Which Commentaries do you use most in Logos?

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1294#Comment_1294

Some years ago, before I started to use commentaries in Logos, the first thing I turned to, was The Bible Knowledge commentary. Now in Logos I still look into it quite often in a regular reading of the Bible.

For the sermon preparation I use the following:

WBC, NIGTC, UBS Handbook series

I refer quite often to NAC and Preacher's Commentary Series

I like to look at Jewish NT Commentary, sometimes to Thru the Bible of Vernon McGee

Looking forward to using the individual volumes I just got: PNTC - for John, ICC for Acts, Kent Hughes for Acts

Looking forward to NICOT/NICNT

Also BECNT series looks very useful to me, especially some volumes like Acts of Bock.

God bless you

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1304#Comment_1304

I find the UBS Handbook series quite helpful, almost every single time, no matter the book, for thinking through translation and exegetical questions. I also like how it interacts with various English translations. I find it pretty even handed.

I second some of those who like the Bible Backgrounds commentary (IVP). It won't comment on every single verse, but usually with give good information on a pericope I am studying.

There are series that I always consult (WBC, NAC, Baker Exegetical, Pillar, College Press, etc). But they are not always equal in their value, depending on the author. Sometimes WBC is tedious to wade through. I also don't like how it is indexed (if that is the proper term). Plugging in a particular verse does not always take me to the location I would expect. College press has several "light weight" editions, but I have liked Deuteronomy (G. Hall), Psalms, Romans, Hebrews.

I will also plug the New Bible Commentary. Not always extensive, but depending on the book, I have found keen insights, and wording, and one poster described his own appreciation for the Life App set.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1225#Comment_1225

I only wish I could afford Hermeneia or Anchor Yale--but I don't like all the editions, either ,to justify the whole set and cost. I would love to by, eg, REBrown's work, or Markus Barth, or Attridge.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1288#Comment_1288

i agree with your love for studying the word first. I have unearthed many things in my own study that may not have happened if I had locked into a particular line of thought/argument within a commentary. Often< i also find out that on my own, I discovered (so to speak) things that "good" commentaries later also show me, but because I did the work myself, I "own" it more within me.

I don't see commentaries as such as being a major source of church division, however. But I might agree that some authors, and some theological systems are pretty dogmatic and those who ONLY consult those particular views set themselves over against others in a condescending way. But that is not the fault of "commentaries" as a tool. It is the fault of a particular mindset of either the author himself, and/or the heart of the person using the commentary.

I have been very blessed using commentaries, even as much as I like doing my own "dirty work" when it comes to Bible study.

John McComb

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1325#Comment_1325

I don't see commentaries as such as being a major source of church division, however. But I might agree that some authors, and some theological systems are pretty dogmatic and those who ONLY consult those particular views set themselves over against others in a condescending way.

Theologians are often a lot like physicists in a way. That is, they see some unexplained data and they speculate as to what it means. Then they pass their speculation around through the rumor mill, talk abut it ceaselessly and in the end, if they've garnered enough "yea" votes along the way, carve it all in stone.

Later on if somebody else comes along and points to some other bit of unexplained data that seems to contradict that now wholly affirmed speculation they get angry and defensive and call the new guy names.

If you ask me it's pride that causes division more than anything. You know, serving two masters, a house divided and all that.

Yours in Christ

John

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1348#Comment_1348

there is a level of intolerance when it comes to systemitizing theology. We cram things in a box, speculate on "if you take this (opposiing) view, it will ONLY lead to this . . . and tar and feather those who oppose. Just check out many "4 (or 5) views of __________" type book to see that we can get so entrenched in our view that even without intending to, we condescend toward or commiserate for (oh, I prayyyy for you that you will see the light).

We really DO seem a bit pharasaical with our theological hedges.

Ahh, but heck, going down this road will open up a can of worms I don't want to get into. Just don't read any IVP works. They are tooo liberal.

jk.

ab360

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1195#Comment_1195

For me it's the IVP Bible Background Commentary., always the first one I turn to. I like that it's not so much what the text means, but why the author would have used these words.

Totally agree -- I find that it helps me put the message in perspective. It doesn't always cover what I want to know, however; does anyone have recommendations of other resources that shed light on the cultural context?

John McComb

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1354#Comment_1354

there is a level of intolerance when it comes to systemitizing theology. We cram things in a box, speculate on "if you take this (opposiing) view, it will ONLY lead to this . . . and tar and feather those who oppose. Just check out many "4 (or 5) views of __________" type book to see that we can get so entrenched in our view that even without intending to, we condescend toward or commiserate for (oh, I prayyyy for you that you will see the light).

You talking to me? (He asks as he stands alone sneering at a mirror in his one room ghetto apartment, packing heat that is strapped to every limb with an assortment of ingenious holsters and spring loaded gadgets). It sounds like you're talking to me. Leastwise, what you say seems to follow from what I said. Still, isn't exactly what you would call obvious, especially when your post starts a new page like that. What this forum needs is an "In Reply To" button for each post so that people can track conversations backwards through an hierarchical view.

We really DO seem a bit pharasaical with our theological hedges.

Ahh, but heck, going down this road will open up a can of worms I don't want to get into.

What can of worms? We're accusing people who are largely hypothetical. Everybody agrees that there are some people out there who behave in this way. We just don't agree on whom.

Just don't read any IVP works. They are tooo liberal.

Oh, "that" can of worms.

Yours in Christ

John

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1387#Comment_1387

nahhh, John, just saying (he types hurriedly so that he can run upstairs to the little boy--never mind).

It is always safe arguing against Large hypercritical--I mean, large hippocritical--I mean, largely hypothetical people.

Anyway, my joy today, that probably no one on this forum shares, is that the US beat Spain the the semi-final of the Confederations Cup. That's soccer, folks.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1390#Comment_1390

PS. I love Opus.

Wayne

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1390#Comment_1390

Anyway, my joy today, that probably no one on this forum shares, is that the US beat Spain the the semi-final of the Confederations Cup. That's soccer, folks.

There was at least one other user cheering for the USA. Altough, tomorrow and hopefully Sunday, I will be cheering for Brazil.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1397#Comment_1397

Ruh Roh, you are in danger of being banned!

Say, HOW can a guy named "Wayne" cheer against the USA???? Probably one of those commentary authors.

Wayne

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1399#Comment_1399

Sorry, no commentaries to my name.

But, I have been living in and cheering for Brasil since 1986. One of those "Do you remember where you were moments" for me came in 1994, when Baggio from Italy kicked his penalty kick high and Brasil won the World Cup for the 4th time (and my 1st time).

John McComb

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1391#Comment_1391

PS. I love Opus.

I'm just glad he's easier to recognize than an orangutang's butt.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1402#Comment_1402

well good for you (though I'd still hope for a root FOR the USA against Brasil--even I, a former mk in Germany, when they were King of Soccer in the 70's, still root USA head to head. Ahhh, well, I can't have everything. Glad to see a true fan of the sport, all the same! You know the WC is coming to the land of the beautiful game in '14, right?

On the other note, John, lol!

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1390#Comment_1390

Anyway, my joy today, that probably no one on this forum shares, is that the US beat Spain the the semi-final of the Confederations Cup. That's soccer, folks.

Soccer? You're not supposed to hit women.

Oh, I suppose you're referring to some game. If you want a real man's sport you need to try some smash-mouth football.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1409#Comment_1409

you talking about rugby or Australian rules football?

Paul Golder

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1363#Comment_1363

Totally agree -- I find that it helps me put the message in perspective. It doesn't always cover what I want to know, however; does anyone have recommendations of other resources that shed light on the cultural context?

Hi Adam,

Some good ones are:

The New Manners and Customs of Bible
Times

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Manners
and Customs

The Bible Reader's Companion - Larry
Richards (more of a handbook, but has really good background)

In Christ,

Paul

Wayne

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1407#Comment_1407

You know the WC is coming to the land of the beautiful game in '14, right?

Our town was selected as a host city and so I pass 10 billboards reminding me of the 2014 World Cup every time I drive downtown.

George: I enjoy American football and follow my favorite teams But in soccer the players play for one hour and thirty minutes with one fifteen minutes interval and no time outs. Plays are not called in from the bench, and so players have to create plays on their own. A team only needs 2-3 coaches and not 18. It is very much a players game.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1414#Comment_1414

wow, that is awesome, so you are located there! I just read in update about how the President (i think), of Brasil warned about overspending on infrastructure that will not be used after. I almost think more eyes are on construction in Brasil than they were/are in S. Africa.

Need to start a new thread if we keep this stuff up.

George, I am a die-hard Dolfan. But soccer trumps that sport for me. (and all my uncles and dad played college fb)

A resource i often like to get a good perspective on a topic is IVP's DIctionary of Biblical Imagery. I use it for practically every sermon. They don't get into a lot of jargon like some Encyclopedias and Dictionaries, but rather give a good overview and picture of themes of imagery (father, new birth, etc).

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1414#Comment_1414

George: I enjoy American football and follow my favorite teams But in soccer the players play for one hour and thirty minutes with one fifteen minutes interval and no time outs. Plays are not called in from the bench, and so players have to create plays on their own. A team only needs 2-3 coaches and not 18. It is very much a players game.

I'm not really quite so ignorant regarding soccer as I pretend. I do though have a real problem with the game which may be nothing to do with the game itself but with my own personal experience with the game. When I played football we played both ways -- both offence and defence. Today they've somewhat sissified the game by having special teams as well as separate offence and defence. I played all but about 5 min of one game when I was taken out to allow someone else to play. I never had a problem playing football -- not a single injury. In required phys ed in college once I played soccer for about 5 min. During that time someone tripped me while I was running down the field so I ended up scooting down the field on my back with some nasty scratches, but what was really bad was when someone kicked the ball into my wrist from about 5 ft away so I still today have problems with it on occasion. I never have liked it since then. As I said, my problem.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1325#Comment_1325

Believe it or not, I probably use the New Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge more then anything and find it the most profitable. Then TVM in Strong's and TDNT/OT. Usually I will go to a commentary when I have a thought about a certain passage and see what others say.

Sometimes, in going to commentaries, I might be able to pull a good point out of one, pull a good point out of another. When I disagree, this might cause me to study the actual text a bit more to see how someone came to something with which I disagree.

In one way, I agree, relying on commentaries can be a problem and at times is laziness. I love Macarthur, but a friend of mine whom possesses a Doctrate in Divinity is basically unable to preach a sermon without copying Macarthur's outlines and preaching his points.

Yet, to me, to look through many at one time when trying to get a sense of what others say. As I see it, taking advantage of hundreds of years of studying. Not that I am going to adopt a point because someone studied a lot.

Also, there must be a balance between what you do and what others say. If I do pull a point, I try to make it mine in studying and seing how one comes to a point-not just regrgitating what someone else teaches. This is why I like when a commentary gives various understandings from differing faith communities and why disagreeable to his or her own understanding.

I also enjoy Lexham's outlines-the newer product as well as the New Summary series.

No, I do not work for Logos, but do buy a lot for my own personal studies.

God bless and thanks for responding.

Dave Emme

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1407#Comment_1407

I am not a hardcore fan of soccer, but do enjoy watching it when it is on. I played when in the Marines when on my unit team. We had a blast in tornaments. Got violent at times. This dude clipped me when I was playing fullback. Next time he came down, I gave him a fore arm shiver and broke his nose. The next unit I went to, he was my room mate and I did not even recognize him. Of course by that time, I had gotten promoted and out ranked him. He tried getting me busted down in rank by turning off my alarm clock(making me miss formation a couple times.) Of course, I made sure he was a private before he left the Core.

Alain Maashe

This is my list

BECNT

CBC (Cornerstone Bible Commentaries)

NAC

NIGTC

WBC (they need to revise its format and structure)

Planning to switch from Print to Digital

NICNT/NICOT

Pillar (PNTC)

It all depends on what I am doing. For synthesis I like to go “small” and the expository sets are more valuable then

For exegesis, I go with the "heavy hitters"

But I always find myself doing a mix of print and digital, especially when doing exegesis (got to add some volumes of AYB, Hermeneia, and standalone commentaries such Hoehner on Ephesians, I wish he had written more commentaries. He was also awesome in the classroom but unfortunately went to the dark side by being a Mac user, always championing that other software that shall remain unnamed)

Alain

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1435#Comment_1435

But I always find myself doing a mix of print and digital, especially when doing exegesis (got to add some volumes of AYB, Hermeneia, and standalone commentaries such Hoehner on Ephesians, I wish he had written more commentaries. He was also awesome in the classroom but unfortunately went to the dark side by being a Mac user, always championing that other software that shall remain unnamed)

Alain

So, MAC is the dark side! Well, we've found one thing we agree on, we don't like MACs.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1437#Comment_1437

So, MAC is the dark side! Well, we've found one thing we agree on, we don't like MACs.

Ha, it is nice to see two of you being in agreement sometimes. Shame it is on such a disputable thing.

I would love MAC, but Microsoft/PC platform is so much better in being ready for the non-English languages application variety (We got our iPhone speaking Czech only now).

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1433#Comment_1433

Usually I will go to a commentary when I have a thought about a certain passage and see what others say.

Sometimes, in going to commentaries, I might be able to pull a good point out of one, pull a good point out of another. When I disagree, this might cause me to study the actual text a bit more to see how someone came to something with which I disagree.

I think the original question was: which commentaries we use... it means, if we are in the phase of study we want/need to use commentary, which ones are our prefered ones. I think all of us agree opening of a commentary is not the beginning of the study, sermon preparation etc. It is good idea to read the Bible from time to time, isn't it? [:)]

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1433#Comment_1433

David,

I have not used Lexham's much. I would like to. I need a refresher on Greek and grammar (I had 3 years, and I use it still, but not proficiently, to my shame)

I have used the TSK, but I haven't worked it in on a regular basis. I need to set up a work space where that is just open all the time in initial study. What I DO do, however, is do concordance work. (Aside: I would love to narrow a "Bible Word Study" down to a book. So you still have the "wheel" and how it breaks down the greek words behind, say, "love" in John, or the english words behind a greek word.) I remember doing my first concordance work in college on the "major" words of 1 Peter (like glory and suffering). It was very enlightening. After doing that work, we went to Colin Brown's NIDNTT and Kittel, and I was amazed that I "discovered" some of what the big boys did.

It is pretty fun and gratifying to do some digging on your own and discover things, isn't it?

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1434#Comment_1434

lol, Marine Soccer. Is that the forerunner of MMA?

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1435#Comment_1435

Essentially my "list" too, except I frequently find the UBS set very valuable. I just got Cornerstone, so am not really familiar with it. I used it a tad on some work in John. Pillar I just got, too. I own Ephesians as a hard copy and really liked it (PT O'Brien).

You mentioned Hoehner. I just "discovered" him, can't remember what it was for. Maybe Ephesians? Or did he do some in Hebrews? Anyway, I DID like him to. So he was a professor of yours?

My problem in using commentaries (besides relying on other's conclusions, not doing your own work, etc) is that it is easy to get caught up in the minutiae of academia (I am not anti-academic, however) and forget asking questions like: "what does this teach us about God" or "how does this play out in our lives?" etc.

OH, I have liked some of what I read in Witherington's Socio-Rhetorical commentary set, too. A whole different approach, and it is quite enlightening. You should check it out.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1440#Comment_1440

man, I wish we could edit what PART of the quote we want.

But, yes, it IS good to read the Bible once in a while . . .

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1447#Comment_1447

man, I wish we could edit

You can. Highlight what you want. Or, as an alternative, simply go back and delete what you don't want.

Monroe R Miller

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1458#Comment_1458

I use ICC, Hermeneia, Anchor, NIGTC and, for Old Testament the JPS Commentaries. Some volumes of the WBC are OK.

Alain Maashe

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1437#Comment_1437

So, MAC is the dark side! Well,
we've found one thing we agree on, we don't like MACs.

We indeed agree on at least one thing. This is enough to convince a sceptic
that miracles still do exist[:D]

I build and customize my own PCs, I cannot stand the restrictions that Apple
puts on its customers. A "PC" that I cannot build is a "PC"
that I cannot use

I know I could build a so called hackintosh and Run MAC OS on it, but it is
not permitted by the EULA on top of the fact that it is an inferior platform
with restricted compatibility

Alain Maashe

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1446#Comment_1446

Essentially my "list" too, except I frequently find the UBS set very valuable. I just got Cornerstone, so am not really familiar with it. I used it a tad on some work in John. Pillar I just got, too. I own Ephesians as a hard copy and really liked it (PT O'Brien).

You mentioned Hoehner. I just "discovered" him, can't remember what it was for. Maybe Ephesians? Or did he do some in Hebrews? Anyway, I DID like him to. So he was a professor of yours?

My problem in using commentaries (besides relying on other's conclusions, not doing your own work, etc) is that it is easy to get caught up in the minutiae of academia (I am not anti-academic, however) and forget asking questions like: "what does this teach us about God" or "how does this play out in our lives?" etc.

OH, I have liked some of what I read in Witherington's Socio-Rhetorical commentary set, too. A whole different approach, and it is quite enlightening. You should check it out.

Hoehner wrote what is considered by many the best and most detailed commentary
on Ephesians (the one by Baker). He also wrote Ephesians in the Cornerstone
Biblical Commentary. I took one of his courses at DTS. He was a very humble,
approachable, helpful, insightful, and knowledgeable man, always with
interesting stories to tell. I have to admit that my fear was to have it in the
oral exam in the comps. When asked what to expect in the oral, he used to tell
us half jokingly that we should know the whole Bible .

I have Witherington's Socio-Rhetorical commentary set, but I do not use it
that much

I am currently doing a synthesis of all the books of the Bible, looking at
the message and the development of the argument through the book. It is a
refreshing and eye opening change of emphasis and outlook from the usual
exegesis of short passages. Both are needed, but the latter approach dominates
biblical studies in general and commentaries in particular.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1440#Comment_1440

Yes, you are right, the bible alone will teach us much in English. I aspire to write an article on a certain methodology of bible study on just reading the bible and some other things related to reading the bible and perhaps get it published in Bible Study Magazine. The point of my comments was because someone mentioned about using commentaries in a "negative" light. The other reason to show the other resources I use the most is to show that these are what I use the most. I am not trying to be offensive, disagreeable, or prideful n any way when saying this. I started this conversation on commentaries and hopefully to the gentleman whom initially stated a critique against using commentaries to see I am not reliant upon them alone.

Yes, sometimes when I respond to somethng like this, my "straight talk" from ten years in the military where I got accustomed to saying something a certain way might be taking the wrong way.

So if my words offended, please understand that it is not intended to offend, but dis-agree or give my mind on a subject in a hopefully gracious and kind way. If I failed at this, have patiance with me.

God bless

Dave Emme

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1444#Comment_1444

On Lexham. I do not know greek and maybe have a surface familiarality. I have been buying resources through Logos and book form as well as bought one DVD as well as a CD(cannot remember the name right now) where it is very good for refreshing or as a study guide to Greek for first time Greek students such as myself-I will have to track down the name. It is not a Libronix product, though I wish it was and is fairly inexpensive.

Again, on Lexham, they have a lot to do with Greek, but they also have a component where they use the ESV for causual outlines where they break down point, sub points to support the main point, counter points and ect. Until I learn Greek, this is the one I use the most.

I do not know what level of Logos you own, but I am at the Gold level. With this, with the stuff you are talking about with looking how a word is used, though some say it is dated, I found that the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament would suit you fine. If you do not have it, I can paste an example of how it is used, the level it goes into.

I do not know Greek or Hebrew, but aspire to know these and have as many resources as I can gather digitally from Logos and Google free books I can download. I put an order in today and think I own just about every Greek resource offered by Logos except the current Pre-Pubs. One reason is because I love studying the bible and want to be a master of the biblical langauges so I can have more knowledge of God's word. The other reason is I am currently going to school for a secular degree for rahabilitation from the military of many things which happened when I was wounded in Combat. I have TBI, shrapnel in my brain and a prosthetic skull on the left side of my skull. Basically, I want to rehabilitate to be able to work and make sure I can handle Bible College or Seminary level work as well as be able to put my full mind and efforts to work for the Lord. The more I go on, the more I realise what matters is our work for the Lord and we are tools in God's will to bring glory to God. I intend to be a very sharp and effective tool for the Lord.

Because of my travels to the Philippines, I see myself as going to the mission field and possibly doing some translational work. In cebano, they only have the NT in their language and met native pastors who do not have the bible in their language, preach from an English or Cebano/ Tagolog text and then have to translate that in his sermons. There are well over 150 language groups in the Philippines and not all of them way up in the mountains or deep into the jungles have a text of the bible in their language. So as you see, I see myself doing some translational work in the future if I can overcome some dissabilities. On the other hand, I look at Logos and regular print books as my "toys" and want to buy most if not all of the stuff I desire before getting married.

God bless

Dave Emme

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1505#Comment_1505

Because of my travels to the Philippines, I see myself as going to the mission field and possibly doing some translational work. In cebano, they only have the NT in their language and met native pastors who do not have the bible in their language, preach from an English or Cebano/ Tagolog text and then have to translate that in his sermons. There are well over 150 language groups in the Philippines and not all of them way up in the mountains or deep into the jungles have a text of the bible in their language. So as you see, I see myself doing some translational work in the future if I can overcome some dissabilities. On the other hand, I look at Logos and regular print books as my "toys" and want to buy most if not all of the stuff I desire before getting married.

God bless

Dave Emme

If you're thinking of going to the field and doing translational work, you certainly have picked the right platform since lugging print books around can be quite a chore. When I left Grand Rapids to go to grad school in Claremont, CA, I had a U-Haul with orange boxes of books clear across the front and floor to ceiling. I spent considerable time simply getting enough boxes for everything. Now I can carry a considerable amount (I can't say "everything" since everything isn't published by Logos) in a bag about the size of an attaché case. Good luck in your project.

J.R. Miller

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1348#Comment_1348

Some of my current favorites:

- Horae Homileticae

- Focus on The Bible

- Preacher's Commentary

MJ. Smith

What can I say - I waffle. Sometimes I want a commentary that is good on the linguistics side, sometimes on the literary/images side, sometimes on the historical-social side, sometime for pure perversity structural or post-modern, sometimes pastoral, sometimes doctrinal ... oops that already gets me above the 3-4 without even mentioning pastristic. And (horror of horrors) I own none of my favorites in Logos format.