Believer's Bible Commentary

by William MacDonald, Arthur L. Farstad (Editor)

Make Bible study a part of your daily life with the thorough yet easy-to-use Believer's Bible Commentary. MacDonald tackles the controversial issues head-on, taking a

Genres: Christian, Reference, Christianity, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion

2462 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1990

About the author

William MacDonald (1917-2007) had, for more than forty years, written directly about the key issues of Christianity. Leaving a promising business career as an employed investment analyst with First National Bank of Boston "at the foot of the Cross", he had traveled worldwide, proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ.

His more than over eighty-four works published in North America are characterized by a clarity and economy of words that only comes by a major time investment in the Word of God.

MacDonald graduated with an AB degree from Tufts College (now University) in 1938 and an MBA degree from Harvard Business School in 1940. During the 1940's he was on active duty in the US Navy for five years.

He was President of Emmaus Bible College, a teacher, preacher, and Plymouth Brethren theologian alongside his ministry as a writer. He was a close friend and worker with O.J. Gibson.

MacDonald last resided in California where he was involved in his writing and preaching ministry. He went to be with the Lord in 2007.

Reviews

[Carl Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been studying with this book for just over six months now and hope to complete it within the year. I have found the comments by William MacDonald to be on the whole helpful. We did use a number of his books at Bible collage (New Tribes Mission) so I am not unfamiliar with his writings. I am reading it alongside an NASB / Message parallel Bible. The NASB is my normal study Bible, the Message is not, but every now and again the Message does bring out points which may be missed, although this is usually due to the interpretation being so off the wall that I go back to the NASB to see what is actually being taught!
The Believers Bible Commentary covers the Scriptures from a dispensationalist point of view and there is a short overview of the dispensations and also a slightly larger overview of the covenants, both of which are excellent and they can be seen to compliment each other rather than being in opposition.
The "Supplements" section is also an excellent source of study. The introduction and outline for each book is informative without getting bogged down in endless views, the Endnotes and Bibliography are handy for further study.

It is obvious that William MacDonald has spent much time in the study of the Scriptures and the end result is a commentary which glorifies God and gives the rightful preeminence to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Would I be happy to be marooned on a desert island with only my Bible and the Believers Bible Commentary to study? The answer would be an unqualified yes. It is the only single commentary I own (I have a number of multiple book commentaries and many commentaries on single books of the Bible)I have looked at a few single commentary books but this is by far the best I have come across and I have no hesitation in recommending it to serious students of the Scriptures, or even to those who just wish to study a particular passage.
Should be a part of every Christians library.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary. Easy to read. You don't have to be a theologian to understand MacDonald. Yet full of information and insight.

[John Wiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really, really good 1-volume Bible commentary, especially the NT. The OT is a little thin.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comes from a progressive dispensational viewpoint, but has a lot of good stuff to glean from.

[Scott Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent commentary. I think the folks that wrote it actually believe the Bible.

[Arnold hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise yet comprehensive- the most complete single-volume commentary I have ever seen. DR.John MacArthur. JR.

from the back cover

Make bible study a part of your daily life with a thorough yet easy-to-use Believer's Bible Commentary. William MacDonald tackles the

controversial issues head-on, taking a theologically conservative stand yet presenting alternate views with fairness.

from back cover

What makes a good Commentary?

One volume for about 40 dollars or less, or 66 volumes for over 1000 dollars? How about six volumes for 77 dollars?

A good commentary is not whose name is on it. It is what is between the front cover and the back cover, whether it is John Calvin, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Warren Wiersbe, John Wesley, and so on.

What matters is the truth, not the truth of said person, but the truth from the word of God.

There is nothing wrong with having more than one commentary; spend what you can afford, do your research, and see if anyone you know has the commentary you want. There is also nothing wrong with being picky; don't get stuck with buyer's remorse.

[Mark Pool · Rating 5 out of 5]

My in-laws gave me this book for my birthday. The Bible can be hard to read. A study Bible can help, but a commentary goes into more detail. Bill MacDonald—it seems natural to refer to this man whom I have never met as Bill—has written a lot of books, but this is probably his best. The writing style is clear and vivid, and it amazes me how well read he is.

[Cat Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for Bible study. No, I did not read word for word but found it an exemplary commentary in comparison to some others I have.

Used it throughout a chronological study but found myself digging in after sermons or trying to find more context for a particular read.
It will have a permanent home.

[Jim Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched

It took me about 4 years to read and study this tome, but was well worth it. Many questions developed over 72 years were answered. This book provided the background I needed to better understand the Bible and it’s history.Now I’ll start reading more in depth the individual books of the Bible.

[Yewande O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent bible commentary that gives a well explanation and understanding of the Bobie.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a helpful tool to use as I read through the Bible.

[Anthony Ordille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-have for all believers who love to read the Bible and study God's word.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great study resource for any beginner Christian or seasoned Christian. It really helps bring the Bible to life and helps with understanding the events that transpired so long ago and the circumstances in each book and chapter of God’s Word.

[Heidi]

I started using this commentary with my daily reading in January. My parents have been using it for some time with their daily readings. I was initially totally resistant because I felt I hardly had time to read my Scripture portion and never wanted to just substitute a man's writings for God's. I was also afraid that I would end up with someone else's views, rather than letting the Holy Spirit work through unmanipulated Bible verses. But, I decided to make the time, even if I couldn't finish a chapter. I also don't see the difference between reading a commentary from a well-respected Bible scholar and listening to a godly minister locally. I am reading it in conjuction with my own NT readings and reading it outloud to my teens with our OT readings. I think we have all been blessed in the process and it really helps me connect passages where I never saw the connection before.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like most people I know who own this commentary, I use this commentary more than any other. It is clear, concise, focused on Christ and packed with useful information. The introduction to each book are particularly good. I have to admit that the New Testament section is more detailed than the Old, but I guess that is just one of the draw backs of having an entire commentary of the Bible in one volume.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely my favorite commentary. It is simple to read and understand, while at the same time providing a depth of information for the reader. I enjoy using it so much that after purchasing it in hard copy, I purchased a Kindle copy so I could have it when I'm on the road traveling. Wonderful book!

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of the best commentaries I’ve ever used. William MacDonald knows how to provide information in such a manner that everyone can thoroughly understand it. I use this book almost every time I read or study the Bible. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it a 12. Love it!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides an easy to understand explanation of verses.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great concise commentary. Very solid. My first go to commentary.

[Ray Tankersley]

zzz

[Caspar Bonfig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very practical and easy-to-read one volume commentary. I wish the OT would be a little more in-depth.

[Dominick · Rating 3 out of 5]

great simple Commentary... Pretty straightforward. Not perfect. But it’ll help you along the way.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great resource for one book/full Bible commentary; I just disagreed with some theological points, but overall very helpful

[John Brodie]

I am a substitute Sunday School Teacher. I based all of my lessons on this book. It's true Our Sunday School Department has all the Commentaries and Tools we need, but--The Believer's Bible Commentary puts the final word to all my lessons. With it, I am equipped to teach all classes from the preschoolers to Pastors, Prelates, Bishops, and Doctors of Divinity.