Look Inside: Everyman’s Bible Commentary

When it comes to commentaries, figuring out which one is right for you can be a difficult task. Commentaries like Anchor Yale and Hermeneia are clearly aimed at an academic crowd; whereas, commentaries like the Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible and NIV Application Commentary are a great aid to pastors and teachers. But how does the Christian sitting in the pew know which commentary is right for them? A single volume commentary is a perfect start, but where do you turn for deeper studies? What if I told you there’s a commentary designed for every Christian? It does exist. It’s aptly called the Everyman’s Bible Commentary. Let’s take a look inside this commentary to see how it can help you in your studies.

Old and New Testament Surveys

When studying a book of the Bible, the first place to start when using the EvBC is with the Old and New Testament Surveys. You’ll find these at the beginning and middle of the table of contents in list view.

The surveys provide broad overviews of every book of the Bible. Here you will find information about the book’s author, dating, purpose, theme, and so much more. You will also find a basic outline, allowing you to see the overall structure of the book you’re studying.

Also, the survey provides a very nice summary of each book of the Bible. The summaries briefly describe each major section in any book you’re studying. When you’re done making your way through the survey you will have a broad overview and understanding of the book of the Bible you’re about to study.

Additionally, there are introductions to each book, located before the commentary begins.

Outlines

While the Old and New Testament Surveys provide basic outlines for the Bible’s books, you can dig deeper when you start looking at the the individual commentaries that comprise the EvBC. Within each commentary volume you will find a detailed outline giving you a more in-depth look at any given book’s layout and structure.

Not only are the outlines helpful for understanding the structure, but they can also help you navigate the commentary. The detailed outlines are linked to the commentary text. Tap on the outline item and you will immediately be taken to the commentary for that passage of Scripture. Or, you can tap on the verse reference to read the Bible text in a pop-up.

Commentary Text

The most important part of any commentary is, well, the commentary. It’s here that the EvBC lives up to its name as a commentary for every human. The EvBC‘s treatment of the Scriptures is straightforward and devotional. The commentary doesn’t try to talk above or beneath you. The tone is light and conversational, almost like you’re having a conversation with the commentary’s author. The commentary’s aim is to help you accurately interpret the Word of God so you can apply it to your life, and it does this well.

Resource Guide

Of course, a commentary in Olive Tree is not complete without mentioning its functionality with the Resource Guide. As you’re reading through your Bible, the Everyman’s Bible Commentary series is always at your fingertips ready to help. Are you reading through Romans 6? The EvBC is right there with you, making its many features a few taps away. Want to read the commentary text? Head to the commentary section. A little fuzzy on the structure of Romans? Access the EvBC’s outline in the Outlines section of the Resource Guide.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a scholar, pastor, teacher, or sitting in the pew, the Everyman’s Bible Commentary is for you. No matter how you choose to access its contents, the EvBC is always ready to help you understand the Word of God. Learn more about this commentary and add it to your library by visiting our website.