Customer Reviews

The Daily Study Bible : New Testament Set (17-volume set)

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The revised edition of Barclay's commentaries was issued in 1975 and was prepared not by William Barclay, but by the Rev. James Martin. According to the introduction, the revised edition renews the printer's type, restyles the books, corrects some errors in the text and removes some references which have become outdated. In addition, Biblical quotations in the commentaries use the Revised Standard Version instead of the King James Version (however Barclay's own translation is retained at the beginning of each daily section).

The reality of the revised edition is quite different. What the introduction to the revised edition fails to mention is that while the 17 volumes of the previous 2nd edition contains a total of 5,195 pages, the revised edition prepared by Martin has only 4,541 pages, or a reduction of 12.6%. The reduction is most noticeable in the 2 volumes on Revelation, which is reduced from 528 to 415 pages, a reduction of 21.4%. In Ephesians, the revised edition contains 30 fewer pages, a reduction of 19.1% (157/127). The Gospel of John is reduced by 87 pages, a reduction of 13.7% (634/547). In the commentary in Revelation 3:1-6 (Sardis: A Lifeless Church), well over 50% of the material written by Barclay in the 2nd edition is removed by Martin in the revised edition. I first noticed this editing in the commentary in the Gospel of John 13:33-35 in which Jesus speaks of loving one another as he loved us. In the 2nd edition, Barclay so beautifully states the following: "He [Jesus] knew all their [his disciples] weaknesses and yet He still loved them. Those who really love us are the people who know us at our worst and who still love us." However, these two sentences do not appear in Martin's revised edition. Repeatedly, key sentences and phrases are deleted from the revised edition. Therefore, the revised edition is in fact an edited and condensed version of the commentaries actually written by William Barclay. William Barclay's commentaries are the most insightful and meaningful commentaries that I have ever read on the New Testament. However, if you want to read what Barclay actually said instead of what Martin thought was important enough to leave in, then check with a used book store or do a used book search on the internet to get the 2nd editions of these wonderful commentaries.

William Barclay, a Scottish theologian, has written an outstanding 17 volume commentary on the New Testament. (It can be bought as a set or by separate volumes.) He gives a passage, then proceeds with an explanation. Often, he gives four or five interpretations, sometimes following with a statement something like, "The first interpretation probably is not what Paul meant because..., the second is certainly a possibility because...; however, I tend to favor the third explanation because..." Essentially, I respect his work because of the depth of his scholarship, learning, and faith, but almost more because of his honesty. If there are major conflicting views from other scholars on a passage, he gives their reasoning. He gives support (such as translations from the Greek or facts of church history) for his stances and if it is flatly an opinion, he states that it is so. In fact, he is sometimes so fair, that he spends almost too long giving all the possible interpretations of a passage. Our study class has appreciated a source which gives readable scholarly background and presents dissenting views fairly. His work sparks some of the best discussion we've had. It isn't "a hundred pages a sitting" reading, but it is fascinating to read a chapter then discuss and reflect on the ideas he raises. For me, this is the best Bible reference book I have ever used.

William Barclay was a master of Classical Greek and he uses his ability masterfully in this classic series on the New Testament. His work is invaluable to pastors, teachers and anyone who wishes to know the New Testament in its cultural setting. I find the etymology of key words particularly helpful. I have worn out three sets in my twenty plus years of pulpit ministry, and even today, I wouldn't go to the pulpit to speak on the New Testament without having read Barclay.

Finding scholarly Bible books among a sea of evangelistic books can be frustrating. If you are more of a Bible scholar than a Bible thumper, then this set of paperbacks may be just the thing. I tend to agree with Barclay's opinions and viewpoint, so reading these is very comfortable. Buy one [don't write your name in it], see if you like it, and then buy the set (you will like it). Give the one book you bought to a friend who is interested in learning about the New Testament from a scholar's perspective, or simply a desire to know what is in the NT in plain language.

I'm not sure how I first stumbled onto Barclay's work, but once I found his books - I couldn't stop! I've read this entire series of books - some of them I've read over and over again. In fact, the two volumes on Matthew and John I've read repeatedly.

His books are full of powerful quotes and amazing stories and word pictures. His translations make such spiritual logic. You find yourself saying "Aha..." over and over again - because the truths he shares feel so much like something you've always known - but needed a little help in understanding.

Barclay describes a God who loves us, who cares for us, who forgives us and who wants only the best of the best for us.

It opened my eyes and taught me how to love myself *because* God loves me!

A favorite line I've always remembered - Barclay quotes an old rabbinical saying "In the life to come, a man will have to give an account of all the good things of this life he could have enjoyed - but did not."

Barclay's interpretation of the gospels is full of "Good news!"

William Barclay doesn't try to cram his beliefs down your throat. He has an in depth knowledge of Greek and explains the various possible meanings. He gives the meaning that he thinks best translates from the Greek, but allows for other possibilities. I, as a layman, have learned a lot from this series.

Barclay's New Testament is perhaps the most insightful work one the New Testament in modern times.

I've taught an adult Sunday school class for seven years to over a hundred intelligent people and have never been disappointed by the Barclay's interpretations including the most difficult passages.