Preaching pastors, ministers, and priests know how quickly Sundays come and go. The Lectionary Commentary, Vol. 1 will not slow the pace of the weekly calendar, but it will help assure that sermon preparation begins with a solid engagement with Scripture. This indispensable work gathers exegetical essays on biblical texts from the Revised Common Lectionary. Covering every Sunday of the three-year liturgical cycle, as well as Christmas Day, Epiphany, and Ascension Day, the readings are arranged in canonical order so as to be of use to all preachers.

Seventy-eight pastors, priests, and teachers from a variety of Christian traditions have contributed their insights to The Lectionary Commentary. Each of their essays closely considers its specific biblical text, all the while remaining alert to the contemporary context in which the sermon will be spoken and heard. The result is an invaluable resource that will aid in the difficult task of facilitating a meaningful encounter between Holy Scripture and our modern world.

This volume, The First Readings: Old Testament and Acts, provides exegetical commentary on the lectionary readings from Genesis to Malachi, and from the first seventeen chapters of Acts. Also unique to this volume is an excellent essay by Hughes Oliphant Old on preaching as worship.

The complete three volume set is also available: Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sunday’s Texts, Vols. 1-3