The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

New Daily Study Bible

by William Barclay, Allister McGrath (Foreword)

For more than fifty years and for millions of readers around the world, the New Daily Study Bible commentaries have been the ideal help for both devotional and serious Bible study. William Barclay's brilliant communication, down-to-earth approach, and sheer enthusiasm have inspired generations of readers. These new editions contain a new foreword from renowned theologian and author Alister McGrath, along with updated language to clarify less familiar illustrations from the originals and the inclusion of more contemporary language. Here are William Barclay's offerings on Paul's letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Though written to the faithful in years gone by, Paul's words come to life for readers today through Barclay's own translation and enlightening commentary.

Genres: Reference, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, New Testament, Christianity, Theology

250 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

WIlliam Barclay was a Scottish author, radio and television presenter, Church of Scotland minister, and Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism at the University of Glasgow. He wrote a popular set of Bible commentaries on the New Testament that sold 1.5 million copies.

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barclay’s writing is indicative of his own comments in regard to Colossians 4:6, where he states that “Christians must commend their message with the charm and the wit which were in Jesus himself. There is too much of the Christianity which stodgily depresses people and too little of the Christianity which sparkles with life” (195). This fascinating little commentary covers Philippians (102 pages), Colossians (102 pages), and 1 & 2 Thessalonians (51 pages). The reader should expect a paragraph (average of about 4-6 verses) followed by roughly a page or two of explanation and application. No knowledge of ancient languages is presumed. The only strained application seems to be the pressing of the Gnostic view of the heresy in the book, albeit a very common view of Barclay’s day (cf. 112-115; 132-134; 157; 167-170).

Throughout the commentary, Barclay time and time again makes impressive applications driven directly from the text at hand. The applications are all fresh and easy to be understood. Barclay’s ability to turn a phrase and illustrate with ease is evident throughout the little work. Overall, the theology is not overtly bizarre. In contrast to the fact that Barclay is often considered a quintessential liberal (holding to positions that most evangelical Christians would firmly oppose), his writing holds little resemblance to the extreme views that he held. For example, Barclay did not follow some of his era in attributing Colossians to another writer than Paul. Rather, he notes that “we need not hesitate to accept Colossians as a letter written by Paul.” It seems to this reviewer that Barclay was more willing to admit points of weakness in his own theology than one may be willing to give him credit for. For example, regarding baptism, Barclay points away from his own paedobaptist tradition for the immersionist credobaptist position as the historical approach to baptism (162)!

There are a few points of liberal theology that do raise their heads in the book. First, in regard to the deity of Christ, Barclay walks all the way up to the line of saying that Christ was God, but does not cross that line. Second, the writer seems to discourage a substitutionary atonement in favor of what could be considered something of an example theory of the atonement (142-143). Last, he does make a quick shot at “rigid orthodoxy” (153). In spite of these comments, the notes on Colossians are of the highest caliber.

This book is for any believer who wants to gain a more practical insight into these books. Each unit will only take about 10-15 minutes to read and consider, and this reviewer would recommend it as an excellent daily devotional on the Scripture in question. It will not disappoint.

[Angus Mcfarlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barclay's series of commentaries for the every day person remain impressive nearly 50 years after writing. In this volume, for example, nearly every segment delves into a Greek word, which could imply an academic, dry read, yet this was not the case for me. Rather, this helped illustrate the context or meaning in the respective texts. This is perhaps one of Barclays strengths, along with his description of historical Greek and Jewish culture, even if he has been critiqued for occasionally drawing the wrong conclusion from a translated word.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barclay is one of my favorite Bible commentators. He gives a lot of history to make the Bible more understandable, and writes well about Biblical truths. We agree on the important doctrines; there are just a few small things we disagree on that don't matter in the big scheme of things. Highly recommended!!!

[Janet Mahlum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not superimpressed with Barclay. In fact, not even impressed. However this commentary did have quite a bit of study on the Greek words used and what they really mean which I did find interesting.

[George Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Amazing!

I cannot speak highly enough about this commentary! Short chapters make for a quick read but the depth of insight is so amazingly profound that I can't just breeze through without really considering the depth of his insight! Simply Amazing!

[charles whitcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Never has a William Barclay book left me disappointed. Scholarship ✔️historical background✔️ interpretation ✔️ application ✔️ and he has terrific stories to illustrate with. Barclay is the best scholar for the average Christian to read. I own all his N. T. Commentaries.

[John Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional commentary and devotional

I have been using Barclay's commentaries as a devotional for nearly 10 years now and still have several to go. They are always thorough and insightful.

[Jeff Lochhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been a great morning devotional for the past few months.

[CELIA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read Philippians

[Ralph Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent as always....Barclay brings out the meaning as usual

[Rick Dugan · Rating 3 out of 5]

He virtually ignored the Christology of Colossians. Not one of his better commentaries.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book in leading my men's Bible study group through Paul's letter's to the Philippians, Colossians and his two letters the Thessalonians. Barclay gives you a good background and walks through each verse telling you the meaning and the significance in Paul's time.

I really thought this would be very dry but it was very helpful. I won't hesitate to use a Barclay commentary again in the future.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly appreciate Barclay's ability to do his homework; thanks to his efforts, the culture and context of these early Christian texts are brought up-to-date, and prove to be just as relevant today as they were when the ink was still wet.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy Barclay's commentaries. The apostle Paul is often difficult to understand or interpret, however, William Barclay makes many brave attempts at a better understanding of Paul's motives and viewpoints.

[James Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

There aren't many "go to" commentaries but Barclay commentaries certainly qualifies as one of the "go to" commentaries. There are more scholarly works, there are more preacher friendly works, and there are more lay-reader friendly works. But few do all three as well as Barclay's commentaries.

[Cws]

227.7

[Rich Kooyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a reason why Barclay's commentaries have been used for decades: They're really wonderful.