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.

William Milligan (1821–1893) attended the University of St. Andrews in 1835 at the age of 14, and in 1839 received an MA. Following the Disruption of 1843 he remained with the Church of Scotland, licensed by the Presbytery of St. Andrews as a preacher. In 1844 he was ordained at the Fife parish of Cameron. He obtained a leave of absence in 1845 for health reasons, traveling to the University in Halle, Germany to study. In 1860 he became first professor of biblical criticism at the University of Aberdeen. In 1875 he was elected deputy-clerk of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and was promoted to principal clerk in 1886.

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.