Boice's Expositional Commentaries (27-volume)

The popular Boice Expositional Commentary Series is now available for PC Study Bible. Boice's clear language and approachable style make these commentaries accessible and enlightening for pastors, teachers and Bible students. His verse-by-verse and subject-by-subject explanations help readers make sense of the overall structure and intricate meaning of each book.

The material flows from Boice's years of exegetical study and preaching experience at Tenth Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, and as host of the Bible Study Hour radio program. If you enjoy listening to J. Vernon McGee's Thru the Bible radio broadcasts through webcasts, we recommend that you also try Dr. Boice's Bible Study Hour, heard continuously since 1968, to see for yourself the gifted, pastoral nature of his teaching. That same approachable and illustration-filled style flows through the entire Boice Expositional Commentary Series.

Volume highlights include:

Genesis, Volume 1: Creation and Fall (Genesis 1-11)

What can we gain from studying the Book of Genesis? According to James Montgomery Boice, starting at the beginning of everything causes us to think about God and to understand ourselves as fallen, yet redeemable. This knowledge not only deepens our understanding of the Christian faith but also enhances our ability to impart the gospel's truth to a world desperately in need of it.
The first in a three-volume series on the Book of Genesis, Creation and Fall shows how the story of redemption-essentially all of Scripture-has no significance apart from the story of creation and fall. These first eleven chapters of Genesis establish the relationship of God to the cosmos and to all peoples of the earth. Topics covered in volume 1 include:

• In the Beginning (1:1)
• Is the Fall a Fact? (3:1-6)
• Only Evil All the Time (6:5-8)
• The God Who Remembers (8:1-19)
• The Test of Human Government (9:1-7)
• The Tower of Babel (11:1-9)

Genesis, Volume 2: A New Beginning (Genesis 12-36)

In this commentary on Genesis 12-36, Boice traces the "new beginning" of God's plan of redemption, which arose out of God's relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. By delving into the patriarchs' lives, Boice demonstrates how much they are like us and how easily we relate to them, both in triumphs and failures.
The second of three volumes on the Book of Genesis, A New Beginning shows how God changed the course of history beginning with one less-than-perfect man. It reveals the patriarchs' stories as compelling, dramatic, and true to life. As you study their stories, writes Boice, "I trust that God will use their strengths and weaknesses, victories and failures, to guide you in the true path of discipleship and to strengthen your witness." Topics covered include:

• The Gift of Faith (12:4)
• Promises to Live By (15:2-5)
• God's Covenant Children (17:23-27)
• What Made Abraham Glad? (22:13-14)
• A Tale of Two Sons (25:12-26)
• Jacob's Wages (30:25-43)

Genesis, Volume 3: Living by Faith (Genesis 37-50)

No man in Scripture lived more consistently and completely for God than did Joseph, a favorite son of Jacob. In times of adversity and in times of prosperity-both of which offered the temptation to deny God and his lordship-Joseph remained steadfast.
Living by Faith is the third and final volume on Genesis. Volume 1 focused on God's relationship to the cosmos and to all peoples of the earth. Volume 2 traced the "new beginning" of God's plan of redemption. In volume 3, Boice follows the complete story of Joseph, a "man for all seasons." By exploring Joseph's loyalty to God, Boice presents him as an example for Christians today. Subjects include:

• God's Man in Egypt (37:36)
• Prospering in Prison (39:20-23)
• What Can I Believe? (45:25-28)
• The Living Church (48:1-11)
• Joseph: A Fruitful Vine (49:22-26)
• Blessings upon Children's Children (50:22-23)

Joshua

"The secret of success is to know God's Word, speak about it, meditate on it, and then, above all, do it. In God's world there is no substitute for full obedience."
Joshua was a soldier. According to James Montgomery Boice, he was "one of the most extraordinary military commanders of all time." But what sets Joshua apart from his predecessors and successors, says Boice, is his obedience to the Word of God.
This insightful commentary follows a chosen commander whose obedience successfully brought him through the Jewish conquest of Canaan. Chapter by chapter and verse by verse, Boice explores the entire book of Joshua, from Joshua's military commissioning to the crossing of the Jordan River, from the Israelite victory at Jericho to the division of Canaan among the twelve tribes, which set the stage for God's people to prosper forever in obedience to him.

Nehemiah

Nehemiah was a great leader. According to James Montgomery Boice, Nehemiah's leadership abilities were born from his submission to God, his ability to focus on the right goals, his wisdom in handling complex situations, and his courage to act decisively. "But the most important thing about Nehemiah," says Boice, "is that he was a man of God, and because he was so close to God in prayer and personal piety, he was able to draw from God the wisdom, patience, skill, and perseverance he needed."
This insightful commentary follows a chosen leader through the great task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem 150 years after it was destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar. Through analysis of eight dynamics of the Old Testament text, Boice explores all aspects of Nehemiah's work, from taking command to getting the work done, from dealing with oppression to dedicating the wall and establishing Jerusalem as a city under God.

Psalms, Volume 1: (Psalms 1-41)

Whether you're a serious Bible student probing through Psalm 19 or a first-time reader inspired by the promise of Psalm 23, this first volume on the book of Psalms explores each of the first forty-one psalms, uncovering deep reflections, wisdom for living, and verses of praise, confidence, and repentance.

• Psalm 1 stresses the importance of God's guidance in one's life.
• Psalm 16 foretells Jesus's resurrection, a startling and impressive declaration for the time.
• Psalm 23 portrays life as a pilgrimage, where God is provider, comforter, and friend.

Psalms, Volume 2: (Psalms 42-106)

"I have always thought of the psalms as the deepest and most spiritual portion of the Word of God."-James Montgomery Boice
Covering Psalms 42-106, this second volume on the book of Psalms portrays the realities of human life and the peace that is found in God alone. James Montgomery Boice explores the life of David-his pain, trials, joy, and spiritual aspirations.

• Psalm 47 reveals God as king of all the earth and calls people of all nations to praise him.
• Psalm 62 speaks God's peace to anyone discouraged, depressed, or threatened.
• Psalm 100 invites us to "enter his courts with thanksgiving."

Psalms, Volume 3: (Psalms 107-150)

"The psalms themselves speak so powerfully to the hurts, fears, disappointments, faith, hope, and spiritual aspirations of God's people."-James Montgomery Boice
Exploring Psalms 107-150, this third and final volume on the book of Psalms offers solid, practical, and well-illustrated expositions on God's nurturing, grace, comfort, and instruction. James Montgomery Boice expounds on the theme of worship-what true worship is, who should worship, and when and how we should praise God.

• Psalm 110 calls us to offer our lives to Christ the Messiah.
• Psalm 133 describes the unity of those who live together as brothers.
• Psalm 147 challenges us to move our focus from ourselves to a God who is worthy of our praise.

Daniel

Through Daniel's visions and experiences as an exile in Babylon, the Book of Daniel gives us a clearer understanding of history than any other part of the Bible. Daniel also makes it clear that God is in control of all human events that have unfolded or will occur in later times. At the same time, he shows us how to live for God in ungodly times-like our own.
In this new addition to James Montgomery Boice's popular commentary series, pastors, Bible students, and laypersons will find analysis of Daniel's illuminating insights into history. Boice explains the meaning of the text verse by verse and subject by subject. Its clear language and approachable style make this commentary accessible and enlightening. Within the pages are important lessons on:

• God's control over history
• God's control over rulers
• Perseverance in faith
• The sin God will not tolerate
• The coming of the Messiah
• Living for God amidst opposition

The Minor Prophets, Volume 1: (Hosea-Jonah)

The Minor Prophets dramatize the character of God as few other books in the Bible do. According to noted expositor James Montgomery Boice, they particularly highlight three aspects of God's character: his sovereignty, his holiness, and his love. The messages of the Minor Prophets and their pertinent application for our lives should not be dismissed.
This two-volume expositional and inspirational commentary on the Minor Prophets integrates rigorous scholarship with accessible writing. It will inform a wide range of readers-from serious Bible students to interested laypersons-and help you understand and apply the truths found in the text.
Volume 1 surveys Hosea through Jonah, covering such topics as:

• The Second Greatest Story in the Bible (Hosea 1:1-2:1)
• The Divided Heart of Israel (Hosea 10:1-15)
• Peter's Text at Pentecost (Joel 2:28-32)
• How God Views Religion (Amos 4:1-5:15)
• Deliverance in Zion (Obadiah 15-21)
• The Greatest Revival in History (Jonah 3:1-10)

The Minor Prophets, Volume 2: (Micah-Malachi)

The Minor Prophets dramatize the character of God as few other books in the Bible do. According to noted expositor James Montgomery Boice, they particularly highlight three aspects of God's character: his sovereignty, his holiness, and his love. The messages of the Minor Prophets and their pertinent application for our lives should not be dismissed.
This two-volume expositional and inspirational commentary on the Minor Prophets integrates rigorous scholarship with accessible writing. It will inform a wide range of readers-from serious Bible students to interested laypersons-and help you understand and apply the truths found in the text.
Volume 2 surveys Micah through Malachi, covering such topics as:

• A King for Judah (Micah 4:6-5:5)
• God Against Nineveh (Nahum 1:1-2:13)
• The Secret of Effective Prayer (Habakkuk 3:1-2)
• God of the Nations (Zephaniah 2:4-3:8)
• Former Glory, Future Glory (Haggai 2:1-23)
• Call to True Religion (Zechariah 7:1-8:23)
• Mirror of This Age (Malachi 1:1-5)

The Gospel of Matthew: The King and His Kingdom, (Matthew 1-17), Volume 1

The Gospel of Matthew, said James Montgomery Boice, is "the first of the Gospels, the longest, the most Jewish, the most evangelistic, and, in many was, the most compelling."
This two-volume expositional and inspirational commentary on the Book of Matthew integrates rigorous scholarship and clear communication. It will inform and help a wide range of readers-from serious Bible students to interested laypersons-understand and apply the truths found in the text.
Both volumes deal with Matthew's emphasis on Jesus as the Messiah or King of Israel. Topics in volume 1, The King and His Kingdom, include:

• The Coming of the King (1:1-4:25)
• The Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:29)
• The Power of the Kingdom (8:1-10:42)
• Is Jesus Really God's King? (11:1-12:50)
• The Parables of the Kingdom (13:1-13:58)
• The Withdrawal of the King (14:1-17:27)

The Gospel of Matthew: The Triumph of the King, (Matthew 18-28), Volume 2

The Gospel of Matthew, said James Montgomery Boice, is "the first of the Gospels, the longest, the most Jewish, the most evangelistic, and, in many was, the most compelling."
This two-volume expositional and inspirational commentary on the Book of Matthew integrates rigorous scholarship and clear communication. It will inform and help a wide range of readers-from serious Bible students to interested laypersons-understand and apply the truths found in the text.
Both volumes deal with Matthew's emphasis on Jesus as the Messiah or King of Israel. Topics in volume 2, The Triumph of the King, include:

• The Citizens of the Kingdom (18:1-20:34)
• The King's Final Break with Judaism (21:1-23:39)
• The Sermon on the Mount of Olives (24:1-25:46)
• The King's Death and Resurrection (26:1-28:20)

The Sermon on the Mount: (Matthew 5-7)

Jesus's Sermon on the Mount shows us the absolute necessity of the new birth and a regenerated heart. It points us to Jesus himself. And it indicates the way to blessing for Christians-how we can please our heavenly Father.
In this unique addition to his popular commentary series, James Montgomery Boice provides an in-depth look into the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7. He explains the meaning of the text verse by verse and relates its concerns to today's world, the church, and the realities of the Christian life.
Boice's clear, practical writing makes this a helpful commentary for a wide range of readers-from serious Bible students to interested laypersons-and helps you understand and apply the truths found in Jesus's teaching. It covers such topics as:

• The Secret of Happiness
• How to Rejoice in Persecutions
• When You Are Angry
• Divorce and Remarriage
• How to Pray
• The Names of God
• How to Defeat Temptation
• Fasting
• Spiritual Discernment

The Gospel of John, Volume 1: The Coming of the Light (John 1-4)

The Gospel of John, says James Montgomery Boice, is "a powerful source of instruction and comfort to many millions of God's people down through the ages of church history."
Exploring chapters 1-4, this first volume on the Gospel of John is an insightful study and devotional guide for serious Bible students as well as interested laypersons. James Montgomery Boice explores the coming of Jesus Christ and discusses the initial reaction some people had toward him. Topics include:

• "Light for Every Man" (1:9)
• "The Mark of the Christian" (1:35-51)
• "Was Jesus Christ a Revolutionary?" (2:12-17)
• "God's Greatest Gift" (3:16)
• "Last Words of a Humble Man" (3:22-30)
• "Christ, the Soul Winner" (4:30)

The Gospel of John, Volume 2: Christ and Judaism (John 5-8)

"If we allow God to use us, we become important spiritually," says James Montgomery Boice. "For the Lord Jesus Christ himself is seen in the conduct of his followers."
This second volume on the Gospel of John shows how Jesus dealt with the hostility that began to arise among the religious leaders in regard to various practices of faith and how he didn't allow their hostility to deter him from his path. In so doing, Christ provided the ultimate example for living in the Father's name. Other topics discussed include:

• "Is God Silent?" (5:17-23)
• "A Matter of Life or Death" (5:28-30)
• "Who's in Charge?" (6:10-15)
• "Murmurs of Disbelief" (6:41-47)
• "None like Jesus" (7:45-52)
• "The Last Enemy" (8:51)

The Gospel of John, Volume 3: Those Who Received Him (John 9-12)

"Open your ears," says James Montgomery Boice. "Hear the voice of Christ. Believe him. Turn to him. Throw yourself upon him. Receive him as your Savior."
Even in the midst of pain and persecution, we are to live as Christ would live. Volume 3 on the Gospel of John shows Jesus turning to all who had received him in the midst of, and in spite of, growing hostility from the authorities of Judaism. Covering chapters 9-12 of the Gospel, this volume covers such topics as:

• "The Problem of Pain" (9:2-3)
• "A Question for Everyone" (9:35-38)
• "One Flock, One Shepherd" (10:16, 19-21)
• "Why Did Jesus Christ Die?" (11:51-52)
• "How to Save Your Own Life" (12:24-26)
• "Jesus, the Great Attraction" (12:31-33)

The Gospel of John, Volume 4: Peace in Storm (John 13-17)

"Do you want peace?" asks James Montgomery Boice. "Are you willing to receive it at the point where Jesus indicated it may truly be found?"
This fourth volume on the Gospel of John calls us to the peace that can be found in Christ's love. Nowhere in the entire Bible can we walk on more holy ground than as we listen to Christ's final discourses. Covering chapters 13-17, Boice discusses such topics as:

• "Love Letters from the Lord" (13:1)
• "A Clue for Finding Happiness" (13:16-17)
• "Gifts and Fruit" (14:16-18)
• "God Glorified . . . in You" (15:8-11)
• "No Strange Trial" (16:1-4)
• "The Real Lord's Prayer" (17:1-5)

The Gospel of John, Volume 5: Triumph Through Tragedy (John 18-21)

"In the wisdom and purpose of God," says James Montgomery Boice, "the tragedy of the cross is a triumph since it is this that makes salvation possible."
More than a message of Christ's triumph, the final chapters of the Gospel of John describe how we can triumph as well. Volume 5 covers chapters 18-21 and deals with the culmination of Christ's earthly ministry, centering on his betrayal, trial, death, and resurrection. Topics discussed include:

• "The Charge against the Prisoner" (18:19-24)
• "Words from the Cross" (19:25-27)
• "For Whom Did Christ Die?" (19:30)
• "The Not-Quite-Empty Tomb" (20:1-10)
• "The Best News Ever Heard" (20:18)
• "Christ's Last Word" (21:22)

Acts

"There's nothing today's church needs so much as to rediscover the doctrine, spirit, and commitments of the early Christian community," writes James Montgomery Boice.
The power the early church exhibited for changes and growth is overwhelming. Although it faced enormous obstacles-it was completely new, it taught truths that seemed unbelievable, and it suffered intense hatred and persecution-the church managed to spread across the early world within the lifetime of the first generation of believers.
In fifty chapters that progress through the book of Acts, Boice issues a challenge to believers to follow the first-century church. We are encouraged to glean the vital principles that enabled the early church to expand, and then apply them to our modern-day church. If we take time to study the expansion of the early church, we can spread the gospel the way it was spread during the first century-by the faithful preaching and teaching of the great truths of the Bible.

Romans, Volume 1: Justification by Faith (Romans 1-4)

"Christianity has been the most powerful, transforming force in human history," says James Montgomery Boice, "and the book of Romans is the most basic, most comprehensive statement of true Christianity."
Volume 1, Justification by Faith, discusses the full impact of justification by faith alone. Boice uses stories and hymns to present the thoughts of Paul in a poetic form and provides word studies based on the Greek text to add meaning and enrichment to Paul's words. Chapters and verses discussed include:

• "A Reputation Worth Having" (1:8)
• "Not Ashamed" (1:16-17)
• "Lifting the Lid on Hell" (1:29-31)
• "Not Hearers Only, but Doers" (2:12-15)
• "Amazing Grace" (3:22-24)
• "The Steps of Faith" (4:12)

Romans, Volume 2: The Reign of Grace (Romans 5:1-8:39)

"Grace reigns," says James Montgomery Boice, "not because God is gracious to us no matter what we do, but because grace has created in us a genuinely godly walk."
Volume 2, The Reign of Grace, focuses on the sovereignty, grace, and holiness of God and on the need for holiness in believers. James Montgomery Boice discusses the full meaning of salvation, the problem with suffering, the struggles of sin, and the sustaining love God pours on his people. He also discusses:

• "God's Purpose in Human Suffering" (5:3-5)
• "Abounding Grace" (5:20)
• "Whatever Became of Sin?" (7:13)
• "The Greatest Chapter in the Bible" (8:1-39)
• "The Inheritance of God's Saints" (8:17)
• "Five Unanswerable Questions" (8:31-36)

Romans, Volume 3: God and History (Romans 9-11)

"No religion is stronger than its god," says James Montgomery Boice, "and in the case of Christianity, no Christians have ever been stronger than their knowledge of the true God and their desire to obey and glorify him."
God and History asks what in the world is God doing to help Christians gain a better understanding of who he is? With life-empowering descriptions of God's sovereignty and purpose, James Montgomery Boice shows us a balanced view of predestination and other issues that sometimes trouble us. Boice discusses:

• "The Potter and the Clay" (9:19-21)
• "Two Kinds of Righteousness" (10:3)
• "Heart Belief and Mouth Confession" (10:10)
• "The Outstretched Hands of God" (10:21)
• "A Future for God's Ancient People" (11:23-24)

Romans, Volume 4: The New Humanity (Romans 12-16)

"It is changed people who change everything," says James Montgomery Boice. "If you have been called to faith in Jesus Christ, you are part of the radically changed community, the new humanity."
Volume 4, The New Humanity, explores the life applications of theology Paul set out in the final four chapters of the book of Romans. Calling all Christians to renew their understanding of the great doctrines of Christianity, Boice shows how we can live by these teachings even today. He discusses:

• "God's Good, Pleasing, and Perfect Will" (12:2)
• "Right Living at All Times" (12:17)
• "To Each His Due" (13:6-7)
• "Understanding the Times" (13:11)
• "Check-off Points for a Good Church" (15:14)
• "The Full Measure of God's Blessing" (15:29)

Ephesians

According to James Montgomery Boice, Paul's great letter to the Ephesians is "a mini-course in theology, centered on the church." Writing to the church in a city much like modern-day New York, Paul laid out his mature vision of the Christian faith's central elements. The apostle set these fundamental doctrines in the context of the church as the body of Christ.
In this compelling commentary, Boice presents the message of Paul with great depth and clarity. The author proclaims the profound yet simple gospel once delivered to the church in Ephesus and effectively applies it to the modern church.

Philippians

"Philippians is so simple and at the same time so profound that is speaks profitably to Christians at every level of spiritual understanding, age, and maturity."
As James Montgomery Boice points out, no book in the Bible is so filled with joy as Philippians. Even though Paul faced possible execution for his faith, he managed to remain joyful in the midst of terrible circumstances.
Beyond providing encouragement, Philippians also contains a wealth of great themes. As Boice explains, it covers most of the major doctrines of the Christian faith and is at the same time extremely practical. Topics covered include:

• The Secret of Spiritual Fruit (1:9-11)
• What Is Christianity? (1:21)
• The Truth about Jesus Christ (2:6)
• What Are Your Goals? (2:14-16)
• Knowing the Living Christ (3:10-11)
• Getting Along with Other Christians (4:2-5)
• The God Who Provides (4:19)

The Epistles of John

The three letters of John found near the end of the New Testament have a tendency to be over-simplified or simply overlooked in the study of the Scriptures. However, though these letters may on the surface seem less applicable to our time because they address heresies and church management issues that seem unique to the early church, careful study reveals just how contemporary these concerns are.
In this volume of James Montgomery Boice's popular commentary series, pastors, Bible students, and laypersons will find analysis of John's timeless messages of righteousness, truth, and love. Boice explains the meaning of the text verse by verse and subject by subject. Clear language and an approachable style make this commentary accessible and enlightening. Within these pages are important lessons on:

• The essence of Christianity
• Assurance of salvation
• Identification of false teachings
• Proper treatment of God's servants
• Interaction between the church and the world
• Living a righteous life