Oct 31 2009
Book Review: 150 Bible Verses Every Catholic Should Know
Even if you already read the Bible regularly, Patrick Madrid’s compact volume of Bible verses and commentary is worthwhile. Although he sometimes writes from his own experience or education, he often illuminates the particular verse with references to other passages of Scripture and/or commentary from scholars like St. John Chrysostom. Therefore, although each commentary is brief, each can be a stepping stone to more in-depth reading.
Madrid also doesn’t mince words. When he discusses the ways that the teachings of Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses contradict Scripture, for example, there is no equivocation.
Madrid surprised me in two ways. First, he included not just the well-known New Testament verses that justify Catholic doctrine, but delved into Old Testament passages that (frankly) aren’t in my usual repertoire, such as 2 Kings 13:20-21. Second, when it came to familiar verses, he took the route less traveled. For example, his commentary on Matthew 16:13-19 could have taken the route of “See, this justifies having a Pope!” Instead, he relates the rock to Panius, a looming cliff well-known to Our Lord’s audience.
This review was written as part of the Catholic Book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on 150 Bible Verses Every Catholic Should Know.
[...] Even if you already read the Bible regularly, Patrick Madrid’s compact volume of Bible verses and commentary is worthwhile. Although he sometimes writes from his own experience or education, he often illuminates the particular verse with references to other passages of Scripture and/or commentary from scholars like St. John Chrysostom. Therefore, although each commentary is [...] Read more… [...]
The review has sold me on the book. I almost wish I’d written it.
James
I have that feeling that you could still find 150 other verses that you could write about. Hint, hint.