Perhaps one of the more anticipated volumes among preachers
is a commentary on the whole New Testament; however, there are many
commentaries on the whole Bible, Old Testament, New Testament, or individual
books of the Bible. What makes this particular commentary so anticipated by
several preachers is the scholar doing the commenting!
Some have a negative view of commentaries regardless of who has
written it. They tend to think that somehow commentaries are on the same level
as a creed; however, such is not the case at all. Some creeds certainly provide
commentary on the Bible; however, creeds include a level of imposing authority
that is missing from a commentary. No, commentaries are not Creeds, Confessions
of Faith, Articles of Faith, etc.
I often explain that a commentary is only as good as the one
doing the commenting! If I have a really difficult question relating to the
Bible that I just cannot figure out from the resources I possess, then I have
written to brother Jackson and asked. Sometimes he gives me a direct response,
sometimes he will forward me an article he has written, or sometimes he refers
me to a book that might help my study. If I value his studious mind from years
of disciplined study, then why would I be opposed to having his thoughts
pertaining to the comments in book form arranged according to verses of the
Bible? Generally, a commentary is a person’s (or group’s) thoughts on a given
passage arranged in order of book, chapter, and verse. Is there a difference
between asking a question and getting an answer from a preacher or reading his answer
in written form? No. Again, it depends on who is doing the answering/writing.
Of course, writing a commentary on any book of the Bible is
an ambitious task, but to write a commentary on the entire New Testament is
quite a formidable project. It is why I laughed out loud when I read brother
Wayne’s statement in the Preface: “After chastising
myself more than once for embarking upon such a daunting project, I threw
myself into the delightful enterprise, laboring for long days, week after week,
until I finished with the draft a few days under a year.” Brother Wayne
plans to continue writing his commentary series on the Old Testament. We pray that
the Lord extends his life to where he can enjoy the satisfaction of completing
this project!
As Editor of the Christian Courier since 1964,
brother Wayne has published it monthly, plus books, which have benefited many
in our brotherhood. The web site ChristianCourier.com has been a blessing to
many looking for solid and balanced answers to a host of religious questions whether
for personal study or to share with others. Brother Wayne has freely shared
with us the fruits of his scholarly study for years. Of course, books cost
money, so we need to be willing to support sound writing if we want to have
such for the future. I hesitate to use the word “brief” in describing this
commentary. I prefer to use the word “concise” instead. It is arranged by the books
of the New Testament and verses are organized around major points in outline
format. Each book of the New Testament has an introduction including
authorship, date, purpose, etc.
Be sure to obtain a copy of this volume for the church
library and for your personal study before it goes out of print!
**Note** Since the printing
of this book review, A New Testament Commentary has sold through its
first two editions. It is now available in the third edition in hardback
format.
Originally printed in the West Virginia Christian,
Vol. 24, No. 8, August 2017, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.
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