Distilling Scripture Without Losing the Punch

The Bible Speaks Today (BST) commentaries provide accuracy of meaning and up-to-date relevance for today's average knowledge Bible reader. Each commentary builds into a complete and easily readable series of guides to understanding the individual books and themes of the whole Bible.

For today's ‘average knowledge’ Bible reader, The Bible Speaks Today (BST) commentary series gives accuracy of meaning and real life relevance. The series offers accessible, readable guides to understanding the individual Bible books in a little more depth. Additional, theme based, commentaries span the whole Bible with explorations of key biblical concepts and teachings. Recognised by their two-tone 'sunburst' covers and large paperback format, each commentary is written by one expert Bible scholar and then sharply edited by a second.

Somewhat conservative and evangelical in thought and voice, series authors are mostly active British Anglican ministers rather than college based academics. Their expertise in practical communication gives BST commentaries the feel of carefully crafted sermons full of real life application. Old Testament editor, Alec Motye, perfectly complements his New Testament counterpart, the late John Stott. Their courteous and even-handed editorship keeps each commentary on track and speaking clearly to the broad spectrum of Christians as they face the challenges of the today's world.

Typically, each commentary opens with a short introduction followed by an outline of the subject book’s history, tradition and authorship. Commentaries vary in length - not according to the size of the Bible book, but according to the complexity of its message. Some commentaries on the shorter New Testament epistles are quite long, while the commentary on Jeremiah is shorter even than that on the very brief book of Jonah. Most BST commentaries use the NIV Bible, although some of the earlier BST editions use the RSV. Chapters are not always studied in sequence, especially where’s a need for a themed approach as, for example, with the book Proverbs.

Even when dealing with key Greek and Hebrew words, explanations are within the average reader’s grasp, but never dismissive or superficial. However, BST might prove a touch heavy going for anyone more comfortable with the 'For Everyone' or 'Focus on the Bible' series. Those looking for a little more technical depth, but still with an emphasis on the practical, might find the 'Tyndale’ commentaries more engaging. But for most students, and for teachers and ministers looking to communicate the Bible's main message with accuracy and relevance, the BST series demonstrates that the Bible does indeed speak to the world today. - Les Ellison

Quick Guide to The Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series

What is it?

A full set of commentaries on each book of the Old and New Testament and key Bible themes.
Authored by practical, experienced Bible teachers and edited by Alec Motye and John Stott.
Widely acclaimed for its Biblical scholarship, real life application and evangelical balance.

What will it do for me?

Help you as a reader with average Bible knowledge to better hear the Bible's voice today.
Give you as a teacher a practical guide to the Bible's meaning and its real life application.
Equip you as a pastor to open the Bible's message to your group, class or whole church.

Over to You

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Teachers and pastors - as well as average knowledge readers, use the BST series as a basis for their teaching and preaching, although other commentaries including Tom Wright's 'For Everyone' series, 'Focus on the Bible' the 'Tyndale Commentary' series are also popular.

Have you used more than one of the most popular Bible commentary series, which do you prefer for your personal study and which for your teaching and preaching preparation?
Do you think it important to use more than one commentary series for study group or when preparing to preach, have you a story about two commentaries with very different view?

Tell us. Post your ideas, views and tips – beautiful, bizarre and brilliant at Eden.co.uk