HippoBooks, the African imprint of Langham Publishing, and Zondervan Academic, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, are pleased to announce the release of the second edition of the Africa Bible Commentary — a one-volume commentary on the whole Bible, produced by African scholars, now extensively revised and updated to address today’s most pressing theological and cultural realities across the continent.
First published in 2006, the Africa Bible Commentary (ABC) was the first one-volume commentary on the entire Bible written by African scholars to meet the needs of African pastors, students, and lay leaders. With more than 70 contributors and now translated into six other languages, it has been a vital resource for hundreds of thousands of pastors and church leaders across the continent and around the world.
Nearly two decades later, the second edition brings together over one hundred scholars from across Africa and raises the bar set by its predecessor, shining powerful and relevant insights into the biblical text.
“This second edition of the Africa Bible Commentary features new and compelling contextual articles that address the urgent and pertinent challenges confronting Africa today. The commentary is intended for all individuals engaged in Bible teaching at all levels within the local church and beyond, including pastors, lay leaders, students, Sunday school teachers, youth workers, chaplains, and believers striving to meaningfully interact with Scripture in their daily lives.”
— Nathan Chiroma, Articles Editor of the Africa Bible Commentary, Second Edition
With new and extensively revised commentaries across the Old and New Testament, in addition to over 120 articles, this revised and updated edition reflects on some of the most pertinent issues facing Christians in Africa today.
“Africa has changed massively in the past twenty years. Technology and the internet is even more accessible and more affordable, social media is part of our daily lives, and same-sex relationships and the discussion on such things is less taboo. The Covid-19 pandemic shook the world and highlighted the fragility of human life, terrorist attacks are more frequent and religious extremism is on the increase. Despite this, and amid conflicts and political unrest that forces migration, the church in Africa continues to grow and with it so do its challenges. The second edition of the ABC builds on the first one even as it addresses old and current issues in depth.”
— Yacouba Sanon, General Editor & Old Testament Editor of the Africa Bible Commentary, Second Edition
There is a global need for biblical teaching that is grounded in the true and written word of God, and the authors of the revised and updated Africa Bible Commentary expertly weave biblical interpretation with a contextual understanding of African realities. Containing thorough exegesis and explanations of the whole Bible as seen through the eyes of African scholars, this bold and faithful commentary will equip pastors and teachers across the continent, along with Christians in every culture who have much to learn from them.
“When we were discussing what this revised and updated version should accomplish, we recognized the need to expose the users of this commentary to three worlds: the world behind the text, the world of the text, and the world in front of the text… The revised and updated ABC shows a greater sensitivity to issues that surround women, children, and youth, such as patriarchy, harmful traditional religious practices, marginalization, gender and age inequalities, and the influence of technology. I believe that these fresh perspectives add more value to the revised and updated ABC.”
— Elizabeth Mburu, New Testament Editor of the Africa Bible Commentary, Second Edition
The church of the future is being shaped on the African continent. With this commentary, African scholars speak not only to the church in Africa, but also to the wider body of Christ across cultures and regions.
The Africa Bible Commentary, Second Edition is now available globally in print and digital formats. This volume is published in Africa by HippoBooks and distributed there and in international markets outside of North America by Langham Publishing. In North America and international markets outside of Africa, this volume is published by Zondervan Academic, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing.
About Langham Publishing
Langham Publishing is a ministry of Langham Partnership whose vision is to strengthen the global church. Through Langham Publishing, we publish books for Christian leaders, preachers, and scholars that represent a diverse church around the world, furthering our understanding of scripture, our mission as God’s people, and our love in Christ.
About Zondervan
Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.
For press related questions and information or interview requests, please contact:
sophia.soloviy@langham.org (Langham Publishing) and serena.dekryger@harpercollins.com (Zondervan Academic)
