The Expositor’s Bible was first published in eight series, each with six volumes, from 1888 to 1905. Edited by Sir W. Robertson Nicoll, the series featured contributions from twenty-nine prominent preachers from various Protestant backgrounds, emphasizing the shared beliefs across many denominations.

Nicoll, a theological writer, apologist, and literary critic, was well-suited suited for this role. His position as editor of the prestigious British Weekly gave him the necessary access to recruit prominent preachers to the task, and his literary skills added significant value to the volumes.

The Expositor's Bible is a substantial work, instrumental for sermon crafting and scholarly study. The series enjoyed broad distribution among clergymen and ministers in its day, and the truths within these volumes continue to resonate with preachers, teachers, and students of the Word today.

George Adam Smith received his MA from the University of Edinburgh and the New College in 1875, pastoring at the Queen's Cross Free Church in Aberdeen in 1882. In 1892 he was appointed professor of Hebrew and Old Testament in the Free Church College at Glasgow, but in 1900 he joined the United Free Church of Scotland. From 1909-1935 he served as principal and vice chancellor of the University of Aberdeen. Among his honors he was elected a fellow of the British Academy in 1916 and the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1917. He was moderator of the General Assembly of the United Free church of Scotland from 1916-1917 and served three English monarchs as Chaplain-in-Ordinary. He was knighted in 1916.

Sir William Robertson Nicoll, editor, was a distinguished scholar, theological writer, and preacher. Born in Scotland, he served as a minister before moving to England. He earned his MA from the University of Aberdeen in 1870 and was ordained in 1874. In 1884, he became the editor of The Expositor for Hodder and Stoughton. After recovering from typhoid in 1885, he retired from preaching and founded the British Weekly, which he edited until his death in 1923. This publication greatly influenced non-conformist churches in England. Shortly after launching the British Weekly Nicoll began releasing the Expositor's Bible volumes, which he oversaw as editor. In 1909 he was knighted by King Edward VII.