Non-technical, readable and accessible

THE HODDER BIBLE COMMENTARY SERIES
Editor Lee Gatiss
MARK By Christopher K.W. Moore
303 pages. £19.99.
ISBN 978 1 473 695 023
ECCLESIASTES By Eric Ortland
189 pages. £19.99
ISBN 978 1 529 302 110
LUKE By David G. Peterson
447 pages. £22.99
ISBN 978 1 473 695 016
ACTS By Martin C. Salter
396 pages. £22.99
ISBN 978 1 473 694 965

As a preacher I like to consult a few commentaries when preparing to preach. The commentaries I find to be essential are those that grasp the structure of the Biblical book, clearly exegete the content, have an eye for its message, and offer hints on how it speaks to a contemporary audience. What about this series?

The stated aim of this projected 50-volume commentary on the whole Bible is that it: ‘… seeks to provide the contemporary church with fresh and readable expositions of Scripture which are doctrinally sensitive and globally aware, accessible for all adult readers but particularly useful to those who preach and lead Bible studies in churches and small groups.’

The first four volumes have landed on my desk; what are my first impressions? They are well-produced hardback books, have an easy-to-read layout and print size, and are relatively affordable. What about the content?

I read the commentary on Mark first. What I appreciated most about it was the full and informative introduction that makes clear the purpose, structure and message of Mark’s Gospel. I also appreciated Moore’s effort to trace the Old Testament underpinnings of the shortest Gospel. The author makes use of a lot of quotes from theologians from the past, especially from the Reformation and Puritan eras. Although there is much that is valuable in this commentary, I felt that at times the author became distracted and lost sight of the distinctive voice of Mark.

I then turned to Ecclesiastes. In the Introduction the author explores the question of whether this book is a reflection of frustration or joy. He concludes that a healthy reading of the book must be read with both in view. Ortland also writes helpfully on where Ecclesiastes stands in relation to other wisdom books in Scripture, in particular the book of Proverbs, concluding that the contrast between these two books is not as absolute as is sometimes claimed. The author also seeks to untie the knot of the meaning of the word hebel, gently but firmly challenging the NIV’s suggestion of the translation: ‘meaningless’.

The commentary is clear and arises out of a wide engagement with an extensive range of literature, both academic and popular. The format of this volume differs from that of Mark by offering regular reflection sections. I found these and the commentary in general imaginative, pastorally sensitive and well applied. The author keeps the reader in view; I felt that I was in the hands of a teacher who knew Scripture and knew me.

Next up was Luke. This is a masterclass in Biblical commentating, as one might expect from the author of the elegant commentary on Acts in the Pillar series. Peterson writes with masterful precision; not a word is wasted, and he has a wonderful eye for detail. Luke, who exercised such care in the composition of his Gospel, deserves no less!

This commentary helpfully tracks the narrative structure of Luke’s Gospel and traces the story of God, embedded in Old Testament promise that is now so gloriously fulfilled in Christ. I was also pleased to see that the author takes seriously the aim of the series to be ‘globally aware’, by making use of the excellent resources found in the African and the South-East Asian Bible Commentaries. That being said, I note that all of the seven commentaries announced so far in this series are written by white, Western males!

Finally, Acts. The first thing to note about this and the Luke commentary is that the font is a bit smaller, so you do get a bit more commentary for your money! Salter appears to have read almost everything that is available on Acts and manages to masterfully synthesise the fruit of his research into a rich, satisfying and readable commentary. The author’s extensive research and his pastoral experience make this commentary an invaluable guide to a Biblical book that is so pivotal for our understanding of the church’s mission on earth. The author helpfully distinguishes between what is prescriptive and what is descriptive in Acts. He also writes clearly and even-handedly on issues like the place of women in the church, the miraculous, money, poverty and contextualisation. Readers of Acts, especially those preparing to preach on the book, will find this commentary a reliable and stimulating guide.

These commentaries are not intended to be technical, but they are substantial. They are definitely worth a look.

Commentaries on Matthew (Ben Cooper), Joshua (Graham Beynon), and Psalms 42-89 (Tim Chester), are due in November 2024).