Customer Reviews

The MacArthur Bible Commentary

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Those who say that it is the same as the MSB have not noted carefully the significant changes and revisions.

"Unleashing God's truth, one verse at a time" has been the motto of John MacArthur's fruitful and enduring ministry of preaching. Out of the overflow of his pulpit ministry have come many books that have shaped and transformed the way believers think about the church, the gospel, and Christ. A milestone of this ministry came in 1997 with the publishing of The MacArthur Study Bible (hereafter, MSB). The MacArthur Bible Commentary (hereafter, MBC) seeks to build upon the foundational work of the MSB and greatly expands its usefulness for hungry Bible students.

This one-volume commentary stands in a long line of many other similar resources that have proved useful to Christians over the centuries. Making use of current scholarship and other reference resources this volume brings together a weight of helpful material and biblical insight. The MBC doubles the roughly 350 charts and diagrams of the MSB to almost 700 total. In addition the commentary material has been significantly revised and corrected in numerous places. Certain new features that did not appear in the MSB like "word-studies" and "further study" sections are new to this work. I believe it is a significant improvement over the MSB, especially for those who may not prefer NKJV that accompanies the MSB (although it has been rumored that the MSB will soon be wed to translations other than the NKJV).

Overview and strengths: The overall structure of the MBC is user-friendly. The outline of each Bible book not only appears at the beginning of each book but is integrated throughout the text of the commentary. In addition to the many new charts, word-studies, and diagrams a section called "Further Study" appears at the end of each book of the Bible. The "further study" section is a brief list of helpful commentaries generally of a non-technical expositional flavor. The "Overview of Theology" that formerly appeared at the end of the MSB is moved to the front matter of the MBC and renamed "Key Teachings of the Bible."

Probably the most significant addition is the many abbreviated articles that appear throughout the commentary. These articles should prove to be of great practical help to the student, counselor, parent, or pastor. One will find in these articles brief but insightful counsel from the Word of God on such things as giving (p.1640), the will of God (p. 1761), hope (pp. 1958, 1628), love (pp. 1961, 1598, 1829), suffering (p.1920), and Bible study (pp. xx-xxiv). Even for the eschatologically curious one will find a brief discussion of the meaning of "666" (p.2020).

Theological nuances are not left out of the MBC. The theological persuasion found in its pages is decidedly credobaptist (see note on Acts 2:38); pretribulational (p.2006); and premillennial (see note on Rev. 20:2). One will also find helpful notes on particular redemption (see note on 1 John 2:2); unconditional individual election (see note on Eph. 1:11), and the relationship between Israel and the Church within a New Covenant context (see notes on Jeremiah 31:31-34). There are many theological avenues to explore in this grand volume.

Weaknesses: It is a tribute to MacArthur, the many fine editors, assistants, and professors who have labored long hours to see that the finished product is relatively clear of typos and publishing mistakes. In a work of this magnitude one can reasonably understand certain items being overlooked. However, a few things might not go unnoticed. In regards to quality, some of the pictures were inferior (p.1776) and the gray-scale in others appeared blurred (p. 921). Some typos appear to be formatting issues (e.g., the misplaced hyphen in "Corinth-ians'," p.1613) and other simple spelling mistakes ("Hord" instead of "Word," see comment on Ps. 19:1-14, p. 609). However, such mistakes appear so infrequently that one should not be bothered by their inclusion. The many strengths of this commentary far outweigh any weaknesses (whether perceived or real).

The MacArthur Bible Commentary should find wide usage within the body of Christ. Pastors, counselors, parents, and students will all benefit by the years of wisdom and Biblical insight that have accumulated and found residence within this single volume. I recommend it to all without hesitation and in hopes that believers will be rekindled in their passion for the study of God and His Word.

I purchased this commentary not realizing that the notes were almost exactly the same as the ones in the MacArthur Study Bible. But if you don't have the study Bible and read a translation of the Bible other than the New King James, you will want to buy this. I usually shy away from one man Bible commentaries, but Macarthur's comments are generally solid and reliable. If you are not a dispensationalist, then you might not agree with what he says about Daniel 9:24-27, and if you feel that it is all right for women to be pastors, you will definitely not like what he says about 1 Timothy 2:8-15, and if you speak in tongues, than you will not like his comments on 1 Corinthians 12-14 at all.

But these distinctive sections aside, almost every Bible student can benefit from this one volume commentary, as it represents the fruit of almost 50,000 hours of Bible study. Five stars.

As the above reviewer stated, this commentary is basically The MacArthur Study Bible without the Bible text. From the preface of The MacArthur Bible Commentary:

"The core around which this one-volume commentary has been arranged is the original notes of The MacArthur Study Bible published in 1997. Since then, (1) those notes have been thoroughly reviewed for accuracy and clarity, with appropriate revisions and corrections. (2) The outline for each book (located with the Introduction) has been integrated into the commentary. (3) A Further Study section has been added at the end of the commentary for each book which contains a bibliography of several other commentaries which can be consulted to expand on one's studies. (4) Most significantly, over 300 new maps, charts, diagrams, and word studies have been added to the over 350 found in the original MacArthur Study Bible for a total of almost 700 study/teaching aids, in addition to the commentary material."

Overall, a great resource. Keep in mind that the width of this book is 2.6 inches which can make it slightly difficult to carry around!

There are tens of thousands of theological books and commentaries available today. Despite this massive selection, however, I am becoming more convinced (almost daily!) that there is no necessary correlation between number of books in our libraries and actual insight into the Bible. In fact, I am beginning to think that the more widely one reads, the more confused he is liable to get.

I fear that one can fall into the trap of endless speculation, read several books, commentaries, etc. but not truly grow because he is not studying with the proper goal in mind, namely, genuine knowledge of, belief in, and obedience to the truth. Thinking is not the goal; true faith and obedience is. If that is not our goal, we are likely to not learn much (or think well). Martin Luther, the great reformer, observed,

"The number of theological books should...be reduced, and a selection should be made of the best of them, for many books does not make men learned nor does much reading. But reading something good, and reading it frequently, however little it may be, is the practice that makes men learned in the Scripture and makes them pious besides" (quoted in The Legacy of Sovereign Joy, by John Piper, 95).

With that in mind I would say that the MacArthur Bible Commentary (MBC) is one of those books that deserve a spot in our libraries. The introduction reads,

"This one-volume commentary on the whole Bible is in itself a minilibrary which will be especially advantageous to those with financial and/or space limitations...Everyone from new believers to pastors can benefit from this study tool. Its purpose and design are to make the precious truths of Scripture understandable and consequently obeyed by the people of God" (v.).

I love the last sentence. The purpose of the book is to make the truth of Scripture understandable so that it can be obeyed by God's people. That's the goal! The point of study is certainly not merely to study much, or read much, or constantly speculate. The point of study is to understand God's truth in order to worship and obey; to become more and more competent in knowing and handling the Scripture, not less and less; to grow more confident of God's Word, not more confused.

The MBC gives clear, straightforward, conservative interpretations into the Scripture on every book of the Bible. Each book is prefaced with a concise introduction that provides the reader with author, date, background and theological theme information, as well as an outline for that specific book. Each section of Scripture (Law, History, Writings, Prophets, etc.) is prefaced by an introduction on that particular section. This can give the reader a real clarity of understanding the overall flow of books, sections and testaments in just a little bit of reading. There are also numerous charts, maps, key-word studies strewn throughout the MBC in order to enhance one's study. Also, at the end of each Bible book, the MBC provides the reader with three books that would helpful for further study on that book.

The MBC is an excellent resource that will provide the reader with more clarity into the Scripture, not more confusion. It has been written and edited by a man who has been characterized by a deep commitment to and a clear presentation of the truth of God's Word throughout his 35 years as a pastor and teacher. Personally, I have benefited from the MBC as I prepared to take my middle school students through a nine week survey of the Old Testament. I made a practice of reading the introductory section of many of the OT books during this time and was greatly helped by the clear, concise summaries of the books and of the OT itself. May it help you in the same way!

Time and space prevent me from expressing how much I have been blessed over the years by the ministry of Dr. John F. MacArthur. His books "The Gospel According to Jesus," and "The Gospel According to the Apostles" have made me a better Christian in so many ways. There is something about the scholarly, yet simple, humble and self-less way this man of G-d exegetes the Word that ignites a zeal in me to love Jesus more and to live a holy life.

I view this book as an excellent resource for anyone to use during their devotional time. I originally bought this book because I recently purchased a MacArthury Study Bible for my 16 year old daughter (NKJV) as she was wanting a resource that was exegetical. Since I do not own a MSB, I bought this book so that her and I could be on the same page, if she has any questions; turns out that I am not only using this work for our family bible study, I am also turning to it during my devotional time.

At the risk of elevating a man, I am grateful for the faithfulness and the ministry of Dr. MacArthur. I believe G-d still uses men to guide others into a deeper walk with Him. There is, after all, the journey to G-d, and a journey in G-d. Dr. Mac's books definitely inspire and encourage the zealous journey in G-d.

I agree with the reviewer who said this book was great for Bible studies. I keep this book open (along with others) at my desk where I read and do my Bible study and its worth is invaluable. Nearly every Bible verse is included and explained. While I don't necessarilyt agree with every conclusion the author provides, they offer insight to challenging Bible verses.

This book offers backgrounds to each Bible book, and has the occasional map or chart to help illustrate a point, and is an all around useful companion to Bibles and other Bible reference books. Those in Bible studies for sure should consider this volume, but anyone trying to make sense of the Bible will likewise find this book useful

This is one of the best one volume commentaries that you could purchase. I have been purchasing his single volume N.T. Commentaries, but he has not addressed the Old Testament in single volumes yet. So this commentary goes beyond his MacArthur Study Bible notes, providing more explanation in the Old Testament, and good solid comments in the New Testament. It's a must buy!

I really like this commentary, it gives a reader good points and allows for one to further understand the concepts and context of the Bible times. I give it two thumbs up!!

I use this commentary for my own personal Bible Study. It is very simple to use and understand. Each Book of the Bible is introduced and explain the purpose of each, then MacArthur proceeds to divide each book into sections. He explains the history involved , the context and meaning of each section of each book. I highly recommend to also have an Unger's or Holman Bible Dictionary because there are some terms that may need further or different approach to explain.

I do own a study Bible and this commentary provides more information than the one contained in my study Bible. HOWEVER, if you own a MacArthur study Bible, this commentary does not offer too much more information.

My husband and I have used John MacArthur's commentaries many times. We are building a set of his individual commentaries; but I needed one on the Minor Prophets for my Sunday School class, so I bought this one on the entire Bible. It is a great help. It doesn't go as in-depth as the individual books, but gives wonderful insights and references on each book. I would recommend it to any Bible teacher or student.