Customer Reviews

New Testament Commentary Set, 12 Volumes

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This is the first full commentary set that I have purchased for myself. Before turning away, keep in mind that I have used many other sets from libraries (public, academic and church) as well as from other Christians. My beliefs are strongly Reformed (Christian Reformed Church), so this set is one of the few that very closely fit with my beliefs. My prior favorite was the "Interpreter's Bible" set, which has recently been updated (I was using the older versions from local public libraries). Now, this set is my favorite.

The format between the two authors is very similar, intentionally, but I still prefer the newer format (slight improvements in keeping a flowing reading). The text has clearly been proofread very well.

As for content, I prefer Kistemaker's presentation. Part of that may be due to the fact that most of his books are later than Hendrickson's. The changes in society values does not have much impact for me, but the amount of biblical knowledge unearthed in the past 50 years is astounding. However, the impact is mostly felt in just a few chapters, so don't let that deter you. I compiled the list of books with information on book, year, author, and approximate length:

Matthew,1973,Hendricksen,1015
Mark,1975,Hendricksen,700
Luke,1978,Hendricksen,1122
John,1953,Hendricksen,507
Acts,1990,Kistemaker,1010
Romans,1981,Hendricksen,533
1 Corinthians,1993,Kistemaker,649
2 Corinthians,1997,Kistemaker,495
Galatians,1968,Hendricksen,260

Ephesians,1967,Hendricksen,290
Philippians,1962,Hendricksen,218
Colossians,1964,Hendricksen,208
1 Thessalonians,1955,Hendricksen,150
2 Thessalonians,1955,Hendricksen,214
1 Timothy,1957,Hendricksen,215
2 Timothy,1957,Hendricksen,117
Titus,1957,Hendricksen,70
Philemon,1964,Hendricksen,35
Hebrews,1984,Kistemaker,460
James,1986,Kistemaker,190
1-3 John,1986,Kistemaker,235
1-2 Peter,1987,Kistemaker,348
Jude,1987,Kistemaker,70
Revelation,2001,Kistemaker,635

My priorities were 1 Corinthians, Romans, Galatians and Ephesians. The 1 Corinthians volume won an award and it was warranted. Revelation is also appealing, especially from a Reformed perspective, and it also won an award.

This set is first rate. It is written from the Reformed perspective. It is scholarly, yet usable for the laymen. Besides great commentary, Dr. Kistemaker provides wonderfully helpful word studies for those who are not fluent in Greek. Add to that his practical and applicational notes, and you have a set on the whole New Testament that for the money is unequalled. (This set is very reasonably priced.)

Thank you Dr. Kistemaker for completing this wonderful work begun by Dr. Hendriksen. And thanks to the folks in our church who gave me this set for Christmas!

Am in seminary and find this to be useful for papers and in teaching preparation at my church. I haven't been through many of them yet, but Hebrews is excellent!

The product was sent to me in a quick manner and I was surprised how fast that

I received my books.