Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

My family's go-to answer book is the "Believer's Bible Commentary" (BBC). A whole-Bible commentary provides more detail than a Bible handbook or study Bible, but less than a dedicated commentary (e.g. Romans). Doctrinally, all 5 commentaries below may be classified as evangelical and dispensational. EDITIONS The black and blue edition is much thicker than the older orange dust jacket edition. Another reviewer said the second edition "has no updates." But it has 130 more pages, based on Amazon's count (2592-2462=130). Nelson advertises "14 pages of 4-color maps...and other study helps." So charts, maps and diagrams may have increased, but I doubt the commentary has changed, since MacDonald was glorified in 2007. COMMENTARY STATS * The Bible Knowledge Commentary (BKC) by Walvoord & Zuck * Editions: 1983 (NT), 1985 (OT) NIV translation base. 167 grey-scale illustrations! 1575 pages of OT commentary! 979 pages of NT commentary! Emphasis on analysis and the original languages. School of Influence: Dallas Theological Seminary Frequently quoted and recommended in other Bible commentaries! Endorsed by Jeremiah, Wiersbe & Swindoll. * Believer's Bible Commentary by MacDonald & Farstad * Editions: 1995, 2008, 2016 NKJV translation base. People and places glossary! 77 grey-scale maps, charts, sketches (1st ed.). 1150 pages of OT commentary. 1183 pages of NT commentary! Emphasis on devotion and life application. School of Influence: Emmaus Bible College Nelson's most popular commentary! Endorsed by Van Gorder, Wiersbe & MacArthur. Quotes from the BKC. * The Moody Bible Commentary (MBC) by Rydelnik & Vanlaningham * Edition: 2014 NASB translation base. Scripture and topical indexes! 80 grey-scale maps, charts, sketches. 1422 pages of OT commentary! 580 pages of NT commentary. Emphasis on refuting higher criticism. Superficial coverage of difficult verses. See my detailed MBC review on Amazon. School of Influence: Moody Bible Institute Popular among Moody and Rydelnik fans. Endorsed by Enns, Jenkins & Rosenberg Quotes from the BKC. OTHER OPTIONS These next whole-Bible commentaries are based on previously released study Bibles. They are also influenced by Dallas Theological Seminary. * Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary (NNIBC) by Radmacher, Allen & House * Published 1999, 1804 pages, 180 illustrations. Similar to Nelson's NKJV Study Bible. Many mini articles and timelines. * The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur * Published 2005, 2040 pages. Similar to the NKJV MacArthur Study Bible. Many illustrations and articles. Teaches "lordship salvation," not "free grace" theology (e.g. Ryrie). FREE ALTERNATIVES E-Sword Bible study software, for Windows and iOS, is popular and intuitive. Older commentaries are free. But the newer ones above, will cost ya. The comprehensive "Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable" are based on the NASB and available in e-Sword, websites, PDF and MP3. He was a BKC contributor. ADVICE Buy the BBC in whatever format you use most. I've bought the BBC in hardbacks, Kindle, e-Sword and the FaithLife app. Supplement with the BKC and the "New Unger's Bible Dictionary," if you want more info on a verse or topic (e.g. elders). "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - , KJV "It shall greatly helpe ye to understande Scripture, If thou mark Not only what is spoken or wrytten, But of whom, And to whom, With what words, At what time Where, To what intent, With what circumstances, Considering what goeth before And what followeth." John Wycliffe (1320-1384, Bible translator, church reformer, fire martyr) Copyright CBR of BibleLight Ministries.