Writing of the Bible many years ago, Bishop Temple observed, "I know that whatever else shall go, this will stand. This is, indeed, the message of God Almighty to man; and as long as man remains here on earth, still shall he find, in ever-increasing measure, the power which the Book has to uplift his soul."

The Bible is the book on which the church has stood for two millennia. And as we stand near the edge of a third millennium, the Bible has lost none of its power to convict and to save -- at least not where the God's messengers are faithful in preaching and teaching the Word. As preachers, we are called, above all else, to preach the Word.

Little wonder that, year after year, the printing presses stay busy printing Bibles as well as new works to aid in our study and understanding of the scriptures. Those of us who preach want to stay abreast of the latest, most helpful resources that will aid in our study. That's why for many years Preaching has provided an annual survey of new releases in the field of Bibles and Bible reference material -- commentaries, indexes, and the like. Though not an intensive review, the purpose of this survey is to point to what has recently become available.

Bibles

Last year's survey pointed hopefully to the release of the MacArthur Study Bible, which had not yet been released at time of publication. This Word publication did appear shortly thereafter, and has been widely and well received. Produced by pastor John MacArthur (see an interview with him in this issue), this fine study Bible also draws on extensive research and insights from faculty of The Master's Seminary, where MacArthur serves as president.

Based on the New King James Version (NKJV), the volume features more than 20,000 study notes, along with an extensive series of articles, book introductions and other resources for preaching and teaching. Written from a strongly conservative evangelical perspective, the MacArthur Study Bible will find a welcome place in the studies of many preachers. And thanks are due to Word for producing a Bible of such quality in appearance and design.

Commentaries

While some laypeople must wonder what possible use all those different commentaries serve, preachers know there's always room for another one -- at least a good one! The past year has produced an abundance of good ones that deserve your consideration.

There are several additions to some outstanding commentary series which have been underway for a period of years. One of the best series of recent years is the New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT), released by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Two new volumes have recently been released in this series: The Book of Ecclesiastes by Tremper Longman III, and The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 40-66 by John N. Oswalt, completing his two-volume commentary on Isaiah. Evangelicals will find Oswalt's work of particular interest since he argues for the single authorship of Isaiah, a position not taken by many modern commentators. Oswalt is Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Seminary, while Longman is Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Seminary. Both volumes will be useful to preachers seeking to communicate the message of these Old Testament books better.