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Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Vol. 3: Colossians - Revelation
"Understandest thou what thou readest?" So asked Philip of one who was diligently searching the scriptures. "How can I," came the answer, "except some man should guide me." Jesus "Search the scriptures," and gave the promise, "Whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived." Today the Lord's command "Teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom." This Doctrinal New Testament Commentary is designed to enable gospel students to learn and live the doctrines of the New Testament; to grasp the greatness and glory of our Lord's mortal ministry; to comprehend the doctrines of the Master Teacher and of those commissioned by him to reveal pure religion to the world. Salvation centers in Christ. He is the Creator and Redeemer; the Way and the Truth; the Light of the World; the One Man who could "Follow thou me." Most of our knowledge of his earth-bound ministry is contained in the four Gospels. It is devoutly hope that this Commentary will help make the Gospels a living reality in the lives of gospel scholars, that it will help them understand what they read. Jesus himself is real; the Gospels are his life story; of him they teach and testify; and a knowledge of them is essential to salvation.
595 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1972
16 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Bruce R. McConkie
123 books64 followersBruce Redd McConkie was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
McConkie served in the First Council of the Seventy of the LDS Church from 1946 until his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1972, where he served until his death in 1985.
During his service as a general authority, he published several doctrinal books and articles and wrote the chapter headings of the LDS standard works.
McConkie received a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of Utah. He spent his childhood between Monticello, Utah; Salt Lake City; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. He married Amelia Smith (1916 - 2005), daughter of Joseph Fielding Smith.
McConkie served in the First Council of the Seventy of the LDS Church from 1946 until his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1972, where he served until his death in 1985.
During his service as a general authority, he published several doctrinal books and articles and wrote the chapter headings of the LDS standard works.
McConkie received a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of Utah. He spent his childhood between Monticello, Utah; Salt Lake City; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. He married Amelia Smith (1916 - 2005), daughter of Joseph Fielding Smith.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 23, 2011
Arguably the best commentary available on the New Testament. I love this series because Elder McConkie focuses on doctrine, the very meat of the New Testament. He brings in historical facts when they help to clarify doctrine. But as the title indicates, the focus is on the precepts that are at the root of true, Gospel living.
He includes the full text from the King James version of the bible, broken down into consumable and logical parts. Where applicable, he includes the Joseph Smith translation. He provides not only a summary to each section (a collection of from one to many verses at a time that capture some theme or doctrinal concept), but then treats each verse, bringing out from them the core doctrines.
I don't understand why this collection is no longer in print. But you can locate used copies easily enough (maybe that's why it's no longer in print).
He includes the full text from the King James version of the bible, broken down into consumable and logical parts. Where applicable, he includes the Joseph Smith translation. He provides not only a summary to each section (a collection of from one to many verses at a time that capture some theme or doctrinal concept), but then treats each verse, bringing out from them the core doctrines.
I don't understand why this collection is no longer in print. But you can locate used copies easily enough (maybe that's why it's no longer in print).
December 8, 2019
excellent
July 13, 2017
I highly recommend this series of commentaries to read along with the New Testament. You will gain a greater knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ. You will learn more about his apostles and his gospel.
November 9, 2019
While it has taken me almost a year to read the complete set I am grateful for the chance to gain so much knowledge. I appreciated how McConkie used the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and the Prophets to help explain the teachings of the New Testament.
January 29, 2012
Those scurrilous exegetes . . . good thing we have Elder McConkie to expound on the text of the New Testament. Wait a second, doesn't that make him an exegete?
Seriously, this series was great. There were several spots, scattered throughout the three volumes, where I do not think he was right. For example, while it may be true that we are given blessings here in this mortal world based on things we did in the pre-mortal life, I do not believe that those who are in less favorable positions in this world were born into those circumstances because of their failings in our prior existence. Also, Elder McConkie passed up too many opportunities to emphasize the desperate need we all have for a Savior, and instead, focused almost exclusively on the necessity of personal righteousness. He also never passed up an opportunity to blast "misguided exegetes" and the "sectarian world," and that certainly got a little old by the end of the third 500+ page book.
Otherwise, these volumes were very, very good. Elder McConkie explains, with clarity and enthusiasm, the doctrines of the gospel, which are wholly consistent throughout the New Testament, no matter who is writing. Whether Paul was speaking to the very early Corinthian saints, or John was speaking late in the first century to the strong, yet small groups of persecuted saints, they preached the same message: redemption through love of and obedience to our Savior Jesus Christ.
Seriously, this series was great. There were several spots, scattered throughout the three volumes, where I do not think he was right. For example, while it may be true that we are given blessings here in this mortal world based on things we did in the pre-mortal life, I do not believe that those who are in less favorable positions in this world were born into those circumstances because of their failings in our prior existence. Also, Elder McConkie passed up too many opportunities to emphasize the desperate need we all have for a Savior, and instead, focused almost exclusively on the necessity of personal righteousness. He also never passed up an opportunity to blast "misguided exegetes" and the "sectarian world," and that certainly got a little old by the end of the third 500+ page book.
Otherwise, these volumes were very, very good. Elder McConkie explains, with clarity and enthusiasm, the doctrines of the gospel, which are wholly consistent throughout the New Testament, no matter who is writing. Whether Paul was speaking to the very early Corinthian saints, or John was speaking late in the first century to the strong, yet small groups of persecuted saints, they preached the same message: redemption through love of and obedience to our Savior Jesus Christ.
January 6, 2012
Finished just in time. I can't believe I read all three in one year. Really helped me a lot with my New Testament reading.
I was really struck by how many times they mentioned temporal work being necessary for your salvation. I think lots of people think that if they are spiritual enough, temporal things just aren't important. I would say, read the New Testament and you will see it just ain't true. Work is essential to our salvation!
This was awesome: You are rewarded for being patient!
271: Future rewards will be based on our patient endurance of all things.
320: The priesthood is greater than any of its offices. No office adds any power, dignity, or authority to the priesthood. An elder has all the priesthood he needs to qualify for exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world... (easy to forget this at times)
For those who have lost a loved one.
492: When a seal is put upon the father and mother, it secures their posterity, so that they cannot be lost but will be saved by virtue of the covenant of their father and mother. Thus if both parents and children have their calling and election made sure, none so involved shall be lost; all shall come forth to an inheritance of glory and exaltation in the kingdom of God.
I was really struck by how many times they mentioned temporal work being necessary for your salvation. I think lots of people think that if they are spiritual enough, temporal things just aren't important. I would say, read the New Testament and you will see it just ain't true. Work is essential to our salvation!
This was awesome: You are rewarded for being patient!
271: Future rewards will be based on our patient endurance of all things.
320: The priesthood is greater than any of its offices. No office adds any power, dignity, or authority to the priesthood. An elder has all the priesthood he needs to qualify for exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world... (easy to forget this at times)
For those who have lost a loved one.
492: When a seal is put upon the father and mother, it secures their posterity, so that they cannot be lost but will be saved by virtue of the covenant of their father and mother. Thus if both parents and children have their calling and election made sure, none so involved shall be lost; all shall come forth to an inheritance of glory and exaltation in the kingdom of God.
April 30, 2024
This series was absolutely thought-provoking. I utilized it for studying the New Testament many years ago and filled it with underlines, notes in margin about epiphanies I had, and refer to it still when I'm reading the New Testament.
The historical context pieces and insights are invaluable. It is on-par with the New Testament Institute Manuals put out by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
If you are looking to "go deeper" this series will help you do that.
The historical context pieces and insights are invaluable. It is on-par with the New Testament Institute Manuals put out by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
If you are looking to "go deeper" this series will help you do that.
January 8, 2012
This is my companion for this year's study. Three volumes. Second time through. I am sure I will learn, or re-learn much.
I took the whole year to finish. I love to read Bruce R. McConkie. Sometimes he is repetitive, but that is how we learn. I love having a companion to read side by side with my scriptures. I learn so much more.
I took the whole year to finish. I love to read Bruce R. McConkie. Sometimes he is repetitive, but that is how we learn. I love having a companion to read side by side with my scriptures. I learn so much more.
September 30, 2015
Solid research and information. I feel like the format could be updated for a more modern flow. It would make it easier to follow. Sometimes I was confused about who said what. But the version I borrowed from the library was a first edition. Maybe they've done that already?
December 8, 2008
The best commentary on the New Testiment and practically the only way to survive Paul for the uninitiated.
July 9, 2008
Great resource.
July 11, 2008
Great as a companion study to the New testament
August 25, 2008
Let's be honest - I did not read this cover to cover, but it's an amazing resource to help me be smarter for my seminary class!
January 17, 2009
A wonderful study guide to help you better understand the beautiful and profound teachings of the New Testament.
June 22, 2009
This was required reading in college, took new testament class. It was good stuff. A really thick book.
July 12, 2010
Excellent collection for anyone wanting a clear explanation of the new testament. From restored gospel perspective.
August 24, 2010
I read all 3 volumes. Great stuff.
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January 2, 2013
A great reference commentary on the New Testament for Mormons. It was a tough slog, but I actually read these three volumes all the way through.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews