The Introduction
So why start up a new series? Do I need another series like I need another hole in my head? Perhaps.
We moved to Kentucky from Oklahoma in early 2022 with my in-laws coming with. I started this series in anticipation that we might not find a local church instantly (Note: despite the published date, I am writing this on October 15, 2022. In short, God provided quickly. Praise be to God. - Ed.) and wanted to be prepared from the jump not going to church for a long while. Keeping it all the way real with you: I knew my in-laws would be slow going to church (Note: they still haven’t gone. Pray for them. - Also, Ed.) and wanted to provide the word of God to them.
We did end up finding a church by April and have been faithfully attending. It was God’s grace I started this series and by his grace, I will finish it.
It Goes Without Say
Christian Standard Bible
Holmon Publishing. 2020.
Goodreads
Many times, many teachers, preachers, and small group leaders (myself included) will “cut straight to the chase” and engage the commentary instead of engaging the Word of God. Remember, the commentaries are not without error—they are the observations of the author.
Slow down, pray, read, chew and meditate.
Note: I use the Christian Standard Bible version on this blog by default. Other translations, such as the ESV or the NIV1984, will be noted as such.
ESV Study Bible
Crossway. 2016.
Goodreads
Incredible resource.
I have purchased this resource multiple times over for myself and friends. If you want one and can’t afford one, hit me up.
If I had to pick just one resource (hardcover vs. leather vs. paperback vs. digital), I use it way more in my Olive Tree Study Bible than anything else.
Commentaries & Books
I don’t have a personal insightful recommendation on the following. I just wanted to have a stack of resources that I can check by and draw from if I need to.
Calvin’s Commentaries
by John Calvin.
Baker. 2009.
Olive Tree
I mention this because in my go-to mobile Bible Study App, Olive Tree, Calvin’s Commentaries are my go-to Commentary text of choice when I need clarification on the go. You can get the entire digital set for your phone (and computer) for about $40 $19.99 from Olive Tree!
ESV Expository Commentary: Matthew–Luke (Volume, 8)
by Dan Doriani (Author)
Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., & Jay Sklar (Editors)
Crossway. September 7, 2021.
Goodreads
So, I got the first three volumes released back a few years ago. Now they are up to 11 volumes. Also, I just created a budget that allows me to purchase one commentary per paycheck. (Bivocational is the providence of God.)
The authors are top notch. This will be referenced for sure.
Matthew: An Expositional Commentary
by R.C. Sproul.
Ligonier Ministries. October 29, 2019.
Goodreads
If Sproul wrote it, 9.9/10 I am going to read it, use it, quote it, and recommend it. This volume is no exception.
Matthew: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 22) (The New American Commentary)
by Craig L. Blomberg.
Holman Reference. May 1992.
Goodreads
I am familiar with Blomberg. And I do like this series. This will also be referenced.