Africa Bible Commentary: A One-Volume Commentary Written by 70 African Scholars

With both the best scholarship (you can see this in the bibliography), and with seminary teachers as the core writing group, The Africa Bible Commentary exceeds one's expectations. I checked out the commentaries on Genesis, Proverbs, and Jeremiah. Word Biblical Commentary series were often used - very good. Did not use any of the Comentario Biblico Mundo Hispano as it is in Spanish and most of Africa is English or French-oriented. One nation is Spanish. The three books that I examined were well done. The accompanying articles address specific issues within the African context such as Tribalism, Ethnicity, and Race, The Bible & Polygamy, The Role of the Ancestors, etc. Also more international areas such as the Bible, and Principles of Interpretation were treated. One errata: the article of Street Children is located on page 1266 (not 2366). This is a commentary that should be on the shelf of every pastor and missionary on the African continent as well as those who minister with Africans in their diaspora.

I just returned from a mission trip in Uganda and was delighted to see that my first ordered copy had arrived when I returned from Africa. For me, the commentary has such a refreshing and inspired passion for the faith that excites the soul. It has become my first stop in sermon preparation. I find the scholarship first rate, but also the "heart" for pastoral applicability is equally evident. Having experienced the African faith up close may tint my perspective slightly, but that's probably not a bad thing in this case. As an Episcopal priest, I find this commentary to be not only a treasure chest of wisdom, but truly enjoyable to read. The articles are very informative, interesting and appropo to African social and religious issues and they easily translate into our own cultural context. Life in much of Africa helps one better understand many of the biblical customs and contexts because the lifestyle, especially in remote areas, is very similar. I think that this closer connection to our biblical roots cannot help but provide a more personal reflection of the meaning of the texts. The evangelical slant will probably turn off some Americans, but this is the reason that the fastest growing segment of the worldwide church is Africa. Personally, I prefer to be humbled and learn rather than prideful and judge. After familiarizing myself with the commentary, I have purchased eight more copies of this book for the Ugandan clergy and host families that extended their hospitality to our team. I also bought one for my son, who is a senior at Duke Divinity School. Even though it stretched my book budget, this is without a doubt, money well spent.

Extremely enlightening! I use this commentary to supplement my scripture reading. I'm currently reading through the bible again (for the third time). I read a chapter in the bible, then I read that same chapter in the Africa Bible Commentary. I'm amazed at the insights I glean from the authors. I am a seminary graduate so I'm familiar with most of the scholarly commentaries. This one has become one of my favorites. It's on my nightstand, right beside my bible. It's written so clearly that the average person can read and understand it. I particularly enjoy the essays it offers on a myriad of subjects. If you want a better understanding of scripture and you don't want to go to seminary to get it, this book is for you! It will expand your understanding of scripture and have you wondering why you hadn't run across this jewel of commentary sooner!

Am I the only person to purchase the African Bible Commentary on Kindle? I use this book as I am able and wish I could use it a lot more. Because i travel to mission in Africa, the Kindle was the way to get the ABC here. However, I cannot navigate in the Kindle version.. I can choose the particular book I want but have no idea how to get to a chapter or verse without "flipping" every page one at a time. I could give a 5 star rating if I could find a text easily or at all. If someone has figured it out I would be so grateful if they wrote a review to include some helpful navigation pointers. If I find the scripture I am interested in, I put on text- to- speech and put the Kindle in cooking pot which increases the sound like speakers and I can take notes while I listen.

I have a few commentaries on my bookshelf and this one by far is one that I go to on more occasions than any other. It is to me a grounded commentary (it flows with a writer's style that is like having a conversation with the authors). While it is a lengthy commentary it is not wordy or filled with guesses. It brings a much clearer view of the Bible through its devotion to clarifying passages that seem to conflict with each other. Great commentary and I recommend it highly.

I was disappointed that the commentary, although written by African scholars, it iis not very African. It seems that Western conservative education affected too much these brothers and sisters. I wanted to learn how Africans have faced issues of spiritual power (Keener's recent book about Miracles does a much better job- his wife is African-), I wanted to learn what redemptive analogies were used and can still be used to take the meaning of Christian discipleship deeper into the hearts of Africans. I wanted to learn more about the individuals and cultures from Africa that take such an important place in the Scriptures. I know this commentary has not been as widely used and received as expected. I believe this is the reason: Written by Africans it does not give Westerners, Asians, Latin Americans (and maybe even Africans) what we were looking for: Africa's contribution to understand better the Word of God. Since this is a very commendable work, I hope someday it will be reviewed to add these essential insights.

I bought this commentary expecting it to be full of cultural insights about all the various passages of Scripture. Actually, it's more like any generic one-volume commentary, but with several (40-50?) short cultural articles scattered throughout the pages. Since I already have plenty of other commentaries, this one could have just collected the articles and been turned into a short book/booklet. Great idea, but it struggles on execution.

Great to hear different perspectives and I appreciate solid theology.

A fantastic commentary to get out of the western dominant perspective

With both the best scholarship (you can see this in the bibliography), and with seminary teachers as the core writing group, The Africa Bible Commentary exceeds one's expectations. I checked out the commentaries on Genesis, Proverbs, and Jeremiah. Word Biblical Commentary series were often used - very good. Did not use any of the Comentario Biblico Mundo Hispano as it is in Spanish and most of Africa is English or French-oriented. One nation is Spanish. The three books that I examined were well done. The accompanying articles address specific issues within the African context such as Tribalism, Ethnicity, and Race, The Bible & Polygamy, The Role of the Ancestors, etc. Also more international areas such as the Bible, and Principles of Interpretation were treated. One errata: the article of Street Children is located on page 1266 (not 2366). This is a commentary that should be on the shelf of every pastor and missionary on the African continent as well as those who minister with Africans in their diaspora.

I just returned from a mission trip in Uganda and was delighted to see that my first ordered copy had arrived when I returned from Africa. For me, the commentary has such a refreshing and inspired passion for the faith that excites the soul. It has become my first stop in sermon preparation. I find the scholarship first rate, but also the "heart" for pastoral applicability is equally evident. Having experienced the African faith up close may tint my perspective slightly, but that's probably not a bad thing in this case. As an Episcopal priest, I find this commentary to be not only a treasure chest of wisdom, but truly enjoyable to read. The articles are very informative, interesting and appropo to African social and religious issues and they easily translate into our own cultural context. Life in much of Africa helps one better understand many of the biblical customs and contexts because the lifestyle, especially in remote areas, is very similar. I think that this closer connection to our biblical roots cannot help but provide a more personal reflection of the meaning of the texts. The evangelical slant will probably turn off some Americans, but this is the reason that the fastest growing segment of the worldwide church is Africa. Personally, I prefer to be humbled and learn rather than prideful and judge. After familiarizing myself with the commentary, I have purchased eight more copies of this book for the Ugandan clergy and host families that extended their hospitality to our team. I also bought one for my son, who is a senior at Duke Divinity School. Even though it stretched my book budget, this is without a doubt, money well spent.

Extremely enlightening! I use this commentary to supplement my scripture reading. I'm currently reading through the bible again (for the third time). I read a chapter in the bible, then I read that same chapter in the Africa Bible Commentary. I'm amazed at the insights I glean from the authors. I am a seminary graduate so I'm familiar with most of the scholarly commentaries. This one has become one of my favorites. It's on my nightstand, right beside my bible. It's written so clearly that the average person can read and understand it. I particularly enjoy the essays it offers on a myriad of subjects. If you want a better understanding of scripture and you don't want to go to seminary to get it, this book is for you! It will expand your understanding of scripture and have you wondering why you hadn't run across this jewel of commentary sooner!

Am I the only person to purchase the African Bible Commentary on Kindle? I use this book as I am able and wish I could use it a lot more. Because i travel to mission in Africa, the Kindle was the way to get the ABC here. However, I cannot navigate in the Kindle version.. I can choose the particular book I want but have no idea how to get to a chapter or verse without "flipping" every page one at a time. I could give a 5 star rating if I could find a text easily or at all. If someone has figured it out I would be so grateful if they wrote a review to include some helpful navigation pointers. If I find the scripture I am interested in, I put on text- to- speech and put the Kindle in cooking pot which increases the sound like speakers and I can take notes while I listen.

I have a few commentaries on my bookshelf and this one by far is one that I go to on more occasions than any other. It is to me a grounded commentary (it flows with a writer's style that is like having a conversation with the authors). While it is a lengthy commentary it is not wordy or filled with guesses. It brings a much clearer view of the Bible through its devotion to clarifying passages that seem to conflict with each other. Great commentary and I recommend it highly.

I was disappointed that the commentary, although written by African scholars, it iis not very African. It seems that Western conservative education affected too much these brothers and sisters. I wanted to learn how Africans have faced issues of spiritual power (Keener's recent book about Miracles does a much better job- his wife is African-), I wanted to learn what redemptive analogies were used and can still be used to take the meaning of Christian discipleship deeper into the hearts of Africans. I wanted to learn more about the individuals and cultures from Africa that take such an important place in the Scriptures. I know this commentary has not been as widely used and received as expected. I believe this is the reason: Written by Africans it does not give Westerners, Asians, Latin Americans (and maybe even Africans) what we were looking for: Africa's contribution to understand better the Word of God. Since this is a very commendable work, I hope someday it will be reviewed to add these essential insights.

I bought this commentary expecting it to be full of cultural insights about all the various passages of Scripture. Actually, it's more like any generic one-volume commentary, but with several (40-50?) short cultural articles scattered throughout the pages. Since I already have plenty of other commentaries, this one could have just collected the articles and been turned into a short book/booklet. Great idea, but it struggles on execution.

Great to hear different perspectives and I appreciate solid theology.

A fantastic commentary to get out of the western dominant perspective

This commentary has been very helpful to our African church leaders and overseas missionary partners working in Africa. This is the book they request we bring on our annual visits, so we know they are using it. It's the first of it's kind - the ABC is not a critical, academic, verse-by-verse commentary. Rather, it contains section-by-section exegesis and explanation of the whole Bible, as seen through the eyes of African scholars who respect the integrity of the text and use African proverbs, metaphors and stories to make it speak to African believers in the villages and cities across the entire continent.

Over 1,560 pages, rather small print, it covers nearly every verse found in the bible!!!!. We can not expect too much from one volume commentaries. But this one does it's best in details and expositions. Yes, it's weak points may be in the fields of exegeses but in many places the writers told us more underlying details that we could not find in other one volume commentaries. We think this book is the best one volume commentary in the market now. We are using it a lot in advancing our knowledge in bible study. The new edition is coming soon!!! Highly recommended.

This is an excellent commentary. It presents the "African" perspective although there are 53 separate nations and thousands of people groups in Africa. It's perspective often serves as a counter point to more Western views. It's commentaries often go deeper and broader than Moody's for example. Reading and studying the Bible here in Burkina Faso this commentary simply "fits" better. Worthy addition to any library.

The information, and, perspective I found in this amazing book was more and better than I expected.

Introduced it to some Black Minister who had not known of it.

I am thoroughly enjoying this all in one commentary. The work is a great help for either lay person or pastor. So insightful and clear.

It is most amazing that in an Africa beset by tribal conflicts there could be such unity among those who call themselves Christian leaders to put together a book like this. It is a testimony of what God's love in people can do to make life different for them as they strive to teach others the Way. The book is well done and uses much from African culture to help us understand the Bible better. I love the use of African proverbs in explaining the Bible. I use it every day in my personal Bible study.

It is helpful to have perspective away from the northern hemisphere. This one volume gives me a view into the Africian culture of which I have a bit of experience. The brevity does not cripple the insight from the variety of authors. I like the constant reminder of the communal aspect of the ancient near east along with recognition of the rich heritage we have from previous generations. This is a welcome change to other commentaries with the words studied through the centuries.

Thorough biblical references and research. I really appreciate this commentary. Especially since the election of the yellow haired animal that sits in the oval office. It puts everything in perspective..... to God be the glory.

This is a great commentary. I would hope pastors and Bible teachers all over the US would invest in a copy of it in order to gain AFRICAN insights to the Bible. It is refreshing to see the Bible from the eyes of someone from a different culture. What a blessing this commentary is! I am so glad to have this valuable resource in my hands. I wish more people knew about it. It's a treasure.

Great resource material for pastors

iT IS AN EXCELLENT AN RARE SCHOLASTICAL WRITING OF BIBLICAL COMMENTARY. To my knowledge it in one of very few commentaries written from the perspective of the people who live in the part of the wolrd where all the major religoins were founded. Anyone looking to understand the religious mind of the Eastern and African bibical scholar should view this as a must have text.

I have a Master of Divinity degree and currently working on my Doctorate. Can use this book for sermon preparation. The kind of book, you don't wanna sit down and loose it... It's like an American Express card. Don't leave home without it.

Have not gotten into it much but what I've read offers a unique perspective you just won't find in the West. Glad to see African Christian theology developing and being published.

As a recently commissioned lay minister, I have been seeking resources to use as I explore scripture to learn for myself and to share with others. As a person who has lived in East Africa and has come to appreciate the culture reflected there, it has been refreshing to read reflections on scripture from a perspective from another part of the world. I have a great deal of respect for both the academic and spiritual strenghts of the writers. This has been a prized addition to my library.

I love the commentary and wealth of information.

Practical and Easy to follow. Excellent reference that helps with the interpretation of the Bible.

After serving in West Africa on the mission field for a short time, I can instantly see the value of this book both for African scholars, those who teach and work with them, as well as a multi-cultural introduction to the Bible. Excellent insights, some of them seem to recycled Western ideas, but also shows the universality of the teaching of Scripture. Evangelical, Bible-believing, solid, well-thought. A good one volume to add to your library.

Edifying and insightful into another's culture perspective of the Word of God.

Well documented. It is a companion to my African Heritage Bible with Rev. Cain Hope Felder. It has several references, charts, graphs and so much more. I could not put it down. Very insightful. Would like to see a paperback version. Karen Owes Harlem, NYC

I like it because it addresses issues that are not only African though it is called African. It is really Biblical and insists on the authority of the Bible.

This commentary is put together by 70 top African scholars trained mostly in western universities and seminaries. Their scholarship is true to scripture. I don't use any other one volume commentary. I highly recommend it to clergy and lay alike.

I purchased this for my wife. She absolutely loves it. She, in fact, purchased one as a hostess gift for a friend.

Written mainly in plain English, the lack of scholarly insider talk would be helpful for beginning seminary students or eager lay persons. Be advised that the Kindle Edition has the name of God misspelled 100 times; probably a scanning error.

Wonderful resource!

African theological educators and others who live and minister there are very grateful for this one-volume reference book for themselves and their students. African scholars have done a great job within a limited amount of space.

I am very happy with this commentary. As an African-American working in ministry both in America and Africa it is a real help.

This is an awesome commentary and a must have for any one who is a student of theology and/or religion.

Like this so much I bought another one to take to Africa with me.

I loved it! Insight from a different cultural perspective.

Excellent cooperative work and timely needed tool to contribute to the understanding of God's word and it's application in daily life. Believers in Africa and elsewhere can draw wisdom and sound principles for their personnal and church growth and their love to serve the Lord. And t

Gift for missionary friend in Seminary. Enjoy sharing. Recommend to all everyone young, or old,wanting to study the Bible. Explanations and definitions and references to African Culture is educational and inspiring.

I really love this Commentary. It is packed full of spiritual nuggets. I find myself referring to it on the regular. If anyone is searching for a great commentary - I believe this is one of the greats. I highly recommend it.

This is the best commentary I have every used regardless of where it is focused. And it is absolutely great for presenting the views of west Africans.

Thanks for your timely delievery of the book. I am enjoying the book, and many of my friends are planning to buy one. Keep up the good work. God bless.

Have not used this very much but it seems to be a good resource.

Enlightening

I purchased this product as a gift for my Husband. He has been so inspired and blessed with this guide. In fact, we never new anything like this existed. We have several Afro-American bibles, song books, cook books and other inspiring reading material. I am so grateful for finding this. It has been truly enlighting.

I have this commentary for just a short while. however, I am finding that it is a tremendous addition that has a wealth of knowledge wrapped inside of it.

I have found this book to be very informative and helpful. I have decided to read the book from the beginning to end as a daily reading. It is also helpful in trying to understand what was going on in the chapter. I good resource for papers, speaking, and preaching.

Arrived almost before time and in excellent condition. It was a gift...the recipient is delighted!

Very insightful. I would give it five stars but it did not tackle the issue of the Hebrew people and Jesus' race which seems crucial for an African Bible commentary.

I haven't gotten totally engrossed into this commentary but I feel it is worth every penny I have paid for it. Thanks for the great packaging, and timely delivery.

I like to hear from another countries perspective of the Bible in commentary . Glad i got the book it was well worth it

Africa Bible Commentary: A One-Volume Commentary is Very Informative and detailed. Information that is usabel I bought it because a friend was using it at Bible Study.

This commentary is not filled with replacement theology. Those who made comments were thoughtful in their approach and delivery. Will help in study of the Bible.

This is a must have commentary!

My pastor uses this as one of his commentaries and I find it very helpful to give another dimension to further enliven the Bible.

Love it!!!

This is a seminal work of commentaries on the Bible. Clear and concise reflections on the very word of God!

Helpful perspectives connect culture and heritage to Biblical stories

A good handbook for research and gaining knowledge.

informative

Nice book, will help me learn the bible to the fullest

Love it! This is a great resource for Bible study.

Outstanding read!

Great!

Very good condition. Love it

Its not an indeoth review as I hoped it would be. It summarizes and it is not verse by verse. It reads more like a modern translation.

excellent commentary

Very informative

Complete and often used as a reference for research papers I needed to write for a biblical studies course.

Material you won't find anywhere else in one place. That said, what is said can be quite concise. The articles are interesting.

I found the book useful but biased with a certain social agenda promoting popular earthly interpretations rather than biblical exegesis.

For years I have read and contemplated Scripture from within a western framework with my readings reinforced by western scholars and commentators. Overall it has been healthy and wholesome. Yet I know, after experiencing two years in Turkey, that to always see with western eyes and hear with western ears can lead to, at the least, stilted views; and at the worst, self-congratulating groupthink and elevating Americanism. So I was delighted to pick up a copy of the 1632 page hardback "Africa Bible Commentary: A One-Volume Commentary Written by 70 African Scholars." This volume's compilation was led by general editor Tokunboh Adeyemo, who was general secretary of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa, but has since died (may he rest in Christ's peace; and rise, body and soul, on Christ's Day!). It has a view toward instructing fellow Christians, aiding pastors, and giving significant substance to Bible teachers. "Africa Bible Commentary" is a simply formatted compendium of systematically compiled exegesis on Scripture that takes the Holy Writ seriously. This seriousness is highlighted in the two forwards, one written by John Stott and the other by Dr. Aboagye-Mensah. It has a mild Baptist and dispensational flavor in places, but as Dr. Stott observed, its "foundation is biblical, its perspective African, and its approach to controversial questions is balanced" (vii). I have used it several times when mulling over various passages, and found its tone to be simultaneously gracious and genuine. If you're interested in adding an important single-volume commentary to your library, or desire to hear from Bible scholars outside of your western and American context, "Africa Bible Commentary" would be a valuable asset. If you're wondering what to get for your favorite pastor, seminarian or Bible teacher as gift "that keeps on giving," then you will want to consider this commentary. I gladly and heartily recommend this book.

The print is too small. Description does not fit the product. Wish I had never bought it.

An important book of biblical scholarship reflecting one major stream of African Christianity. For me, however, it was a significant disappointment to discover that the choice of commemtators strongly reflects historic Western church divisions. There are no Roman Catholic, Coptic Orthodox or Ethiopian Orthodox scholars represented among the 70 contributors. It is written from, (and to?) evangelical Protestant communities. All the contributors had to affirm the statement of faith of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa. For some readers this may be a reassurance. For me, it is a sorrowful narrowing of the full breadth of African Christianity. I find this an ecumenical opportunity missed and had hoped for a more generous interpretation of African Christian life. Nevertheless despite this missed opportunity I appreciate this book as an important work by evangelical African scholars. However, those looking for a contribution from African Catholic or Orthodox scholars will need to look elsewhere.

I did not find this commentary to offer a particularly African viewpoint in its analysis.

I have NEVER had a commentary that I can use in so many ways everyday as I can this one. When I first got it my plan was for it to enhance my bible study times, that it has done. BUT after reviewing the book and its contents I realized between the articles throughout this is the perfect devotion tool. My time with God has never been the same, now when I am stuck I ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and then get my ABC and keep it moving. Today before church I decided to write a review for ABC (Africa Bible Commentary) and before writing I skimmed through so that I can remember the thoughts I had when I first used it back in December 2012. It was on page ix that I got my revelation. A question "what can the ABC be used for"? on the list it said devotion all I could do was smile. I'm ashamed to say I have never read the whole bible, (hey don't judge me)smile. Anyway with ABC that is my goal, to read it and then have ABC as my companion. Let me add I am not a scholar, seminary student nor ministry leader. I am a lay person who loves the Lord and want to understand His nature and keep His word close to my heart. If that is your goal then this book will help its a library of sorts that will help you in understanding (exegesis) the bible, you will also find wonderful articles on poverty, HIV/AIDS, conflict management and a host of other topics within each book of the bible. Part of the vision for this Commentary is "to make the Word of God speak relevantly to African realities today". SUCCESS in me This was the best book I could've ever asked for as a Christmas gift.

Good commentary Bible,mostly with the additional notes on african view of the topics.

I first learnt about the existence of this commentary in 2009. With that in mind, I bought the commentary, whilst on a short term Christian mission trip to Kenya. What first caught my attention is the endorsement of Rick Warren. I immediately grew apprehensive about the likely exegetical nature of the commentary. This is because Rick Warren's gospel differs from the biblical gospel. When I saw John Stott's endorsement, I knew that this will be worrying. John Stott denies the eternal nature of hell. He was ales a keen advocate of ecumenism. I started using the commentary with my study of the book of Joshua, in addition to John Calvin's commentary on Joshua and Dr Peter Master's book titled Joshua's conquest, was it moral? I have to say that the exegetical content of this commentary leaves a lot to be desired. For example, in Joshua 16, the author says "if we are to enjoy life, we are to arise and clear the land. Nobody owes any of us anything. Your destiny is in your own hands." He continues "in other words, the sky is the limit to what we can achieve if we are ready to take risks and get our hands dirty." Any Christian who believes in proper biblical exegesis will see clearly that this author has no regard for God's sovereignty. This is typical throughout the commentary. If you look at Isaiah 45 and 46, any reader of the bible will see the sovereignty of God jump at them, yet it is barely mentioned in any of these chapters. Then Romans 9 also say little about God's-sovereign election. The worst portion for me is the commentary on Genesis 1 where the author says that "the account of creation in six days (whether taken literally as twenty four hour days or figuratively as representing long periods of time)" this shows that the author does not believe in the six day creation. This is sad. At least I now understand why Dr Conrad Mbewe was not part of this commentary. My advice to fellow Africans is to buy Matthew Henry's commentary instead of this. This has been a real waste of my money

The "African Bible Commentary" is written by and for the Evangelical Protestant Community. All 70 African scholars signed the statement of faith of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa. Thus readers receive a comprehensive and culturally relevant conservative theology applied to African Christian living. It truly is a unique book--the first one-volume Bible commentary produced in Africa by African theologians to meet the needs of African pastors, students, and lay people. However, African American believers, and for that matter, all Christians, will find this book refreshing and encouraging, as well as biblically informative. Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction , Soul Physicians, and Spiritual Friends.

This is a spectacular commentary, and what makes it even greater is the authorship is completely African Scholars. The additional 50+ articles brings so much light to a contextualized gospel from the perspective of African Pastors on the front line. This is not only a great piece of literature it is a breakthrough in publishing that symbolizes the shift of the center of Christianity to the Global South. A must have for all interested in viewing scripture from a non-Euramerican perspective.

This is a great effort by African scholors from all over Africa to educate African people about Christianity. "In Africa, Christianity is a mile wide and 1" deep." (Quoted from the ABC.) For me, as a non-African interested in supporting ministry for the Maasai in Kenya, it is a way to understand the Bible from a new point of view. Excellent, incredible work.