It could be said that the epistle of James has had a troubled history in Lutheran circles, but in this Concordia commentary Dr. Giese shows God's good word in the epistle and contextualizes some of Luther's concerns with the book.

The lowly and simple majesty of John’s language calls the reader to become a disciple of the Word became flesh, and so to share in that which he himself is: eternal life. In John, the voice of the Word is heard; the Paraclete is speaking. God makes himself known, proffers himself, and so becomes our God. Thus, the Gospel invites us to see and to hear what apart from the Gospel cannot be seen and cannot be heard: the Father of Jesus, who is the true and divine Son. And in seeing the Father in that we see the Son, we can truly pray with Jesus, “Our Father.”

This commentary contains Dr. Weinrich’s original translation of John 1:1–7:1, a painstaking verse-by-verse analysis of the Greek text of these chapters, and theological exposition of the Gospel’s message, both for the apostolic church in its original context, and for the life of the Christian church today. His expertise in the early church fathers demonstrates how this Gospel was understood from the earliest times in the infant Christian church. Another unique aspect of this commentary is the interwoven extensive knowledge of the interpretation history of the Gospel of John. Dr. Weinrich explores both classic scholarship and modern interpretations of the book.

Spring '26
Required FLS textbook for Gospel of John course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
You will need this OR Concordia Commentary: John 7:2-12:50

Spring '25
Required FLS textbook for Gospel of John course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
You will need two of the following:
Concordia Commentary: John 1:1-7:1
Concordia Commentary: John 7:2-12:50
Luther's Works, Vol. 22: Sermons on the Gospel of St. John, Ch. 1-4
Luther's Works, Vol. 23: Sermons on the Gospel of St. John, Ch. 6-8
Luther's Works, Vol. 24: Sermons on the Gospel of St. John, Ch. 14-16

Spring '24
Required FLS textbook for Gospel of John course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
You will need either this or Concordia Commentary: John 7:2-12:50.

Spring '23
Required FLS textbook for Gospel of John course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
You will need either this or Concordia Commentary: John 7:2-12:50.

Spring '22
Required FLS textbook for Gospel of John course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.

Fall '20
Required FLS textbook for Gospel of John course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson.

Fall '19
Required FLS textbook for Gospel of John course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson.

This second commentary volume on the Gospel of John continues in John 7 with verse two reading as a heading for the new section. The four chapters of John 7–10 present the central narrative of Jesus’ public ministry in Jerusalem, characterized throughout by his presence in or near the temple. John 11 and John 12 serve as the “last section” of the account of Jesus’ public ministry. It contains the “final sign” and three scenes which mark “the close” of Jesus’ public work. Weinrich explores essential imagery, significant narrative devices, and historical interpretation of the Book of Signs.

Featuring Excursuses on:

• John 7:37-39: Punctuation and Meaning
• Does John 9 Refer to Baptism?
• Early Christian Interpretations of John 10:30
• John of Damascus on the Two Wills of Christ
• and many more.

Spring '26
Required FLS textbook for Gospel of John course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
You will need this OR Concordia Commentary: John 1:1-7:1

Spring '25
Required FLS textbook for Gospel of John course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
You will need two of the following:
Concordia Commentary: John 1:1-7:1
Concordia Commentary: John 7:2-12:50
Luther's Works, Vol. 22: Sermons on the Gospel of St. John, Ch. 1-4
Luther's Works, Vol. 23: Sermons on the Gospel of St. John, Ch. 6-8
Luther's Works, Vol. 24: Sermons on the Gospel of St. John, Ch. 14-16

Spring '24
Required FLS textbook for Gospel of John course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
You will need either this or Concordia Commentary: John 1:1-7:1.

Spring '23
Required FLS textbook for Gospel of John course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
You will need either this or Concordia Commentary: John 1:1-7:1.

This commentary interprets the narrative of Jonah as true history that reveals the God of Israel as gracious toward all who repent and believe in him. The introduction discusses the historical setting, archaeological evidence, and themes in the book. An original translation is based on the textual notes, which explain all the grammatical features of the Hebrew, revealing the literary artistry of Jonah’s author. The commentary clearly expounds the book’s message in harmony with the rest of the Scriptures. Ironically, Jonah the Israelite begrudges God’s abundant grace, while Gentiles are converted to saving faith through the power of the preached Word. Excursuses cover evangelism in the OT, “The Sign of Jonah” in the Gospels, death and resurrection motifs from Jonah 2 in Christian Baptism, and God changing his verdict from judgment to salvation. The commentary’s focus is on the “one greater than Jonah”: Jesus Christ, the Savior of all peoples.

Dr. Lessing’s scholarly expertise and decades of service as a seminary professor and pastor are evident as he meticulously expounds the text, historical setting, theology, Christology, and pastoral applications of “the fifth Gospel.” He explains why the prophet’s saving message, soaring language, and unforgettable imagery are so tightly woven into the fabric of Christian hymnody, liturgy, and prayer. Pericopes from chapters 40–55, which include the Suffering Servant Songs, permeate the lectionary throughout the church year.

Spring '23
Required FLS textbook for Minor Prophets course taught by Dr. Brent Olson, Professor of Old Testament.

Fall '20
Required FLS textbook for Minor Prophets course taught by Pr. Brent Olson, Professor of Old Testament.

Dr. Harstad explores history, culture, archaeology, and theology of the book of Joshua in this Concordia Commentary.

R. Reed Lessing takes a close look at recent interpretation, historical and canonical settings, genres, and more in the book of Lamentations.

Dr. Kleinig explores how each chapter of Leviticus finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the present worship life of the church in his Concordia Commentary on Leviticus.

Dr. Just considers the Gospel of Luke as a trustworthy, historical, and catechetical record of Jesus Christ in this Concordia Commentary.

Dr. Just considers the Gospel of Luke as a trustworthy, historical, and catechetical record of Jesus Christ in this Concordia Commentary.

Dr. James Voelz considers the oft-overlooked complexity of Mark's Gospel in this Concordia Commentary volume on Mark 1:1–8:26.

Dr. James Voelz continues his commentary work on Mark, considering the Law, Gospel, and narrative of promise in its latter half.

This Concordia Commentary carefully expounds the original Greek text and theology of Matthew. Dr. Gibbs employs a narrative approach that carefully attends to the literary structure of Matthew's unfolding message in his Gospel.

This Concordia Commentary carefully expounds the original Greek text and theology of Matthew. Dr. Gibbs employs a narrative approach that carefully attends to the literary structure of Matthew's unfolding message in his Gospel.

This Concordia Commentary carefully expounds the original Greek text and theology of Matthew's latter chapters. Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs employs a narrative approach that carefully attends to the literary structure of Matthew's unfolding message in his Gospel.

Dr. Soenksen unfolds the complexities and faithful teachings of Micah in this Concordia Commentary.

The brief and practical book of Philemon has long been a favorite of Christians. This commentary expounds Philemon in light of its theological purpose and its setting in the Greco-Roman world. It probes the specific circumstances under which Paul wrote the letter; how Philemon fit in with Paul’s missionary travels; and who Philemon and Onesimus were within the Christian community.

The apostle Paul addresses a crisis: Onesimus has robbed and fled from Philemon, whose house was the place of worship for a Christian church in Colossae. Paul’s letter has both a private and a public cast. He speaks to the relationships within a congregation through all the problems and sorrows—yet also adventures and joys—that attend faithful pastoral ministry. Christ himself serves as the pattern for how Christians relate to one another in forgiving and reconciling love.

Unique features of this commentary include its depth; its detailed consideration of ancient Greek and Latin literature that sheds light on Philemon; and its theology, which emphasizes Jesus Christ, God’s Word and Sacraments, and the doctrine of vocation, whereby each Christian is called to serve God faithfully in his or her particular role in life.

Spring '26
Required FLBC textbook for Captivity Epistles course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.

Fall '20
Recommended FLS textbook for Captivity Epistles course taught by Pr. Jerry Moan, Professor of New Testament.

Fall '18
Required FLS textbook for Captivity Epistles course, taught by Dr. Nathan Olson.

The Concordia Commentary series serves as a Lutheran standard for exegetic and systematic soundness. In walking through the text verse by verse, it first analyzes the syntax of the original language, followed by a Lutheran commentary on the passage. It is a relatively new commentary series and not every volume has been completed yet, but it is certainly worth starting to add to your library.
—Dr. Nathan Olson

Dr. Steinman argues that Proverbs inculcates God's wisdom through didactic sayings that teach prudence and discretion for the life of faith, which is contrasted to the foolish ways of the world, in this Concordia Commentary.

Saleska approaches the Psalms both as the Word of God given to his people and as words which His people speak back to Him in this Concordia Commentary on Psalms 1-50.

Revelation may be the most perplexing book of the Scriptures, but Dr. Brighton explains its message with exceptional clarity. He interprets the features of the vision in light of similar images elsewhere in Scripture and appeals to the views of other theologians from the early church down to the present.

This last book of the Bible is the final testimony of the risen Christ to his church—until he returns in glory. Ascension Christology is the heart of the prophetic and visionary message. The saving work of Christ is implicit throughout the prophecy. Revelation depicts the ongoing reign of the exalted Christ, who governs all things in heaven and on earth for the sake of his church. While the book contains frightening images of God’s wrath and judgment, even more is it a celebration of the saints. Those still in the church on earth join the saints and angels in heaven in the joyful worship of the Lamb who was slain. The swelling hymn of victory is just one of the liturgical features of Revelation that inform the church’s worship.

Dr. Brighton shows that Revelation is not about some distant future, but is about the present life of the church amid the turmoil of world history. It inspires Christians to be urgent and faithful in their proclamation of the Gospel, no matter how fierce the opposition, because of Christ’s comforting promise: “I am coming quickly!”

Spring '22

Required FLS textbook for Revelation course taught by Dr. Phil Haugen.

Fall '18

Required FLS textbook for Revelation course taught by Dr. Phil Haugen, Professor of New Testament.

This commentary articulates the meaning of the Greek text of Romans in its original context for the benefit of the church and world today. Those without any knowledge of Greek will also profit from utilizing the volume. It provides insights that will enhance the understanding and effectiveness of scholars, pastors, and teachers who have the privilege of proclaiming Paul’s most famous letter. This commentary seeks to be theologically thorough in as few words as possible. Romans is the Spirit-breathed, living, and powerful Word of God. Its purpose is to bestow the righteous of God, which comes through faith alone, and to inculcate the life of faith in and through our Lord Jesus Christ.

SIT 2024
Recommended SIT textbook for Session B.
Romans (Pr. Adam Osier)

Reminder: Select one recommended resource per session to link to your reflective essay.

Spring '24
Required FLS textbook for Romans and Galatians course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
You will need either this or Concordia Commentary: Galatians or Concordia Commentary: Romans 9-16.

Spring '22
Required FLS textbook for Romans and Galatians course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.

Spring '20
Required FLS textbook for Romans course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson.

Romans 9–16 continues Paul's comprehensive exposition of the theme articulated in 1:16–17. We find some of Paul’s richest theology in his analysis of Israel and the church in Romans 9–11. And his appeals for Christian living in chapters 12–15 are supported and strengthened by the theological foundations of the Gospel. Finally, it is not until Romans 14–16 that we receive vital clues for identifying the original audience and for discerning the overall purposes behind his most magnificent treatise.

In this commentary, you'll find:

• Clear exposition of the Law and Gospel theology in Paul’s most comprehensive epistle.
• Passage after passage of beneficial insight for preachers and biblical teachers who desire to be faithful to the text
• An in-depth overview of the context, flow of Paul’s argument, and commonly discussed issues in each passage
• Detailed textual notes on the Greek, with a well-reasoned explanation of the apostle’s message

SIT 2024
Recommended SIT textbook for Session B.
Romans (Pr. Adam Osier)

Reminder: Select one recommended resource per session to link to your reflective essay.

Spring '24
Required FLS textbook for Romans and Galatians course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.
You will need either this or Concordia Commentary: Galatians or Concordia Commentary: Romans 1-8.

Spring '22
Required FLS textbook for Romans and Galatians course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson, Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology.

Spring '20
Required FLS textbook for Romans course taught by Dr. Nathan Olson.

This commentary focuses on the themes of God’s covenant; God’s loyalty, reflected in the lives of his faithful people; the theology of missions and evangelism; Boaz as a redeemer, prefiguring Jesus Christ; and the promise of eternal life.

Dr. Lessing dwells on Zechariah's "day of small things", where Israel languished under the oppression of the Persians, and sees a great rebuilding of Israel's faith in the work of the prophet in his Concordia Commentary on Zechariah.

Spring '21
Required FLBC textbook for Corinthians course taught by Dr. Jerry Moan, Professor of New Testament.

This comprehensive Bible overview includes Bible stories and texts, study questions, and catechism. Updated four-color maps, historical notes, section review questions, and projects for each unit reinforce lessons. 72 Old Testament and 71 New Testament lessons. An updated version of Bible History.

Teacher guide is only available for download at Concordia Publishing House, see their website. Concordia’s Bible History Teacher Guide, Second Edition - Download - Concordia Publishing House

A valuable reference book for anyone who wants to take an in-depth look at each book of the Bible and learn more about important people, significant places, customs and traditions, and life in Biblical times. Includes an introduction to the Bible and survey of all 66 books as well as colorful illustrations, maps, charts, outlines, diagrams, and a 190-page Bible dictionary.

The Book of Concord is the authoritative collection of the Lutheran Church's statements of faith and contains documents which Lutheran Christians have used since the 16th century to explain, defend, and advance their witness to the truth of God's Word. This edition includes helpful introductions, insightful notes and annotations, and valuable tools and guides to aid the reading and comprehension of the Book of Concord.

Spring '26
Required FLBC textbook for Theology of Salvation and Lutheran Confessional Theology courses taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.
Required FLS textbook for Introduction to Lutheran Thought and Christ & Man courses taught by Dr. Steve Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.

Fall '25
Required FLBC textbook for Means of Grace and Eschatology and Theology of Worship course, taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.

Spring '25
Required FLBC textbook for Theology of Salvation, Lutheran Confessional Theology, and Theology of Christian Life courses taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.
Required FLS textbook for Introduction to Lutheran Thought course taught by Dr. Steve Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.

Fall '24
Required FLBC textbook for Means of Grace and Eschatology course taught by Dr. Jason Gudim and Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.
Required FLBC textbook for Christian Education course taught by Dr. Jason Gudim
Required FLBC textbook for Theology of Worship course taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.
Required FLS textbook for Soteriology course taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.

Spring '24
Required FLBC textbook for Theology of Salvation course taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.
Required FLS textbook for Lutheran Symbolics course taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.

Fall ’23
Required FLBC textbook for Means of Grace and Eschatology and Lutheran Confessional Theology courses taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.
Required FLS textbook for Hermeneutics and Theology & Anthropology courses taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.

SIT 2023
Recommended SIT textbook for The Systems of Systematic Theology session taught by Dr. Jason Gudim.

Spring '23
Required FLBC textbook for Theology of Salvation course taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.
Required FLS textbook for Lutheran Symbolics course taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.
You will need either this or The Book of Concord - Kolb and Wengert or The Book of Concord - Tappert.

Fall '22
Required FLBC textbook for Means of Grace and Eschatology course taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.
Required FLS textbook for Soteriology course taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.
You will need either this or The Book of Concord - Kolb and Wengert or The Book of Concord - Tappert.

Spring '22
Required FLBC textbook for Theology of Salvation course taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.
Required FLS textbook for Lutheran Symbolics course taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History.

Fall '21
Required FLBC textbook for Lutheran Confessional Theology course taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology.

Spring '21
Required FLS textbook for Lutheran Symbolics course taught by Dr. Steven Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology.

Spring '20
Required FLS textbook for Lutheran Symbolics course taught by Dr. Steve Mundfrom, Professor of Systematic Theology.

The Book of Concord is the authoritative collection of the Lutheran Church's statements of faith and contains documents which Lutheran Christians have used since the 16th century to explain, defend, and advance their witness to the truth of God's Word. This edition includes helpful introductions, insightful notes and annotations, and valuable tools and guides to aid the reading and comprehension of the Book of Concord.

This book defines sources of conflict between individuals and in the local congregation and shows Christian leaders how to resolve them. Learn from Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and powerful contemporary stories how the ministry of confession and absolution can transform relationships and bring blessing to individuals and the congregation.

Considered among the most important books ever written and one of the first autobiographical works in the modern sense, this timeless classic is the moving diary of Augustine’s journey from the earliest memories of childhood, through his turbulent and licentious youth, to his resolute conversion at age 32. Throughout, he passionately addresses spiritual questions that have engaged thoughtful minds since time began.

Other editions also available in the Book Nook.

Fall ’20
Required FLBC textbook for History of Christianity I course, taught by Pr. Robert Lee, Professor of Historical and Practical Theology.

Fall ’19
Required FLBC textbook for Church History I course, taught by Pr. Robert Lee, Professor of Historical and Practical Theology.

There is one person from the early years of Christian history with whom one is able to get acquainted. He is Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD), a North African theologian whose works are considered by some to be the church’s most important writings after the Bible and a pillar of the faith for a millennium. His collected works in English today fill over fifty volumes, and among them is a very unique one, his “Confessions,” probably the first Christian autobiography ever written. In a collection of thirteen short books, arranged in the form of a series of prayers to God, he tells of his sinful youth and conversion to the faith, and the first includes the famous sentence: “For You have made us for Yourself and our hearts are restless till they rest in You.” There is the potential that “Augustine’s Confessions” could expand our concept of God and our prayers, so that reading it may be time well spent.
—Pr. Robert Lee