The Old Guys

Here is a new commentary series from IVP Academic that I am just getting into. The farther I get the more excited I become. These are some incredible volumes worthy of your attention. Below is an overview of the what and why of this new series. I also hope to follow up with a detailed feature overview (really nice!) and then reviews of particular volumes at some point.

What is the Reformation Commentary on Scripture?

The Reformation Commentary on Scripture (RCS) is a twenty-eight volume series of exegetical comment covering the entire Bible and gathered from the writings of sixteenth-century preachers, scholars and reformers. It gives you access to a wealth of Reformation-era commentary on Scripture that is largely unknown and for the most part unavailable in English. While the giants of the era, such as Luther and Calvin, will be presented, you will also be introduced to a host of figures with whom you might be unfamiliar, yet who contributed to the Reformation in important ways. In doing so, the RCS demonstrates both the unity and diversity of thought that characterized this vital period in the history of the Church.

With this series you have centralized access to treasure that very few can gather for themselves. The series introduces you to the great diversity that constituted the Reformation, with comments on scripture by representatives of the multitudinous traditions that originated in the era, from Lutherans, Reformed, Anglican and Anabaptists to radical reformers and even reform-minded Catholics, who all shared a commitment to the faithful exposition of Scripture.

Why do we need this new commentary series?

The Reformation Commentary on Scripture provides a crucial link between the contemporary church and the great cloud of exegetes that is the historical church. The salient insight, rhetorical power and consensual exegesis of the tradition of the Reformation are here made available as a powerful tool for the church of the twenty-first century. Like never before, believers can feel they are a part of a genuine tradition of renewal as they faithfully approach the text of Scripture.

A few of it’s goals are to:

• Renew contemporary biblical interpretation through exposure to Reformation-era biblical interpretation;
• Renew contemporary preaching through exposure to the biblical insights of the Reformation writers;
• Contribute to a deeper understanding of the Reformation and the breadth of perspectives represented within it;
• Advance Christian scholarship in the fields of historical, biblical, theological and pastoral studies.

Overview of Projected Volumes:

Projected Old Testament Volumes (13)

• Genesis 1-11, edited by John Thompson
• Genesis 12-50, edited by Mickey Mattox
• Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, edited by Randy Blacketer
• Joshua, Judges, Ruth, edited by N. Scott Amos
• 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles edited by Derek Cooper
• Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job edited by David Hogg
• Psalms 1-72, edited by Herman Selderhuis
• Psalms 73-150, edited by Herman Selderhuis
• Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs edited by David Fink
• Isaiah, edited by Steven McKinion
• Jeremiah, Lamentations, edited by Jeffery Tyler
• Ezekiel, Daniel, edited by Carl Beckwith
• Minor Prophets, edited by Sujin Pak

Projected New Testament Volumes (15)

• Matthew, edited by Jason Lee
• Mark, edited by Edwin Woodruff Tait
• Luke, edited by Beth Kreitzer
• John 1-12, edited by Craig Farmer
• John 13-21, edited by Christopher B. Brown
• Acts, edited by Esther Chung-Kim
• Romans 1-8, edited by Gwenfair Walters Adams
• Romans 9-16, edited by Philip Krey and Peter Krey
• 1 & 2 Corinthians, edited by Scott Manetsch
• Galatians, Ephesians, edited by Gerald Bray
• Philippians, Colossians, edited by Graham Tomlin
• 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon (editor not yet assigned)
• Hebrews, James, edited by Ron Rittgers
• 1 & 2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude, edited by Steven Harmon
• Revelation, edited by Rodney Petersen

How Can I Start a Collection?

Purchase them individually as they are released. (Genesis 1-11, Galatians, Ephesians, & Ezekiel, Daniel are available now.) WTS | Amazon

Subscribe to the series with IVP and receive each new volume automatically at around 40% off for $29.99. (Cheaper than Amazon.) Also, receive the first volume for only $9.99 and Reading Scripture with the Reformers by Timothy George for free!

Tags: Book Review