I must begin by introducing the “Prince of Expositors” Alexander Maclaren the famous Scottish theologian, pastor, exegete, and preacher whose reputation in all of these areas was well known in Great Britain, especially in his home country of Scotland, and Europe, in the Victorian period until his death in 1910. Possessing three doctorates, Maclaren was also a university faculty member and governor of the University of Manchester for a time.
The Bible itself is written in the NKJV, very nearly the same as King James because of the time period of Maclaren’s life but with the sermon commentary included from his own words, and this is exceptional.
Brief commentaries by the editor, Michael Mills and Maclaren himself make the work easy to use, and use headings in bold boxes entitled “Christ Connection” from Genesis through Revelation. This also applies to Maclaren’s sermons, where “Life Application” boxes give brief, but still detailed explanations of how the Scriptures can be used by the reader in their own life.
Each Book of the Bible includes an explanation of the circumstances surrounding authorship, any controversies surrounding said explanations, and the history of the time of the book itself.
After the Scriptures, a 6,200 word Concordance (388 pages), and beautifully detailed and pertinent Old Testament and New Testament Maps, glossy and in color are included.
Significantly, as stated on the outer casing of the Bible itself, Thomas Nelson guarantees the quality of the Bible for life, and encourages the reader to learn about its care, the guarantee, and other offers at its website: thomasnelsonbibles.com/guarantee.
There are over 1,400 study notes, 380 Christ Connection notes, 380 Life Application notes, and 209 passages from Maclaren’s sermons.
In short, the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible (NKJV, 2025) has been exceptionally well edited by Dr. Mills and is very easy to read. It is a great reference Bible for any student seeking a closer walk with the Lord or to lead others in a class with modern language.
I highly encourage the casual reader, the fervent Christ-follower, or the Biblical scholar to obtain one today here: https://amzn.to/4gsTb64
Features included in the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible:
• Book introductions exploring each book’s background and key themes with insights
from Maclaren’s work
• 1,400 study notes that cover every chapter of the Bible
• 380 Christ Connection notes showing the relevance of Christ to all Scripture
• 380 Life Application notes to help you live out the Bible’s principles
• 209 Passage Outlines based on Maclaren’s sermon outlines
• 8 essays addressing major doctrines of Scripture, personal devotion to Christ,
and how to properly apply the Bible to your life
• Comprehensive concordance and index of features
• Bottom of page study notes
• Center-column cross-references
Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
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