Barrett’s Book Notes: Christ in the OT, Gospel Transformation Bible, and lots of commentaries

Edmund P. Clowney. The Unfolding Mystery: Discovering Christ in the Old Testament. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2013.

P&R has just released the 25^th anniversary edition of Clowney’s book, The Unfolding Mystery: Discovering Christ in the Old Testament. Clowney begins with Adam and works his way through the prophets showing how the Old Testament points to Christ. If you are not familiar with Clowney (1917-2005), he was a pastor for many years and taught practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. He became the seminary’s first president as well (1966-1982).

 

Gospel Transformation Bible. English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013.

The GTB is out and the cover certainly captures the purpose and aim of this study Bible:  “Christ in all of Scripture. Grace for all of Life.” Bryan Chapell served as General Editor and Dane Ortlund as Managing Editor. The Bible includes some outstanding contributors and while there are too many to name, here are a few: Michael Horton (Joshua), Bruce A. Ware (Psalms 101-150), Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. (Proverbs), Graeme Goldsworthy (Jeremiah, Lamentations), James Hamilton (Hosea, Revelation), Jonathan Pennington (Luke), Kevin DeYoung (Ephesians), Robert Peterson (Hebrews). Here are a couple of videos that explain the GTB:

 

Interview with Dr. Chapell on the Gospel Transformation Bible from Crossway on Vimeo.

Gospel Transformation Bible – Features from Crossway on Vimeo.

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible from Crossway on Vimeo.

Dennis E. Johnson. Philippians. Reformed Expository Commentary. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2013.

Dennis E. Johnson, professor of practical theology at Westminster Seminary California, has contributed the most recent addition to the Reformed Expository Commentary series with a commentary on Philippians. Since this series is aimed at exposition, you may want to hear Johnson preach on Philippians for yourself. Here is a sermon he gave called, “Heat turned inside out.”

Douglas F. Kelly. Revelation. A Mentor Expository Commentary. Fearn, Ross-shire: Mentor, 2012.

Another rising commentary series that is very helpful for pastors is A Mentor Expository Commentary. Douglas Kelly has written one of the newest releases in this series on the book of Revelation. Douglas F Kelly is the Richard Jordan Professor of Theology, Here is a sermon by Kelly on Revelation 6:9-11 at Christ Church of the Carolinas.

 

Terry L. Johnson. Galatians. A Mentor Expository Commentary. Fearn, Ross-shire: Mentor, 2012.

Terry Johnson, Senior Pastor of the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia, has also contributed to the Mentor Expository Commentary on the book of Galatians. Michael Milton praises Johnson’s work, saying: “Dr. Johnson’s extensive pastoral work, his insights into the word of God, his demonstrated leadership in teaching and living the message of the book of Galatians qualifies him as the man for the hour to write this great new commentary.” To get you warmed up, here is a sermon by Johnson on Galatians 4:4-7 called, “Adopted as Sons.”

Matthew Barrett (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at California Baptist University (OPS), as well as the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine. He is the author of The Grace of Godliness: An Introduction to Doctrine and Piety in the Canons of Dort, Salvation by Grace: The Case for Effectual Calling and Regeneration, as well as the coeditor of Four Views on the Historical Adam (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology), and Whomever He Wills: A Surprising Display of Sovereign Mercy. He is the author of several other forthcoming books, which you can read about at matthewmbarrett.com.