Hardin's Top Ten in Biblical Studies
I'm continually asked two questions about studying the Bible: “What are the best resources for understanding the background of the biblical text?” and “What books can I read to enhance my understanding of the message of Scripture?” The following list will help. I've sorted them by resources for both beginners and advanced students. There are certainly more, but these are my top ten in each category.
Beginners:
1. Merton, Thomas. Opening the Bible . The Liturgical Press, 1970.
2. Carson D. A., Douglas J. Moo and Leon Morris. An Introduction to the New Testament. Zondervan, 1992.
3. Archer, Gleason L. A Survey of Old Testament Introduction . Moody Press, 1994.
4. Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity . 3 rd Edition. William B. Eerdmans, 2003.
5. Stein, Robert. The Method and Message of Jesus' Teaching . The Westminster Press, 1978.
6. Blomberg, Craig. Interpreting the Parables . InterVarsity Press, 1990.
7. Bruce, F. F. Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free . William B. Eerdmans, 1977.
8. Bruce, F. F. Hard Sayings of Jesus . InterVarsity Press, 1983.
9. Brauch, Manfred T. Hard Sayings of Paul . InterVarsity Press, 1989.
10. Foster, R. C. Studies in the Life of Christ . Reprint. College Press, 1995.
Advanced:
1. Fee, Gordon and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth . Zondervan,
1993.
2. Hengel, Martin. Crucifixion . Fortress Press, 1977.
3. Ferguson, Everett. Early Christians Speak. Abilene Christian University Press, 1981.
4. Morris, Leon. Apocalyptic . William B. Eerdmans, 1972.
5. Freedman, David Noel. The Nine Commandments . Doubleday Books, 2000.
6. Barrett, C. K. Paul. Westminster John Knox Press, 1994.
7. Barton, Stephen. The Spirituality of the Gospels . Hendrickson Publishers, 1992.
8. Ramsay, William. The Letters to the Seven Churches . Hendrickson Publishers, 1994.
9. Wright, N. T. The New Testament and the People of God . Fortress Press, 1992.
10. Jeremias, Joachim. Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus . Fortress Press, 1969.