Below are my (Pastor Matt) recommended resources and authors in the fields of Biblical Studies and Biblical Theology. Biblical Studies is the attempt to explain the meaning of the Biblical text in its historical context. Biblical Theology takes themes found in Biblical Studies and traces/connects the dots throughout Scripture to show the unity, purpose, story, and truth in Scripture.
Links are not to the best place to buy them, simply places where one might find an adequate description of the book or series. Some of these resources are available in the South Union Library, specifically on “Pastor Matt’s Recommended Library Shelf.”
Finally, a good Study Bible (such as the ESV Study Bible) can go along way for many years for many people looking to be introduced to Biblical Study. It is probably the best starting place for many lay people, Sunday School teachers, and even ministers.
Helpful General Resources
Logos Bible Software is an expensive, but excellent resource for those looking to do work in the Biblical text. There is a free version available. I used Logos every day for personal and professional study. It is geared for all levels of Bible study.
Bible Commentaries
There are many excellent commentaries designed for all levels of student and teacher. Below are two commentary series I recommend for lay individuals or Sunday School teachers at South Union, with a list of other commentary series below these two. Please note, it is common practice to pick individual commentaries from particular authors from a variety of series.
The Story of God
Written by Bible scholars across denominational lines using the NIV text, these commentaries look to explain the text in light of the “big story” of the Bible.
Believers Church BC
Believers Church Bible Commentary, written by Anabaptist Biblical scholars, seeks to understand the text in its original context in an easy to understand way.
Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament
One commentary I would recommend to everyone is this one by Beale and Carson. The CNTUOT helps to explain how New Testament authors use the Old Testament in its quotations, allusions, and echoes. It is an excellent resource and helpful resource for studying the New Testament.
There are of course many other Biblical commentaries that are useful and helpful to students of the Bible. Other commentaries for lay individuals include “Teach the Text” by BakerBooks, Tyndale Commentaries, New Testament for Everyone series (N.T. Wright), and many others.
Some slightly more advanced commentaries (basic knowledge of original languages suggested) looking to reach both pastors and lay individuals are commentaries such as New American Commentary (NAC), Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC), and Exegetical Commentary on the Old/New Testament (by Zondervan).
For those with a knowledge of Greek/Hebrew, my favorite commentaries include New International Commentary on the Old/New Testament (NICOT/NICNT) and Word Biblical Commentary.
Biblical Theology
A New Testament Biblical Theology
This New Testament Biblical Theology is an excellent resource from a masterful scholar, G.K. Beale, with an underlying emphasis on how the Old Testament unfolds in the New Testament. While a large work, it is well worth reading. ew more
Union with the Resurrected Christ
A summary and application of Beale’s N.T. Biblical Theology for the Christian. It is shorter than his N.T. Theology and may be a useful starting place for some. ew more
Other Helpful Works
How We Got the Bible
A short introduction to the history of the Bible and translations. Very helpful for understanding the history of the Bible itself.
Christianity in the Greco-Roman World
A very helpful book with short stories set in the ancient world, followed by a short chapter explaining some of the history and culture of the early church in the Greco-Roman setting.
Slavery, Sabbath, War & Women
In my experience, this work has been recommended in a variety of Anabaptist settings. It includes case studies examining both sides of Biblical arguments throughout history surrounding slavery, sabbath, war, and women in ministry.
Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus
This readable book helps people understand the role and nature of the law in the Old and New Testaments, especially how it is fulfilled in Jesus.
A Week in the Life of a Slave
The series “A Week in the Life of…” is a series of historical-fiction narratives in Biblical times with excurses of more information throughout. This series is meant to teach people about the life and times of the Bible in an easy to read way.
Introductions and Surveys
An Introduction to the Old Testament
This work will help to introduce the reader to the Old Testament. It contains basic information on every book of the Old Testament, as well as additional background information. Used in Seminary settings, it can provide a reader with a lot of helpful information. more
An Introduction to the New Testament, 2nd edition
This work introduces every book of the New Testament, including background information, summaries of passages, and applications to ministry and discipleship (spiritual formation). Used in seminary, it can provide a lot for a reader.
Dr. Michael Heiser
Dr. Michael Heiser was an excellent Old Testament scholar with several wonderful qualities. First, he was a “scholar of scholars,” able to bring the best from many different avenues of Biblical research and connect the dots. Second, he explained this well to everyday people. Third, he covered some of the most awkward and weird passages and helps them make sense – all within the Bible’s original historical context. He is well worth reading for serious students of the Bible. He also ran a podcast called “The Naked Bible” podcast. His website is www.drmsh.com.
There is an “order” to his works, from least academic to more academic listed below (though not necessarily an “advertised” order). What Does God Want is recommended for new believers or folks new to Biblical studies, followed by Supernatural, I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible, and the Bible Unfiltered. These are meant to prepare someone to go deeper in his more “academic” works, such as The Unseen Realm, Angels, and Demons.
What Does God Want?
An introduction to the Christian faith and discipleship, outlining the gospel and what God wants with human beings (and for human beings, and from disciples).
Supernatural
The introduction to the supernatural world of the Old and New Testament.
The Bible Unfiltered
Dr. Heiser explores reasons for studying the Bible on its own terms, explores some of the stranger passages in the Bible in their original historical context and draws out insights for the modern reader.
I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible
Based on a series of short articles written by Dr. Heiser, this book explores more strange passages of the Bible in their original context and applies it to the reader.
The Unseen Realm
The academic work explaining fully the book Supernatural in all its Biblical and historical details. This work is meant to draw the layperson further into the realm of Biblical Studies. It is designed for the lay reader, with short chapters but deep content, including introducing readers to academic footnotes.
Angels
A very academic, up to date, and exhaustive work on the mysterious beings of heaven: angels.
Demons
A very academic, up to date, and exhaustive work on evil spiritual beings: demons.
Reversing Hermon
Dr. Heiser explores the Biblical themes of Mt. Hermon and the fallen sons of God in Gen. 6, tracing throughout Scripture how God “reverses” that tragedy.
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