Scripture Commentaries, Some Recommendations

In recent years several excellent new series of scriptural commentaries have appeared on the scene thanks to publishers like Baker Academic, Brazos Press, and Ignatius Press. I use the commentaries from all three of these publishers because each has its own unique focus and I find the different perspectives valuable in helping me better understand God's Word and apply it in my own life. They've also been very helping in facilitating our parish's Bible Study program.

To date the series from Ignatius Press includes only the New Testament. The commentary on the Book of Genesis will be released shortly (you can pre-order it from Amazon) and I expect the series will eventually include the entire Old Testament. Each paperback volume includes an RSV (2nd Edition) translation plus an excellent, succinct commentary, all packaged in a nice, compact size. Dr. Scott Hahn is editor so you can expect some good, solid, orthodox commentary. The volumes are also reasonably priced and are available directly from Ignatius Press or from Amazon and other online booksellers. Ignatius has also just published a single-volume Catholic Study Bible of the New Testament which I assume (I haven't purchased it yet) contains all the commentary included in the individual volumes mentioned above. It too is quite reasonably priced -- available in softcover, hardcover, or leather editions -- and for those who prefer a one-volume edition rather than the individual paperbacks, this would be the obvious choice.

Here are some links:

Ignatius Press: Entire Series including NT Study Bible

Amazon: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament (one volume)


The series from Baker Academic is also strictly Catholic; indeed, the series' title is Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. It will, however, cover only the New Testament. Each volume offers an in-depth commentary, although only four volumes have been published to date: The Gospel of Mark; 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus; 2nd Corinthians; and Ephesians. The commentary on the Gospel of  Matthew will be available soon and can be pre-ordered via Amazon. If you visit the Baker Academic website, you can read an overview of each volume, check out the authors, and see the publishing schedule of future volumes. It is truly an excellent series written by some of today's best Catholic Scriptural scholars, folks like Mary Healy, Scott Hahn, Curtis Mitch, Peter Williamson, and others. I eagerly await each volume and have been buying them as soon as they're published.

Finally, there is the commentary series published by Brazos Press, the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible. Compared to the series mentioned above it is certainly the deepest theologically, and so requires more attention and study on the part of the reader. But it is entirely worth the effort. The series is being published under the general editorship of R. R. Reno, a theologian teaching at Creighton University. So far the series includes a dozen or more volumes, but will eventually cover the entire Bible.

I'm currently reading the volume on Genesis, written by Reno himself, and have found it overflowing with new (to me) and interesting insights. The series is not "Catholic," although a number of Catholic theologians, including Reno, are among the authors of the individual volumes. It's sufficient to say that all of the commentators and editors of the series are highly regarded theologians and scriptural scholars. In addition to Reno, they include such stalwarts as Robert Jenson, David Hart, Timothy George, Jaroslav Pelikan, and others. My personal library includes five of the volumes and I refer to them frequently. I especially like the emphasis placed on the teachings of the Fathers of the Church and the fact that the authors are not slaves to the historical-critical method. 

God's peace...