Baxter's Explore the Book

by J. Sidlow Baxter

Explore the Book is not a commentary with verse-by-verse annotations. Neither is it just a series of analyses and outlines. Rather, it is a complete Bible survey course. No one can finish this series of studies and remain unchanged. The reader will receive lifelong benefit and be enriched by these practical and understandable studies. Exposition, commentary, and practical application of the meaning and message of the Bible will be found throughout this giant volume. Bible students without any background in Bible study will find this book of immense help as will those who have spent much time studying the Scriptures, including pastors and teachers. Explore the Book is the result and culmination of a lifetime of dedicated Bible study and exposition on the part of Dr. Baxter. It shows throughout a deep awareness and appreciation of the grand themes of the gospel, as found from the opening book of the Bible through Revelation.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Reference, Spirituality

1760 pages, Hardcover

First published December 8, 1986

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't so much a commentary as it is a Bible overview, but I cannot tell you how helpful it is. It is a collection of Baxter's lessons on the Bible that he gave over the course of several years. It is meant to be a supplement to your regular Bible reading. It bears a lot of similarities to Martyn Loyd-Jones and J. Vernon McGee's style.

[Gregory]

At the the start of Faith Community this was part of the mens discipleship and is a wonderful work to help you go through the Bible. Just stay away from his local flood idea and his freewill mentality also overly big on typology.

[Andrew I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this work 5 stars because, Baxter pen down remarkable revelations and investigative work on the 66 unique books of the Holy Bible. I thoroughly enjoyed studying this book, the framed outline of each book, and the idea of reading the scriptures first before delving into Baxter's Explore the Book. Nevertheless, I disagree with some aspects (2% of the entire work) of Baxter's views/interpretations on a few things.

[Rachel Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a mostly a great commentary. I didn't like the way the author handles parts of the Genesis portion, and I am rather particular about that book. I really liked the sections on the minor prophets. very informative.

[Chris Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good high level commentary. Although it follows the Bible front to back, this is not a verse by verse commentary. There are Scripturally sound insights in this work that I have not seen elsewhere. I frequently refer to it when addressing a broad topic.

[Crossroads Ecc]

Excerpt of Chip Ingram's thoughts; "Gives an overview of every book in the Bible and weaves the theme of each book into the big picture of scripture."

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This massive work is really a general survey of th he Scriptures. I never fail to profit from consulting it in personal Bible study.

[Ian Minielly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put this book as one of the most enjoyable reads of biblical theology and commentary I have ever read. While not an in depth commentary on the individual books, Baxter provides his own insights that are often ones I have not encountered before.

I have only read the first "book" of the trilogy, from Genesis to Joshua and start book two tomorrow and I can't wait. I recommend this book for all Christians because it is uplifting and strengthening. This is a great book for the "laymen" and the pastor, with some application for the seminary student.

I really am enjoying this book.

[Ben David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars = "I liked it." It was a good surface overview of the entire Bible. When Baxter drifted into commentary, he got off track sometimes. I learned quite a bit, but he belittles dispensationalism and mocks the pre-trib position without declaring his own position. The worst part of the book was his lessons on Genesis. I almost quit reading before finishing the Genesis overview. Baxter firmly holds the gap theory and then teaches types (typology) of almost everyone and everything through Genesis. Skip Genesis, and you will probably enjoy the rest of the book.

[Jen Kannenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who enjoys reading and studying the Bible, this is a wonderful companion book to read. I did not read it along with the Bible as recommended, but I plan to open this book often in the future with my Bible reading. Well worth the purchase.

[Michael Locklear]

Per Hershael York (1.24.2023)

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Baxter seems a bit wish washy in the first 2 chapters of Genesis but after that he shines. As a side note I have continued to read over the last few months but failed to login here and post what I was doing. So the last 3 or 4 books posted were not read all the same day.