentary on the intermediate level, offering his views on the typical introductory topics.

The commentary can be read straight through as a companion to the Bible or can be read for information when studying specific texts. There is reference to the original language but not in a prohibitive way to someone lacking that background.

Readers will need to consult the commentary on other passages where a topic or interpretive issue has been addressed previously. Carson does this to avoid unnecessary repetition on his part. That said, the insights he presents help the preacher or teacher transition from exegesis of the text to its exposition in sermon or Bible study form.

Carson’s approach is comparable to the two individual volumes on John in the New International Commentary on the New Testament series by Leon Morris and then updated more recently by J. Ramsey Michaels. All are evangelical and trustworthy. Their approaches lend themselves to being read in tandem with one another, if one can afford all three at once.

Carson is a good place to start, with the recommendation that Morris and Michaels be added when possible.

Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: John by Andreas Köstenberger

Köstenberger’s is a more advanced commentary on John than the ones above. There is continuous interaction with other commentaries on John. Detailed exegesis includes extensive and deep discussion of the original language. This is meaningful and beneficial.

If one has the background and time in preparation for said study, this volume will be useful. It is worth taking the time to read patiently for its richness. As one’s language skills improve, this commentary becomes more useful.

Comparable is Edward W. Klink’s John in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series.

Freebiblecommentary.org

Longtime Bible teacher Bob Utley offers very helpful resources for free on his website, FreeBibleCommentary.org. His webpage “Gospel of John: New Testament Verse by Verse Studies” has links to written and video commentaries and sermons on John.

Encountering John: The Gospel in Historical, Literary, and Theological Perspective by Andreas Köstenberger

This source was designed by Baker Academic as a textbook for a course on the Gospel of John. However, its layout and thematic approach can aid the preacher or teacher. It is not a commentary of depth—for that, see Köstenberger’s commentary described above.

The subtitle of the book captures the contents well. While introductory matters receive attention, the value of the book is its guided walk through the text. Topics and themes for further study arise along the way that can spark sermon ideas.

Joseph Matos is professor of biblical studies at Dallas Baptist University and graduate of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., and of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He has taught a weekly Bible study for Gambrell Street Baptist Church in Fort Worth, based on the GC2 Press Connect 360 curriculum, and he gives encouragement and guidance toward spiritual formation on his YouTube channel On Journey with Dr. Joseph Matos. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.

For many modern readers, coming to the book of Leviticus is like entering a foreign land with strange customs and practices. Such readers struggle to understand what was happening and how this might be relevant to a Christian today.

I have found it helpful, when reading the book of Leviticus, to focus on the big picture and not get lost in all of the details.

The book of Leviticus is the third book of the Pentateuch. It also provides a continuation of the end of Exodus (Exodus 25-40), where the focus is on the tabernacle and priests. Therefore, it is important to locate Leviticus within some important contextual and theological themes that begin in Exodus and continue with Leviticus.

• God has created a covenant with Israel and is present uniquely with them.
• God has provided a means through which people can maintain a relationship with him. It is important to note, what we read in Leviticus is given because they are God’s people and not as rules/laws for becoming God’s people.
• God is holy, and God’s people are called to be holy. The demands of holiness become greater the closer one gets to the Holy of Holies. Also, the demands of holiness upon the priests—who will spend the most time in the presence of God—are greater. Therefore, the closer one gets to the Holy of Holies, greater are the demands of holiness and fewer are the people who are able to proceed.
• All the laws and sacrifices are oriented around God’s gracious provision of how they could maintain a relationship with him and how to be holy in the presence of a holy God.

Understanding these contextual and theological themes can help the reader better understand the basic structure of Leviticus.

Most scholars provide a more detailed structure of Leviticus—and there is much debate about certain aspects of the structure—but the structure of the book in its most basic form is ordered in two ways:

• Chapters 1-16: These chapters focus on the different sacrifices, guidelines for priests and ritual purity needed by the priests and people, with the climax being the day of atonement (chapter 16).
• Chapters 17-27: These chapters often are referred to as the “Holiness Code.” This code is, generally speaking, focused on how a forgiven and cleansed priesthood and people now are to live as a holy people.

By understanding the contextual and theological themes and the general outline of the book of Leviticus, the reader then can read the details—and not get lost in those details—in such a way that he or she is able to “keep the big picture.”

As someone prepares to study Leviticus, here are some helpful resources.

Word Bible Commentary: Leviticus by John E. Hartley

While I was a student at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary, I spent one semester in an Old Testament course focused on Leviticus. This was the commentary we used, and I have found it helpful for more than 20 years.

Hartley’s introduction is helpful especially for background information on and the message of Leviticus. While this is an academic resource, it is accessible to any serious reader of Leviticus.

New International Commentary of the Old Testament: The Book of Leviticus by Gordon J. Wenham

This is a great resource for those looking for something both accessible for most readers and that focuses on the broad themes of Leviticus.

Wenham intentionally does not focus on areas where interest may be limited to the academy —such as source criticism and other critical approaches—and instead seeks to write this commentary with a broader audience in mind. While he does address details in the book of Leviticus, he does not lose the reader in excessive detail.

Holiness to the Lord: A Guide to the Exposition of the Book of Leviticus by Allen P. Ross

Like Wenham’s book, Ross attempts to write an accessible commentary.

Ross is helpful especially in that with each chapter, he provides theological ideas, an outline and a summary. This helps the reader root each chapter and section of Leviticus within the larger contextual and theological framework.

If someone is looking for an initial commentary on Leviticus, this book is a good selection.

Leviticus: Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament: A Discourse Analysis of the Hebrew Bible by Jay Sklar

While this is the largest commentary of the ones being mentioned, it also is accessible to any serious student of Leviticus.

The focus of each chapter is to look beyond the analysis of any individual sentence and instead look at a paragraph or chapter.

Sklar does an excellent job in each chapter of providing the following for whatever discourse he is analyzing: the main idea, literary context, translation and exegetical outline, structure and literary form, explanation of the text, and canonical and theological significance.

One unique aspect of this commentary is in the “structure and literary form” sections of each chapter, where he provides the original Hebrew, his English translation and the outline of the text.

Most important resource for understanding Leviticus

While the language of priests and sacrifices—especially blood sacrifices—may seem foreign to 21st-century Christians, we cannot make sense of the cross without understanding Leviticus. Therefore, perhaps the best book to help us understand and apply Leviticus is the book of Hebrews.

In Hebrews, we find Jesus as the perfect, pure, holy priest who offers himself as an unblemished sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14-5:10, 9:11-10:18).

Learning about and from Leviticus, then, is a helpful exercise that points us to the one who fulfilled the law and was the final and complete sacrifice for our sins, so we can be reconciled to God and live lives of holiness that glorify him, as Peter quoted Leviticus: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

Ross Shelton is pastor of First Baptist Church in Brenham. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Christianity and History from Houston Baptist University, a Master of Divinity from Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Dallas Baptist University. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.

The book of Revelation is a treasure chest of rich Christological images and Old Testament allusions that encourage the persecuted Church with hopeful expressions of future joy.

Unfortunately, these treasures have been buried beneath layers of allegorical church traditions, ancient writing styles, and a narrow focus of millennial eschatology as found in modern evangelicalism.

All these layers have value for understanding John’s vision in Revelation, but modern interpreters often miss much of the blessing of Revelation (Revelation 1:3) when they do not consider the various facets of the jewel that is John’s Apocalypse.

When dealing with study resources for the book of Revelation, the pastor, scholar and church member need to keep these facets in mind. For our purposes in this resource, I will identify various resources that have specific emphasis for interpretation.

My hope is readers will take advantage of a variety of perspectives on Revelation in order to capture the breadth and depth of this apocalyptic narrative.

A general overview of Revelation

Because of the complicated literary nature of the book of Revelation, most readers need a clear overview of the options in order to make confident decisions on interpretation and application. Here are some resources that can provide a sweeping overview of key interpretations and themes.

Revelation: Four Views: A Parallel Commentary by Steve Gregg

Gregg’s commentary provides a very helpful overview of the primary ways Revelation is interpreted in today’s church.

He focuses on four primary interpretive methods:

• Historicist: reading Revelation within its historical context, as interpreters try to do with all other New Testament books.
• Futurist: viewing Revelation as a “roadmap” for future, “end of the world” events.
• Preterist: interpreting Revelation as primarily fulfilled within one generation of John’s vision.
• Idealist: interpreting Revelation as more parable or metaphor, emphasizing truth over literal fulfillment.

The value of Gregg’s book is found primarily in two areas. First, Gregg provides a clear definition of each of the interpretive approaches in his introduction, along with a concise overview of major background issues for reading Revelation.

Second, Gregg parallels each interpretive method in four separate columns spread out on facing pages. He allows each interpretive method to speak for each primary section. This balanced approach allows the reader to compare core interpretations and to follow how those interpretations build throughout the reading of the book.

Of course, the shortcoming of this approach is a lack of interpretive detail. But most pastors need a resource that enables them to speak to various interpretations within their own congregation. This commentary will help the pastor accomplish this task.

Other sources that can provide a helpful overview

Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Development, InterVarsity Press Bible Dictionary Series

This “dictionary”—or more correctly, “collection of essays”—provides excellent articles on various questions from the General Epistles, Revelation and some early church fathers and early Christian writings.

The articles on Revelation are particularly helpful for big-picture questions on historical context (authorship, date), literary context (what is apocalyptic literature), and theological questions (millennium, Christ in the apocalypse).

Worthy is the Lamb, revised, by Ray Summers

Summer’s classic volume is both short and introduction heavy. He focuses on the interpretation of Revelation with significant discussions of historical, literary and interpretive background issues addressed. His original writing was one of the first to promote the various interpretive methods that Gregg and others now discuss in their introductions.

A general reading of Revelation

The following sources are general readers or studies that can provide a quick overview of the content of Revelation in a reader-friendly fashion. As such, these also can be useful for sermon preparation, although they are not all designed for that purpose.

Revelation for Everyone, revised, by N.T. Wright

Wright provides his own updated translation with essays on significance and application. Meant for devotional reflection, this study also provides helpful illustrations that can be used in preaching and teaching.

Revelation for the Rest of Us by Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett

McKnight and Matchett take a thematic approach that taps into Revelation’s original authority-questioning, “counter-cultural” feel.

The focus is on being a “dissident disciple,” or one who questions the status quo. As such, they take on the evangelical establishment—which no doubt will cause some to rejoice and others to cringe. But the organization around key themes is a great way to piece together meaning in John’s vision.

Interpreting Revelation

A Dispensational/Futurist approach

Revelation, revised, by John Walvoord

Walvoord has written the grassroots dispensational approach that reflects the core beliefs of fundamental evangelicals with the scholarly approach that always has been embraced by Dallas Theological Seminary.

His aim is clear—to provide an exegesis of the eschatological road map from Revelation 4 through 21 that explains how God’s judgment will unfold and how Christians—both raptured (Christians) and those who will be saved after the rapture (Jews and Christians, a moderated dispensationalism)—will participate in the tribulation and ultimate victory of Jesus.

For those who prefer a pretribulation rapture followed by a literal 1,000-year millennium, Walvoord provides an outline of events to come.

Wycliffe International Commentaries: Revelation: An Exegetical Commentary, 2 volumes by Robert L. Thomas

A more contemporary dispensational option.

Eerdmans Classical Bible Commentaries: A Commentary of the Revelation of John, revised by G.E Ladd

Ladd’s commentary is not weighed down with the typical rhetoric of a dispensational approach to Revelation. He does take a thoroughly futuristic approach to the exegesis of the text, but his emphasis is more on a genuine reading of an unfolding narrative rather than a forceful reading of Jewish restoration or chart-based interpretations of Revelation.

Ladd reads Revelation 2-3 as a historical message to the churches. He then identifies the rapture in Revelation 4, moving into an explanation of events that will unfold after the Revelation, leading to the consummation of God’s plans for this world and the redemption of his people.

A Metaphorical/Symbolic approach

Interpretation: Revelation, revised by M. Eugene Boring

Rather than focusing on a road map for future events, Boring’s commentary details what it means for believers to endure hardship, understand God’s timely messages and lay their lives down for the gospel message.

Boring’s outline is less verse-by-verse exposition and more concept-by-concept overview with highlights of key principles at the end of each section. As such, little thought is given to the details of the future, but much thought is given to how Christians can and should respond to persecution—and to the glorified Jesus when he speaks.

A Historicist, Background method

Revelation Verse by Verse by Grant Osborn

Osborn’s commentary is an edited version of his larger academic commentary on Revelation, published by Baker, in which he sets out to provide a commentary that will aid pastors with devotional readings of Revelation, sermon aids and conversation points for small groups studies.

As such, this particular commentary can be of great service to any pastor or ministry leader who is looking to connect people in the local church with a historical-background approach to Revelation.

New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Book of Revelation, revised, by Robert H. Mounce

Mounce provides an excellent background overview and general commentary of Revelation.

His goal is to exegete Revelation as a message from the prophet John to the immediate circumstances of Christians in Asia Minor, working directly with the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 2-3.

Mounce treats Revelation like a narrative but notes where John himself pauses the action for various explanations and updates on the current circumstances of the church.

Mounce does a good job of balancing past, present and future aspects of John’s vision without losing the integrity of the overall narrative. The result is a commentary for pastors and students alike—easily accessible and applicable for teaching and preaching purposes.

Two more commentaries

Other commentaries that also work in this area are the NIV Application Commentary: Revelation by Craig S. Keener and the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary by Ian Paul. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries usually come in paperback and are more affordable than other hardbound series.

John’s use of the Old Testament in Revelation

Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G.K. Beale

This a revision of his exhaustive commentary The Book of Revelation in the New International Greek Commentary series. For readers and preachers interested in locating John’s use of the Old Testament in the book of Revelation, there is no greater source.

Beale deals with the question of identifying allusions and then does an exhaustive job in explaining how John intentionally has communicated his vision through the lens of the Old Testament Law and Prophets.

Beale also has aided the reader with clear summaries of content at the end of each section, providing teachers and preachers significant and sound biblical principles from each section.

This commentary is not short, but the wealth of information makes for a great resource for a pastor wanting to understand the Old Testament roots behind John’s vision.

Randolph R. Rogers is an associate professor of New Testament and Greek at Hardin-Simmons University. He has a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Arts in Religion from HSU, and a Master of Divinity in Biblical Languages and a Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also active in the Intentional Interim Ministry through Texas Baptists and is serving as an interim pastor in West Texas. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.

When many people think about the book of Daniel, they think about the lion’s den, Daniel and three friends thrown in the fiery furnace, or perhaps they think of the Daniel diet.

People often see Daniel as an adventure story and think if they do the right thing, God will save them from the lions and the fiery furnace. However, a close reading of Daniel reveals he and his three friends were the only ones who made it out of Judah without a scratch. This means Daniel was an exception rather than a rule.

Pastor Larry Osborne in his book Thriving in Babylon makes it clear, no matter how godly we become, making it out of the lion’s den and the fiery furnace is extremely rare. Typically, God chooses to walk with us through our challenges and difficulties rather than removing them from us.

The Bible promises God will use hardships to mature us in our faith. The Bible also warns God will discipline us when we rebel.

The theme of the book of Daniel is the sovereignty of God. He is angry with his people, and he sends the prophet Jeremiah to warn Israel, because of their wickedness, he will send the Babylonians to destroy the temple, Jerusalem, their identity and their way of life. The people of God did not listen. So, God sent persecutors.

Another danger in studying the book of Daniel is to view it only as a prophetic book. This leads to trying to decipher obscure passages and trying to link them to verses in Revelation. Although there is connection, this approach could lead to missing the importance of the book to our lives today.

No doubt, there are some amazing stories in this book and some passages that speak to the future. However, my hope is Christians will be strengthened and instructed on how to be bold in the faith by studying the book of Daniel.

In some sense, we can identify with Daniel in the fact we are living in exile, sojourners in a foreign land. Babylon and America have many similarities. If we live here, God’s intent for his disciples is the same as it was for Daniel: Be a positive influence on culture, and point others to the one true God.

Here are some resources I have found helpful.

Discovering Daniel by Amir Tsarfati

Amir Tsarfati wrote a nontechnical commentary that reads like a novel/devotional.

Tsarfati is an Israeli and leads tours and holds conferences on Israel from a biblical and prophetic standpoint. He wrote this book with Rick Yohn, former dean of Biblical and Theological Studies at Colorado Christian University. This combination of authors drives the book’s focus on the context of the book of Daniel and how it brings hope to our world amid the chaos.

The book examines each chapter in Daniel, giving attention to the main points in each chapter along with insight into what was happening at the time. Each chapter demonstrates, although the world is in chaos, God is sovereign. He continues to guide the world and the lives of individuals committed to following him.

Tsarfati also wrote Revealing Revelation. There is a definite connection between the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation. The author makes these connections regarding prophecy in his book on Daniel.

Although Daniel is more than a prophetic book, prophecy does play a major role. Discovering Daniel gives in-depth explanation of the prophecies in Daniel for the purpose of providing hope and assurance for believers.

God will deliver his people just as he did in the book of Daniel. Hope is a theme throughout the book, and the focus on prophecy seeks to undergird the reasons believers can find hope and purpose in God.

Theology of Daniel by Joyce G. Baldwin

Daniel is a difficult book. The structure of the book can be confusing. Many people divide the book into two sections. Chapters 1-6 comprise the first section with its stories of adventure, and Chapters 7-12 are the unique prophecies that include some odd characters.

Baldwin addresses the fact Daniel was written in two languages. This is helpful to understand how Daniel works. Chapter 1 was written in Hebrew, and Chapters 2-7 were written in Aramaic, the language used in international trade during that period.

Baldwin outlines Chapters 2-7 around four empires and God’s coming kingdom. She outlines Chapter 3 showing God’s deliverance for Daniel and his friends from a trial of fire. Chapters 4-5 focus on Daniel’s warnings to a king who was warned, disciplined and delivered—furthermore, a king who was warned, arrogantly ignored the warning and was overthrown in the end.

Baldwin focuses her book also on the reasons the church can be confident during perilous times. She explains how the book of Daniel demonstrates God is in control of worldly empires and evil leaders. God’s kingdom is the only lasting kingdom. Every empire that rises will fall, except the kingdom of God.

God’s communion with Daniel gave him the strength to face wicked world powers without fear.

This is a great resource to use to show the church what it can look like to belong to God’s kingdom. The sovereignty of God is a major theme that runs through the entire book.

NIV Application Commentary: Daniel by Tremper Longman III

The NIV Application Commentary series is unique in its approach to the text. This series of commentaries is an excellent resource for preachers or teachers tackling the difficult task of taking an ancient manuscript and showing how it is relevant to people today.

The commentary includes an introduction to each book, with discussion of authorship and date. The purpose, structure and any significant or difficult-to-understand events or words are explained in the introduction of each book. The commentary also includes helpful footnotes and an extensive bibliography that can be used for further study.

This commentary, as most commentaries do, dives into the original meaning of the text. Each chapter is divided into three sections.

“Original Meaning” includes the context and the exegesis of a passage. It gives insight into the life of the original readers and how the author addressed the issues of the day.

“Bridging the Contexts” connects the context at the time the book was written with today’s context.

“Contemporary Significance” focuses on application. This section reveals how the Scripture, written long ago, still has application today. It discusses eternal guiding principles. Although contexts and circumstances are different from when the text originally was written, the Bible includes instructions, insights and principles that fit with today’s culture.

Tremper Longman highlights what Daniel and his friends went through as exiles in Babylon. He discusses Daniel’s relationship with King Nebuchadnezzar and how God showed the evil king it is God who is sovereign, not any earthly king. Longman does a masterful job of painting a picture of the culture and times of Babylon and the similarities with today’s culture.

Other helpful resources

Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Daniel by Daniel L. Akin

This commentary also can be used as a study guide for individuals or groups. It takes an in-depth verse-by-verse look at the book of Daniel. Each chapter begins with a main idea and an outline of the chapter.

David Platt and Tony Merida join Daniel Aiken as authors of this commentary. They share interpretations and practical insight into each chapter of Daniel. Each chapter of the commentary concludes with the section “Where is Christ in This Text” and questions for reflection and discussion.

Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of Empire by Preston Sprinkle

Exiles is not a commentary. However, it does examine passages in the book of Daniel, Romans and Revelation, as well as many other Scriptures to discuss the difficulty of living for God’s kingdom in Babylon.

This book focuses heavily on Christians living in allegiance to Christ amid today’s empires. Sprinkle discusses many of the cultural and political issues facing the church today. The book also contains an extensive bibliography helpful for conducting further research into aspects of today’s culture against the backdrop of the culture of Babylon and the early church.

Ronny Marriott is senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Richardson, current president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and a graduate of Howard Payne University. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.

Leave the TV on a newscast for a few minutes, or a mobile device on a video, or discover the latest injustice shared on a social media platform, and you’ll probably leave feeling a little discouraged.

The world as we know it is upside down. It at least feels like it. When we see others going through periods of uncertainty or unfairness, it is hard to wrap our minds and hearts around a potential action that could make a difference at a moment’s notice.

From time to time, when faced with a dark world full of brokenness and sadness, we might find ourselves asking, “Am I truly making an impact?”

Sometimes even our sin issues cause us to feel drained and discouraged.

As followers of Christ, there are steps we can take toward making a difference in our homes, our families and our communities, and Galatians 6:1-10 provides insight.

Bearing one another’s burdens

Growing up, I didn’t have close friends. Now, my adult years consist of weekly phone calls and text messages to multiple friends.

I’m grateful that the Lord gave me a manageable number of friends. I can intentionally make time with each person I talk to, offering prayer, a word of advice, or even just comedic and insightful anecdotes and stories that stir up nostalgia.

What comes with those relationships, however, are burdens. A few months ago, a friend of mine and his wife mourned the loss of his wife’s mother.

My wife and I took time to laugh and cry with them and encourage them. They did the same for us when my father passed.

Not long after that, a college friend of mine experienced a tragic loss in his family that led to a three-hour road trip to visit and sit with him.

Bearing one another’s burdens is key to desiring to keep doing good. For starters, it keeps me focused on serving someone other than myself.

Most people are already very good at serving the self. The challenge is in taking time to walk in somebody else’s shoes, sharing a moment of empathy and compassion for people, and loving people where they are.

When we live by the Holy Spirit, not only do we find ourselves able to restore others “gently,” but we  also can fulfill the call to bear one another’s burdens.

To restore means to mend what is broken. Believers have an opportunity—in love—to restore someone who is going through trouble or dealing with sin issues impeding their walk in the Lord.

At the same time, Christian believers shouldn’t walk around with a sense of accomplishment and self-righteousness.

They would dare not compare themselves to those going through trouble or assume that they are doing or living better than those in peril.

“Sow” what?

When I was younger, I considered reaping and sowing comparable to how much I played video games versus how much I studied.

The more I spent playing video games, the worse my grades would get.

Further study of reaping and sowing, as shown in Galatians 6:7-8, provides an even deeper, consequential explanation: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life (ESV).”

To “sow” means to plant where you desire to grow through scattering.

The consequences of sowing to the things of the flesh are corruption, ruin or disintegration.

Like everyone else, I am in a daily fight to decide what’s more important—my phone’s notification ping or the conversation I’m having with someone, the chores at home or time with my family and friends, and the list goes on.

And in every moment, I’m learning to say, “Lord, not my will, but yours.”

When we sow in the spirit, we experience the joy and privilege of reaping eternal life.

Consider James 3:18: “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

Don’t grow weary

While it is easy to grow tired of doing good, the results of doing the things God calls us to do reap a harvest worth waiting for.

The word of God reminds us to “not give up.”

We can be encouraged to continue forward by remembering the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross and the visible, spiritually fruitful lives of believers who are doing good daily to others.

To avoid growing weary, look for opportunities to do good to others, especially others who are in the faith.

The Gospel of Matthew is much beloved, for it contains some of the most famous collections of Jesus’ teachings in the whole canon of Scripture.

It also is the most characteristically Jewish of all the Gospels, addressing as it does a community that treasured its Jewish identity, but also found itself in some degree of tension with others who shared that identity.

So, does the Gospel of Matthew have anything to say to us today?

The enduring importance of the Gospel

Like so many who have spent extended time wrestling with this Gospel, I am convinced it always has been relevant to everyone who claims the name of Jesus. It is even more important now, as we stand in the shadow of the Protestant Reformation debating fundamental issues of Christian identity.

More to the point, Matthew’s uncompromising call to Christian discipleship is a helpful corrective to the transactional soteriology that sometimes has characterized evangelical preaching.

The heart of Matthew’s message can be found in 16:13-28. Becoming a disciple of Jesus is not merely about recognizing his messianic identity—though that is an indispensable first step. It is about recognizing what kind of Messiah he is and receiving him as one’s own master.

That process will not entail the triumph of one’s own political, cultural or personal agenda. Rather, it requires the would-be disciple to crucify those corrupted ambitions and to entrust one’s identity and well-being to the care of God.

It is easy to become discouraged when studying this Gospel. I know from personal experience. But, as Craig Keener points out, the subtext of the story is Jesus keeps putting his arms around his wayward followers, even when they fail to live up to his impossibly high standards—such as when he demands we live with a perfection or maturity that mirrors God’s (Matthew 5:48).

Where to begin your study

Matthew’s Gospel contains a lot of material. Its contents are carefully interwoven, producing an outline that can be difficult to enumerate, but nevertheless is instructive for the reader. Moreover, some elements of the Gospel present interpretive challenges that may not be immediately apparent to the casual reader but are important to address.

Biblical eLearning by Gordon College Faculty

One place we might begin is with an online resource that will help you learn more about any book of the Bible that interests you. Biblical eLearning is a resource created by the faculty of Gordon College.

Biblical eLearning contains video lectures and other materials about a wide range of topics related to the Bible, church history and theology. Material is presented by well-respected scholars from evangelical institutions around the country.

For Matthew, it presents lectures from multiple scholars, including Craig Keener, and the lectures vary in their level of detail. So, you can shape your study to your needs.

Keener’s lectures are particularly helpful, for he guides his students through the sometimes bewildering task of interpreting Jesus’ approach to the Mosaic law. He also demystifies Jesus’ use of parables, explaining how the Lord used hyperbole and other figures of speech well-known to his audience to make his points clear.

NIV Application Commentary: Matthew by Michael Wilkins

As Joshua Sharp pointed out in his article on Mark, for introductory-level print resources, the NIV Application Commentary is often a good place to start one’s exploration of a biblical book.

God’s Story Commentary: Matthew by Rodney Reeves

But here is another place you might look: the God’s Story Commentary series. The volume on Matthew’s Gospel was written by Rodney Reeves, former dean at Southwest Baptist University and current pastor of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Ark.

I readily admit I am biased. My wife and I studied under Reeves at Williams Baptist University in the 1990s. But, for my money, he is the best New Testament theologian Baptists have produced in the last 30 years, and he is the best preacher white evangelicals have produced during that same time period.

Reeves’ commentary on Matthew is beautifully written, and it packs an enormous amount of insight in a very short amount of space.

Climbing the ladder

If the resources listed above whet your appetite for more, or if you already are a ministry practitioner and need a more thorough study than these resources can provide, there are lots of great, mid-level commentaries for you to engage.

For example, Craig Keener has two commentaries on Matthew—one that reads the Gospel from a socio-rhetorical perspective (The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary) and one that presents a more pastoral approach to the document (IVP New Testament Commentary: Matthew).

New American Commentary: Matthew by Craig Blomberg

But I recommend Craig Blomberg’s volume in the New American Commentary series.

Blomberg takes a different approach to understanding the structure of Matthew’s Gospel than I do, but that is part of why I love his commentary so much. His analysis of the Gospel is clear and concise enough to be accessible to most readers, and yet, it also is careful and detailed enough to challenge both mind and heart.

Reaching the top

Sometimes, though, there is just no substitute for a detailed commentary, based on the original languages.

The Word Biblical Commentary and the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament usually are good places to start looking for that kind of resource, regardless of what New Testament book you are studying, and Matthew’s Gospel is no exception.

New International Greek Testament Commentary: Matthew by John Nolland

But for my money, John Nolland’s commentary on Matthew in the New International Greek Testament Commentarygives the reader everything he or she might want in a technical study of the Gospel.

Nolland’s introductory material is brief, but he presents the scholarly issues surrounding the composition and message of the Gospel with clarity and fairness. His exegesis is extensive, even magisterial, but I do not find it overwhelming in most instances. Nolland knows how to alert the reader to important interpretive issues without losing the main thread of his argument.

A closing exhortation

Ultimately, I do not agree with Stanley Hauerwas and other interpreters who see Matthew as a clarion call to Christian pacifism. But I do think the evangelist challenges many of our contemporary assumptions about what it means to be Christ’s disciples.

Of course, as Dallas Willard observed, not everyone wants to be a disciple of Jesus—especially once they get a glimpse of what it will cost them. But I am convinced it is the only way to life. So, we need to be sure we understand what Matthew is trying to tell us about our Messiah and Master.

Wade Berry is pastor of Second Baptist Church in Ranger and has been a resident fellow in New Testament and Greek at B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.