Teach the Text Commentaries are biblical studies resources that explain books of the bible to help pastors, Sunday school teachers, and small group leaders.
Authors in the Teach the Text series explain Scripture passage-by-passage, yet comment on words, phrases, and verses that are important to the overall meaning of the biblical text.
The publisher further notes,
By keeping the discussion of each carefully selected preaching unit to six pages of focused commentary, the volumes in this series allow pastors to quickly grasp the big idea and key themes of each passage of Scripture.
Which commentary series is best for your purposes? See Best Bible Commentaries: Top 50. Based on aggregate reviews.
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Teach the Text Commentaries: Reviews
On the Leviticus and Numbers volume:
Mark F. Rooker, senior professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary:
“This commentary deserves a wide reading.
Sprinkle frequently cites the results of archaeology that illustrate the biblical text and has modern, moving illustrations that illuminate the theological content of the sections he is explaining from Leviticus and Numbers.
This work will be a great source for Bible teachers to teach the text in a contextual and exegetically responsible way.”
On the Acts volume:
Eckhard J. Schnabel, professor of New Testament studies, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary:
David Garland has written a wonderful commentary that is consistently faithful to the text, thoroughly informative on historical matters, deeply committed to theological explanation, focused on contemporary application, and always eminently readable.
On the 2 Corinthians volume:
Thomas R. Schreiner, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary:
Hubbard’s commentary on 2 Corinthians is a treasure for students and preachers. Here we find expert exegesis deeply rooted in the historical context and culture of the day. At the same time, the theological message of each paragraph and its application for today’s world are powerfully communicated.
Author Interviews from the Teach the Text Series on Best Bible Commentaries
Joe M. Sprinkle on Leviticus and Numbers: (click to read entire Q & A)
Preview: “I came to the conclusion that the the talking donkey scene was a flashback (resumptive repetition) to the dream-vision God gave Balaam earlier in the chapter.
While the Jewish theologian Maimonides saw this centuries ago, I may be the first modern commentator to defend it.”
C. Hassell Bullock on Psalms: (click to read entire Q & A)
Preview: “I have been personally edified by discovering and rediscovering the loving and faithful character of God portrayed in the Psalms, and the unfaithful nature of humanity, and to learn that Paul’s lesson is so acutely taught in the Psalms, that where sin abounds, grace more abundantly abounds.”
Jeannine K. Brown on Matthew: (click to read entire Q & A)
Preview: “I’m impressed with Matthew’s “least of these” theology, which begins with his focus in chapters 10 and 18 on “little ones, who, though low in status, are to be valued within the believing community.”
Volumes in the Teach the Text Commentary Series
The links below go to Amazon, which sells new and used books.
Book descriptions are used courtesy of the publisher.
Old Testament volumes
Genesis – cancelled
Leviticus and Numbers – Joe M. Sprinkle
Deuteronomy – cancelled
David S. Dockery, president of Trinity International University:
“The clear, comprehensive, and cogent exposition found in these pages evidences the wisdom and thoroughness of a mature scholar who has invested many years researching and teaching this biblical book. It is a genuine joy to recommend this outstanding work.”
Clinton E. Arnold, dean and professor of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University:
“Concise and well-written. The unique conventions of the Teach the Text Commentary Series — such as highlighting big ideas and key themes and giving guidance on teaching and illustrating the text — will make this commentary very helpful to those involved in a regular teaching ministry.”
1-2 Samuel – Robert B. Jr. Chisholm
George H. Guthrie, Benjamin W. Perry Professor of Bible, Union University:
“Few commentaries help the reader move beyond study to thoughtful application, and fewer still move beyond application to teaching.
That’s why I am thrilled with the Teach the Text Commentary Series from Baker. Pastors and teachers are going to love this series. I highly recommend it.”
1-2 Kings – cancelled
1-2 Chronicles – cancelled
Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther – Douglas J.E. Nykolaishen, Andrew J. Schmutzer
J. Daniel Hays, dean of the School of Christian Studies and professor of biblical studies, Ouachita Baptist University:
“Packed with colorful historical background material and cogent theological insight into the narrative stories, this is one of the most helpful commentaries I know of on these important books.
Anyone planning to teach or preach from Ezra, Nehemiah, or Esther would be wise to drink deeply from this expertly written volume.”
Psalms, Volume 1 (Psalsm 1-72) – C. Hassell Bullock
Psalms, Volume 2 (Psalms 73–150) – C. Hassell Bullock
Andrew J. Schmutzer, Moody Bible Institute:
“In this creative work, Bullock has served up a feast for us to fully engage the riches of the Psalms. From structure to theology, outlines to application, it’s all here, fresh and accessible.
Both the novice and the veteran lover of the Psalter need look no further. This is a fabulous tool to help the contemporary church bring the honesty of lament back into the hearts and practice of believers–we need it!”
Ecclesiastes / Song of Solomon – Edward Curtis
Clinton E. Arnold, Dean and Professor of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“I can think of no one better equipped to write a commentary on the wisdom literature than Ed Curtis. Readers will discover many helpful and practical insights from Ed’s own wisdom as he skillfully guides inquirers through the complexities and delights of this literature.”
Proverbs – cancelled
Isaiah – cancelled
Ezekiel – cancelled
Jeremiah and Lamentations – J. Daniel Hays
Daniel L. Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary:
“Daniel Hays has long been one of my go-to Old Testament scholars. His work on Jeremiah and Lamentations is going to serve very well those who teach and preach from these inspired texts.
Balance, insight, careful exegesis, and healthy theology characterize this book. It is a most welcome addition to this excellent series.”
Minor Prophets – cancelled
New Testament volumes
Michael J. Wilkins, Distinguished Professor of New Testament Language and Literature, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“Jeannine Brown’s widely respected scholarly expertise in Matthean studies is combined with experienced teaching skills to provide sound commentary and guidance for readers who want to understand and communicate in a profound yet practical way the treasures of the Gospel of Matthew.
The Teach the Text Commentary Series is richly enhanced by Jeannine Brown’s outstanding contribution.”
Douglas J. Moo, Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College; chair, Committee on Bible Translation
“I recommend this commentary–and the Teach the Text series generally – -to teachers and pastors who want quick access to the basic meaning of the biblical text.”
John, 1-3 John – cancelled
C. Marvin Pate’s volume on the book of Romans will inform and inspire pastors to make Paul’s vital message to the Christians in Rome both understandable in its context and applicable to our lives today.
George H. Guthrie, Benjamin W. Perry Professor of Bible at Union University
“Few commentaries help the reader move beyond study to thoughtful application, and fewer still move beyond application to teaching. That’s why I am thrilled with the Teach the Text Commentary Series from Baker. I highly recommend it.”
2 Corinthians – Moyer V. Hubbard
Galatians/Ephesians – cancelled
Philippians/Colossians/Philemon – cancelled
1 & 2 Thessalonians/1 and 2 Timothy/Titus – cancelled
Hebrews – cancelled
James, 1 and 2 Peter, and Jude – Jim Samra
Darrell L. Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary:
“Crisp, to the point, and full of wisdom — that is how Jim Samra teaches the texts from James, Peter, and Jude. Here is a commentary that is pastoral, careful with the text, discerning, and quite useful.”
David S. Dockery, president, Trinity International University:
“Scott Duvall’s volume on Revelation can only be described as magnificent in every respect.
This well-written commentary is characterized from beginning to end by careful interpretation, insightful theological analysis, and extremely helpful and applicable illustrations.
Students, teachers, pastors, and scholars will all benefit from Duvall’s significant contribution to the study of this challenging book. I gladly and heartily recommend this fine work.”
Features in the Teach the Text series
This series is designed to provide a ready reference for teaching the biblical text, giving easy access to information that is needed to communicate a passage effectively.
To that end, the commentary is carefully divided into units that are faithful to the biblical authors’ ideas and of an appropriate length for teaching or preaching. The following standard sections are offered in each unit:
Big Idea: For each unit the commentary identifies the primary theme, or “Big Idea,” that drives both the passage and the commentary.
Key Themes: Together with the Big Idea, the commentary addresses in bullet-point fashion the key ideas presented in the passage.
Understanding the Text: This section focuses on the exegesis of the text and includes several sections.
- The Text in Context. Here the author gives a brief explanation of how the unit fits into the flow of the text around it, including reference to the rhetorical strategy of the book and the unit’s contribution to the purpose of the book.
- Outline/Structure. For some literary genres (e.g., epistles), a brief exegetical outline may be provided to guide the reader through the structure and flow of the passage.
- Historical and Cultural Background. This section addresses historical and cultural background information that may illuminate a verse or passage.
- Interpretive Insights. This section provides information needed for a clear understanding of the passage.
- The intention of the author is to be highly selective and concise rather than exhaustive and expansive.
- Theological Insights. In this very brief section the commentary identifies a few carefully selected theological insights about the passage.
Teaching the Text: Under this second main heading the commentary offers guidance for teaching the text. In this section the author lays out the main themes and applications of the passage.
These are linked carefully to the Big Idea and are represented in the Key Themes.
Illustrating the Text: At this point in the commentary the commentary writers partner with a team of pastor and teachers to provide suggestions for relevant and contemporary illustrations from current culture, entertainment, history, the Bible, news, literature, ethics, biography, daily life, medicine, and over forty other categories.
They are designed to spark creative thinking for preachers and teachers and to help them design illustrations that bring alive the passage’s key themes and message.
References
Source: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/bakerbooks/teach-the-text-series/continuity-release-order