The Daily Study Bible : New Testament Set (17-volume set)

Rating:
Summary: Daily Study Bible Series
Review: William Barclay was a master of Classical Greek and he uses his ability masterfully in this classic series on the New Testament. His work is invaluable to pastors, teachers and anyone who wishes to know the New Testament in its cultural setting. I find the etymology of key words particularly helpful. I have worn out three sets in my twenty plus years of pulpit ministry, and even today, I wouldn't go to the pulpit to speak on the New Testament without having read Barclay.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Commentary on the New Testament
Review: William Barclay, a Scottish theologian, has written an outstanding 17 volume commentary on the New Testament. (It can be bought as a set or by separate volumes.) He gives a passage, then proceeds with an explanation. Often, he gives four or five interpretations, sometimes following with a statement something like, "The first interpretation probably is not what Paul meant because..., the second is certainly a possibility because...; however, I tend to favor the third explanation because..." Essentially, I respect his work because of the depth of his scholarship, learning, and faith, but almost more because of his honesty. If there are major conflicting views from other scholars on a passage, he gives their reasoning. He gives support (such as translations from the Greek or facts of church history) for his stances and if it is flatly an opinion, he states that it is so. In fact, he is sometimes so fair, that he spends almost too long giving all the possible interpretations of a passage. Our study class has appreciated a source which gives readable scholarly background and presents dissenting views fairly. His work sparks some of the best discussion we've had. It isn't "a hundred pages a sitting" reading, but it is fascinating to read a chapter then discuss and reflect on the ideas he raises. For me, this is the best Bible reference book I have ever used.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Commentary on the New Testament
Review: William Barclay, a Scottish theologian, has written an outstanding 17 volume commentary on the New Testament. (It can be bought as a set or by separate volumes.) He gives a passage, then proceeds with an explanation. Often, he gives four or five interpretations, sometimes following with a statement something like, "The first interpretation probably is not what Paul meant because..., the second is certainly a possibility because...; however, I tend to favor the third explanation because..." Essentially, I respect his work because of the depth of his scholarship, learning, and faith, but almost more because of his honesty. If there are major conflicting views from other scholars on a passage, he gives their reasoning. He gives support (such as translations from the Greek or facts of church history) for his stances and if it is flatly an opinion, he states that it is so. In fact, he is sometimes so fair, that he spends almost too long giving all the possible interpretations of a passage. Our study class has appreciated a source which gives readable scholarly background and presents dissenting views fairly. His work sparks some of the best discussion we've had. It isn't "a hundred pages a sitting" reading, but it is fascinating to read a chapter then discuss and reflect on the ideas he raises. For me, this is the best Bible reference book I have ever used.