Skip to content ↓

Free Stuff Fridays (Lifeway)

This weeks giveaway is sponsored by Lifeway.

A Modern Commentary Steeped in Ancient Tradition

The Christian Standard Commentary (CSC) aims to embody an “ancient-modern” approach to each volume in the series. This approach seeks to balance the strengths of the modern commentary tradition with the lesser known, and highly beneficial, dynamics of the ancient commentary tradition, bringing together the old and new to give a biblically derived and theologically rich commentary steeped in history.

The CSC affirms the traditional features of a modern commentary providing verse-by-verse exegesis, studying the texts historical-grammatical context, and exploring the unique literary dimensions of the biblical books. However, it is especially marked by a theological bent regarding biblical interpretation. This bent recognizes that the Bible is not only a historical or literary document but is fundamentally the Word of God. It recognizes Scripture as both historical and theological. God is the primary speaker in Scripture, and readers must deal with Him.

Theological interpretation affirms that although God enabled many authors to write the books of the Bible (Heb 1:1), He is the divine author, the subject matter of Scripture, and the One who gives the Old and New Testaments to the church, the people of God, to facilitate her growth for her good (2 Tim 3:16–17). Theological interpretation reads Scripture as God’s address to His people because God gives Scripture to His people to be heard and lived. Any other approach (whether historical, literary, or otherwise) that diminishes emphasis on theological interpretation stands deficient before the demands of the text.

Common to Christian biblical interpretation in the past two millennia (e.g., patristic, medieval, reformation, or modern) is a vision of Scripture in which Scripture is read with attention to divine activity, truth, and relevance to the people of God. The ancient commentary tradition interprets Scripture as a product of complex and rich divine action. God has stepped into history and given his Word to his people so that they may know, love, and glorify Him, and proclaim His praises to all creation, leading to spiritual and practical transformation.

The Christian Standard Commentary will encourage and equip God’s people to understand the text and live according to Scripture for Christ’s glory. The unique ancient-modern approach to the biblical text found in the CSC is a valuable resource for building up Christ’s church while encouraging God’s people to fulfill the Great Commission. As a commentary series written with Christ’s church in mind, the CSC is a valuable tool for the shelves of pastors, scholars, and any student of Scripture.

Enter for your chance to win a 7-volume set of the Christian Standard Commentary series including the following titles: Genesis 1-11, Isaiah 1-39, Habakkuk, Acts, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, 1 & 2 Peter and Jude. Entries are limited to North America.


  • With Our Eyes on God

    With Our Eyes on God

    Life inevitably faces us with grievous trials and terrible troubles. None of us remains unscathed and undamaged as we make our way through this fallen world. When trials come, they can loom up so large before us that they become the only thing we can see. And even if we find the strength to cry…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    Weekend A La Carte (February 22)

    A La Carte: The ‘ordo amoris’ and immigration policy / Sin casts a long shadow / But For the Cross of Christ (a new song) / Don’t wait to be thankful / Prayers for scrupulosity / and more.

  • Either Or

    Either/Or or Both/And?

    It is sometimes difficult to know how to follow Jesus. It is sometimes difficult to encounter a situation, look to Scripture, and know how to live in a distinctly Christian way. Often it seems there are two options before us that appear to stand opposite one another. Do we respond by expressing truth or by…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (February 21)

    A La Carte: The heavy seasons of life / Going against the grain / Should we call God mother? / If faithfulness isn’t the highest priority / A heart for adoption / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (February 20)

    A La Carte: Defining healthy masculinity / The women who disappeared / Dear older women / When leaders fall, are you next? / A Storm in the Desert / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Building Churches

    Building Churches Out of Other Churches

    What is your church really made of? Or perhaps better said, who is your church really made of? This is something we all do well to ponder from time to time, for there are good ways and bad ways, better ways and worse ways to fill a church.