The Essential Commentaries for a Preacher's Library

From the back cover: Our aim in compiling this booklet is to provide you with a concise and up-to-date annotated bibliography of essential commentaries on each book of the Bible. Special attention is given to exegetical and expositional commentaries that may prove particularly helpful for sermon preparation. We hope our recommendations will serve as a reference tool for any individual who is a teacher and/or student of God s Word, but especially pastors, elders, seminary and college students, Sunday school teachers, and serious Bible students.

This booklet is a revision and expansion of The Essential Commentaries for a Preacher s Library by Derek Thomas, which was published in 1996 by Reformed Academic Press (RAP). Since its original publication a host of new commentaries have emerged and are emerging seemingly daily! So, like the first edition, this update is by no means an exhaustive list but an essential list. Though the basic format has remained, several additions have been included.

We hope this reference aid will assist you in your study as you prepare to teach and preach God s Word. Ultimately, we want not just your love for commentaries to grow but your love for the Scriptures.

-University College of Wales, B.S.
-Reformed Theological Seminary, M.Div.
-University of Wales, Ph.D.

Originally from Wales, Derek Thomas is the John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at the Jackson campus of RTS. After pastoring for 17 years in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dr. Thomas returned to the USA in 1996 where, in addition to his work at the seminary, he serves as the Minister of Teaching at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. In addition to serving in the pastorate, Derek has served as editor of the Evangelical Presbyterian, a monthly denominational magazine. A graduate of RTS in 1978, he gained a Ph.D. from the University of Wales, Lampeter in Calvin's preaching on the book of Job. He has written or edited 15 books and has contributed to commentary series by Banner of Truth and Evangelical Press. He also co-edited Give Praise to God: A Vision for Reforming Worship, (P & R) with Philip Ryken and Ligon Duncan. In 2004, Derek Thomas became Editorial Director for The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals and the editor of its ezine, Reformation 21.