Category: DR. DAVID P. CRAIG

Daniel by Ronald W. Pierce (Teach The Text Commentary) Book Review by Dr. David P. Craig

A “Must Read” Commentary on Daniel

Daniel by Ronald W. Pierce

I am currently preaching through Daniel in my church and of the 35 commentaries I’m using in my study of Daniel – this book by Pierce – would be ranked in the top 10 for the following 5 reasons:

(1) User friendly – Each chapter is divided into a short pericope (there are 29 chapters in the book based on an exposition of the text; as well as four additional chapters that discuss additional insights on key themes in the book).

(2) Each chapter has a is divided into several helpful and brief sections: 1. Understanding the Text (The Text in Context; Historical and Cultural Background; Interpretive Insights; Key Themes; and Theological Insights); 2. How to Teach/Preach the Text; 3. Helps on Illustrating the Text.

(3) Ronald W. Pierce does an excellent job of describing different interpretations of the text without being overly dogmatic in any particular category of interpretation. He offers a balanced style of interpretation and keeps the focus on the major themes in its canonical context (biblical theology).

(4) The commentary is full of maps; color photographs; archaeological finds; graphs; sidebars; and tables to help you “see” or visualize what’s happening in the text. It is a very helpful feature that is rare in older commentaries.

(5) Brevity. Pierce gives the essentials of what you need to know as a busy pastor or student of God’s Word. It’s practical; and yet provides quick and concise help when dealing with tough and controversial passages.

I highly recommend this commentary for anyone who wants to know, apply, and teach the book of Daniel.

INNOVATING DISCIPLESHIP BY WILL MANCINI (BOOK REVIEW)

SHORT BOOK: BUT WELL WORTH THE READ FOR DISCIPLE MAKING CHURCHES

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BOOK REVIEWED BY DR. DAVID P. CRAIG

As a busy pastor constantly preparing sermons, training leaders, and teaching theology classes, I am always pressed for time to read materials outside of my ongoing ministry. Therefore, I especially appreciate books that are short, substantive, and practical. My greatest goal in life is to make as many multiplying disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ as I possibly can. This book has given me some great tools to use in the process of making and multiplying disciples. It’s only 83 pages but loaded with great ideas, questions, wisdom, and I believe will help me train my leadership and staff to be more effective and efficient in making and multiplying disciples.

Mancini wastes no time in helping church leaders ask the right questions in order to genuinely evaluate their effectiveness in making and multiplying disciples. I didn’t count the questions he asks in this book – but there must be over 100 great questions of evaluation to help you become a church that truly makes an impact for the Kingdom in your community and beyond.

I would highly recommend this book for staffs of churches, elders, deacons, church planters, and long time pastors. I plan on using this book at my next staff retreat. We are seeking to be a church that is less program driven and more missional. This book will help us evaluate our situation, develop a process to be a high impact church that makes multiplying disciples, and give as a road map to get there by asking great questions.