WARNING: Soliciting your options, please...

I know in advance that asing for your subjective opinions will be a trigger point for some readers. I also know about the Best Commentaries website (thanks in advance for all the knee jerk suggestions that you suppressed by not sending me there).

Still, please give me your opinions on the best single volume whole Bible commentaries. I have the Holman Illustrated Bible Commentary and I'm familiar with the BKC (but I gave it and my whole library away (long story)). I'm uninterested in multi-volume/resource commentaries, and I know that single volume commentaries fall into the trap of "an inch deep, and a mile wide" category. Regardless, what do you like or use? I am of the Verbal Plenary Inspiration persuasion. conservative, and a Baptist (let the cries of "Stone Him!, begin).

Thank you in advance for your gentle consideration and advice.

Blessings!

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Comments

Lynden O. Williams

Faithlife Study Bible. It is good, modern and free.

Mattillo

Study Bibles and Single Volume Commentaries are pretty close in my opinion but my frequents are:

https://www.logos.com/product/213186/the-macarthur-bible-commentary

https://www.logos.com/product/133/the-bible-knowledge-commentary

https://www.logos.com/product/121682/the-moody-bible-commentary

https://www.logos.com/product/753/the-new-bible-commentary

https://www.logos.com/product/5255/esv-study-bible-notes

https://www.logos.com/product/144554/niv-cultural-backgrounds-study-bible-notes

https://www.logos.com/product/36338/faithlife-study-bible

Mark Smith

The BKC gives more extensive help than the other 'single volume' commentaries I know of in Logos (since it is really a two-volumes commentary in print). It would be the one I'd recommend. It would meet the theological persuasions you mention.

DMB

I am of the Verbal Plenary Inspiration persuasion. conservative, and a Baptise (let the cries of "Stone Him!, begin).

Not for you then, but my favorite single volume commentary by far is Oxford Bible Commentary. In Logos but not for sale. Next would be New Jerome, which is in Logos but also not for sale.

How's that? Smiling.

Brother Mark

Thanks shipmates! I've added the MacArthur and BKC to my wish list.... and I'll wait for them to go on sale. Much appreciation for the thoughtful effort you put into the responses!

Brother Mark

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236537#Comment_1236537

I am of the Verbal Plenary Inspiration persuasion. conservative, and a Baptist (let the cries of "Stone Him!, begin).

Not for you then,

Right! Not for me, even though I do enjoy reading (if not digesting) an alternate viewpoint, on occasion.

Brian Davidson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236543#Comment_1236543

Based on your parameters I don’t think you can do better than the New Bible Commentary

https://www.logos.com/product/753/the-new-bible-commentary

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236543#Comment_1236543

Not for me, even though I do enjoy reading (if not digesting) an alternate viewpoint, on occasion.

Although all commentaries have places where they betray the theology of the author, I prefer my commentaries to be as neutral as possible and have a visceral dislike / aversion to any commentary that consistently provides a theological rather than a textual or reception commentary or illustrates the application of a particular critical lens e.g. advocacy criticism, feminist criticism, . . .

I like Faithlife Study Bible too. Other suggestions:

https://www.logos.com/product/4466/tom-constables-expository-bible-study-notes

https://www.logos.com/product/7293/the-teachers-bible-commentary

https://www.logos.com/product/621/the-teachers-commentary

Kathleen Marie

You might like the Tony Evans Study Bible. He also wrote a commentary, but the commentary is chatty in a way that can be distracting instead of more helpful than the more concise study Bible. The book introductions have links to online video introductions.

https://www.logos.com/product/188832/csb-tony-evans-study-bible-notes

The Reformation Heritage Study Bible is interesting for its "thoughts for personal/family worship" after each chapter.

https://www.logos.com/product/46973/reformation-heritage-kjv-study-bible

You might like the Teacher's Commentary

https://www.logos.com/product/621/the-teachers-commentary

or the Teacher's Bible Commentary

https://www.logos.com/product/7293/the-teachers-bible-commentary

The Literary Study Bible is interesting because it teaches about literary genres. Paul's letters are broken down into parts and compared to the general style of ancient letters.

https://www.logos.com/product/187629/esv-literary-study-bible-notes

You might like a Chronological Tour Through the Bible

https://www.logos.com/product/165544/a-chronological-tour-through-the-bible

Nord Zootman

Besides the BKC I would also recommend https://www.logos.com/product/121682/the-moody-bible-commentary

Kathleen Marie

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236570#Comment_1236570

I like Faithlife Study Bible too. Other suggestions:

https://www.logos.com/product/4466/tom-constables-expository-bible-study-notes

https://www.logos.com/product/7293/the-teachers-bible-commentary

https://www.logos.com/product/621/the-teachers-commentary

We cross posted. LOL. We think alike! Yes, about the Constables!

Kathleen Marie

Also the NET Bible notes

https://www.logos.com/product/189785/net-bible-full-notes-2nd-ed

and the Thompson Chain Reference Library

https://www.logos.com/product/217074/thompson-chain-reference-library

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236577#Comment_1236577

We cross posted. LOL. We think alike! Yes, about the Constables!

[:D][Y]

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236575#Comment_1236575

Also:

- Life Application Study Bible / Life Application Bible Notes (for some reason I have this resource from WordSearch but can't find it on the Logos website)

Greg Corbin

The MacArthur one volume commentary and the Bible Knowledge (two volume) are the two best I know of. Don't forget the Bible Exposition Commentary by Wiersbe too - two volumes on each testament.

I agree that study Bibles are basically one valume Bible commentaries. Here are the best in my opinion...

The MacArthur Study Bible

The ESV Study Bible

The Grace and Truth Study Bible

John Simpson

Wycliffe Bible Commentary is Theologically Conservative

https://www.logos.com/product/419/the-wycliffe-bible-commentary-old-testament

https://www.logos.com/product/418/the-wycliffe-bible-commentary-new-testament

Joseph Sollenberger

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236588#Comment_1236588

I always start with this one volume commentary: Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible.

It is great for background information and includes the books often not included in the protestant traditions.

https://www.logos.com/product/45701/eerdmans-commentary-on-the-bible

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236551#Comment_1236551

Although all commentaries have places where they betray the theology of the author, I prefer my commentaries to be as neutral as possible and have a visceral dislike / aversion to any commentary that consistently provides a theological rather than a textual or reception commentary or illustrates the application of a particular critical lens e.g. advocacy criticism, feminist criticism, . . .

I used to think that was possible. But the more I root around on supporting data (almost none, when you start checking), the more I'm convinced assumptions are the theology. And assumptions drive everything that follows. Metzger noted the same problem, when text criticism hit a data wall ... assumptions (aka his beliefs).

Brother Mark

Thank you all for your suggestions (several of which I've added to my wishlist!). I congratulate all of you for participating in a community devoted to enhancing understanding of the Scriptures. I am particularly fond of those that are helpfully instructive (MJ, I'm looking at you, and I agree that virtually all commentators have an inherent theological "bent", that bleeds over into their writing) in their suggestions. I am humbled and gratified that you folks took the time to help me

Paul Caneparo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236789#Comment_1236789

You may like to consider the following book, although it may fail your request as it will be 2 volumes, not one.

https://www.logos.com/product/230274/the-branch-exposition-of-the-bible-vol-1-a-preachers-commentary-of-the-new-testament

T Gerold Castle

Others have covered more modern single volume commentaries. I share in the use of many of those.

I am thankful however for a couple of classics in my library that I continue to use daily.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible | Logos Bible Software

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Bible | Logos Bible Software

Paul Caneparo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236865#Comment_1236865

Others have covered more modern single volume commentaries. I share in the use of many of those.

I am thankful however for a couple of classics in my library that I continue to use daily.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible | Logos Bible Software

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Bible | Logos Bible Software

Check out:

https://www.logos.com/product/194909/logos-9-basic

This includes both, albeit the second in its condensed version. But you get both for free.

Mark

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236866#Comment_1236866

William MacDonald's Believer's Bible Commentary would fit your parameters

xnman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236635#Comment_1236635

Although all commentaries have places where they betray the theology of the author, I prefer my commentaries to be as neutral as possible and have a visceral dislike / aversion to any commentary that consistently provides a theological rather than a textual or reception commentary or illustrates the application of a particular critical lens e.g. advocacy criticism, feminist criticism, . . .

I used to think that was possible. But the more I root around on supporting data (almost none, when you start checking), the more I'm convinced assumptions are the theology. And assumptions drive everything that follows. Metzger noted the same problem, when text criticism hit a data wall ... assumptions (aka his beliefs).

For myself.... I find that people think that all theological thought is mere assumptions (though they don't express it).... and then they seek to follow the "assumptions" that coincide with their "Idea" of religion. But the problem is, even though there are 38,000 different "religious" entities out there that does not negate the actual fact that there is a single truth. I've said many times.... "the Bible sheds a lot of light on commentaries". [8-|]

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1237200#Comment_1237200

But the problem is, even though there are 38,000 different "religious" entities out there that does not negate the actual fact that there is a single truth.

You're expressing a modern idea, trying to compete with modern culture (last 500 years). Early Christians recognized what they called 'pistis'. If I remember right, the Resurrected One discussed it in depth? Indeed 'pistis' would save a person.

Doc B

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1236578#Comment_1236578

Also the NET Bible notes

https://www.logos.com/product/189785/net-bible-full-notes-2nd-ed

This is an under-the-radar but very good suggestion, IMO. The NET Bible notes (get the 1st edition if you want the notes separate from the NET Bible...the 2nd edition are bundled together) are as volumnous as a one-volume commentary and are contemporary. They also fit your theological perspective (the OP's, that is).

I've only used about three one-volume commentaries and the best one in my experience was Matthew Henry. But it is very dated. MacArthur was also good (and fits your theological perspective), but isn't as exhaustive in terms of verses of scripture addressed.

For the money, I think the NET bible notes, 1st edition, are likely your best option.

JMO.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1237200#Comment_1237200

that does not negate the actual fact that there is a single truth.

I'd have never taken you for a perennial philosophy and anti-parallel universes kind of guy [:O]

My point is similar to DMB"s -- be careful what era of assumptions you are making for your assertions. They may not be taken as you intended. The best of apologetics address this issue ... one reason I would like to see FL do more tags, guides, and workflows related to apologetics.

xnman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1237215#Comment_1237215

But the problem is, even though there are 38,000 different "religious" entities out there that does not negate the actual fact that there is a single truth.

You're expressing a modern idea, trying to compete with modern culture (last 500 years). Early Christians recognized what they called 'pistis'. If I remember right, the Resurrected One discussed it in depth? Indeed 'pistis' would save a person.

Appreciate your response.... thanks.

Indeed, "pristis" was discussed in depth in many places in God's word.... And Peter himself discussed this on the day of "Pentecost" in his first sermon.... and, in all my studies, I have not found when "pristis" says you are saved by "pristis" alone. And again, although the Bible is older than 500 years... it still stands as the only truth from God - Joh 17:17.... which is why I say.. "The Bible sheds a lot of light on commentaries" .

This would make a great discussion.... but alas... we are confined to work within the confines of FaithLife/Logos...

xnman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1237241#Comment_1237241

that does not negate the actual fact that there is a single truth.

I'd have never taken you for a perennial philosophy and anti-parallel universes kind of guy

My point is similar to DMB"s -- be careful what era of assumptions you are making for your assertions. They may not be taken as you intended. The best of apologetics address this issue ... one reason I would like to see FL do more tags, guides, and workflows related to apologetics.

lol -- with all respect... I'm still trying to figure out what kind of guy I am....

And I agree with you on more tags, etc.