Insights on James, 1 and 2 Peter (Swindoll's New Testament Insights)

This book is an excellent Bible commentary on James, 1 Peter, and 2 Peter. The author explained the meaning of various key Greek words to help the reader understand confusing passages and to bring out the full meaning of the text. He also provided information on the cultural and historical background and quoted similar statements made elsewhere in the Bible to help the reader fully understand the letter's message.

Each letter (James, 1 Peter, and 2 Peter) had it's own self-contained section in the book. The author started each by explaining who wrote the letter, when it was written, and who it was written to. He briefly described the writer's life up to the point the letter was written so we could see what influenced his writing. He included a time-line chart showing critical events in the author's life and historical events that influenced the writing. There was also a map showing where the people written to were located.

Each letter was studied overall and verse-by-verse in sections defined by the major themes in the letter. At the end of each thematic section, he discussed how we can apply the writer's message to our own lives. He also included occasional "journal" pages were he talked about how the verses just discussed had been applied or worked out in his life.

While you'll get the most insight into confusing passages by reading the book/letter's whole commentary, you can also look up just a single verse.

Despite the "digging deeper" nature of the commentary, the author explained things in a way that was easy to follow and understand. It's packed with information; there's very little "fluff." Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to anyone confused by passages in James, 1 Peter, or 2 Peter or to those who simply want to increase their understanding of these letter/books.

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

Reviewed by Debbie from ChristFocus Book Club

Charles Swindoll is a respected name when it comes to Christian writing and modern apologetics. Having Insights on John already I was excited to see his work on James and 1 & 2 Peter. This book is just as wonderful at the previous one I have seen and follows the same format.

Swindoll does a superb job of breaking up the material, not just on a chapter-by-chapter breakdown but on a verse-by-verse basis. Further, because he covers multiple books of the Bible in this volume he also delineates between books. His verse commentary doesn't just go by individual verses but he takes the verses in logical (topical) grouping to keep everything contextual. For those that have used over reputable commentaries this should be familiar, but Swindoll adds a modern spin to his study.

Though there are few photographs (and those that are there are black-and-white) there is a plethora of charts, maps and other study materials to help make a connection between the Scriptures, his study notes and the world as it stood when the Bible was penned. Additionally, the "From My Journal" sections give some insight into what the author thinks personally regarding specific passages and contexts.

This is a book well suited for classroom use, and the format follows closely to modern textbooks. However, it does lack questions and test materials, so using in a classroom environment would require additional materials.

Swindoll has put together an excellent commentary on the book of James and 1 & 2 Peter that will make a great addition to the serious student's library. There are many commentaries available, and this one is on par with many of the most treasured and respected out there.

Let me start by saying that I love the construction of this book. This hardcover volume is well bound and feels great in your hands. The cover is coated in mylar, I think, and the shape of the book causes it to stand out from the crowd. When opened, the book is easy on the eyes, with a nice 21st century layout and very readable print. The graphics and illustrations are all top notch. This set, when completed, will look great in your library.

The content is very student friendly. Swindoll has a narrative style of writing that comes with lots of anecdotal references and practical tips for how to put hands and feet to the gospel. Although Swindoll comes from the mainstream of conservative American evangelicalism, he doesn't major so much on the minor points, which I find refreshing. Those whose background is more from the mainline churches will notice that Swindoll simply does not engage in issues which are relevant for them, and he doesn't mention much of the current scholarship that mainline students might be looking for. The book is really aimed at mainstream American evangelical readers, and in that genre he has written in a style accessible to laymen and pastors alike.

The maps, graphs, sidebars, illustrations and "Notes from My Journal" sections are helpful and well done.

The nice thing about the Insights series is the history Swindoll injects into the books. It helps to clarify why the writers of the bible wrote the way they did.

Good ready if you are looking for a bible study companion

beautiful quality and great information

Chuck Swindoll is a master wordsmith. His insight on Scripture is easily applicable to today's Christian and is helpful for spiritual growth. .

Swindolls Insight books are a great way to go through the Bible. I am using now for a ladies Bible study in my home. We go at our own pace - and share along the way. I have done other Insight books - like Revelations, Romans, and John.

This is one of the scripture books that you can understand and learn . I recommend it to anyone interested in broading their scripture knowledge and not getting bogged down in theology