The Letter to the Hebrews

Barclay is one of the most insightful commentators of the New Testament. Although much of the background information and schalorship in his commentaries are now outdated, his comments on the relevance of the Bible are still very valuable for today's discerning readers. This is especially true for his volume on Hebrews. For more updated commentary on Hebrews for beginning students, Tom Wright's "Hebrews For Everyone" is a very good choice. The volume on Hebrews in NIV Application Commentary series is excellent for slightly more advanced students.

We use this as a reference material in our Bible Study. We have used Barclay's resources for years and are never disappointed. His research and insight give much additional value to the Bible. We would not study without it.

Our adult Sunday school class is currently using this study. It is easy enough for all to read, yet challenging due to the background given into meanings of the words used in the original Greek. The author doesn't skip a chapter or verse, and ties all the concepts together beautifully. He also repeats central themes, and is an excellent teacher. It took us over two weeks to get 15 copies, but they were well worth the wait.

I am glad to vouch for this edition of the New Testament. I have many editions of the New Testament, from many editors/translators. This is my overall favorite for "readability" and balance. Some versions are more scholarly, eg, the New American Bible's thorough footnotes. This version is beautifully translated without being flowery. To the extent that I can judge, it is accurate, and, I never have found it burdensome to read. I happen to be an attorney, and, all things considered, this is the version I find most appropriate to give as a gift: it is balanced, readable and softly conveys, I believe, the intended message.

I have many translations of the New Testament that I use for different spiritual needs. Of all of these, the Barclay translation is my favorite. Yes, I know it is not a literal word-for-word translation and I know that one man translations are open to bias. (Barclay humbly points this out himself in the introduction). However, when I want to feel the presence of the Spirit in word, I feel it with Barclay's version the easiest.When I feel analytical, I think there are two reasons that I feel moved by the Barclay translation. First, Barclay artfully combines literal meanings (word choice and historical usage)with the contextual meaning of each passage. The second reason I choose the Barclay for my "reading" New Testament is that it is scholary in translation of the original manuscripts but highly readable in its final result. One the advantages to this one-man translation is there is a consistent clarity, simplicity and warmth throughout. When I read my Scriptures before bed each night, I sense the strong hand of the Holy Spiritin these words.