April
Hi Friends! For book recommendations this month, we are going to provide some of our favorite Bible commentaries that serve as a supplement to Bible study. Some of these commentaries will come by means of study Bibles and some of them will be a commentary unattached from a Bible. Not all of these commentaries strictly uphold the beliefs of the contributor, Jacob Harris, but each one of these commentaries provide a number of things which can edify Bible study.
- The Wiersbe Bible Commentary ~ Warren W. Wiersbe
- One of my absolute favorite and referenced commentaries is the work of the Warren Wiersbe, a 20th and 21st century Baptist pastor who has a knack for making technical information practical. Additionally, his works are known for addressing the meat of a topic without rambling on things many would deem unimportant. Wiersbe was heavily influenced by another popular commentary work titled the Scofield Bible and has been identified with the uncommon designation of a “Dispensational Calvinist.” One more popular example among today’s theological community of this designation would be John MacArthur. We highly encourage use of the Wiersbe Bible Commentary for deep exegetical study or just a practical guide to the Bible.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible ~ Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible is a unique work written primarily in the latter part of the 17th century, although due to his conciseness in writing, it would be hard to tell this work as to be this old. Matthew Henry’s work is my “quick reference” guide as in his work, he often does address things as “verse for verse” but rather expounds on pericopes/passages of Scripture as a whole. He conciseness in thought is unmatched among other commentators and he get to the point quickly. As a Presbyterian Nonconformist, he does carry a strong Calvinistic viewpoint, but for the an Armenian to disregard his incredible thoughts because of this would be a mistake. This is a must have in the Christian’s library.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers ~ Charles J. Ellicott
This work by Anglican ministry John Ellicott is perhaps contains most critical interpretation of Scripture among this list. As a 19th century writer, he was around much of the liberalization of Christian thought and you can see a flavor of this age in various places within this work although it is still primarily regarded as one of the greatest conservative Christian commentaries of all time. I do not reference this commentary for its deep spiritual points as for much of it, I do not agree and believe to be misplaced. Where this works strength is comes by way of his historical, contextual, and linguistic evaluation of Scripture. This work is where pastors can safely discern historical context and in that regard, this commentary is invaluable. If you regard yourself as set in your beliefs, this work is a great reference for things more non-spiritual.
Scofield Reference Bible ~ Cyrus Scofield
Perhaps one of the most controversial reference systems between Covenant and Dispensational theologians, these notes are regarded as one of the primary catalysts for the popularization of classical dispensationalism. I use these notes for their critical but yet spiritual insights and their value for keeping the Bible as a literal interpretation. Literal, in that, it seeks the most obvious or plain interpretation of Scripture. I often refer to this commentary in that way. It is a very good work, especially for people of a more dispensational persuasion.
Honorable Mentions and Occasionally Referenced:
- Matthew Poole’s Commentary
- Adam Clarke’s Commentary
- R.C. Sproul’s Various Commentary’s (book by book commentaries)
- The Companions Bible (E.W. Bullinger)
Coming Soon! Expected 2026: The Grace Study Bible by Berean Bible Society
The above work is expected to be released in 2026 and will be the first fully Pauline Rightly Divided Dispensational Study Bible and many dispensational pastors have been working together to devise this study Bible. It will be an edifying work and will be a great resource to use. More news on this soon!
Related Author Works
Enriching Grace Commentary of 2 Timothy ~ Jacob Harris
This book is my third work in Enriching Grace’s, Understanding the Faith, series. We delayed the arrival of this work, so that 1 Timothy could be rightly digested in preparation for Paul’s final work preceding his death. We pray you read this work alongside an open Bible and edified, able to stand and “teach no other doctrine.”
Although I may be slightly bias, I recommend this work highly!
Enriching Grace Commentary of Ephesians: Understanding the Faith ~ Jacob Harris
This is Enriching Grace’s new compiled notes on Ephesians! It is the first published work by contributor Jacob Harris and is intended to be a very practical look into the epistle. This commentary is now available on Amazon. This is an exciting time in the ministry!
Enriching Grace Commentary of 1 Timothy: Understanding the Faith ~ Jacob Harris
This is the second published work by Enriching Grace and its emphasis is on the epistle of 1 Timothy! It is the second work of contributor Jacob Harris and once again intends to take a look to practical applications of the letter while allowing it to remain within its proper context! Excited for this bit of our ministry to be shared!
Conclusion
This is the recommended read list for the month of April!
Lastly, I hope you were enriched in some way through these suggestions and leave a comment if you have read any of these commentaries or have a comment to make!
God bless,
