Look Inside: The Moody Bible Commentary

Commentaries are a dime a dozen these days. Bible students have no shortage of commentaries to choose from. Yet, finding a good single volume Bible commentary can still prove difficult. So, when a respected name in scholarship throws their hat in the ring it’s worth taking notice. This is exactly what Moody Publishers and Moody Bible Institute have done in releasing The Moody Bible Commentary.

THE MAKING OF THE COMMENTARY

Seven years in the making, the Moody Bible Commentary is a one-volume commentary on the whole Bible. Additionally, it is written by the faculty of Moody Bible Institute. More than anything, the fact that this commentary is entirely written by MBI staff is its biggest selling point.

Similar commentaries are written by multiple authors who span the range of evangelicalism, hoping to provide a balanced view. The advantage here is that you are provided a consistent theological approach to the Bible that is still conservative and evangelical in its perspective.

So, this resource seeks to help both laypeople and pastors grow in their knowledge of the Bible and understand how it applies to life today. Then Moody accomplishes this goal by offering a simple approach, commenting on the text in a clear and insightful way.

LOOK INSIDE THE MOODY BIBLE COMMENTARY

Here’s a brief look inside the Moody Bible Commentary and how it works in the Olive Tree Bible App.

In the screenshot below, I have my Bible open to Ephesians 1 in the main window. With the Resource Guide open on the right I can scroll through all the enhanced resources in my library that reference the Bible text I’m studying. Scanning the list immediately shows me I have entries for the Moody Bible Commentary in commentaries, outlines, and introductions.

MOODY BIBLE COMMENTARY: INTRODUCTIONS

The Moody Bible Commentary offers introductions on each book of the Bible. So you’ll have loads of information about the authors, audience, and historical background. This resource keeps in mind the logic behind the biblical books, not neglecting their literary context or structure. Therefore, the introductions offer strategies for how to read and understand each book based on its genre and inherent structure.

In addition, key details regarding theme and purpose are discussed to provide a well rounded overview of each Bible book.

MOODY BIBLE COMMENTARY: OUTLINES

At a glance, the Moody Bible Commentary shows the organization and structure of all the book you’re studying. Use the outline to quickly get an overview of the key themes and subjects before diving into the Bible text and commentary.

Here’s an Olive Tree Bible App tip. Simply tap on any section of the outline and you’ll immediately go to its corresponding commentary.

MOODY BIBLE COMMENTARY: THE COMMENTARY

With the Moody Bible Commentary being written for laypeople and pastors alike, the commentary text is where this resource truly shines.

First, the commentary is understandable.

The authors worked meticulously to explain the Scriptures simply and clearly. Theological terms are defined and difficult biblical words are explained to keep the text approachable. Comments on the text are concise but remain insightful.

Second: Unlike some single volume commentaries, the authors and editors did not shy away from dealing with difficult Bible passages.

Instead, they offer clear interpretations of these passages, while also making the reader aware of alternative views without over complicating the matter. Moody realizes that those studying the Bible come to commentaries because they want answers, particularly for those harder passages, so their aim is to give those answers. They also provide in-text citations directing readers to resources for deeper study.

Third, the Moody Bible Commentary is based on the original languages of the Bible.

The authors relied on the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts for their research and study. For the English translation used in the commentary Moody has chosen the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which they find to be among the more literal and readable translations available. When you see bold text in the commentary you can know that it is a quotation from the NASB. When other translations or wordings are preferable the author will note it in the commentary with an explanation.

Most importantly, you are getting an entire commentary on the Bible with this resource.

This can easily be your go to resource to help you understand the Bible.

MOODY BIBLE COMMENTARY: MAPS & CHARTS

The Moody Bible Commentary includes several maps and charts. The maps can be helpful in orienting you geographically to the biblical landscape.

What were the possible routes for the Exodus?

Where were the cities Paul traveled to during his missionary journeys?

The maps can help you visually answer these questions. Charts do much the same, providing a quick glance of all of Israel & Judah’s kings and whether they were good or bad. All of these features will help you understand what you’re reading in the Bible.

MOODY BIBLE COMMENTARY: ENDORSEMENTS

For generations Moody Publishers has been a name you could trust in biblical scholarship. Thus, the Moody Bible Commentary proves that this continues to be true. Check out these endorsements from some big names in evangelicalism.

The Moody Bible Commentary being available for Olive Tree thrills me. What a tremendous resource for everyone who loves studying the Bible and values teaching the “whole counsel of God.” This remarkable work provides verse by verse exposition of both the Old and New Testaments by solid, trusted evangelical scholars who believe deeply in the inerrancy of the Scriptures and power of the Word to transform lives. It is quickly becoming an invaluable part of my reference library. I highly recommend that you add it to yours.

— Joel C. Rosenberg, New York Times best-selling author and Bible teacher

The Moody Bible Commentary is a very readable resource, helpful to the layman, Bible study teacher, and serious student alike. The introductory material to each book provides excellent information, and the actual commentary offers a verse-by-verse explanation of the text and deals with the important words. The Moody Bible Commentary enables the reader  to come to a clear understanding of Scripture that will be helpful for personal knowledge, spiritual growth, and ministry.

— Paul Enns, ThD, Professor and Director, Tampa Extension Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Once again, Moody Publishers, the name you can trust, has provided  Bible students and teachers  alike a comprehensive biblical resource that will help them to understand and communicate biblical truths effectively. It is a must-read tool for every Christian’s library.

— Tony Evans, President, The Urban Alternative
Senior Pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas

GET IT TODAY

You can get the Moody Bible Commentary today on our website. It’s sure to enhance your understanding of God’s Word and encourage you to keep on studying.