Kretzmann’s Popular Bible Commentary (4 vols.)

by Paul E. Kretzmann

Publisher:

Concordia Publishing House

, 1921

Overview

Go deeper into the Word with Paul Kretzmann’s well-loved Bible commentary, designed for the everyman.

Though rich with careful exposition and rigorous scholarship, Kretzmann’s Popular Bible Commentary was created to be put into the hands of everyday Christians—a trusted tool used by people of all education levels. Published by Concordia Publishing House between 1921 and 1924, this classic commentary is “composed in the spirit of Luther, whose one paramount desire was to have all people read and understand, believe, and live the Bible. It is a commentary such as Luther would have written, had he lived in America today: a commentary of the Bible and for the Bible” (John Theodore Mueller, from the foreword).

Kretzmann’s commentary is distinguished by its accessible language and practical focus. Forgoing lengthy discussions of grammatical technicalities, etymology, variations in the manuscripts, or heterodox opinions, Kretzmann focuses on simply offering clear exposition of the Bible. The result is a helpful Bible study aid that anyone can use, offering rich insights into the text’s meaning and application. Working verse by verse, the commentaries also include chapter summaries and brief introductions to each book.

This four-volume commentary set endures as a classic guide for laypeople, as well as for teachers, Sunday school leaders, and small group facilitators. Lutheran scholar Kretzmann’s thoughtful insights, engaging voice, and concise, practical style make his commentaries a valuable tool for Bible students of all levels.

The Logos edition of Kretzmann’s Popular Bible Commentary equips you for better study with cutting-edge functionality and features. Easily compare English translations of Scripture passages and access original-language texts. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. The Topic Guide lets you perform powerful searches to instantly gather relevant biblical texts and resources. Tablet and mobile apps let you take the discussion with you. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

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Key Features

• Exposition of the entire Protestant Bible
• Accessible and practical style
• Verse-by-verse commentary
• Supplementary sections explaining important doctrinal, ethical, and social questions

Product Details

• Title: Kretzmann’s Popular Bible Commentary
• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
• Volumes: 4
• Pages: 2,871

Popular Commentary of the Bible: The Old Testament, vol. 1: Genesis to Esther

• Author: Paul E. Kretzmann
• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
• Publication Date: 1923
• Pages: 798

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Learn to see Christ in the Old Testament as you study along with Paul E. Kretzmann. In the first volume of his Old Testament commentary, you’ll find helpful introductions to each book from Genesis through Esther, setting the stage for the narrative that unfolds. No long, complicated introductions here—just a brief word to provide summary and context for your study. The rest of the volume contains verse-by-verse exposition of the text, and supplemental sections discussing important doctrinal and social questions, enabling readers to dig deeper into the Bible. Kretzmann uses everyday language to explain what the text says and what it means, while also addressing historical, geographical, and archaeological references.

Popular Commentary of the Bible: The Old Testament, vol. 2: Job to Malachi

• Author: Paul E. Kretzmann
• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
• Publication Date: 1924
• Pages: 664

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Deepen your study of the Old Testament with this practically focused commentary, covering Job through Malachi. Kretzmann takes care to “explain all historical references . . . while all geographical and archeological references receive proper attention.” You’ll also find supplemental sections in which “doctrinal, ethical, and social questions are thoroughly discussed, and the many footnotes offer references for further study, while the bibliographical indications may serve for advanced work.”

Popular Commentary of the Bible: The New Testament, vol. 1: The Gospels and the Book of Acts

• Author: Paul E. Kretzmann
• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
• Publication Date: 1921
• Pages: 679

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Paul Kretzmann’s commentary is an invaluable tool for Christians who want to get into the Bible and deepen their study of the Word. This volume provides concise introductions to the New Testament books from the Gospels through the book of Acts, and verse-by-verse exposition of each text. You’ll also find helpful supplemental sections scattered throughout giving further explanation of important references and concepts.

Popular Commentary of the Bible: The New Testament, vol. 2: The Epistles of the Apostle Paul, The Epistle to the Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles, The Book of Revelation

• Author: Paul E. Kretzmann
• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
• Publication Date: 1922
• Pages: 730

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Dig into the latter half of the New Testament with the help of Paul Kretzmann’s popular commentary. This volume begins with Paul’s epistle to the Romans and finishes with the Revelation of John. Find brief introductions to each book that provide context and prepare you to approach the text. Study alongside Kretzmann’s commentary: scholarly, yet designed to put Bible study aids in the hands of the people. You’ll also find a number of special articles and excursus throughout the text, which offer further insights and exposition of key concepts and events, including justification, the election of grace, church discipline, Christian giving, the Antichrist, the universal priesthood of the believers, and Chiliasm.

About Paul E. Kretzmann

Paul Edward Kretzmann (1883–1965) was born in Farmers Retreat, Indiana. His early education was conducted at Concordia College in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He earned his PhD and DD from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He pastored a church in Shady Bend, Kansas from 1906 to 1907, before moving to Denver, Colorado. He became a professor at Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1912. After Concordia’s Committee on English Theological and Religious Literature passed a resolution to oversee the creation of a popular commentary on the entire Bible in 1918, Kretzmann was chosen for the task and he undertook the work full time through 1923. His commentaries remain a classic reference and favorite study tool.