Unique among reference books on the Bible, the volumes of the IVP Bible Dictionary Series bridge the gap between scholars and pastors, teachers, students and lay people desiring in-depth treatment of biblical topics in an accessible format. Articles cover traditional and contemporary topics, including cross-sectional themes, methods of interpretation, significant historical or cultural background, and each Old and New Testament book as a whole.

This two-volume collection of Old Testament dictionaries completes the IVP Bible Dictionary Series’ coverage of the Old Testament with hundreds of articles from top scholars, thoroughly covering each canonical book of prophetic, wisdom, and poetic literature. With accessible yet scholarly articles and thorough, up-to-date bibliographies, these volumes are the best place for the student, pastor, scholar, or lay-person to begin study of these portions of Scripture.

The book of Psalms is a favorite of Christians, even though we frequently read it in portions and pieces, hopscotch through the familiar, and avoid the odd, the unpleasant, and the difficult. But though the individual psalms arose from an assortment of times, experiences, and settings, the book of Psalms is composed in a deliberate pattern, not as a random anthology. The meaning of the Psalms is discovered in this pattern and order.

Jesus Christ has been the center of history for 2,000 years, and his birth the pivot of our calendar. He is the focus of Scripture: as Luther declared, the entire Scripture deals only with Christ everywhere. He is the heart of mission, the message that countless Christians cross land and sea, continents and cultures, to deliver. In this resource, John Stott looks at the New Testament witness, at the way the church has portrayed Christ down the centuries, at the influence Christ has had on individuals over the last 2,000 years. Finally, turning to the book of Revelation, he asks what Jesus Christ should mean to us today.

A spiritual classic, this detailed and comprehensive study by one of the greatest expository preachers of our time explains Christ’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount and incisively applies it to the Christian life. With characteristic vigor and emotional vitality Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents a brilliant and detailed exposition of one of the best known but most frequently misunderstood passages of Scripture. Here is a comprehensive and exhaustive study of our Lord’s words as recorded in Matthew chapter five. This beautiful portion of the Sermon on the Mount is carefully analysed, its contents outlined and thoughtfully arranged, and vastly rich and abundant truths are gleaned for the reader’s spiritual nurture.

The cosmopolitan city of Corinth was the site of one of the apostle Paul’s greatest evangelistic successes. However, the church he founded was full of contention, ranging from questions about leadership to incest. Some Christians were taking fellow believers to court. There were issues concerning marriage, celibacy, food offered to idols, public worship, and spiritual gifts. In response, Paul offered some of his most profound thinking on the body of Christ, love, and Jesus’ cross and resurrection. In this Tyndale commentary Thomas Schreiner explains the text of the letter, highlights its major theological themes, and points to its relevance for today.

God had allowed the unthinkable to happen. His people were in exile in Babylon, and His promises seemed shattered. Was He really in control? Was He faithful? Did He still care? One young man, Daniel, affirmed God’s sovereignty and love, although it was not without cost. The book of Daniel contains well-known stories: Daniel in the den of lions, his three companions—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—in a fiery furnace, and the strange handwriting on the wall at Belshazzar’s feast, which struck terror in the heart of the Babylonian king. Daniel’s enigmatic visions and prophecies about the future, however, can be difficult to understand. Dale Ralph Davis explores the background, discusses significant interpretive issues and problems, and offers a lively exposition of Daniel’s message, which may be summed up in the words of Jesus: “The end is not yet . . . but the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:7, 13). The book of Daniel is a realistic survival manual for...

The book of Psalms is the heart of the Old Testament, the libretto of the most vibrant worship imaginable. It informs our intellect, stimulates our imagination, arouses our emotions and stirs us to holy thoughts and actions. It is also a pivotal witness to, and anticipation of, Jesus Christ. Tremper Longman’s commentary interprets each psalm in its Old Testament setting, summarizes its message and reflects on its significance from a New Testament perspective, noting any citation and also providi...

The second edition of the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels is a thoroughly reconstructed and revised version of the critically acclaimed 1992 first edition. Since that groundbreaking volume was published, a wave of Jesus and Gospel scholarship has crested and broken on the shores of a new century.

“Vanity of Vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) Is that what life is all about? A wisp of vapor, a puff of wind, a mere breath—nothing you can get your hands on—the nearest thing to zero? So says the Preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes. But is this the whole message of Ecclesiastes? Derek Kidner introduces this book of Ecclesiastes, which speaks so powerfully, to our generation. His love of Hebrew poetry and his understanding of biblical mind shine through in this book.

Ever since Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue of Nazareth, Christians have gravitated to this great prophecy as the interpretive center of the Old Testament. Here the story of Israel, scourged by judgment and exile yet hopeful of restoration, is framed by its witnesses, heaven and earth. How will Israel be brought through its school of suffering and be propelled toward its divine destiny as the vanguard of a new heaven and earth? In the visionary world of Isaiah, the varied themes and imagery of the Old Testament converge and blend to transcend their plainest meanings as they project an extraordinary climax of the story of Israel and of the world. Barry Webb calls Isaiah the “Romans” of the Old Testament, where all the threads come together and the big picture of God’s purposes for His people and for His world are most clearly set forth. Attuned to the magnificent literary architecture of Isaiah, he escorts us through this prophecy and trains our ears and...

Unlike Paul’s letters to the Galatians or the Corinthians, the letter to the Ephesians contains almost no clues about the situation and issues its recipients faced. Nevertheless, the letter vividly depicts how God’s will revealed in Christ reorients believers’ lives toward unity, mutual respect, submission, and love—in short, new life in Christ, relying on his power and strength. In this Tyndale Commentary, Darrell Bock shows how this precious jewel of a letter combines gospel doctrine, enablement, and exhortation to life.

When the Lord promised the land of Canaan to Abram and his descendants (Genesis 15:7), every part of it was already occupied by other peoples. The long journey to possession of the Promised Land was prepared by God, yet it led through a path of adversity. We, the readers of the Old Testament, are left to wonder why. J. Alec Motyer explores the character of God through His covenant promises and persistent faithfulness to the people of Israel. Through the story of Israel, we are exposed to an unquenchable fire: God the Savior, the Companion and the Indweller, who will not fail those who so often fail Him.

T. Desmond Alexander explores the Bible’s story by beginning in the final chapters of the book of Revelation. Anticipating the creation of a new earth and a new heaven, these chapters bring to fulfilment a process that began with the creation of the earth, as described in the opening chapters of Genesis. These passages frame the entire biblical “meta-story.”

This classic one-volume reference work has been appreciated for decades. It is now substantially expanded and revised to focus on a variety of theological themes, thinkers and movements. From African Christian Theology to Zionism, this volume of historical and systematic theology offers a wealth of information and insight for students, pastors and all thoughtful Christians. Over half of the more than eight hundred articles are new or rewritten with hundreds more thoroughly revised. Fully one-third larger than its predecessor, this volume focusing on systematic and historical theology has added entries and material on theological writers and themes in North America and around the world. Helpful bibliographies have also been updated throughout. Over three hundred contributors form an international team of renowned scholars including Marcella Altaus-Reid, Richard Bauckham, David Bebbington, Kwame Bediako, Todd Billings, Oliver Crisp, Samuel Escobar, John Goldingay, Tremper Longman...

Genesis is a book of origins: of the world, of sin, of God’s promise of redemption, and of the people of Israel. It traces God’s pledge of a Savior through Abraham’s line down to his great-grandson Judah. It serves as a foundation for the New Testament and its teaching that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to save humankind from sin and death. In this Tyndale Commentary, Andrew Steinmann offers a thorough exegetical commentary on Genesis, including a reconstructed timeline of events from Abraham's life through to the death of Joseph.

Daniel asserts that the meaning of history is that God's kingdom is coming. As it does, faithful people persevere in their work for God. Believers can rely on the certainties the book proclaims: God is sovereign over human affairs and is effectively bringing in his eternal kingdom, which will encompass all nations. In this Tyndale commentary, Paul House shows how Daniel rewards readers who embrace its historical, literary, and theological features as key means of personal and community formation.

The Book of Revelation is a remarkable text. A fascinating piece of Scripture as well as an extraordinary piece of literature, its interpretation has affected our theology, art and worship, and even international politics. Yet it is widely neglected in the church and almost entirely avoided from the pulpit. In this Tyndale Commentary, Ian Paul takes a disciplined approach to the text, paying careful attention to the ways that John draws from the Old Testament. Additionally, Paul examines how the original audience would have heard this message from John, and then draws helpful comments for contemporary reflection.

Ezekiel comes to us as a stranger from a distant time and land. Who is this priest who, on his thirtieth birthday, has a dazzling vision of God on a wheeled throne? Who is this odd prophet who engages in outlandish street theater and speaks for God on international affairs? Who is this seer who paints murals of apocalyptic doom and then of a restored temple bursting with emblems of paradise? Are we bound to take this literally, reading prophet and newspaper side by side? Or is there a better way? Christopher Wright is a proven interpreter and communicator of the Old Testament, and he masterfully opens our eyes to see and understand the message of Ezekiel. Ezekiel’s vision of the glory of God—its departure and return—is first set within Israel’s history and then in the culmination of God’s promises in Christ. Embedded in the pattern of the strange, the bizarre, and the wonderful is a word that still speaks to God’s people today.

In this replacement Tyndale Commentary, Lindsay Wilson shows how the first nine chapters provide a reading guide for the many proverbs in subsequent chapters; and how the fear of the Lord, choosing wisdom not folly, and having our characters formed by wisdom are crucial for understanding Proverbs as Christian Scripture and living out our faith in daily life.

“Go and marry a prostitute.” These are the first words God spoke to his prophet Hosea. Why would he ask this of one of his spokesmen? Because he wanted to teach Hosea, the nation of Israel, and all of us today a lesson that we will not forget, a lesson that is painful yet joyous. Hosea’s somber portrait of the human condition is our lesson in pain. All of us have played the harlot by forsaking God and His ways. The picture is not pretty, but it’s true. Yet Hosea’s clear illustration of God’s love for us brings joy. While we are yet sinners, God comes to us and loves us. Derek Kidner takes us through the unfolding story of Hosea and his wife, Gomer, explains the basic message, points out the subtleties, and encourages readers to live lives worthy of God who loves the loveless.

Among the Gospels, John’s is unique. It has a structure with long conversations and extended debates, and much of its content is not found elsewhere. Jesus’ relationship to the Father and his teaching on the Holy Spirit are given special prominence. Ultimately, faith, believing in Jesus, is at the center—with signs highlighted to provoke faith and stories of those who responded to Jesus as examples of faith. Colin Kruse ably shows how the Fourth Gospel weaves its themes of belief and unbelief into its rich Christology. The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. Written by some of the world’s most distinguished evangelical scholars, these twenty volumes offer clear, reliable, and relevant explanations of every book in the New Testament. These Tyndale volumes are designed to help readers understand what the Bible actually says and what it means. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the...

Stott describes conversion in this updated booklet. He describes the fundamental human problem. Next, Stott outlines the Christian answer to it and shows readers how to respond to God’s truth. This useful volume provides a helpful overview for evangelism or for personal devotion.

Have you ever wondered what to do with the weird passages in Scripture? Who are the Nephilim? How did Satan fall? And what are angels really like? Enter the realms of angels, demons, giants, and more as Mike Heiser helps you understand the Bible’s biggest mysteries. Enjoy lifting the veil and peering into the unknown with a massive collection of Mike Heiser's works. Study the Bible with the very same resources and research Mike relies on using the powerful tools found in Logos Bible Software to dig deeper and discover more.

Is ‘newer’ really ‘better’? We often assume so, but if we do treat the past as inferior, we will ignore the legacy of history, and thus will find ourselves stranded on the tiny desert island of our own moment in time. In particular, this applies to Christian theology, which should be thought, and lived, corporately by the church down through the ages.

The book of Ecclesiastes is probably best known for its repeated refrain that “everything is meaningless,” or “vanity.” However, a thorough reading demonstrates that this is not its final conclusion. Knut Heim’s Tyndale commentary shows that the book is intellectually sophisticated, theologically rich, emotionally deep—and full of humor. While it is realistic about life, it is life-affirming and immensely practical. It is also politically engaged, presenting its critique of a repressive foreign regime in an entertaining and thought-provoking way.

John Stott stands as one of the most notable Christian preachers, writers, and apologists of the 20th century. His ability to communicate timeless Christian truths clearly makes his teaching accessible to all audiences. In this collection, Stott emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit for Christian living, and answers questions about spiritual gifts. Also identified is mankind’s greatest problem alongside a presentation of Christ’s gracious solution. He also points to the importance of the intellect in the life of the Christian. Together, these texts examine the Christian life from a variety of perspectives, aiding modern pastors, teachers, and lay-Christians in living out their calling.

“If Jesus was not God in human flesh, Christianity is exploded,” writes John Stott. “We are left with just another religion with some beautiful ideas and noble ethics; its unique distinction has gone.” Who is Jesus Christ? If he is not who he said he was, and if he did not do what he said he had come to do, the whole superstructure of Christianity crumbles in ruin. Is it plausible that Jesus was truly divine? And what would that mean for us?" John Stott’s clear, classic book examines the historical facts on which Christianity stands. Here is a sound, sensible guide for all who seek an intellectually satisfying explanation of the Christian faith.

This third Old Testament volume in InterVarsity Press’ celebrated “Black Dictionary” series offers nearly 150 articles covering all the important aspects of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Ruth, and Esther. Over 90 contributors, many of them experts in this literature, have contributed to the Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry, and Writings. This volume maintains the quality of scholarship that students, scholars, and pastors have come to expect from this series. Coverage of each biblical book includes an introduction to the book itself as well as separate articles on its ancient Near Eastern background and its history of interpretation. Additional articles amply explore the literary dimensions of Hebrew poetry and prose, including acrostic, ellipsis, inclusio, intertextuality, parallelism, and rhyme. And there are well-rounded treatments of Israelite wisdom and wisdom literature, including wisdom poems, sources, and theology. In add...

Despite the teaching of the Bible and church tradition, it seems that many Christians can still lack an appreciation of God the Holy Spirit. He has sometimes been valued more for the gifts he bestows than for who he is; or he has been viewed simply as the “third person of the Godhead.” However, Keith Warrington’s conviction is that the Holy Spirit is more important, more central, more immanently involved in his creation, the church, and individual believers, more often and more strategically, t...