Customer Reviews

Be Compassionate (Luke 1-13): Let the World Know That Jesus Cares (The BE Series Commentary)

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"BE Compassionate" is a commentary on chapters 1-13 of Luke, but it's written more like a Bible study than a Bible reference book. As in, you could go to a certain chapter and verse reference and read the entry for more information, but the book was designed to be read from start to finish. The book was easy to understand and an enjoyable, quick read.

With one exception, each chapter in the book covered one chapter in Luke. The author pointed out the meanings of Greek words that don't fully translate into English and background historical information that helped to bring out the full impact of the verses. There were 9 to 11 questions at the end of each chapter. Some tested to see if you remembered/understood what the author had said, but others were discussion/reflection questions about how you could apply what you had just learned.

This study made me think, and I gained a lot of new insights from reading it. I didn't agree with a few of the author's conclusions, but I'm not claiming that they're wrong. I've just heard a different spin put on the events that seems to fit better, in my opinion. Overall, I'd highly recommend this book as a Bible study for those who want a deeper understanding of the Word.

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

Reviewed by Debbie from ChristFocus Book Club

Every Christmas Eve, our family reads the story of the birth of Christ from Luke chapter 2. Many Christian families do. For this reason, it is likely one of the most read books of the Bible. And yet, how much do we actually know about Luke, about his service to our Lord, and about Luke's contributions to the Biblical account of Jesus' coming, His works, His death, and His resurrection?

Dr. Wiersbe's Be Compassionate is a detailed look at the first thirteen chapters of Luke through which he encourages the reader to understand and experience Jesus' compassion and to learn to be compassionate to others.

Dr. Wiersbe's book provides detailed information on the history and customs of the time, background on the characters in the chapters, and commentary on the language and its importance to the meaning of the passages. It makes for fascinatingreading. For an informative Bible Study, read the suggested verses from the Bible and then delve into the commentary. The questions for personal reflection or group discussion at the end of each chapter help to solidify the reader's understanding of the Biblical passages in light of the commentary and are a useful addition to the book and to the reader's study of the book of Luke.

I received this book from B & B Media Group in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts printed in this review are entirely my own.

I needed this book for research and enjoy Wiersbe's commentaries. They are easy to read and logical in their conclusions.

Great book, love the way the author captures history and sorts through details. I am going to more studies by him! I would recommend this book for anyone studying Luke!

Warren Wiersbe has been leading and teaching our congregations for years through his wonderful study tools that he has provided church leaders. Through the "Be Series" he has led many of our small groups and help many others learn what it means to fully follow Christ. David C. Cook has out together a revised edition of the "Be" series in a commentary format. Let me share with you just a few of the things that I found to be beneficial of "Be" commentary series.

Unique look for a commentary:

Like most commentaries it is designed to be a walk through each verse or section of scripture. With insight and direction on what has been written in the Bible he leads us on a journey to better understand the context. However, at the end of each chapter we are given a list of questions that could be used for personal reflection as you study. Or as a group discussion. These questions lead you to the next level of understanding God's word internally not just for knowledge.

Written in a commonsense format:

Wiersbe who has been labeled as the pastor's pastor writes in such a way that you do not have to be a scholar to understand what he is developing. However, you will still gain insight in to the text and be able to share what you have learned with others.

Lay leaders can succeed with this format:

Too often preachers struggle to share resources with those who are teaching and leading in our churches. This commentary series is written in a way that the lay lead will be able to explain practically what is meant in a text. He/she will gain insight that would normally not come from the commentary in most study Bibles. He/she will be able to lead confidently any class or group environment that they teach in.

Overall I believe that the "Be" Commentary series will help leaders and lay leaders be better teachers and students of God's word and that is something that America is lacking greatly. I encourage you to check it out and see what you think.

Thanks to David C Cook for allowing me to review this material. You can get more information and find the books at [...].

Be Compassionate was a great book. It's a part of Warren Wiersbe's "BE" commentary series. This is the first book of that series that I have read. It is a commentary on Luke 1-13. I first heard of and was exposed to Warren Wiersbe in college and really enjoyed his writing. I've read other commentaries out there and this by far in my mind is one of the better ways I've seen one written. I felt as if I was sitting in a service listening to a sermon series on Luke 1-13. It's not so much that every verse is highlighted, but the important parts are and the context is there. He does a fantastic job of continuing the theme of how Christ lived a life full of compassion throughout the entire book. Warren Wiersbe is a great man of God that has definitely spent his whole life in the Word and it shows. He has a great understanding of it and knows how to explain it. I'm sure this book will turn in to a great resource to be pulled off the shelf time and time again. Makes me want to get as much of the rest of the "BE" series as I can. This is an updated version from the earlier printings and what is also great about this one is the study questions at the end of each chapter, great for personal study or small group discussions. I did not focus a lot of time on those for this reading and review, but it will most likely be something that I will go back through and complete at a later time.

Be Compassionate by Warren W. Wiersbe is the Be book covering the first half of the Gospel of Luke. Wiersbe has written a fantastic series of commentaries about each book of the Bible. Each one focuses on a specific characteristic of Christianity. In the physician Luke's writing, Wiersbe finds a message of compassion and each chapter breaks down a chapter of the Gospel, often verse by verse with interesting insight into what Jesus was saying or doing. Wiersbe is always thoughtful and intelligent, and his writing is truly a joy for its breakthroughs in understanding. He makes the old stories come to life with fresh detail and new focus. This is a series to read again and again.

The title of this book says it all -- BE COMPASSIONATE. It is a study of the book of Luke with Jesus' compassionate love for people woven throughout the study. The reader is encouraged to have a Christlike concern for the hurting people of this world.

The Bible translation mostly used is the King James Version. Other translations used are NASB, NIV, NKJV, ASV and WUEST. Each chapter is outlined in an easy to read format and has questions for personal reflection or group discussion. Scripture references are given throughout the book, which allows for a good dose of Scripture, should the reader look up the verses.

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings - The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

As a new Christian, I grew up hearing Dr. Wiersbe on his Back to the Bible radio broadcast. Reading his expostional commentary is like hearing him all over again. Exciting!

Dr. Wiersbe is clear and distinct in how he presents the material in his commentary. Other than some minor doctrine issues, I find his works to be diligently researched and presented historically and spiritually. He gives many examples of Jesus' and his disciples' lives, as well as many people in the Bible. Little nuggets of truth and insights have clarified some of my current lack in understanding. Maybe because his commentary is also expositional is why it makes it that much more helpful and personal.

I like that he has you read Scripture first. Based on his comment, "Jesus balanced Scripture with Scripture to get the total expression of God's will," I would still prefer the questions before the commentary. I love the personal accountability and application in the questions themselves. Very relevant.

I would have to say that I like the "Be" commentary series over the Bible study series. The latter, at least the one I reviewed, is good for new Christians, exceptions noted.

This book was provided free by Karen from The B & B Media Group, Inc., for my honest review. I want to get the whole series!!!

"Thank you" to Warren Wiersbe and his publisher for sending me a copy of "Be Compassionate" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me.

Although I was expecting to review a different commentary title by this author, I am certainly not disappointed. "Be Compassionate: Let the World Know That Jesus Cares" by Dr. Warren Wiersbe is part of Dr. Wiersbe's "Be" series of commentaries. This insightful book offers commentary on the gospel of Luke, chapters 1 through 13. It is full of information about customs and how they apply to the scripture being studied. Each chapter ends with questions for reflection and discussion. This reading offers a deeper understanding of scripture and the Savior we serve.

I highly recommend following up the reading of this book with Dr. Wiersbe's commentary on Luke 14 through 24 titled "Be Courageous: Take Heart From Christ's Example."