Believer's Bible Commentary

Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable commentary
Review: I like this commentary very much. Macdonald exposits on the verses into wider theological discussions which are well done. Get this for daily study and Matthew Henry for occasional reading.

Rating:
Summary: Thick but not deep
Review: I purchased MacDonald's BBC over a year ago.

PROS: This edition is bound well and offers large, easy to read print. It also includes useful appendices containing fulfilled Messianic prophecies and a dictionary of Bible places and characters. MacDonald's writing style is very easy to read, a bonus for the first-time Bible student. Relevant quotes from authors and hymns add a devotional touch as well.

CONS: While I was initially pleased with it, quite often it offers little more than a rewording of the obvious statements in the text. No original-language material is provided (excepting a few footnotes), and quite often the tricky passages are given merely a few sentences and then left. If you care at all about weighing different interpretations of a passage or if you'd like anything remotely technical, you won't find much here.

MacDonald also chose the NKJV text, probably because this is published by Thomas Nelson, who owns the rights to the NKJV. I don't believe the NKJV is as accurate to the original Greek texts as other translations based on the Hort-Wescott theory (NASB, ESV, NRSV, NIV). Also, the font in the OT section is so large that it makes the book much thicker than it needs to be.

If you're an NIV user (or any other translation, at that) wanting a basic, one-volume commentary, I would strongly recommend the condensed Expositor's Bible Commentary published by Zondervan. It's a two-volume work, but it probes deeper and is still very readable.

Rating:
Summary: Is the best
Review: This commentary continues to serve me well. Looking for a commentary for the general reader, that has conservative theology, that will give you enough to understand your bible readings, that is reasonably priced? This is it.

Rating:
Summary: Mixed bag.
Review: This commentary reads well, but it is shallow. Granted, in a one volume commentary you can't expect much depth. However, it is achievable by the likes of Wiersbe, Wycliffe Bible Commentary and others. I would rate this one as somewhat devotional, NOT scholarly or exegetical in nature. The writer comes from a dispensational, Plymouth Brethern background, so buyer beware.

Rating:
Summary: Don't get excited about this one.
Review: This is an average commentary. The style is easy to read. However, if you are looking for a scholarly or deeply exegetical volume, don't look here.

Rating:
Summary: Great Reference Tool
Review: We had to choose only one bible commentry to take with us when we moved overseas and this was the one we chose! It is a wonderful resource that adds something to our understanding of the scriptures whether for personal study or preparing messages. The background information it provides on each book are excellent and MacDonald gives the views of various scholars,not just one doctrinal bias. The only criticism that we do have is that the old testament is covered rather lightly.

Rating:
Summary: All Believers Must Read It
Review: William MacDonald's Commentary is the best Bible commentary that I ever laid my hands on. The author does not come up with "weird" ideas or make up new doctrines like others tend to do. He is also well acquainted with all the Scripture and does not deviate from the orthodox Biblical principles. His arguments are far from being superficial. At the same time, he presents the ideas skillfully in an easy to read, easy to understand language. If you are looking for a Bible commentary that you can TRUST, then this is what you are looking for.

Rating:
Summary: All Believers Must Read It
Review: William MacDonald's Commentary is the best Bible commentary that I ever laid my hands on. The author does not come up with "weird" ideas or make up new doctrines like others tend to do. He is also well acquainted with all the Scripture and does not deviate from the orthodox Biblical principles. His arguments are far from being superficial. At the same time, he presents the ideas skillfully in an easy to read, easy to understand language. If you are looking for a Bible commentary that you can TRUST, then this is what you are looking for.

Rating:
Summary: All Believers Must Read It
Review: William MacDonald's Commentary is the best Bible commentary that I ever laid my hands on. The author does not come up with "weird" ideas or make up new doctrines like others tend to do. He is also well acquainted with all the Scripture and does not deviate from the orthodox Biblical principles. His arguments are far from being superficial. At the same time, he presents the ideas skillfully in an easy to read, easy to understand language. If you are looking for a Bible commentary that you can TRUST, then this is what you are looking for.