The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary

by Gary M. Burge (editor), Andrew E. Hill (Editor)

As more and more Christians are involved in teaching in their churches, there is a need for an accessible, engaging commentary that can enhance their understanding of Scripture and aid their teaching. The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary is that resource. This nontechnical, section-by-section commentary on the whole Bible provides reliable and readable interpretations of the Scriptures from forty-two leading evangelical scholars. The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary is a complete revision of the well-known Baker Commentary on the Bible edited by Walter Elwell, now featuring new articles and vibrant full-color images on more than 1,800 pages, complete with photos, maps, and timelines to illustrate the text. This information-packed commentary helps readers gain a deeper understanding of the Bible. Beyond that, it includes practical applications for spiritual and personal guidance, making it invaluable to any believer seeking to get the most out of their Bible study.

Pastors and others in teaching ministries looking for a one-volume, evangelical commentary on the Bible will value this resource.

Genres: Reference, Religion, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction

1648 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

Gary M. Burge (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is dean of the faculty and professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary. He previously taught for twenty-five years at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Among his many published books are The New Testament in Seven Sentences, Theology Questions Everyone Asks (with coeditor David Lauber), A Week in the Life of a Roman Centurion, Mapping Your Academic Career, The New Testament in Antiquity (coauthored with Gene Green), and the award-winning Whose Land? Whose Promise? What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians.

Reviews

[Joe Stevens · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a tough one to review. The Old Testament was often little more than repeating what the Scripture was saying in more modern English. If you want this just read the ESV. Also, the study notes in any modern study Bible are better than most of these short OT commentaries.

The New Testament was generally an improvement especially in the Gospels with Mark and John both being very fine. Sadly there were issues with several of the Letters. Romans I'm guessing was written by grad students off the teacher's notes as in one section the commentary was literally 10 points in a row numbered 1) just, 2) like, 3 this. An outline isn't a commentary. It was also works-based at points and grace-based at points contradicting itself and redefining words as well.

The Letters of John writer invented a second revision of the Gospel of John with the Apostle writing one version in 85 AD and the author of Letters issuing a revision to which he added the first 18 verses and other whole chapters. Sadly he didn't tell the commentary writer for the Gospel who knew of no such revision.

Most odd of all was the decision on the part of Baker House to ask a pastor who believes in covenant salvation passed from parents to children possibly without the need for personal salvation if I understand the position. He also practices child baptism. More importantly for the Hebrews commentary, he is a Judiser such as Paul fought with. He says Jesus didn't make a New Covenant but only a better covenant which was a continuation of the Jewish covenant. He goes on to say that the 'Old Covenanat' was when the Israelites sinned in the wilderness and it is this that the author of Hebrews and Paul are both fighting against. This is because he believes we are still under the law and he can't have Paul saying such terrible things about the law. You know Paul saying if you are going to be circumcised just cut it all off and don't follow any other Gospel that I preached in response to Judisers in his day. I could go on but the whole commentary is a heresy from start to finish. Shame on Baker house for inserting this in an intro commentary!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Edition 2024 Excellent

I had the print version, but wanted the Kindle format. The Kindle edition has the exact text and photos/illustrations as the print editor. Clear and easy to read. Maps and photos are very clear. Books are indexed so you can find books quickly. I do wished the index included chapters. I change to view multiple pages so its fairly easy to find the chapter I want, just takes more effort. Text to Talk is available using my Kindle Fire, but I can't find that option using the Kindle app on phone. Overall, I am very pleased with the Kindle format. The hardback edition is a pretty heavy book.

[Judy Mish jentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book comes I handy when reading the Bible. The only drawback I have on it is the print is small, for me anyway.

But as I went through my journey in the Bible, it really helped me to understand the passages.

[Tonya Blessing]

This biblical reference book is amazing.  It was a surprise gift from my husband two weeks ago.  I have already used it several times for personal study and to help prepare sermons