Best Resource for "Bible Difficulties"

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Semper Fidelis

2 Timothy 2:24-25
Staff member
Are there any solid reference books out there for "Bible Difficulties"?

I know there's this: Amazon.com: New International Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties: Jr., Gleason L. Archer: Books

But I wouldn't want to buy it if there is a more thorough resource that has researched the standard "difficulties" that people run across. I'm not usually looking for these kind of things but I had a question from a fellow member recently that was a bit off the wall that I didn't have the time to research.
 
I've seen several resources on the "hard sayings" of Jesus over the years, including Sproul audio that I just noticed in Tabletalk.

I would imagine that most good commentaries will address difficult passages.
 
Gleason Archer was a marvel in his day. The man knew something like 26 or 27 languages. I disagree with his position on creation, but he was a strong inerrantist and a decent OT scholar.

I prefer the IVP book, Hard Sayings of the Bible. Peter Davids, F.F. Bruce, Walter Kaiser, and Manfred Brauch make for a very up-to-date book. Again, I do not agree with all of their exegetical judgments. Still, it is a fine volume to own.

Actually, the Kaiser book and Archer volume are both worth having.
 
Hi Semper!

I'm almost afraid to add my two cents. You are highly educated and a USMC Officer. I'm just a little dweeby peon compared to you. (Here it comes) But I've been on the struggling end of some of these issues and wanted to add a little. I actually waited a while to see if anybody was going to say what I wanted to say when I saw your thread, but since nobody did, I'm stepping forward to add a little.

After I read the Bible, I really didn't have too many. But the Pastor who was discipling me would make me work through them on my own. He would add a few words, point me to exact passages that spoke on the subject, and listen when I presented my solutions. He was an Arminian, but he also helped me when I was drifting toward's Calvinism to use the Bible to justify what I was saying. I also found R.C. Sproul helpful. (On a personal note, I had to struggle with the fact that people who don't take the Bible literally as God's word can be saved.)

Anyway, good luck on your endeavor, and I hope you don't mind me adding a little to the conversation. Whoo-rah Sir!
 
Matthew Poole's commentary will usually suggest a variety of resolutions and provide opinion on the best one.
 
The only book known to me that specifically deals with "difficulties" is one by J W Haley entitled "Alleged discrepancies of the Bible". I have found it a helpful book, although (as with any book) one would demur with some of his offered solutions.

Just my :2cents:, for what its worth.
 
Are there any solid reference books out there for "Bible Difficulties"?

John Calvin is reliable. He often raises the difficulties where none would suspect them before demolishing legitimate objections, so-called. Having read countless commentaries (as well as airy comments) he is unique and never shirks any issues.
 
Matthew Poole's commentary will usually suggest a variety of resolutions and provide opinion on the best one.

I love my three-volume Poole's Commentary and turn to it almost as often as the PB when I have questions. Poole's answer is usually quite clear.
 
Matthew Poole's commentary will usually suggest a variety of resolutions and provide opinion on the best one.

I love my three-volume Poole's Commentary and turn to it almost as often as the PB when I have questions. Poole's answer is usually quite clear.

Strange you should mention that for I just got a 3-volume set of Matthew Poole today from James Dickson Books in Scotland. I sold my original set 2 years ago as I found him boring when trying to read him consecutively through a book. However, when I was writing my latest book, I found him useful when referencing individual verses, and so it is nice to have him back on my shelves again.
 
Matthew Poole's commentary will usually suggest a variety of resolutions and provide opinion on the best one.


So does Gill but he probably got it from Matthew Poole. LOL

I had Gleason Archer's book years ago and found it very insightful. But I have come to find Gill to be an excellent resource also.
 
Matthew Poole's commentary will usually suggest a variety of resolutions and provide opinion on the best one.


So does Gill but he probably got it from Matthew Poole. LOL

I had Gleason Archer's book years ago and found it very insightful. But I have come to find Gill to be an excellent resource also.

John Gill is an excellent commentator; what I like about him is that you can sit down and read consecutively through a book with him, whereas if you tired to do that with Matthew Poole, it would bore you to tears. :gpl:
 
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