Biblical Teachings - Dr T

it is so confusing. It says it's a parallel but then says it's a commentary. So is a parallel KJV vs RIV or is a commentary with notes. The way it's written, it's so muddled. I don't know if I'm reading a supposed translated verse or commentary. Even the cover is confusing. There is a huge difference between a "version" and "commentary". Version is a translation of the original language. A commentary is what one thinks of what is being said about a particular verse. The notes are given in accordance to what Renner believes what is said in the Greek. Researching Renner's educational background, he took Greek at the University of Oklahoma. There are different dialects of Greek. Looking at what type of Greek that is taught at the university, it is Homeric Greek. The New Testament is Koine Greek (which I studied). On the inner sleeve of the book, it says that Renner earned his ThD from a "prominent Russian university", but no where online does it say the name. When I look up to what university he attended in Russia, there is nothing mentioned, except for the fact that he started a school in Russia. What I did find was that Life Christian University gives out honorary doctorates to people of the NAR faith, Renner being one. Other "distinguished degree holders" include, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, and Joyce Meyer. As a bible scholar of the New Testament, I do not recommend this book. If you want a good commentary of the New Testament, there are many known educated scholars, such as Gordon Fee (who I've read many books by), Craig Keener, F.F. Bruce (another great scholar I've read), Robert Mounce (who is a Greek scholar). These are some of many scholars. You can look into their background and find where they went to school and where they obtained their doctorate without fishing around the internet forever. And for versions, always buy bible translation versions that are done by a committee. Translation committees keep out personal doctrines. And a true parallel bible is one that has two or more bible translations, such as KJV/NIV. Research before investing your time and money into someone who is biblically sound and educated, keeping with God's word.