Reviews (5)

A great book about the Good Book!
50 years and this is still a great book in a great series. Unlike so many popular Christian books that become dated over time, William Barclay's Daily Study Bible just seems to get better. He has excellent historical material. He offers valuable insight that will apply to your life as we begin the third millenium. You will be glad you bought this book, or any of the others Barclay wrote in the New Testament Series.

The Gospel Of Mark Revealed"
I find that William Barclay's "The Gospel of Mark" is an excelent book to learn more about what is the true meaning of what the Gospel of Mark is all about. It is fairly easy to read and it puts what is written into historical contexts. It let me know a lot more about what was going on during the life of Jesus Christ. so that I could understand the Gospel in much greater depth than I ever had before. I'm looking forward to reading the entire series
Reading this commentary was like having a daily conversation with a deeplylearned companion.Barclay's remarks are always insightful.Without beingdogmatic, he brings Mark's prose alive.His understanding of the originalGreek and of the customs and mores of the ancient world provides helpfulcontext to the story.What a wonderful personal tutor!I now am readinghis book on the letters to the Corinthians and will read the entire series. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    3. Bible.    4. Commentaries    5. Mark    6. N.T    7. N.T.    8. Reference    9. Religion    10. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (8)

Barclay's opinions on the New Testament
Finding scholarly Bible books among a sea of evangelistic books can be frustrating. If you are more of a Bible scholar than a Bible thumper, then this set of paperbacks may be just the thing. I tend to agree with Barclay's opinions and viewpoint, so reading these is very comfortable. Buy one [don't write your name in it], see if you like it, and then buy the set (you will like it). Give the one book you bought to a friend who is interested in learning about the New Testament from a scholar's perspective, or simply a desire to know what is in the NT in plain language.

Outstanding Commentary on the New Testament
William Barclay, a Scottish theologian, has written an outstanding 17 volume commentary on the New Testament.(It can be bought as a set or by separate volumes.)He gives a passage, then proceeds with an explanation.Often, he gives four or five interpretations, sometimes following with a statement something like, "The first interpretation probably is not what Paul meant because..., the second is certainly a possibility because...; however, I tend to favor the third explanation because..."Essentially, I respect his work because of the depth of his scholarship, learning, and faith, but almost more because of his honesty.If there are major conflicting views from other scholars on a passage, he gives their reasoning.He gives support (such as translations from the Greek or facts of church history) for his stances and if it is flatly an opinion, he states that it is so.In fact, he is sometimes so fair, that he spends almost too long giving all the possible interpretations of a passage.Our study class has appreciated a source which gives readable scholarly background and presents dissenting views fairly.His work sparks some of the best discussion we've had.It isn't "a hundred pages a sitting" reading, but it is fascinating to read a chapter then discuss and reflect on the ideas he raises.For me, this is the best Bible reference book I have ever used.

It's a love/hate thing
I started reading Barclay as a challenge.While working through a course in interpreting the Bible I came accross a statement by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stewart (in Reading The Bible For All Its Worth) which suggested Barclay's commentary.This startled me because Barclay downplays the supernatural, so much so that a fundamentalist like myself would shudder.Anyway, the notes I turned in mentioned the that I didn't appreciate that the text suggested materials written by someone who believes in Universalism (albeit that the unsaved will ultimately enter God's grace via hell...at least according to Barclay).My notes came back agreeing that his theology at times "stinks" while yet challenging me to read him because of his uncanny ability to write and his wonderful insight into the background of the text (manners, customs, Jewish culture, Greek, etc.).Well I started reading him, and I have learned to love his works, but I do hate his theology.It's a love/hate thing, but I reccomend it wholeheartedly to the open minded reader (but be careful). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    2. Bible - Stories - New Testament    3. Bible - Study - New Testament    4. Bibles    5. Reference    6. Religion    7. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (3)

Basic Word Studies
Most modern Christians, Catholic or not, are well versed in Latinate theological terms and notions.But how well do they know the Greek words and ideas of the Scriptures themselves?Despite that the Greek New Testament has been back in the West for several centuries now, its vocabulary still has not become a part of the mental furniture of the common Christian.Logos, agape, kyrie eleison....Can you go any further?And more importantly, how well do you understand these words, words that were spoken, prayed, discussed, and debated almost every day in the ancient church? Word study for the layman
I have looked at and own some of the schorlarly greek word study books. They are not easy for a layman like me to understand. Barclay presents it simple and clear. He quotes from several ancient greek minds and tries to communicate the mindset of that age so you get an idea of the picture the Bible writer is trying to describe. He presents several different definitions of the same word. A excellent book, I only wish it was on all the Bible greek words but I guess he picked the nuggets.

Starter Book
This book takes certain great New Testament words (more than 70) and traces their meanings in classical Greek, the Septuagint, in Hellenistic Greek, and in the Papyri, giving the reader a greater understanding of what these words meant to the writers of the New Testament and to those who read and heard their message.It makes a great starter book for someone just beginning word studies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Language Studies    3. Bible - Reference - General    4. Bible - Study - New Testament    5. Bible.    6. Dictionaries    7. English    8. Greek language    9. Greek language, Biblical    10. N.T    11. N.T.    12. Religion - Biblical Studies - Language    13. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    14. New Testament   

Reviews (5)

Great Help!
These studies are perfect for daily bible reading and study.They are broken into portions that are timely and deep for great personal reflection.I highly recommend this series for those who are still struggling to find daily devotional material that is biblically based and instructive.

insightful, but outdated
Barclay is one of the most insightful commentators of the New Testament. Written about 50 years ago, much of the background information and schalorship in his commentaries are outdated. Sometimes he stretched historical/cultural background too much to explain the text. Conservative readers should be aware that Barclay was a universalist (one who believes that all people will be saved ultimately). He does not believe in miracles and tries to explain them away in his commentaries on the Gospels.However, his comments on the relevance of the Bible can still be very valuable for discerning readers. His volumes on Hebrews and Revelation are still among the best commentaries written for lay believers on these two books in the New Testament, and are therefore still worth getting.
titles Included in set are:
The Acts of the Apostles
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    2. Bible - Study - New Testament    3. Devotional    4. Religion    5. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (2)

Insightful, yet outdated
Barclay is one of the most insightful commentators of the New Testament. Written about 50 years ago, much of the background information and schalorship in his commentaries are outdated. Sometimes he stretched historical/cultural background too much to explain the text. Conservative readers should be aware that Barclay was a universalist (one who believes that all people will be saved ultimately). He does not believe in miracles and tries to explain them away in his commentaries on the Gospels. However, his comments on the relevance of the Bible can still be very valuable for discerning readers.
Good study guide
Barclay's commentaries give a whole different perspective.Very challenging, but they ring true. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    3. Bible - Study - New Testament    4. Bible.    5. Commentaries    6. Mark    7. N.T    8. N.T.    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Reviews (6)

Insightful, yet outdated
Barclay is one of the most insightful commentators of the New Testament. Written about 50 years ago, much of the background information and schalorship in his commentaries are outdated. Sometimes he stretched historical/cultural background too much to explain the text. Conservative readers should be aware that Barclay was a universalist (one who believes that all people will be saved ultimately). He does not believe in miracles and tries to explain them away in his commentaries on the Gospels. However, his comments on the relevance of the Bible can still be very valuable for discerning readers.
Barclay's Commentary on the Book of John
I first studied the Book of John by Barclay in the 80's and thought it was outstanding.Coming back to his new volumes, I am even more impressed with the depth and genuine grace-filled commentary he delivers.If you have a Bible Study or Sunday School class that is hungry to understand what John was trying to convey about Jesus, this is the best book you could find.

Barclay is insightful
Barclay does a wonderful job of analyzing and adding more insight to the Gospel of John.His information is biblically accurate and highly recommend to anyone seeking more understanding. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    2. Bible - Study - New Testament    3. Religion    4. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Reviews (4)

Insightful, yet outdated
Barclay is one of the most insightful commentators of the New Testament. Written about 50 years ago, much of the background information and schalorship in his commentaries are outdated. Sometimes he stretched historical/cultural background too much to explain the text. Conservative readers should be aware that Barclay was a universalist (one who believes that all people will be saved ultimately). He does not believe in miracles and tries to explain them away in his commentaries on the Gospels. However, his comments on the relevance of the Bible can still be very valuable for discerning readers.
Compelling scholarship with true love of Christ's message.
I have tried to read the Gospels several times, and had always come away dissatisfied, feeling that I was missing the true meaning. This book (and part two) solved that problem for me. Barclay takes anywhere from one to several verses at a time and discusses them in the contexts of the time they were written, the prevailing religious thought, and their admittedly proseletizing purpose. He demonstrates how Matthew took ideas from the Hebrew Scriptures and showed that they predicted the coming of Christ. He also tells that many of these references were inappropriate, but because Matthew was intended for the Jews, this method was used. Beyond this, though, Barclay explains the meaning of the words and deeds of Christ, making opaque parables and homilies clear and compelling. The love of Christ and his ministry to save mankind come alive in this book. Barclay elucidates the message of Christ in a powerful, heart-gripping and understandable way. I am a Jew, and recommend this book to people of any faith if they wish to understand Matthew.

very thought provoking
this book is really good...i especially enjoyed the depth of knowledge and insight. it tells you how customs and manners were relevent to that time period and why people did the things they did during that time. ive beenlooking for books of this nature for a long time and finally found some. itis a very good book and i will probably buy the entire series. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    3. Bible - Study - New Testament    4. Bible.    5. Commentaries    6. Matthew    7. N.T    8. N.T.    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Subjects:  1. Acts    2. Bible    3. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    4. Bible - Study - New Testament    5. Bible.    6. Commentaries    7. Devotional    8. N.T    9. N.T.    10. Religion    11. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    3. Bible.    4. Commentaries    5. Ephesians    6. Galatians    7. N.T    8. N.T.    9. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (3)

Excellent
I am glad to vouch for this edition of the New Testament.I have many editions of the New Testament, from many editors/translators.This is my overall favorite for "readability" and balance.Some versions are more scholarly, eg, the New American Bible's thorough footnotes.This version is beautifully translated without being flowery.To the extent that I can judge, it is accurate, and, I never have found it burdensome to read.I happen to be an attorney, and, all things considered, this is the version I find most appropriate to give as a gift: it is balanced, readable and softly conveys, I believe, the intended message.

My Bedside Bible
I have many translations of the New Testament that I use for different spiritual needs.Of all of these, the Barclay translation is my favorite.Yes, I know it is not a literal word-for-word translation and I know that one man translations are open to bias.(Barclay humbly points this out himself in the introduction).However, when I want to feel the presence of the Spirit in word, I feel it with Barclay's version the easiest. Readable and Accurate
I have many versions of the New Testament (including origninal greek texts) and I treasure each one of them.Having several versions of the bible often allows you to find the one translation that you feel is plain enough and true to the original meaning ( I suggest a good Interlinear bible as an aid for this). However many translations often sacrifice accuracy in order to create "new" translations in "modern english" which they then market to the public as if it where the newest Soft Drink that will expand your understanding and abilities.Well this bible is different, it is very attractively typeset ( though not flashy) and it includes introductions to each book which are both concise and helpful. The translation is just wonderfull.If you want a bible that is readable and uses modern language this is it.Simple, insightfull and accurate.For example Acts 20:7 is often translated as occuring on a Sunday, which some texts go as far as translating as "the Lords Day" (which was not used to reffer to Sunday until long after the time of the apostles) even though the correct translation is Saturday evening as the T.E.V. translates it.In addition many good literal translations such as the King James series translate Hebrews 4:9 as simply "there remains therefore a "rest" for the people of God" When the word rest is Sabbatismos which should be translated as "a sabbath rest" or "a keeeping of the sabbath" rather that just rest (katapausis) which simply implies a cessation of work.Barclay's translation of Hebrews chapter 4 allows you to really follow the reasoning of the whole statement and grasp it's meaning.Overall I think that this is great translation to have, especially to use as a more readable version to supplement your reading from a more literal translation such as the KJV or NASB ect. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Biography - New Testament    2. Bible - Study - New Testament    3. Bibles    4. Bibles - Other    5. New Testament Study Guide    6. Religion   

Reviews (5)

A deeper dive
This is the perfect book for the student who wants more than just a basic commentary.

This series a must-have for serious Bible students
Barclay's New Daily Study Guide series is a treasure. Every student of the Bible should own--and use--a set. Barclay adds life to Bible stories by explaining the customs of the first century. He helps our understanding of the text by explaining word selection: The various meanings, where else in the New Testament the word was used, etc. When new characters enter the Bible text, he describes them fully. He goes outside the Bible for historical material that helps with understanding. My only quibble is that Barclay absolutely, positively does not believe in miracles, while I do--and have stories to tell that can't be explained any other way. So, I disagree strongly with Barclay about miracles, but this information-packed series is still very much worth buying and reading.

Better resources available
This is a classic study guide on Romans. Much better resources are now available today. Check out, for example, the commentaries by Osborne in IVP New Testament Commentary Series and Moo in NIV Application Commentary Series. Tom Wright has also written two volumes on Romans in his Paul for Everyone series. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    2. Bible.    3. Commentaries    4. N.T.    5. Religion    6. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    7. Romans   

Reviews (5)

Insightful, yet outdated
Barclay is one of the most insightful commentators of the New Testament. Written about 50 years ago, much of the background information and schalorship in his commentaries are outdated. Sometimes he stretched historical/cultural background too much to explain the text. Conservative readers should be aware that Barclay was a universalist (one who believes that all people will be saved ultimately). He does not believe in miracles and tries to explain them away in his commentaries on the Gospels. However, his comments on the relevance of the Bible can still be very valuable for discerning readers.
The Gospel of Luke by William Barclay
We are doing this book in my women's Bible Study, one chapter of Luke a week.It is being very well received by the ladies and someone comments each week on how much they like his commentary.It precipitates great discussions and we are all learning more each week.

How Can You Not Gain Insight from Barclay
Though criticized by others in the scholarly guild for not producing enough "scholarly" papers/ books/ commentaries, Barclay is beloved by the average person in the pew because of the insightfulness of his prose.As a classicist he always offers just the right comment to help the reader understand, and appreciatively so, the text.There are other commentaries, more learned, more massive, perhaps more scholarly, but none with the real appreciation and insight from one who so loved God's Word as Barclay.We are the better for his having come our way, and continue to be in his debt for the incisiveness of his thoughts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    3. Bible.    4. Commentaries    5. Luke    6. N.T    7. N.T.    8. Reference    9. Religion    10. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (1)

Excellent historical review
I have read many commentaries and Barclay and John MacArthur are the best in my opinion.Barclay is the easiest to read.He aims at the people to which it is written, the culture in which it is written and the language atthe time.Barclay is the most quoted in terms of history.Very, veryinteresting reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    3. Bible - Study - New Testament    4. Bible.    5. Commentaries    6. Devotional    7. James    8. N.T    9. N.T.    10. Peter    11. Religion    12. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (1)

Barclay, the preemminent New Testament scholar
William Barclay is likely the most often referenced New Testament scholar by teachers and writers of teaching material.His unsurpassed mastery of ancient Greek and the cultlure of the early Christian church facilitates understanding of what the Biblical message meant in its day and how we may apply its wisdom today.Barclay makes ancient scriptures live again! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - New Testament    3. Bible - Study - New Testament    4. Bible.    5. Criticism, interpretation, etc    6. N.T    7. N.T.    8. New Testament    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Reviews (4)

Half of God
Barclay only addresses one of God's attributes in his study of the Apostle's creed, God is Love.He cheapens the meaning of Christ's death by setting Him up as some ultimate example of love instead ofAlmighty God redeeming a people for Himself.Barclay completely misses the point of Christ's death, that of saving us from the wrath of God.Barclay's study is not grounded in the truth.

Chiristian perceptions in a polictical and scocial context
Barclay did an outstanding outline of the Apostle's Creed.Line by line he revealed a new understanding of the Creed based on the historical context of the time in which Christ lived.Using Greek translations, Barclay shed new insight as to what the true meaning of what was Christ's teachings were and how centuries of translations obscured or lost those teachings.After reading this book I walked away with a tremendous respect for what Christ really was trying to say, "Look and you will find."The caviot is to look spiritually within your own heart and there you will find Christ and what he was trying to convey. Excellent historical overview; great pastoral guidance.
This book provides a helpful historical study of the ancient Apostles' Creed.More importantly, it provides expert and loving pastoral guidance on the meaning of each passage in this important summary of the Christian faith.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catechisms    2. Prayer    3. Religion    4. Religion - Theology    5. Theology    6. Worship    7. Christian worship    8. Christianity   

Reviews (1)

Must Read for Christians
The book is the best factual Christian book I have read to date.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - Christology    2. Early church, ca. 30-600    3. History of doctrines    4. Inspirational - Protestant    5. Jesus Christ    6. Reference    7. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    8. Christianity   

Reviews (5)

The best volume in Barclay's NT Daily Study Bible
Barclay is one of the most insightful commentators of the New Testament. Although much of the background information and schalorship in his commentaries are now outdated, his comments on the relevance of the Bible are still very valuable for today's discerning readers. This is especially true for his volume on Hebrews. For more updated commentary on Hebrews for beginning students, Tom Wright's "Hebrews For Everyone" is a very good choice. The volume on Hebrews in NIV Application Commentary series is excellent for slightly more advanced students.

Hebrews by Barclay
We use this as a reference material in our Bible Study.We have used Barclay's resources for years and are never disappointed.His research and insight give much additional value to the Bible.We would not study without it.

Everything You Could Ever Want to Know About Hebrews
Our adult Sunday school class is currently using this study.It is easy enough for all to read, yet challenging due to the background given into meanings of the words used in the original Greek.The author doesn't skip a chapter or verse, and ties all the concepts together beautifully.He also repeats central themes, and is an excellent teacher.It took us over two weeks to get 15 copies, but they were well worth the wait. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    3. Bible.    4. Commentaries    5. Hebrews    6. N.T    7. N.T.    8. Religion    9. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (1)

The Heart of Abba Father
Barclay had a unique gift of the ability to paint verbal portraits of Christ.In this particular text, he slowly reveals a deep understanding of the simplicity as well as the profundity of the Lord's Prayer.So often said, yet so little understood, one can read and reread this text and findthe newness and beauty again and again.Special attention should be paidto the chapter..."Thy Will Be Done". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - New Testament    2. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    3. Prayer    4. Religion    5. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    6. Worship   

Subjects:  1. Christian ethics