Yet another fine commentary series which continues to take shape is The New American Commentary (Broadman & Holman). Gerald L. Borchert is author of the volume on John 12-21. Borchert, who teaches at Northern Baptist Seminary, is an outstanding writer who provides a useful exegetical and theological exposition of this portion of the fourth gospel.
An interesting series from Baker Academic is Encountering Biblical Studies, which saw two new releases this year: Readings from the Ancient Near East by Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Beyer, and Encountering the Book of Hebrews by Donald A. Hagner. The former volume is a collection of primary sources for Old Testament study, which is likely to attract the more serious biblical student. Hagner's work is a unique exposition of Hebrews which is designed as a textbook but which could be of practical value to the preacher who is planning a sermon series from that New Testament book.
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A series every preacher should own is the John Phillips Commentary Series from Kregel. Phillips is a gifted Bible teacher with remarkable insights into God's Word, and these "Exploring" volumes contain the culmination of his life-long study of scripture. Recent volumes produced by Kregel include volumes on John, Romans, 1 Corinthians, and two volumes on the Psalms. The books are filled with practical application as well as illustrations, outlines and other useful preaching resources.
The Lectionary Commentary (Eerdmans) is an excellent tool for any preacher whose sermon schedule is guided by the Revised Common Lectionary. These three volumes provide exegetical essays that cover every biblical text included in the three-year cycle. A wide variety of contributors (primarily mainline scholars but including a selection of evangelical writers) are involved, among them Elizabeth Achtemeier, Ron Allen, Gabriel Fackre, Sifney Greidanus, Martin Marty, Earl Palmer, and William Willimon. The series is edited by Roger Van Harn, a retired Christian Reformed pastor.
Finally, many individual commentaries are published from year to year, but one that may be of special interest this year is the 40th anniversary edition of the Epistle to the Philippians by Karl Barth (Westminster John Knox). Barth's was one of the most influential theological voices of the past century, and this volume is one of the few examples of his interpretation of an entire biblical book. Preachers will find much of value in the insights contained in this brief commentary.