A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
What historical commentary is still quoted and used today? In John Trapp’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, Reformation Heritage Books presents a classic Puritan exposition of Scripture.
Trapp was an English Anglican who lived from 1601 to 1669 in the United Kingdom. This is his most famous work — a masterful accomplishment and treasure of church history.
“Companion and Treasure”
With concise writing, Trapp combines an explanation of the text with his own personal commentary. He writes with profound insight but also sprinkles in some humor. Spurgeon said, “Trapp is my especial companion and treasure.”
First published by Richard Dickson from 1866-1868, originally presented in 10 volumes, this set has condensed them to 5 beautifully constructed books. Typeset in an older style, with nearly 4000 pages bound in a handsome hardcover featuring blue and gold highlights — you will want to return to them again and again.
Plus Four Practical Books
I used Volume 5 when preparing for a sermon on 2 Timothy 4:10-17. I was inspired to read of Mr. Bradford who, even during his imprisonment, made preaching, reading, and praying his whole life. Trapp makes an insightful comment comparing preachers to physicians, in that a physician will be paid for his work whether or not his patient lives. In the same way, preachers must do the work of preaching, whether or not his hearers are saved, as that is the work of the Lord.
Apart from the outstanding production quality, what really makes this set special are the four practical books that have been included as appendixes: God’s Love-Tokens and The Afflicted Man’s Lessons, The Righteous Man’s Recompense, Theologia Theologiae: The True Treasure; or, a Treasury of Holy Truths Touching God’s Word and God of the Word, and Mellificium Theologicum: The Marrow of Many Good Authors.
A Labor of Love
What I most enjoyed was his Mellificium Theologicum. This was a topical study addressing abstinence, admonition, alms, ambition, angels, anger, apostasy, arrogance, arts, and atheism. It gave me a glimpse into the times of the Puritans, and how they dealt with the same issues we have today. Trapp uses 1 John 2:16 to talk about ambition, memorably using the words “pleasure, profit, and preferment” to help explain the verse.
Trapp’s verse-by-verse exposition serves to strengthen sermons, with quotable phrases and illustrations. He worked on these commentaries throughout his lifetime, and it is clear that they were a labor of love. Come read and see how to engage and enjoy all of Scripture.
I received a media copy of A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.