Acts [Paperback]

David J. Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1990 | Series: New International Biblical Commentary (Book 5)

The International Biblical Commentary Series uses the New International Version of the Bible and is an evangelical scholarly treatment of each book of the Bible. This work on Acts by David Williams approaches the book as historical, yet takes seriously the discussion surrounding this aspect of the book. The Introduction takes into account issues of date, occasion, sources and historical accuracy. The commentary itself focuses on each event in Acts and comes with copious notes. A good commentary for the scholar and advanced lay person.

"The book of Acts is a current focus of scholarly debate, and it is valuable to have [Williams'] substantial contribution . . . careful and accurate in his background, details, and discussions . . . this is a very sound, all-round treatment of Acts."
—Colin J. Hemer†

"Williams has left virtually no stone unturned in his attempt to bring every feature of interest and debate to the reader's attention . . . this well-written commentary is recommended to all, teacher and student alike."
—Craig A. Evans

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David J. Williams, Ph.D., University of Melbourne, Australia, is retired as Vice Principal of Ridley College, University of Melbourne. He is the author of The Promise of His Coming and of the New International Biblical Commentaries on Acts and First and Second Thessalonians. He has contributed many articles to scholarly journals, and he has also served as a translator for the New International Version of the Bible.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Hendrickson Pub (September 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0943575206
• ISBN-13: 978-0943575209
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,553,606 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended, but not as a stand alone, July 27, 2010

By 

David Kilpatrick (North Syracuse, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acts (Paperback)

I've been reading Acts in Greek. When I get stuck, I turn to my 7 commentaries on Acts: Barrett's 2 volume ICC, Bruce's 3rd ed. Greek text commentary, Bruce's English NICNT, Marshall's TNTC, Fitzmyer's Anchor Bible commentary, Witherington's commentary, and Williams' NIBC. Despite it's size and the scope of the series it is in, Williams' commentary holds it's own with these others. Not only so, it actually has some important insights and historical facts the others missed. He does a better job than the others offering theological insight, but this insight is based exegetically, not free-floating theological opinion. I really like this commentary a lot and recommend it. It's a strong entry into this series.

If you want to do serious study on Acts, you would need more than just this commentary. However, as mentioned, this provides some important theological insights the others do not. In the same way, it addresses some "real-life" questions Bible readers want answers to that the others don't address (they tend to be more scholarly and less practical). So, this is a good supplement to the other commentaries.

However, for the casual reader who wishes to learn more about the linguistic, historical, cultural, literary, and theological aspects of Acts, this would be a really good choice. The reason for four stars is that there are many outstanding commentaries on Acts, and this is by no means the best. Also, though it is packed with good stuff, he doesn't include some basic information the others do, but this is understandable given the size of this commentary. I wish I could give 4 1/2 rather than 4. However, if you are not a scholar or pastor, and you are a casual reader of Acts, or you are leading a small group, this is a 5 star commentary for you.