Writing for Comics and Graphic Novels with Peter David (Writing for Comics & Graphic Novels)

Description

A must have for all comics, fantasy and sci-fi fans wanting to write their own comics or improve storytelling techniques, this revised edition focuses on comics, graphic novels and the updated market, particularly superhero and fantasy genres. Instruction is easy to follow, even for beginners. New content to the book includes ten brand-new pages of specific questions from aspiring fans that read the first edition, covering a range of current and updated topics. Readers will also find useful a comprehensive chapter on the do's and don'ts of breaking into the comics business by Andy Schmidt, senior editor at "IDW", owner of a consulting company for aspiring comics professionals and author of "The Insider's Guide to Creating Comics and Graphic Novels". The revised edition also includes a brand-new introduction by Peter David as well as a new foreword by renowned comic's artist George Perez.

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Customer Reviews

A fun read, filled with excellent information.
This book is great for everyone. It's not just about writing for comics. It's about writing. Mr. David talks about structure and how to craft each act of a three act story. The whole book is packed full of anecdotes as well as references to comic stories in which the information is exampled.

I have to admit this book did get me to buy some of the old stories that he used in his examples.

2010-01-21 (Chicago, Il USA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Spider-Man

Description

The explosive tale of Marvel Comics’ crime-fighting superhero

SPIDER-MAN

It begins with an orphan named Peter Parker, raised by his beloved Aunt May and Uncle Ben in Queens, New York. A quiet student, he works diligently at his studies and pines for the beautiful Mary Jane Watson. But this ordinary teenage boy is about to have his life turned upside down, when he is bitten by a genetically altered spider. Suddenly, he finds himself possessed of spectacular powers. He is now and forever Spider-Man!

Follow Spider-Man’s action-packed journey, from his struggle to harness the extraordinary gifts that will prove to be both blessing and curse, to his fight to save innocent lives while the media tears him to pieces. It all leads up to his ultimate battle high above New York streets, against the death-dealing madman known as the Green Goblin. While the city watches helplessly and countless lives hang in the balance, Spider-Man confronts his archnemesis, and the Goblin puts Spider-Man’s vow to fight crime to the ultimate test . . .

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Customer Reviews

Peter David brings the movie to life
Peter David, a veteran comic book writer, has brought the movie to life. If you like the movie, you'll like the book too. There isn't too much that's been added or tweaked from the movie storyline, but if there were it wouldn't be the movie adaptation anymore, it would be a different Spider-Man novel.

If you like the movie or the character, you should be happy with this one.

2008-08-28 (Xavier Mansion) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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I have a stack of books
I love the movie, I'm sure I'll love the to. I read slow. This starts out in Queens. About the web-slinging before he was.

2007-08-19 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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I loved every bit.
It begins with an orphan named Peter Parker, raised by his beloved Aunt May and Uncle Ben in Queens, New York. A quiet student, he works diligently at his studies and pines for the beautiful Mary-Jane Watson. But this ordinary teenage boy is about to have his life turned upside down, when he is bitten by a genetically altered spider. Suddenly, he finds himself in possesion of spectacular powers. He is now, and forever Spider-Man!

Follow Spider-Man's action-packed journey from his struggle to harness the extraodinary gifts that will prove to be both blessing and curse, to his fight to save innocent lives while the media tear him to pieces. It all leads to the dramatic battle high above the city streets, where the webslinger faces his archnemesis, the madman known as the Green Goblin. While the city watches breathlessly, Spider-Man confronts the greatest challenge, and the Goblin puts Peter Parker's vow to fight crime to the ultimate test.

2006-04-16 | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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It's-a web-swingin' !!
The movie is exceptionally good - and even more so this novelization of the film by Peter David at some respect would even seem quite much better, sorta like reminding you the advantage of written format's merits and appeal to tell a story better than any other web-dusty format can.

I've first encountered a work by David from the WEB OF SPIDERMAN comic (mainly a stand-alone spidey story series which MARVEL started publication back in '85 or '86), in particular issue number 13 - with the story titled 'Point Of View', and from that point on I knew P. David is one of the most unsung outstanding writers out there not only in the comic book field - nearly to the level of comicbook writer vet Roy Thomas. Although I've commented that the movie's storyline would've been perfect if they haven't skipped some elements from the comics' plotline from where they were based from- on my review for the film - this noveliazation stands supremely quite alright.

However, it so happens that other reviews for this movie-tie-in book states the same thing about being a clever work from P. David, which i got from a MARVEL paperback boxed set with movie tie-ins for HULK (also rendered by Peter David - and the one I'm currently reading right now along with David's novelization for the sequel SPIDERMAN 2) and X-MEN 2, which is written by Chris Clearmont, who's works in comics I am quite familliar and am fond of, but at this point- the former writers for the first XMEN movie tie-in seems to've done a better job.

Going back to this work of Peter David for the Spidey movie -- it's just as good as reading 'em Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. Twas one of the best re-renditions ever portrayed not only for the SPIDERMAN mythos that I have encountered , but for the overall conundrum of works for adaptations as well.

2005-11-27 | Crutchead (Philippines) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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More Wise Cracks Than You Can Swing A Web At
Spider-Man is one of my favorite comic superheros. I loved the movie and i loved the soundtrack and i definatley loved the book. the action and comedy of spider-man never stops. You gotta read it.



If you Liked This Book Read Spider-Man 2 & All The comics!

2005-05-15 | Family Guy Blue harvest Quagmire as C-3PO 2010 (Webberville, Mi, USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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The First Epistle of Peter (New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Product Details

• Notes: BUY WITH Aplomb, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and usage to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
• ISBN13: 9780802825162
• Up: New

Description

Peter David's study on I Peter is part of The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Prepared by some of the world's leading scholars, the series provides an exposition of the New Testament books that is thorough and fully abreast of modern scholarship yet faithful to the Scriptures as the infallible Word of God.

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Customer Reviews

Must I be the only one to give Davids' Peter a 5 out of 6?
"Abreast of modern scholarship," is what the publisher's blurb says of Peter Davids' exegesis of THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER -- which sounds titillating. But Amazon readers, who number in the low single-digits, are saying: "Got milk of the Word? I don't think so..."

And that is so unfair! Why must preachers, whenever they review one another's PETER, sound so snarky? Can we be a little more gracious, please?

Reviewer #1 twice praises Peter Davids' PETER as "decent" but rates it unkindly as "50-75 pages" too short for $27 plus postage and handling.

Reviewer #2 mentions "penetrating insights," but says that Davids' PETER does not have "the best blend of virtues" (okay, true--but then, whose Peter DOES have the "best blend of virtues," among men who penetrate? Don't look at ME! Nor, for that matter, at the original St. Peter -- and he was *married*!).

Reviewer #3 judges Davids' PETER not for its penetration, but for its cover: "This is fine volume. Put it on your shelf."

(Okay, granted, I know what you're thinking, Dude: With a hot jacket like the one on THIS book, who needs to explore what's inside? An angelic male, with long curly hair and a symbol in his right hand, is shown making a move on a 14-year-old Virgin -- who is dodging him with both arms outstretched, as if to say, "No WAY will I do that!! Keep your grubby hands, and your penetrating insights, in your pocket! I'm saving myself for Joseph!")

What has that got to do with THE FIRST EPISTLE of the world's first Pope? Nothing! But Davids' PETER will add an erotic ambience to your pastoral bookshelf or church library, as if to say: "Hey, check THIS out!"

Amazon Reviewer #4 complains that Peter Davids spends entirely too little time exploring 1 PETER 3:21, which reads as follows (Authorised Version):

"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

--and if you think THAT's bad writing in need of exegesis, you should read 1 PETER 3:21 in the original vernacular.

Alas, whenever Saint Peter tried to write in Greek, he made fritters of the language. And the interventions of the Holy Ghost, who knows His Hebrew better than His Greek, didn't help much. But that is PRECISELY why we need erudite exegesis, such as this new one by Peter H. Davids. Except, of course, that Davids forgets to explain 1 PETER 3:21 -- which happens to be one of the smartest things St. Peter ever said.

Here, then, is a useful tip: If you have tried to read the epistles of Saint Peter, or the exegesis of Peter Davids on the First Epistle of Peter, and if you have been either mystified or bored instead of being titillated and penetrated, then here's your fix: Go to Amazon.com, and search and . Don't put it in your shopping cart all at once. First, read the reviews of THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER by Peter Davids' rival, Wayne Grudem.

You may be surprised! Unlike Peter Davids' PETER, Rev. Grudem's PETER enjoys five stars from almost everyone who has read his book, which includes at least five people -- his copy editor; four preachers (three-fourths of whom give Grudem five stars); and a fifth reviewer,one who knows his PETER better than anyone.

Four of Grudem's five Amazon.com reviewers -- i.e., the four preachers -- are concerned about length.

Pastor #1 describes Grudem's PETER as not big, but "good." (Speaking for myself, I wouldn't even say "good." I would say: "VERY good.") "However," writes Pastor #1, it could probably be updated" (i.e., updated to conform with more modern, New Age, PETERS, as in the New-Age New International Version).

Reviewer #2 calls Grudem's PETER a "superb little" one.

Reviewer #3 says: Not fair! Though "relatively short" (compared say, to Davids, or to some donkey like Aquinas), Grudem's PETER is "a midlength" one, "a medium length commentary aimed at the lay reader." Moreover, Grudem can "pack a lot into a small space," and we're not just talking about his codpiece, we're talking about his "appendix," which, even when "shortened," contains more spiritual meat "than some commentators would in twice that length."

(Grudem's PETER, like Peter Davids' PETER, avoids getting into the "filth of the flesh" mentioned in 1 PETER 3:21; but "His appendix on 1 PETER 3:19, 20, is a masterpiece." The only big problem, for pastoral Reviewer #3, is that "Eerdmans is a terrible publisher."_

Reviewer #4 agrees that Grudem's PETER "is power-packed. he fits a lot more into his tyndale" than his rivals can do, such as Peter Davids, even though Davids' PETER is quite a bit longer than Grudem's.

The fifth, most penetrating, review of Grudem's rival FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER is headed "Rock Solid!" -- and that under-appreciated review has to be the smartest thing ever written on the First Epistle of Saint Peter. I recommend it highly.

If you are on a tight budget, and do not care to blow your entire wad on either Davids' or Grudem's or on anyone else's PETER, then I say, read "Rock Solid!" -- an Amazon.com review that will cost you nothing.

Next, buy yourself a copy of PETER RABBIT, by Beatrix Potter, an inspired volume by someone who knew how to write in a way that did not require additional commentary. PETER RABBIT sells on Amazon for under seven bucks and has hundreds of 5-star reviews. I recommend it highly, without any ecclesiastical reservations whatsoever.

--L.

2009-02-15 (www.bobshakespeare.com) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Penetrating insights
This review will address three authors' work on Peter and Jude: Kistemaker, Schreiner, and Davids.

Kistemaker's commentary in the New Testament Commentary series begun by Hendriksen was published in 1987. Kistemaker, a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary, is well known for his contributions to approximately half of this series. His work is the most pastorally oriented of the three here, and is easy to read. Each paragraph of text is presented in a separate section, followed by the text of individual verses with exposition, followed by (as needed) separate sections on "Doctrinal considerations", "Practical considerations", and/or "Greek words, phrases, and constructions". This format is a little scattered, but allows for ease of use across a wide spectrum of readers. Kistemaker is practical, but has less depth than Schreiner or Davids. The current printing is packaged with James and 1-3 John, as well, which makes for a mighty unwieldy volume. I recommend instead finding a reasonably priced used version with just Peter and Jude, unless you're investing in the entire set.

Thomas Schreiner is a professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and author of the Peter & Jude Commentary in the New American Commentary series. Schreiner is also author of the well-regarded BECNT entry for Romans, as well as a volume on Paul's theology. This commentary was written in 2003, and has a clean layout, albeit with smaller print than the other works here. Schreiner's work is solid, and his theology sound, but his writing is not the most engaging. The NIV text is presented one paragraph at a time, then exposited verse-by-verse preceded by verse numbers in bold. The Greek, which he utilizes frequently, is transliterated into English in the running commentary.

Peter Davids is a professor at St. Stephen's University, and has also authored the commentary on James in the New International Greek Testament Commentary series. His work on 1 Peter is in the New International Commentary on the New Testament series (1990), with 2 Peter and Jude in the Pillar New Testament Commentary series (2006). Like his James commentary, he begins with useful discussions of the theology of the letter, broken down into categories such as "Suffering", "Scripture", "God", etc. His work is surprisingly useful for pastors. He in general has a more academic tone, but then breaks forth into a very practical, insightful discussion of, say, "revolutionary submission" in 1 Peter 3. The Pillar volume has a less pastorally-oriented feel, but that is likely due partially to the different subject material provided by Peter and Jude in these letters. Due to the 2 volumes, his works are more thorough than Schreiner or Kistemaker, but of course are more expensive. The format is generally similar to the NAC, although the NIC volume does provide the actual Greek text in the footnotes.

Comparison: Any of these three authors' works would be a worthwhile purchase for the pastor, seminarian, or generally informed reader. All are presented with the NIV text, but interact with the underlying Greek text. Kistemaker and Schreiner are somewhat more conservative theologically than Davids. Those without a seminary education will likely find Kistemaker the most accessible. Students working on their thesis will probably prefer Davids' delving into more detail. Schreiner has the best blend of virtues for those who can afford only one volume at this time.

Kistemaker: 4 stars
Davids: 4.5 stars (1 Peter), 4 stars (2 Peter/Jude)
Schreiner: 4 stars

2007-11-18 | David (Massachusetts, USA) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 4

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Solid Scholarship
Peter Davids is very thoughtful. The reader would find this volume insightful and exciting. Davids has tempered this volume with NT scholarship and modern application, while taking into account the views of major players on 1Peter. This is fine volume. Put it on your shelf.

2007-04-04 | A Christ-follower (CA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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1 Peter commentary by Davids
I recently read the 1 Peter commentary by Davids. The text is quite readable. He presents opposing viewpoints well and fairly. He lets you know the likely best interpretation of controversial phrases and verses. My only criticism is that I wish he had spent a little more time on 1 Peter 3:21. Overall though, I learned a lot reading this book. Despite the fact that I have read 1 Peter in the Bible well over 20 times, my understanding of that book is now greatly enriched. You won't regret buying Davids commentary.

2005-02-05 | Bill (Dearborn) | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 4

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A decent commentary in series that deserves slightly better
The NICNT series has some very distinguished volumes (most notably Fee on 1 Corinthians), and most of them represent a good value for most pastors. Davids' volume on 1 Peter is a good volume, but not a great one. I am a pastor currently preaching through 1 Peter and I find that Davids' work is always reliable, but not especially incisive. It seems to me that the author did not have quite enough time to put into the commentary as he might have liked (he admits as much in the preface), and so we are left with a decent contribution, but not one of my top choices on 1 Peter. I am sorry to say this, since I am such of fan of the NICNT series as a whole. Davids work suffers in comparison with other available commentaries on 1 Peter: Grudem in the TNTC series is less than half the price, written with more verve, and almost as long; Kelly's 30 year old work in the BNTC series is still my top choice for overall value (it covers 1 & 2 Peter, and Jude for less $ than Davids); Michaels commentary in the Word series sells for about the same price as Davids, but it is at least twice as full, giving much more detail (sometimes too much)and has some really excellent exegesis of the Greek text; Achtemeier's more recent contribution to the Hermenia series is the fullest yet, but also the most expensive by far (twice as much as Davids or Michaels). While being a fine work, it does not break new ground, and is no more insightful that Michaels. In conclusion, I would like to see Davids' volume on 1 Peter revised in the near future and have about 50-75 pages added and more interaction with recent authors. If this is done, and the price remains the same, Davids may be in the running.

2000-02-19 (St. Louis) | Helpful Votes: 42 | Rating: 3

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A Rock and a Hard Place (Star Trek The Next Generation, No 10)

Description

Under the best circumstances, terraforming is a tough, dangerous task that pits the hardiest of pioneers against an unforgiving environment. When the terraformers on the planet Paradise fall behind schedule, commander Riker is given temporary leave from the U.S.S. Enterprise™ and sent to assist.

Riker's replacement on the Starship Enterprise is a volatile officer named Stone whose behavior soon raises questions about his ability and his judgment. Meanwhile, Commander Riker has become enmeshed in a life and struggle with Paradise's brutal landscape. However, he soon learns that not all of the planet's dangers are natural in origin -- as he comes face to face with Paradise's greatest danger and most hideous secret.

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Customer Reviews

A Terrific Riker book:
Peter David is by far one of the best trek novelists out there, from books like Vendetta all the way to his latest New Frontier series, are all top notch and well worth your time. This here is a great addition to your reading list whether you're a fan of the numbered series or even if you are just a casual sci fi reader, there's just a little something for everyone.
Primarily this book focuses on William Riker and really delves into his early life and offers alot of nice little details about the character. The majority of the story takes place on terraforming colony where Riker is sent by starfleet to oversee their progress and in the process reunites with his childhood friend. Of course all is not well and he soon discovers the planet is inhabited by some nasty genetically engineered monstrosities.
The B story involves Riker's Replacement on the Enterprise who may or may not be a complete lunatic. This behavior really gets pretty reckless and leads to plenty of action and craziness which by the way, makes for some really good reading. You really don't know how far he's willing to take things, the whole things kinda like Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon. It's really too bad that this is the only novel to feature him because he's not a typical trek character and that's one of things that makes this book really refreshing.
Overall, all of the characters are well written and very much in character. It's really easy to tell that Peter David has a true love and affection for these characters. The action is all well developed and entertaining. It's a fairy short book and if you're like me, you'll page turn your way through it in a day because what's here is riveting. I hope this review helps as I really enjoyed it and if you want a good breezy read you should check this out. Anyways, keep on trekkin'.

2010-01-24 (Vista, CA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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A Rock and a Hard Place
Your book is too expensive. I am a Star Trek fan and I would like to have all the Star Trek books I have read in paperback format added to my Kindle, but I will not be adding your book. This book which I own in paperback is price too high. I think the price should be in the 3 dollar range. Because of its current price I would not be adding it to my KindleA Rock and a Hard Place

2008-12-21 | Ezzy (Crestview, Florida) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1

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Good book by Peter David
Peter David certainly knows how to write an enjoyable and gripping book. While not as interesting as his first Next Generation novel, "Strike Zone" this is a solid story.

Commander Riker is given temporary leave from the Enterprise to help out a terraforming colony run by a childhood friend of Riker's from the wilds of Alaska. (As an aside, it's nice to know that even in the 24th century Alaska remains an independent, rugged and pristine area - at least in this fictional future). Meanwhile back on the Enterprise, Riker's temporary replacement, Commander Quentin Stone is causing quite a stir. Commander Stone has been assigned as Picard's first officer so that Captain Picard can evaluate him to see if he truly is the rogue officer and space case that Stone's previous captains think he is.

Peter David seamlessly switches back and forth between these two disparate storylines, and keeps your interest from the first page to the last. Deanna Troi is quite well used in this story, and it's nice to see her character fleshed out somewhat.

There were a number of interesting character moments from O'Brien at the poker games, to the ressurection of Worf's "musical talent" that was previously brought up in Peter David's previous Next Gen novel. As usual with a Peter David novel, there are some great humorous bits such as the poker games. It's also interesting to note that Peter David's first Next Generation novel "Strike Zone" was the first novel to deal with Dr. Crusher being replaced by Dr. Pulaski in the second season, this novel is the first Next Generation book to deal with Beverly Crusher's return to the Enterprise.

While not the best of Next Generation novels, this book is a fun and fast read. Enjoy!

2006-09-24 (West Covina, CA USA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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A Rock And A Hard Place
I put this a book the maximum possible rating, 5 stars. The reason why I do that is because I think this novel is brilliant! Not only it takes you in from the first page and keeps you interested EVERY page till the end, but it also has that great ST:TNG feeling that makes it seem that it is an integral part of the official canon.
Also, it is very sad to say good-bye to Stone, to the Carters and terraformers at Paradise. I want to meet them all again!

2006-02-07 | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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STNG #10 - A Rock and a Hard Place - Good early Trek!
As good as his first Star Trek novel, Star Trek The Next Generation #5 - "Strike Zone" is, "A Rock and a Hard Place" is that much better. If you were to read through the entirety of the early STNG novels, you will quickly gather that there are a couple authors' novels that are to be looked forward to, Peter David's and Michael Jan Friedman's. With this particular installment, Peter David firmly reaffirmed and set himself in place as the one Star Trek author that can deliver a solid plot with thought provoking twists and an excellent sense of humor. His novels are the ones that will make you laugh as you read along.

The premise:

The planet Paradise is being terraformed but the terraformers in charge have fallen behind schedule and they've requested assistance. Commander William T. Riker of the USS Enterprise is given that task and sets off for Paradise. This is where we see Riker on his own, dealing with nature and its quirks.

Meanwhile, aboard the Enterprise, Riker's temporary replacement is a brazen individual by the name of Commander Quinton Stone and let's just says that he and the Captain and crew of the Enterprise aren't getting along chummily!

What follows is but a mere inkling as to some of the outstanding adventures that author Peter David will take Star Trek fans on in the future. I highly recommend this novel to any and all fans of the genre! {ssintrepid}

2003-07-20 | ssintrepid (St. Louis, MO United States) | Helpful Votes: 7 | Rating: 5

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Incredible Hulk Visionaries, Vol. 7

Description

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The Letters of 2 Peter and Jude (Pillar New Testament Commentary)

Product Details

• ISBN13: 9780802837264
• Notes: BUY WITH Poise, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and ceremony to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
• Prepare: New

Description

Filling a notable gap in scholarship on 2 Peter and Jude, Peter Davids artfully unpacks these two neglected but fascinating epistles that deal with the confrontation between the Greco-Roman world and the burgeoning first-century Jesus communities.

Davids firmly grasps the overall structure of these oft-maligned epistles and presents a strong case for 2 Peter and Jude as coherent, consistent documents. Marked by exceptional exegesis, sharp, independent judgments, a singular combination of rhetorical and narrative analysis, and timely application to the concerns of the local church, Davids’s work not only connects with the latest scholarship but also transforms scholarly insights into helpful conclusions benefiting all believers.

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Customer Reviews

Read it before before buying it
Surely there will be someone else writing about this book, so I'm going try to help you in another way.

When you start reading biblical commentaries you will need to be aware that the thoughts expressed by the author deal with facts and speculations that should of happened. You can NEVER rely on only one commentary to affirm something about the Bible. You need at least three good commentaries.

Try to read biblical commentaries from different confessions of faith (e.g., Calvinism vs. Arminianism; Pentecostal vs. non-Pentecostal; Catholic vs. Protestant; Egalitarian vs. Complementarian; Amillennialism vs. Premillennialism vs. Postmillennialism; etc). Look for their arguments: What do they agree or disagree on? Which of them is closest to the biblical text? It's not a sin to read commentaries written from other points of view. You will notice that what is fact or solid argument will be seen over and over on different commentaries, so you will start learning what is speculation and what is not.

As Haddon W. Robinson said in his book, Biblical Preaching, (second edition, page 22), "In approaching a passage, we must be willing to reexamine our doctrinal convictions and to reject the judgments of our most respected teachers."

Remember, a commentary is not the biblical text. Do not replace the authority of the Bible with a commentary. The same apply for Study Bibles. The study notes there are not written by "apostles and prophets," so never confuse the "gospel" with the teacher or preacher. Learn to separate it.

Commentaries are important because nobody can get a poem from one language and translate it with the same structure to another language. This simply does not exist. Words, phrases, and sentences are rooted in a specific time, culture and custom. About Bibles, the best way is to check different translations, but be cautious about a very loose translation.

For you to appreciate any biblical commentary you need to know what level of reading you are. I'm going call them beginner, intermediate and advanced. I recommend the following biblical commentaries that you can start from. All of them have both Old Testament and New Testament. (If you're thinking of buying the whole set, look for the CD edition; it's cheaper and you can take it with you where you go.)

Beginner - NIV Application Commentary (NIVAC) by Zondervan.
(or) The Bible Speaks Today Series (BST) by IVP (This is a growing series and not yet complete.)

Intermediate - New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) and New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT) by Eerdmans

Advanced - Word Biblical Commentary (WBC) by Thomas Nelson

These are basic commentaries on their own level, but there are a lot of commentaries today, so don't forget to look for more information. Maybe you can get information from one of these: (1) Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources by John Glynn, (2) New Testament Commentary Survey by D. A. Carson, (3) Old Testament Commentary Survey by Tremper Longman.

There are good and expensive commentaries such as the Anchor Bible (AB); International Critical Commentary (ICC) or Hermeneia (HERM). [Do not forget of Calvin and Luther].

I don't know about catholic commentaries, but you can check reviews on "Sacra Pagina" and "Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture."

Other than those mentioned above (NIVAC; BST; NICNT; WBC; AB; ICC; HERM) you can also check: Expositor Bible Commentary (EBC); New American Commentary (NAC); Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC); New International Greek Testament Commentary (NIGTC); Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (BECNT); and others.

Another thing, it can be a very good commentary, but it does not mean that you will agree with everything in it. Remember, "new" does not mean it's updated, and "updated" does not mean it's better.

Purpose - You can read a book to get information, even if you are not interested in a deep study of the biblical text. In this case it's better to start reading something from your own confession of faith and always on your level of reading. If after some time you become interested in more, go check other commentaries, but please, do not skip "How To Read A Book" by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren.

Responsibility - It is your responsibility study the biblical text before checking a commentary. Sometimes this is not an easy task so I'm giving you some other references that you can check at the end of this review. If I had read a review like this before, I would know how to prevent some mistakes.

Do not let you knowledge kill your faith! - "For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith." Hebrews 4:2 NIV - (Read also 1 Corinthians 1:21-24; 2:13-14; 3:18-23; Jude 1:3).

I can't leave without suggesting some other tools to help you: (1) How To Read A Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren; (2) Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation by Henry Virkler and Karelynne Ayayo; (3) New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors by Gordon Fee; and (4) Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors by Douglas Stuart. [Although book #3 and 4 deals with Biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew), you can learn a lot from them even if you do not know the languages]. (5) "Basics of Biblical Greek" Grammar by William D. Mounce [after you start reading it maybe you can add "Biblical Greek Survival Kit" and "Sing and Learn New Testament Greek" audio CD by Kenneth Berding]; (6) "English Grammar in Use" by Raymond Murphy (Third Edition with Cd-Rom). (7) Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History: Complete and Unabridged. - All of these will help you to understand HOW a good commentary must be written. Good Luck!

2009-12-31 (Florida, USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Highly recommended
This review will address three authors' work on Peter and Jude: Kistemaker, Schreiner, and Davids.

Kistemaker's commentary in the New Testament Commentary series begun by Hendriksen was published in 1987. Kistemaker, a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary, is well known for his contributions to approximately half of this series. His work is the most pastorally oriented of the three here, and is easy to read. Each paragraph of text is presented in a separate section, followed by the text of individual verses with exposition, followed by (as needed) separate sections on "Doctrinal considerations", "Practical considerations", and/or "Greek words, phrases, and constructions". This format is a little scattered, but allows for ease of use across a wide spectrum of readers. Kistemaker is practical, but has less depth than Schreiner or Davids. The current printing is packaged with James and 1-3 John, as well, which makes for a mighty unwieldy volume. I recommend instead finding a reasonably priced used version with just Peter and Jude, unless you're investing in the entire set.

Thomas Schreiner is a professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and author of the Peter & Jude Commentary in the New American Commentary series. Schreiner is also author of the well-regarded BECNT entry for Romans, as well as a volume on Paul's theology. This commentary was written in 2003, and has a clean layout, albeit with smaller print than the other works here. Schreiner's work is solid, and his theology sound, but his writing is not the most engaging. The NIV text is presented one paragraph at a time, then exposited verse-by-verse preceded by verse numbers in bold. The Greek, which he utilizes frequently, is transliterated into English in the running commentary.

Peter Davids is a professor at St. Stephen's University, and has also authored the commentary on James in the New International Greek Testament Commentary series. His work on 1 Peter is in the New International Commentary on the New Testament series (1990), with 2 Peter and Jude in the Pillar New Testament Commentary series (2006). Like his James commentary, he begins with useful discussions of the theology of the letter, broken down into categories such as "Suffering", "Scripture", "God", etc. His work is surprisingly useful for pastors. He in general has a more academic tone, but then breaks forth into a very practical, insightful discussion of, say, "revolutionary submission" in 1 Peter 3. The Pillar volume has a less pastorally-oriented feel, but that is likely due partially to the different subject material provided by Peter and Jude in these letters. Due to the 2 volumes, his works are more thorough than Schreiner or Kistemaker, but of course are more expensive. The format is generally similar to the NAC, although the NIC volume does provide the actual Greek text in the footnotes.

Comparison: Any of these three authors' works would be a worthwhile purchase for the pastor, seminarian, or generally informed reader. All are presented with the NIV text, but interact with the underlying Greek text. Kistemaker and Schreiner are somewhat more conservative theologically than Davids. Those without a seminary education will likely find Kistemaker the most accessible. Students working on their thesis will probably prefer Davids' delving into more detail. Schreiner has the best blend of virtues for those who can afford only one volume at this time.

Kistemaker: 4 stars
Davids: 5 stars (1 Peter), 4 stars (2 Peter/Jude)
Schreiner: 4 stars

2007-11-18 | David (Massachusetts, USA) | Helpful Votes: 9 | Rating: 4

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