The NIV Application Commentary Series Review

I’ll have to admit that I’m a big fan of the NIV Application Commentary series. I say “admit” because I’ve seen some reviewers who seem to think that “application” in the series title means it must be full of fluff. Granted, it’s not littered with Greek and Hebrew but it does generally offer solid, if not thorough, exegesis of the text. And, like any multi-author series, the quality of the volumes varies; nonetheless, many of its volumes have found their way onto my shelves.

What makes the NIVAC stand out is its emphasis on bridging the gap of time and culture between the biblical text and modern day expositors. When you pick up a volume in this series, you can expect each writer to use the same format to explain the text.

Each passage is dealt with in three sections in the NIVAC:

1. Original Meaning: As you’d expect, this section focuses on the “historical, literary and cultural context of the passage.” This is where you’ll find discussions of the meaning of words in the original language (no knowledge of Greek or Hebrew required).
2. Bridging Contexts: Some aspects of scripture are timely, that is, they are tied in to specific situation, cultures and contexts of the ancient world. Others are timeless, meaning there is a principle that applies across all time and all cultures. This section begins to bridge the historical distance between then and now.
3. Contemporary Significance: Preachers and teachers should always look for application and that’s a key part of this series. Generally, these volumes are helpful in giving both specific applications and in raising issues and questions that will be relevant to a modern audience.

The best parts of each volume are sections two and three, areas of sermon preparation that even experienced preachers often fail in: How do I help my listeners understand how to apply this  text in their own lives. Teachers and preachers will find many useful suggestions for application of each text. And while the suggested applications can sometimes be applied as is, often I find the suggestions start me down my own path of application.

Widely regarded volumes in the series include Gerald Wilson’s Psalms (Volume 1) and Peter Enns’ Exodus. you can find more detailed reviews of individual volumes on this site (soon).