What Does a Biblical Theology Commentary Look Like?

The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series locates each biblical book within redemptive history and illuminates its unique theological contributions. The books, stories, poems, letters, and laws in Scripture have unique theological themes. As you examine those ideas with the EBTC, you’ll see how they all come together to form a unified mosaic of God’s redemption, and you’ll discover a theology you can live out, every day.

The EBTC features two distinct avenues of analysis: informed exegetical treatment of the biblical book and thorough discussion of its most important theological themes in relation to the canon.

Typical commentaries use the tools of exegesis, carefully examining each verse in light of the surrounding context. But in so doing, they often lose sight of the big picture. How does this passage connect to other books by this author? Where does it fit within the canon of Scripture? What unique theological point was the inspired author making?

To answer these questions, the EBTC looks to biblical theology. This discipline is all about understanding and embracing the unique perspective of the biblical author. How did they understand themselves in the unfolding of redemption history? How are those beliefs present in their writings? And how might those themes point to fulfillment in Christ?

By combining exegesis with biblical theology, the EBTC doesn’t just help you see the forest for the trees; it reveals a breathtaking view of an entire biblical world most Christians have rarely explored.

In this 44-page sample from Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary by Thomas R. Schreiner, you’ll get a sense for how these two approaches to Scripture can lead to new insights when working hand-in-hand.

The EBTC reveals how every passage in the Bible fits into God’s drama of redemption—and the role you play in his story today. Scholarly exegesis, biblical theology, and life application come together in a new commentary series on every book of the Bible.