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Rating: 
Summary: A Good Commentary, but....
Review: Make no mistake, this is a good serious commentary but I will caution against it for 2 reasons (both of which can be overcome): As the other reviewers no doubt notice, it is horrendously overpriced. Find some way to get around the price. The other fault is practical: Anytime a commentary volume devotes more than 2 books per volume, then the books are not give then expository justice they deserve, there simply isn't enough room.
Nevertheless, I will get specific on the pros and cons of the Johannine letters and the book of Revelation in the commentary.Johannine Literature. Although the exposition is limited in these volumes, Dr. Black does draw out important truths from the letters, particularly good are the "Reflections." The downside of his scholarship is the uncertainty in which he deals with the practical appliactions. He notes the failures of the mainline church but wonders why they are there when the text is right before his eyes!On the other hand, this is a very detailed commentary, despite its limited expositional space. What makes the NIB interesting are the reflections, allowing the author to challenge the reader without being preachy. If the expositor's bible commentary had the reflections that NIB had, evangelicals would have a standard commentary.
Revelation: This is another flawed gem. Dr. Balckman's introduciton is rather lenghty, which is always good. His reflections are nicely done. His excurses are masterful. However, he has this annoying habit of depending on English poet William Blake for interpreting the book as opposed to godly biblical scholars. Aside from this minor faux pas, he does a fine job. I really wanted to give this commentary 4 1/2 stars
Bottom Line: if you can get this commentary cheap--get it. If not, do not lose any sleep over it.
Rating: 
Summary: The best of the best
Review: Most people understand that the study of Scripture is an enormous task; and that there is a considerable theological heritage to even the most benign of passages. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to translate that understanding into a willingness to genuinely delve into the vast pool of material out there. In addition, it's hard to know whom to trust.
You can trust the New Interpreter's Bible series. All of the scholars who contributed are the best in their field. In addition, the layout (which includes two complete translations - the NIV and the NRSV) is conducive to both scholarly and spiritual study of the texts.
Each text is broken down into discrete units followed by general commentary on the passage, verse by vers analysis of key issues, and then an overview of study questions. The commentators address issues of authorship, historical setting, translation, theological history, and personal application. In addition, they graciously point to excellent sources for further reading.
Speaking as a pastor, it is my strong opinion that every English-speaking Christian who is serious about Bible study should own the complete set.
Rating:
Summary: The best of the best
Review: Most people understand that the study of Scripture is an enormous task; and that there is a considerable theological heritage to even the most benign of passages. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to translate that understanding into a willingness to genuinely delve into the vast pool of material out there. In addition, it's hard to know who to trust. You can trust the New Interpreter's Bible series. All of the scholars who contributed are the best in their field. In addition, the layout (which includes two complete translations - the NIV and the NRSV) is conducive to both scholarly and spiritual study of the texts. Each text is broken down into discret units (i.e. the Tower of Babel) followed by general commentary on the passage, verse by vers analysis of key issues, and then an overview of study questions. The commentators address issues of authorship, historical setting, translation, theological history, and personal application. In addition, they graciously point to excellent sources for further reading. Speaking as a pastor, it is my strong opinion that every English-speaking Christian who is serious about Bible study should own the complete set.
Rating:
Summary: Omega
Review: The New Interpreter's Bible is a twelve-volume series, updating the popular Interpreter's Bible from a few decades ago. There are several key features common to all of the volumes of this series. First, each includes a two-column, double translation of the Biblical text (NIV - New International Version, and NRSV - New Revised Standard Version) arranged by topical unit or story. Then, they provide commentaries that look at the passages as a whole, as well as verse-by-verse. Third, interesting Reflection pieces that relate the passages to each other, to history, and to current concerns occur at the conclusion of each passage. Fourth, introductory articles for each book are provided that discuss transmission, historical background, cultural setting, literary concerns, and current scholarship. Finally, there are general articles about the Bible, each Testament, and various types of literature (Narrative, Gospel, Wisdom Literature, etc.) are provided to give general placement and knowledge about the text overall. The list of contributors, editors, and consultants on the project is a veritable Who's Who of biblical and theological scholarship, representing all major traditions and schools of thought liberal and conservative. Leander Keck, of the Yale Divinity School, is the primary editor of the series. The volumes were published individually, and can be purchased individually, which is a good thing, given that they are a bit expensive. But for any serious biblical scholar, preacher, student, or enthusiast, they are invaluable. --Volume XII-- The twelfth volume of the New Interpreter's Bible is the volume that completes the the New Testament and the series, containing the non-Pauline letters and the Revelation. Fred Craddock, emeritus of Candler and perhaps the greatest living Disciples preacher, addresses the intriguing letter to the Hebrews. This makes sense, as Hebrews is essentially a sermon, in sophisticated language making arguments intricate and subtle. Luke Timothy Johnson (a professor of mine from undergraduate days), also of Candler, looks at the letter of James. Johnson also wrote the Anchor series text on James, looking at it from various standpoints as ethical and wisdom literature. David Bartlett of Yale writes about 1 Peter, a letter addressed to all churches generally (as opposed to specific churches, such as Paul's letters). Bartlett looks at social background, linguistic issues, and theological content. Duane Watson of Malone College looks at 2 Peter and Jude. Most scholars do not attribute 2 Peter to Peter, but rather someone writing as Peter. Jude is the shortest book in the Christian Bible, remarkably complex for a mere 25 verses. Again, the authorship is unknown. C. Clifton Black of Southern Methodist University studies the three Johannine letters. Black explores the relationship of these letters to the gospel of John and the Revelation, other texts traditionally ascribed to John, as well as theological content, linguistic issues and historical information. Christopher Rowland of Oxford completes the volume with the Revelation. Like Luther (who found writing commentary on Revelation next to impossible), Rowland provides interesting images in colour plates (a rarity in this series). In addition to looking at the content of the book, Rowland also explores the history of interpretation of the Revelation, one of the most controversial and enigmatic of canonical texts. High praise goes to the general editorial staff for working with such strong authors/scholars, that their work fits together well as part of this set while retaining their individual characteristics (much like the writers of the Bible itself!). --Other volumes available-- The following is a list of each volume in this twelve-volume set, and the contents of each. Volume I: General Articles on the Bible; General Articles on the Old Testament; Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus Volume II: Numbers; Deuteronomy; Introduction to Narrative Literature; Joshua; Judges; Ruth; I & II Samuel Volume III: I & II Kings; I & II Chronicles; Ezra, Nehemiah; Esther; Additions to Esther; Tobit; Judith Volume IV: I & II Maccabees; Introduction to Hebrew Poetry; Job; Psalms Volume V: Introduction to Wisdom Literature; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs; Book of Wisdom; Sirach Volume VI: Introduction to Prophetic Literature; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Baruch; Letter of Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel Volume VII: Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature; Daniel; Additions to Daniel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Johan; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi Volume VIII: General Articles on the New Testament; Matthew; Mark Volume IX: Luke; John Volume X: Acts; Introduction to Epistolary Literature; Romans, I Corinthians Volume XI: II Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; I & II Thessalonians; I & II Timothy; Titus; Philemon Volume XII: Hebrews; James; I & II Peter; I, II & III John; Jude; Revelation
Rating:
Summary: Omega
Review: The New Interpreter's Bible is a twelve-volume series, updating the popular Interpreter's Bible from a few decades ago. There are several key features common to all of the volumes of this series. First, each includes a two-column, double translation of the Biblical text (NIV - New International Version, and NRSV - New Revised Standard Version) arranged by topical unit or story. Then, they provide commentaries that look at the passages as a whole, as well as verse-by-verse. Third, interesting Reflection pieces that relate the passages to each other, to history, and to current concerns occur at the conclusion of each passage. Fourth, introductory articles for each book are provided that discuss transmission, historical background, cultural setting, literary concerns, and current scholarship. Finally, there are general articles about the Bible, each Testament, and various types of literature (Narrative, Gospel, Wisdom Literature, etc.) are provided to give general placement and knowledge about the text overall. The list of contributors, editors, and consultants on the project is a veritable Who's Who of biblical and theological scholarship, representing all major traditions and schools of thought liberal and conservative. Leander Keck, of the Yale Divinity School, is the primary editor of the series. The volumes were published individually, and can be purchased individually, which is a good thing, given that they are a bit expensive. But for any serious biblical scholar, preacher, student, or enthusiast, they are invaluable. --Volume XII-- The twelfth volume of the New Interpreter's Bible is the volume that completes the the New Testament and the series, containing the non-Pauline letters and the Revelation. Fred Craddock, emeritus of Candler and perhaps the greatest living Disciples preacher, addresses the intriguing letter to the Hebrews. This makes sense, as Hebrews is essentially a sermon, in sophisticated language making arguments intricate and subtle. Luke Timothy Johnson (a professor of mine from undergraduate days), also of Candler, looks at the letter of James. Johnson also wrote the Anchor series text on James, looking at it from various standpoints as ethical and wisdom literature. David Bartlett of Yale writes about 1 Peter, a letter addressed to all churches generally (as opposed to specific churches, such as Paul's letters). Bartlett looks at social background, linguistic issues, and theological content. Duane Watson of Malone College looks at 2 Peter and Jude. Most scholars do not attribute 2 Peter to Peter, but rather someone writing as Peter. Jude is the shortest book in the Christian Bible, remarkably complex for a mere 25 verses. Again, the authorship is unknown. C. Clifton Black of Southern Methodist University studies the three Johannine letters. Black explores the relationship of these letters to the gospel of John and the Revelation, other texts traditionally ascribed to John, as well as theological content, linguistic issues and historical information. Christopher Rowland of Oxford completes the volume with the Revelation. Like Luther (who found writing commentary on Revelation next to impossible), Rowland provides interesting images in colour plates (a rarity in this series). In addition to looking at the content of the book, Rowland also explores the history of interpretation of the Revelation, one of the most controversial and enigmatic of canonical texts. High praise goes to the general editorial staff for working with such strong authors/scholars, that their work fits together well as part of this set while retaining their individual characteristics (much like the writers of the Bible itself!). --Other volumes available-- The following is a list of each volume in this twelve-volume set, and the contents of each. Volume I: General Articles on the Bible; General Articles on the Old Testament; Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus Volume II: Numbers; Deuteronomy; Introduction to Narrative Literature; Joshua; Judges; Ruth; I & II Samuel Volume III: I & II Kings; I & II Chronicles; Ezra, Nehemiah; Esther; Additions to Esther; Tobit; Judith Volume IV: I & II Maccabees; Introduction to Hebrew Poetry; Job; Psalms Volume V: Introduction to Wisdom Literature; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs; Book of Wisdom; Sirach Volume VI: Introduction to Prophetic Literature; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Baruch; Letter of Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel Volume VII: Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature; Daniel; Additions to Daniel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Johan; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi Volume VIII: General Articles on the New Testament; Matthew; Mark Volume IX: Luke; John Volume X: Acts; Introduction to Epistolary Literature; Romans, I Corinthians Volume XI: II Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; I & II Thessalonians; I & II Timothy; Titus; Philemon Volume XII: Hebrews; James; I & II Peter; I, II & III John; Jude; Revelation
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