Ernest R. Campbell received his B.A. from the University of Oregon, his B.D. and Th.D from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he majored in Greek under the renowned Greek scholar, Dr. Julius R. Mantey. He has served in the pastorate for over 35 years and is the founder of what is presently Canyonview Bible Seminary in Silverton, Oregon, a school emphasizing expository, verse by verse teaching from the Greek New Testament.

Dr. Campbell’s forty-five year study of the Greek New Testament has provided the background for writing exegetical commentaries on eight of the Pauline Epistles, essentially to aid believers who lack the time to master the original language for themselves. These commentaries, however, are also of considerable value to those who have a conversance with the Greek of the New Testament.

Since Romans is the "Handbook of Salvation," if you have a limited budget, I would recommend acquiring first the two volume commentary on ROMANS. EPHESIANS would be a good choice for your next acquisition, followed by GALATIANS, and then whatever boils your pot. Less limited budgets should consider getting all eight volumes at once. If you’re a serious student, you won’t be sorry!

While it is our sincere opinion that Dr. Campbell has ridden the Calvinist trolley past his stop (he sees the individual as pre- selected rather than the group), we feel that his dedication to the "final, absolute, and exclusive authority" of the precious Word of God, his insistence on the "literal-intended" meaning of the Bible, and his emphasis on rightly dividing the Word dispensationally have contributed to the production of some very helpful commentaries that would enrich any believer’s home library. They should be the possession of every Sunday School teacher and are a must for every pastor.

It is God who gives teachers to the Body and, while all teaching needs filtering (the Bible is the only Vicar of Christ on Earth!), some teachers contribute to our knowledge of the Person and work of our Lord, enabling us to love Him more and serve Him better.

By the way, if you have an over-worked underpaid pastor, you might wish to show your appreciation for his ministry by giving him a good book (or two...or several) once in a while. You’ll find some great selections in our Literature Section. Call us at (630) 834-0550 for more information.

Meet E.R. Campbell...you will be glad you did!

The GRACE BELIEVER does not endorse every view of every author. Through this column and its literature ministry, the Grace Believer seeks to aid Christians in building an interesting and informative Home Library that will add to their understanding of God’s Word, enhancing personal growth and increasing effectiveness in ministry.