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Help Choosing Commentaries for e-Sword


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#1 Hayduke

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Posted 20 October 2012 - 10:43 AM

I am relatively new to e-Sword. The more I use it, the more I like it.

I've downloaded a bunch of the free content (bible versions, etc.), but I could really use some help choosing one or more bible commentaries. I don't mind spending some money, but I want to be sure it's worth it. I know I can't afford to build an extensive library overnight, but I would appreciate anyone's recommendations (as well as any you might shy away from). I realize they all have pros/cons (accuracy, depth of study, ease of use, etc.). I already have a hard copy of the OT/NT BKC. I think at this time, what I am looking for is something that digs deeper (not to insult the BKC). One of my fears is that I will choose a commentary (or commentaries) and then find what's discussed about the passages will be too brief or shallow (I realize sometimes that's what people are looking for). I lean more fundamental/conservative the vast majority of the time, but not on every single issue. I appreciate being able to read and understand alternative views, even when I don't agree with them. In addition to my personal studies, I'm looking for help with preparing lessons. I love digging into the background of the culture and other things that I wouldn't typically know when I read the text as an American in 2012.Hopefully that will help you help me. :^)

Any suggestions you can offer are much appreciated!

#2 BaptizedBeliever

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Posted 20 October 2012 - 11:55 AM

Based on what you asked about, and only relating to commentary files:

As far as official modules go:

Robertson's Word Pictures and Vincent's Word studies are excellent resources (though occasionally inaccurate). The People's New Testament is good for quick reference. Clarke and Barnes are standard works which often aid in understanding.

Other Premium Modules

If you are interested at all in explanations of textual variants in a text and explanations of specific translation choices, then I have found nothing better than the NET (New English Translation) premium set from Bible.org. It runs $20, but I have found it very much worth it (and it is the only premium resource I personally recommend).

Free Modules Here

There are many commentaries here on BibleSupport that are decent as well. Alford and Lange are both meaty commentaries. The Pulpit Commentary (Born Again) is also very meaty (and has recently been made much more user-friendly). Kretzmann's commentary is a very good commentary for making practical, personal application to everyday life.

There are also many commentaries here that deal with specific books instead of the entire Bible, and some are very thorough in the books they cover. I personally recommend Foy Wallace's commentary on Revelation (putting the book in it's historical context) and My own commentary (covering the book of Philemon so far, but more to be added later). Also, B.W. Johnson - Collected Commentaries (Mostly John and Revelation, but also random passages throughout the Bible).

Others will have suggestions of the files they like/use the most, and I could add more to my list, but based on what you asked for, I think these would be a good start.

The good thing about BibleSupport.com is that you can download all the commentaries you want, try them out, and then just delete the ones you don't like as much. And you're still not out any money!

Welcome, and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

-Brad

Edited by Bradley S. Cobb, 20 October 2012 - 11:55 AM.


#3 pfpeller

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Posted 20 October 2012 - 12:58 PM

I am relatively new to e-Sword. The more I use it, the more I like it.

I've downloaded a bunch of the free content (bible versions, etc.), but I could really use some help choosing one or more bible commentaries. I don't mind spending some money, but I want to be sure it's worth it. I know I can't afford to build an extensive library overnight, but I would appreciate anyone's recommendations (as well as any you might shy away from). I realize they all have pros/cons (accuracy, depth of study, ease of use, etc.). I already have a hard copy of the OT/NT BKC. I think at this time, what I am looking for is something that digs deeper (not to insult the BKC). One of my fears is that I will choose a commentary (or commentaries) and then find what's discussed about the passages will be too brief or shallow (I realize sometimes that's what people are looking for). I lean more fundamental/conservative the vast majority of the time, but not on every single issue. I appreciate being able to read and understand alternative views, even when I don't agree with them. In addition to my personal studies, I'm looking for help with preparing lessons. I love digging into the background of the culture and other things that I wouldn't typically know when I read the text as an American in 2012.Hopefully that will help you help me. :^)

Any suggestions you can offer are much appreciated!


We do not have a lot of commentaries for e sword that in depth on every passage. You often have to look through multiple commentaries to find what you are looking for. Bradley already mentioned the Pulpit Commentary. I like that as well.

I would also like these free ones:
http://www.biblesupp...ols-updated-v2/ Biblical Illustrator
http://www.biblesupp...tantial-update/ David Guzik Commentaries
http://www.biblesupp...series-updated/ Chuck Smith C 2000 Series
http://www.biblesupp...-bible-20-vols/ Great Texts

As far as premium modules go, I like these the best:
http://estudysource.....aspx?pid=C0005 Jon Courson Life Application (NT)
http://estudysource.....aspx?pid=C0019 Nelson's New Illustrated Commentary
http://estudysource.....aspx?pid=C0009 J Vernon McGee through the Bible Commentary
http://estudysource.....aspx?pid=C0001 Believer's Bible Commentary

I use or have used all of the above in my studies along with many others.

Blessings,
Peter

#4 dartmaster644

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Posted 20 October 2012 - 03:50 PM

Hayduke....

Peter and Bradley have given you excellent choices !! If I had to add one other....it would be..........

Lange, John Peter - Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical (25 volumes) 3

Because you mentioned you didn't want something too "brief or shallow"and you like to dig deep......this would seem to fit your needs quite well.

http://www.biblesupp...cal-25-volumes/

Like Bradley said....download it....try it out ....and if you don't like it....delete it. Let me know how this works out for you.

#5 Hayduke

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Posted 20 October 2012 - 06:01 PM

This gives me a great place to get started. I will start downloading several of these and checking them out.

Thank you very much, everyone, for taking the time to provide suggestions!

#6 Josh Bond

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Posted 20 October 2012 - 06:39 PM

One more: Thomas Coke is interesting sometimes: http://www.biblesupp...y-bible-6-vols/



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