Classic Commentaries and Studies on the General and Pastoral Epistles (16 vols.)

Written as a companion volume to Paton J. Gloag’s earlier Introduction to the Pauline Epistles, this insightful work could be considered an introduction to this particular portion of the New Testament rather than a commentary. The author delves into topics such as the authenticity of the letters, their intent, their intended audience, the time period in which they were written, and distinguishing characteristics. The author writes in light of theological setting in which he lived, referencing the earlier Tübingen school, specifically F.C. Baur.

Gloag provides insight into James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1–3 John, and Jude. Read his account of these letters and the literary setting in which they were written. Better understand the origin and authorship of these New Testament epistles with this carefully researched and respected scholarship.

Presented in the form of a series of lectures, Practical Exposition of the General Epistles gives readers a topical treatment, practically expounding on verses in the order they are found in the text. These lectures are an incredible help to modern exegetical teachers and preachers. Benefit from passionately presented application points and explanations of passages like James’ instruction on “the spiritual benefits of trial,” “the necessity of holiness to secure salvation” in 2 Peter, and “love towards God being shown by love towards man” in 1 John. Gain deeper understanding for current ministry from Sumner’s highly readable treatments of these inspired texts.

Moorehead treats each of seven New Testament epistles with similar approach, focusing on their authorship and background issues before presenting a technical treatment of their content. For James, he explains the position of James on temptations, prayer and healing, the tongue, and finally barren orthodoxy. This format is mirrored for the remaining six epistles. Special attention is given to the quotations from 2 Peter in the book of Jude, and the author focuses on pertinent details that provide a clearer perspective on the text.

Paul’s pastoral epistles and several of the general epistles are the topic of this character-driven explanation of the New Testament texts. B.H. Carroll’s writing consists (in each case) of foundational introductions followed by helpful and detailed expositions. His focus on the relationship of John 3:5 to the Epistles of John draws parallels and connections between them. His approach unifies the Scriptures and clarifies their meaning. The author also focuses on the audience of 3 John, attempting to settle the debate present at the time of writing on whether it was addressed to a church or to the woman, Cyria.

This collection of commentaries on Hebrews, Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon, the Pastoral Epistles, James, Peter, and Jude is written with introductions and textual explanation without usual constraints on size or content. The author serves as general editor for the series overall: International Handbooks to the New Testament. Orello Cone combines the then most current research and a focus on accessibility for general readers to make this book a pleasant and enlightening read for students of the Bible.

Cone breaks down each book of the Bible by focusing on an introduction in which the general character and unique features of the book are presented. Next, an exposition of the text clarifies specific minutia present within it. Finally, doctrine from the texts is highlighted and laid out for the reader. Especially for the student of Greek, the discussion found in this book will answer common questions and create new avenues for study and interpretation.

Samuel Glasgow writes with a stated purpose to be clear, practical, and memorable. The highly pastoral tone throughout his book points to scriptural authority and the call to obedience set upon the Christian. In his foreword, he lays out the necessity of the Holy Spirit for understanding and applying the texts that were written by men filled with the Holy Spirit. He then lays out his “Analytical Book Method” for the reader, then begins instructing on each of the Epistles: James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude. The bold writing style is a welcome challenge to faithful believers looking for clear teaching and an emphasis on practicality.

Gracilla Boddington was a British female commentator who wrote extensively, completing a commentary on each of the New Testament books. This volume, The Epistles of St. James, St. Peter, St. John, & St. Jude Explained, includes a paraphrase of the biblical text, explains the moral significance, and outlines ethical implications of each passage. Her literary success at a time when many studies of this sort were completed only by men is evidence of the excellence with which she wrote. This devotional treatment is a timeless addition to users’ commentary collections. Follow along with her clear and passionate explanation. Read application-rich teaching from a respected female Bible commentator.

Translated from the Textus Receptus, the included translation resembles the Authorized English Version with few exceptions. This faithful commentary is careful to match translation and tenses, making the English very faithful to the original Greek. The American Bible Union’s publication makes the complicated processes of translation accessible to a wide range of readers. This commentary will shed light on the true meaning of the scriptures and will assist in teaching the texts of 2 Peter through Revelation to a modern congregation. The book contains a helpful and detailed commentary followed by a unique translation.

Livermore writes as a presuppositionalist, taking for granted the truthfulness of the Bible and commenting on its usefulness. His high Christology presents Jesus as transcendent Lord. His doctrine of man is filled with hopeful statements as to the potential for Christ to transform. His commentary begins with a lengthy study on the character of Christ that is extremely well written and filled with assertions to the faithfulness of the biblical witness. He then delves into the background and textual elements, providing the reader with an immensely valuable study that promotes both faith and worship.

This careful theological approach to the book of James makes the plain instruction of this Epistle even more applicable. Specific instruction on the setting and thematic elements found within allow a reader to better understand the intent of the author and the implications for daily life. This outline will allow a reader to better communicate the contents of this inspired text to others. Understand the overall theme of James and read classic scholarship that has clarified and promoted faithful obedience for generations.

Beginning with an introduction that explains the setting in which Paul wrote, the author clarifies common misunderstandings and gives a satisfying interpretation of the text for his readers. Strachan breaks with traditional beliefs about the sequence and occasion for these epistles: Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, Philippians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, doing so based upon inter-textual evidence. Interestingly, Strachan wrestles with Pauline authorship of the Pastoral Epistles, reasoning comparatively between language found in these letters and others written by Paul. His thought process laid out for the reader is a helpful demonstration of his method. See new aspects of familiar New Testament epistles based upon this classic scholarship. Grow in understanding with this novel approach to the text.

This commentary on Hebrews and the general epistles is a work of expert scholarship that transcends the era in which it was written to be as practical and illuminating in the present as it was in the past. The author explains how the theme of Jesus’ pre-eminence in all things is developed throughout the book of Hebrews. Many Old Testament examples are included, such as the prophets, the sprinkling of blood, angels, Moses, and Melchizedek. Mitchell provides clear explanations of this doctrine and its implications for modern day Christians, and he examines the thematic and rhetorical elements used to instruct readers in the general epistles.

This commentary contains a translation of 1 Timothy as close to the original Greek as possible, without concern for phrasing that might have been different from the then extant Authorized Version. Read precise scholarship by William Kelly, a scholar from the Plymouth Brethren tradition, designed to help readers better understand the text as it was written. Find new insight by reading this expertly written commentary that focuses on thematic elements within the text. This author’s stated intent is that his efforts in writing would “magnify the Lord.” In this posthumously published second edition, his work still assists modern day teachers in promoting Christ worship with relevant and useful teaching.

Dr. Hillard wrote this book as a help to candidates studying for ordination into the English Church. This treatment of the Greek text of the Pastoral Epistles also contains a commentary focused on a contemporary application of the text specifically for a pastor or minister. Hillard provides examples of the personal habits and disciplines of a pastor and advice on preaching sermons.

The Pastoral Epistles: 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus is one in a series of Bible commentaries completed by the Southern Baptist Convention in the early twentieth century. With a goal of scriptural faithfulness, this commentary matches the quality and purpose of the rest of its series: to make the Bible clear, faithfully expounding upon the text, providing background comments, discussing authorship, date, audience, and other considerations. When diversity rests among several opinions, the series remains flexible while pointing to the most likely possibility. Steeped in traditional views of the Southern Baptist Convention’s membership, this legacy of scholarship is a testament to the doctrinal positions then present within the ranks of the denomination.

Plain Talks on the Pastoral Epistles focuses on 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, undertaken to educate laity and to facilitate the understanding of those without a background in biblical Greek. Originally given in the form of fifty “talks” to a popular audience, Stock takes care to transliterate his many references to the original text and to discuss the doctrinal, ecclesiastical, and ethical topics that come from these texts. Jargon is avoided and clarity is his goal. Engage with a celebrated topical treatment of these epistles specially written to build up the Church. In writing this text, Stock took great care to create a novel approach to the pastoral epistles, one that will enlighten anyone, regardless of their spiritual maturity. This unique treatment of the text is written for the widest possible audience and intended to be heard aurally instead of only read.