Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with my good friend, Pastor Joe Campetella, to record Ministry Essentials. This was a collaborative episode between Apostolic Voice and Christian Life Broadcast, which is Rev. Campetella’s must-listen-to program. Basically, I asked a lot of questions, and Rev. J.C., in typical fashion, gave profoundly anointed and insightful answers. I hope you will consider listening if you haven’t already. We intentionally tried to keep the topics relevant for all levels of ministry. I’ve received so much great feedback about this episode. Many have asked for a deeper dive into my study recommendations: essential resources, methods, and practices. In this article, I will share the most universally relevant information possible for ministers, preachers, and teachers.

A Few Caveats

Because I know there will be experience and knowledge gaps in this readership, some information might seem trivial. Some may be more intensive than necessary for your study needs. We all slip into study habits, rhythms, and comfort zones that could likely be improved or tweaked to a certain degree. I’ve certainly not reached the pinnacle of perfection—not even close. I’m constantly looking for resources and tips to rightly divide the Word. If you’re like me, you operate within the boundaries of time restrictions caused by hectic schedules and too many responsibilities to count. So, anything that helps you study more efficiently and effectively is a great blessing. I sincerely hope something mentioned here will help do just that.

Bible Software Program (You Need One)

I love books—actual books that you can hold, touch, and write in. There’s nothing like holding a good book in your hands. The musty smell of a well-worn leatherback book is as comforting as the wafting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. However, you need a good Bible software program unless you have unlimited space and hundreds of free hours to scour voluminous libraries. I realize there are many great free online Bible study resources these days. And for the average erudite saint, those resources are probably more than sufficient. I use www.BibleGateway.com and www.BibleHub.com all the time. Also, www.tsk-online.com (The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge) is bookmarked on my Google Chrome search engine. I use it quite a bit when I’m in a hurry. Many people like www.BlueLetterBible.org, www.e-sword.net, and www.bibleanalyzer.com. Undoubtedly, you could have a thriving study life using those free resources. However, because they are free, they come with limitations.

Without being too nerdy, I’ll just say that free resources and the like cannot be fully customized and streamlined. More importantly, you should have a more robust Bible software program because programs like Olive Tree Bible Software, Accordance Bible Software, and Logos are richer in quality resources. For example, the free programs offer a limited number of commentaries, dictionaries, and encyclopedias. They’re usually substandard. You might find one or two decent commentaries in their library. In my experience, most of them offer nothing in the way of systematic theology resources. Neither do they provide access to the wealth of excellent study Bible notes that can be highly beneficial for efficient study habits.

To be sure, quantity doesn’t necessarily mean quality. Both free and paid software programs boast about their massive libraries. In truth, culling your study resources down to the most helpful and relevant items saves time, money, energy, and brainpower. Not to mention hard drive space. Perhaps you’ve spent countless hours reading unhelpful, trite, blathering, liberal, or pseudo-intellectual commentaries that wasted your time and left you feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and frustrated. Every resource, free and paid, can lead you down that rabbit hole if you aren’t careful. However, paid Bible software programs provide access to customizable libraries and resources that, when used correctly, eliminate many of the unsatisfying problems listed above.

As mentioned, the three major paid Bible software programs are Olive Tree, Accordance, and Logos. I suspect they’re all excellent. Because I use Accordance, I can only speak authoritatively about that program (I am not being paid by Accordance or anyone else). However, the three programs seem to be very similar. Most of the differences are technical or aesthetic. Whatever program you choose (if you haven’t already), I suggest starting with the cheapest package and purchasing relevant resources as needed. Even the cheapest options will give you extraneous resources you will never use or need. For example, I think Pilgrim’s Progress is a splendid book, but I don’t want it cluttering my hard drive or clogging up my Bible software program. I’ve deleted things like that from my Accordance library.

Further down, I’ll list what I consider indispensable commentaries, dictionaries, encyclopedias, language helps, study Bible notes and theology works. Of course, you could own all of them in book form. Yet, the convenience of hovering over a Scripture verse or passage and having instant access to your entire study library’s corresponding commentary saves immeasurable amounts of time. You can scan dozens of digital resources in the time it would take to flip through one set of commentary indexes by hand. Word searches, verse searches, lexicons, and cross-references are instantly available at the click of a mouse. Those powerful, customizable resources are worth the financial investment in the long run.

Last, regarding Accordance, the complete theological works of Dr. David Bernard and Dr. David Norris are available for digital download. I sincerely hope that more oneness Apostolic resources will enter the Accordance library. If you are familiar with an online resource or Bible software program I have not mentioned, please list it in the comments below.

List of Indispensable Non-Digital Biblical Studies Books

Some resources are easier to use appropriately in actual, non-digital book format. And while I have most of these in digital form, they are easier to navigate and comprehend in book form. To my knowledge, several books listed below are unavailable in digital format. They’re arranged in no particular order of importance.

Radmacher, Earl D., et al. Compact Bible Commentary. Nelson Reference & Electronic, 2004.
Ensey, J. R. New Cyclopedic Theological Dictionary (Definitions and Commentary on Hundreds of Religious Terms; an Essential Christian Resource and Study Companion). Advance Ministries, 1999.
Habershon, Ada R. Study of the Types. Kregel Publications, 1957.
Robertson, A. T., and John Albert Broadus. A Harmony of the Gospels for Students of the Life of Christ: Based on the Broadus Harmony in the Revised Version. Harper & Bros, 1950.
Hill, Andrew E. Baker’s Handbook of Bible Lists. Baker Books, 2006.
Gleason, Arthur. New International Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties. Zondervan, 2011.
Wilson, Walter L. A Dictionary of Bible Types. Baker Books, 1999.
Habershon, Ada R. Hidden Pictures in the Old Testament (How the New Testament Is Concealed in the Old Testament). Kregel Publications, 1916.
Willmington, Harold L. The Complete Book of Bible Lists. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1996.
Publishing, Rose. Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Time Lines: Full-Color Bible Charts, Illustrations of the Tabernacle, Temple, High Priest, Then and Now Bible Maps, Biblical and Historical Time Lines. 10th Anniversary Expanded Edition, Rose Publications, 2005.
Rose Book of Bible Charts. Volume 2. Rose Publishing, 2008.
Rose Book of Bible Charts. Volume 3. Rose Publishing, 2014.
Hindson, Ed, and Thomas Ice. Charting the Bible Chronologically. Harvest House Publishers, 2017.
Hadden, Timothy C. Exodus. Book Crafters, 2017.
French, Talmadge L. Our God Is One (The Story of the Oneness Pentecostals). Voice & Vision Publications, 1999.
Norris, David S. I Am (a Oneness Pentecostal Theology). Word Aflame Press, 2009.
Waldron, Steven. Commentary on Genesis Volume 1. Book Crafters, 2021.
Waldron, Steven. Commentary on Genesis Volume 2. Book Crafters, 2021.
Waldron, Steven. Commentary on Genesis Volume 3. Book Crafters, 2021.
Victor Harold Matthews. Manners and Customs in the Bible (an Illustrated Guide to Daily Life in Bible Times). 3rd Edition, Hendrickson Publishers, 2006.
Lamsa, George M. Idioms in the Bible Explained and a Key to the Original Gospels. Harper Collins, 2013.
Treece, M. D. Acts I (The Literal Word). Treasure House, 1998.
Treece, M. D. Acts II (The Literal Word). Treasure House, 1998.
Treece, M. D. Hebrews (The Literal Word). Treasure House, 2001.
Treece, M. D. I Corinthians (The Literal Word). Treasure House, 1998.
Treece, M. D. Revelation (The Literal Word). Treasure House, 1997.
Nave, Orville J. Nave’s Topical Bible. Hendrickson Publications, 2002.
Steele, Rick. Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible (Key Insights into God’s Word: New King James Version). AMG Publishers, 2015.

List of Indispensable Digital Biblical Studies Books & Volumes

As I mentioned before, you could get these resources in book form. However, it would be far more expensive, take up considerable space, and be very difficult to navigate through them efficiently. If you are just beginning to build your resource library, please don’t be discouraged by the length of this list or the associated cost. It’s taken twenty years for me to build my library. Be selective. You may not want or need everything mentioned here. Building a solid resource library takes time. Enjoy the process.

Study Bible Notes

Walton, John H., and Craig S. Keener. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Zondervan, 2016.
Dennis, Lane T., and Wayne Grudem. The ESV Study Bible. Crossway Bibles, 2008.
Blum, Edwin A., and Jeremy Royal Howard. HCSB Study Bible: Holman Christian Standard Bible. Holman Bible Publishers, 2010.
Systematic Theology Study Bible. Crossway, 2017.
Harrelson, Walter J. The New Interpreter’s Study Bible. Abingdon Press, 2003.
Cabal, Ted. The Apologetics Study Bible. Holman Bible Publishers, 2007.
NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible. Edited by Carson, D. A., Zondervan, 2015.
Stamps, Donald, and J. Wesley Adams. Fire Bible Notes. Life Publishers International, 2009.
Ryrie, Charles Caldwell. The Ryrie Study Bible. Moody Press, 1995.
Life Application Study Bible. Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.
Berlin, Adele, and Marc Zvi Brettler. The Jewish Study Bible: Second Edition. Oxford University Press, 2014.
The Jewish Annotated New Testament, Second Edition. Oxford University Press, 2017.
Harrison, Sean A. The NLT Study Bible. Tyndale House Publishers, 2008.

Bible Dictionaries

Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible. Brill Academic Publishers & Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1999.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Eerdmans, 1915.
Easton, M. G., Easton’s Bible Dictionary. Thomas Nelson, 1897.
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.
New Bible Dictionary. University and Colleges Christian Fellowship, 1996.
Mounce, William D., Mounce’s Expository Dictionary (Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words). Zondervan, 2006.
Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible. Eerdmans, 2000.

Hebrew & Greek Lexicons

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1996.
Renn’s Expository Dictionary of Bible Words. Hendrickson Publishers, 2005.
VanGemeren, William., New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis. Paternoster Press, 1997.
Strong’s Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary of the Old Testament. Public Domain.
Kohlenberger, John R., and Mounce, William, Kohlenberger/Mounce Concise Hebrew-Aramaic Dictionary of the Old Testament. Oak Tree, 2012.
Baker, Warren, and Eugene E. Carpenter. The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the Old Testament. AMG Publishers, 2003.
VanGemeren, William., New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology & Exegesis. Paternoster Press, 1997.
Strong’s Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary of the New Testament. Public Domain.
Beale, G. K., et al. An Interpretive Lexicon of New Testament Greek (Analysis of Prepositions, Adverbs, Particles, Relative Pronouns, and Conjunctions). Zondervan, 2014.
Kittel, Gerhard, et al. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament: Abridged in One Volume. Eerdmans, 1985.
Thayer, Joseph. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Coded with the Numbering System from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Public Domain, 2017.
Mounce, William D. The Analytical Lexicon to the Greek New Testament. Zondervan, 1993.
Baker, Warren, and Eugene E. Carpenter. The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament. AMG Publishers, 2003.

Bible Commentaries

Garland, David E. Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Revised 13-Volume Complete Set). Zondervan, 2012.
Bruce, F.F., Acts Bible Study Commentary, Oak Tree, 2017
Barnes, Albert. Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament. Kregel Publications, 1990.
Arrington, French L., and Roger Stronstad. Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary. Zondervan, 2003.
Guthrie, Donald, et al. The New Bible Commentary. Eerdmans, 1991.
Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary (An Exposition of the Scriptures). Victor Books, 1983.
Comfort, Philip W. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary. Tyndale House Publishers, 2005.
Walton, John H., et al. The IVP Bible Background Commentary Old Testament (Second Edition). Intervarsity Press, 2000.
Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary New Testament. Intervarsity Press, 1993.
Kregel Exegetical Old Testament (Complete 7 Volumes). Kregel Publications, 2000.
Horton, Stanley M. Horton on Acts. Legion Press, 2012.
Anders, Max. Holman Bible Commentary (Old Testament and New Testament). Holman Publications, 2000.
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (JFB). Public Domain, 1871.
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Revised 18 Volumes). Baker Publishing Group, 2003.
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament and New Testament (20 Volumes). Zondervan 2021.
Word Biblical Commentary (61 Volume Set). Zondervan Academic, 2015.

Systematic Theology Volumes

Strong, A.H., Strong’s Systematic Theology. Public Domain, 2020.
Chafer, Lewis S., Chafer’s Systematic Theology. Kregel Publications, 2003.
Horton, Stanley M., Bible Doctrines (A Pentecostal Perspective). Gospel Publishing House, 1994.
Horton, Stanley M., What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit (Revised Edition). Gospel Publishing House, 2005.
Grudem, Wayne, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem. Bits & Bytes, 2008.
Thiselton, Anthony C., Systematic Theology. Eerdmans, 2017.
Hodge, Charles, Systematic Theology. Oak Tree, 2023.
Horton, Stanley M., Systematic Theology. Gospel Publishing House, 2007.
Bernard, David, The Oneness of God. Word Aflame Press, 2006.
Bernard, David, Practical Holiness. Word Aflame Press, 2006.
Bernard, David, In Search of Holiness. Word Aflame Press, 2006.
Bernard, David, The New Birth. Word Aflame Press, 2006.
Wilson, Nathaniel J., Apostolic Pentecostal Theology. Insignia Books, 2016.
Geisler, Norman L., Systematic Theology (3 Volumes). Bethany House Publishers, 2011.

Spit Out the Bones

There’s an old expression that says, “Eat the meat and spit out the bones.” Sadly, most biblical resources aren’t written from an Apostolic perspective. Therefore, keeping the good and spitting out the bad is vital. I hope you’ve found something helpful in this article. If I’ve overlooked something you consider a crucial resource, please mention it in the comments below. I always enjoy a good study recommendation. As always, I pray the Lord blesses your efforts for His Kingdom.