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.

J. Lawson Lumby (1831-1895) received his MA in 1861, BD in 1873, and DD in 1879 from Magdalene College, Cambridge. He became a fellow of the college and was ordained in 1860 in the diocese of Ely, appointed chaplain of Magdalene and curate of Girton. in 1861 he was appointed as classical lecturer at Queens College. In 1874 he became fellow and dean of St. Catharine's College and curate of St. Mark's, Newnham. In 1875 he became vicar of St. Edward's, Cambridge. In 1879 he became professor of divinity at Norrisian, attained a fellowship there in 1886, and was later made Lady Margaret professor of divinity.

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.