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.
John Monro Gibson, DD, MA studied theology at University College and Knox College, Toronto, receiving double 1st class Honours, from 1862-1863. He served as a minister at Erskine Church in Montreal from 1864-1874, and later as a minister of the Second Presbyterian Church in Chicago from 1874-1880. From 1880 onward he was a minister at St. John's Wood Presbyterian in London. Academically, he was a lecturer in Greek and Hebrew Exegesis at Montreal Theological College from 1868-1874. He served as a moderator of the Presbyterian Church of England in 1891, and as the president of the National Council of Free Churches in 1897.
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.