The Baker Exegetical Commentary of the New Testament Series

The Baker Exegetical Commentary of the New Testament Series December 30, 2024

Today I’m going to feature another valuable commentary set. But before I do, let me clear something up.

People sometimes ask why I use Bible commentaries. The main reason is to understand the variations between ancient biblical manuscripts and to gain expert perspectives on the original Hebrew and Greek texts. I also consult them to discover how (and why) scholars disagree in their interpretations of various biblical texts.

In that respect, I read commentaries for their reasoning, not for their conclusions or their practical applications.

One of the resources I was blessed to use in my research for The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded (March 2025 release) is the magnificent Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (BECNT).


This commentary set of 18 volumes stands as one of the most significant modern commentary series available to scholars, pastors, and serious students of the Bible. The comprehensive series, published by Baker Academic, has established itself as a valuable resource that bridges the gap between technical scholarship and practical application.

High voltage scholars like Darrell Bock and Jeffrey Weima are among the contributors of this series.

Academic Rigor and Accessibility

One of the most striking features of the BECNT series is its ability to maintain scholarly depth while remaining accessible to non-specialists. Unlike some commentary series that either sacrifice academic rigor for readability or become so technical that they’re practically impenetrable to non-scholars, the BECNT achieves a remarkable balance. The authors consistently engage with the Greek text and current scholarship while presenting their findings in clear, well-organized prose.

The series’ format contributes significantly to its usefulness. Each commentary begins with an introduction addressing standard critical issues such as authorship, date, audience, and purpose. The commentary proper follows a consistent pattern: original text, textual notes, structure, exegetical discussion, and exposition. This systematic approach allows readers to quickly locate specific information they need while maintaining a coherent reading experience.

Distinctive Features and Methodology

The BECNT series distinguishes itself through several key features:

First, the authors employ a methodology that prioritizes understanding the text within its original historical and literary context. Rather than immediately jumping to contemporary application, the commentaries carefully examine the cultural, social, and theological background that informed the original writing and reception of each New Testament book.

Second, the series maintains a strong commitment to evangelical scholarship while engaging respectfully with diverse viewpoints. The authors don’t shy away from difficult textual or theological issues, and they fairly present alternative interpretations before arguing for their preferred understanding. This approach demonstrates academic integrity while remaining faithful to orthodox Christian interpretation.

Third, the graphical layout deserves special mention. The use of shaded boxes for technical discussions, clear paragraph divisions, and helpful subheadings makes the commentaries exceptionally user-friendly. The Greek text is presented in a readable font, and important technical terms are explained without assuming extensive theological education.

Strengths and Contributions

The series’ greatest strength lies in its consistent exegetical depth. Authors pay careful attention to grammatical details, word studies, and sentence structure while never losing sight of the larger theological and literary context. This approach helps readers understand not just what the text says, but why it says it in particular ways.

Another significant contribution is the series’ interaction with contemporary scholarship. Each volume includes extensive bibliographies and engages with current academic discussions. The footnotes provide valuable resources for further study without cluttering the main text with excessive technical details.

The practical orientation of the series also deserves praise. While maintaining academic rigor, the commentaries regularly highlight the pastoral and practical implications of the text. This makes them particularly valuable for preachers and teachers who need to move from exegesis to application.

Areas for Consideration

Despite its many strengths, potential users should consider several factors:

The series’ level of detail may be more than some readers need. While the format allows readers to skip technical discussions, those seeking primarily devotional or quick-reference resources might find other commentary series more suitable.

The cost of the series represents a significant investment. Individual volumes are relatively expensive, reflecting their academic quality and detailed research, but this may put the complete series beyond some users’ budgets.

Some volumes in the series are stronger than others, as is inevitable in any commentary series. While the overall quality remains high, readers may find certain volumes more helpful than others depending on their specific needs and interests.

Conclusion

The Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (BECNT) succeeds admirably in its aim to provide detailed, scholarly analysis of the New Testament text while remaining accessible to serious non-specialist readers. Its methodological consistency, theological thoughtfulness, and practical orientation make it an invaluable resource for academic study, sermon preparation, and serious Bible study.

The series particularly excels in:

– Balancing scholarly depth with practical usefulness

– Maintaining consistent quality across volumes

– Providing clear, well-organized presentations of complex material

– Engaging respectfully with diverse viewpoints while maintaining evangelical commitments

– Offering valuable assistance for both academic study and pastoral application

For pastors, seminary students, and serious Bible students who can invest in quality resources, the BECNT series represents one of the best modern commentary options available. While other series may be more suitable for quick reference or primarily devotional use, few match the BECNT’s combination of scholarly rigor, practical value, and accessible presentation.

"Thanks for sharing this!"

Eric Clapton on Jesus
"Thank you Frank and Team! ~ Gordie"

The Truth Booth Podcast
"The insights Kenneth Bailey brings in Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes is just amazing, almost ..."

Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes: Cultural Studies ..."
"I am surprised there are no comments about the Thompson Chain. I purchased my first ..."

The Thompson Chain Reference Bible

Browse Our Archives