In response to the request from average Christians for more information about the historical and socio-cultural backgrounds of the New Testament, Zondervan has released the
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary. Evangelical scholars offer background information from relevant papyrii, inscriptions, archaeological discoveries, and the study of Judaism, Roman culture, Hellenism, and other features of the New Testament world, supplemented by stunning photographs, maps, and diagrams, which combine to offer one of the most visually appealing commentaries on the market.
Contributors:| Clinton E. Arnold | | General Editor/Acts/Ephesians/Colossians |
| Michael J. Wilkins | | Gospel of Matthew |
| David E. Garland | | Gospel of Mark |
| Mark L. Strauss | | Gospel of Luke |
| Andreas Kostenberger | | Gospel of John |
| Douglas J. Moo | | Romans/James/2 Peter/Jude |
| David W.J. Gill | | 1 Corinthians |
| Moyer V. Hubbard | | 2 Corinthians |
| Ralph P. Martin, Julie L. Wu | | Galatians |
| Frank Thielman | | Philippians |
| Jeffrey A.D. Wiema | | 1 & 2 Thessalonians |
| S.M. Baugh | | 1 & 2 Timothy/Titus/Philemon |
| George H. Guthrie | | Hebrews |
| Peter H. Davids | | 1 Peter |
| Robert W. Yarbrough | | 1, 2 & 3 John |
| Mark W. Wilson | | Revelation |
Overview of the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: - Theologically conservative (Evangelical)
- Non-technical (no knowledge of Greek or Aramaic necessary)
- Based on the New International Version (NIV)
- A section-by-section look at the socio-cultural and historical background of the New Testament and its context
This is a hardcover set that helps readers understand the historical and cultural background of the books of the New Testament. Brimming with lavish, full color photos and graphics, each book will walk you verse by verse through the books of the New Testament.
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
7 of 7 Reviews Showing:
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Revd Gordon Jones (Scotland), October 22, 2009
A very good resource for laypeople and for those in ministry. Information is presented clearly and the many maps, images and illustrations are helpful. Content is in-depth while not being overly technical, making it perfect for the non-academic. I would recommend this set.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by James Rose (Petal, MS), June 24, 2009
I am well pleased with the book set. I wish they had an Old Testament Backgrounds set.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Leland Lyons (Compton, CA), February 03, 2009
I recently used the commentary for the first time. It was very helpful in commenting about the verse that I was working on. The commentary is thourough. The commentary is straight-forward. I love those attributes.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Michael (Kentucky), September 28, 2007
The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary is so nice, it goes beyond words. I really did enjoy After getting Zondervans Background Comm... I was so amazed. The charts, the colored maps, the photographs, the side bar key notes with explanations of pictures maps and verses. Little quick info boxes all through. And everything being fully backed up with its flawless data. The set is bound superbly just like Zondervan's Bible Encyclopedia set '5 vol' and will give you many hours each day of total enjoyment and fulfillment in your Bible studies. The hard shelled slip case to house the 4 volumes in this set was just a really nice added touch by Zondervan.
2 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jamie McDonald (Medicine Hat, Alberta), January 19, 2004
While this commentary set has much to commend it, including the wonderful color pictures and maps, let the reader beware of the uncritical theological BIAS which leavens the whole batch of dough.
A case in point is the editor's handling of the Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts. Regarding the Holy Spirit in Acts 8:17 where Peter and John lay their hands on the Samaritans who "believed" and "were baptized" (i.e., Christians in every normal sense of the word), the editor writes "The intermediate agency of the apostles in this instance raises many questions since the Spirit is normally presented as coming at the moment of belief." He then DISMISSES even the possibility that this event is "a special filling of the Spirit for empowerment for witness." How interesting, since Jesus Himself told the disciples in no uncertain terms that empowerment for witness WAS the reason for their being filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
We only have to turn to Luke 11:13 to find corroborative evidence of theological bias, as the editor conveniently glosses over the promise of the Holy Spirit "to those who ASK." Jesus Himself tells us as disciples to pray (i.e., "ask," "seek," and "knock") for the Holy Spirit. This has nothing to do with Paul's theology of incorporation into the Body of Christ, but again with a complementary aspect of the Holy Spirit's work: empowerment for service (something Luke takes great pains to communicate).
Unfortunately, Clinton Arnold (et al) will not allow people to discover this truth for themselves, because his theological myopia has been brought to bear on a BACKGROUND (NOT a theological) commentary.
For a Bible background commentary on the New Testament, I would recommend the IVP Bible Background Commentary by Craig Keener. There is much less theological "leaven" and gives greater opportunity for readers to arrive at their own conclusions when it comes to theological matters.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jonathan Hunt (Dothan, AL), October 22, 2002
This particular 4-volume set is extraordinary and quintessential. While modestly not claiming to be technical, it is full of splendid scholarship. Maintaining a balance between comprehensive and concise, it really does successfully bridge the gap between the layperson and the seminary student (or even professors and pastors) -- which other commentaries somewhat claim in public relations statements yet lack. Clear research by the authors is apparent through its stylistic brilliance. It merits high award in my theological opinion; it should be leading the way as one, or the premier, of the classic commentary sets for this century.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Eric Landstrom (Bloomington, MN), October 01, 2002
I just got this set. All four books are hardcover and smith bound, measuring 8" x10". The set is a background commentary for the New Testament and includes many, many color pictures, maps, and charts (on every page there is something). Further the set is littered with interesting sidebars which are set as text boxes in the margins or as boxes set within the text. The set is written from an evangelical perspective.
Overall the set appears to be well done. Each Gospel or epistle covered has an introductory historical survey of the culture that the Gospel or epistle was written in as well as the specifics of the local customs or issues that are addressed within the Gospel or epistle. The commentary then proceeds to address the historical-culture issues that each verse has as a backdrop.
Largely this set appears to be written as a tool for working pastors. It's tone is conversational and does not appeal to excessive use of jargon. It provides all kinds of references and antidotal information which would be useful for sermon illustrations and story-telling. In addition, contemporary source material is referenced as well as recommended reading should a topic peak the readers interest to the point where they wish to more fully explore it.
A caveat I do have offhand is that the footnotes appear as endnotes at the end of each Gospel or epistle. Stylistically I can understand why this was done as footnotes would break up the overall flow of the work presented; however for footnote geeks this does involve the "Sears Roebuck" method of getting at them.
So far I've read through the background on the Epistles to the Romans and Ephesians and found them both helpful.
Write a review of Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary New Testament, 4 Volumes
Catalog Shopping
Membership
