Take Courage

Book Review: Be Compassionate by Warren W. Wiersbe

This is a revised edition of Wiersbe’s popular “Be” series. Some of the content has been updated and there is a new introduction and study guide questions added by Ken Baugh. I would label Wiersbe’s commentaries as devotional and practical. They are not highly academic and there is no bibliography given. They are useful, especially for newer Christians or those who want a pastor’s practical insight to a particular book of the Bible.

At first I wasn’t sure if a revised “Be” series was entirely necessary. As I went through the revised Be Compassionate (Luke 1-13), I was reminded of Wiersbe’s practical insight. There are twelve chapters that will take the reader through the first thirteen chapters of the Gospel of Luke. I like Wiersbe’s writing style and this approach to a commentary. You cannot solely use this commentary for preaching or teaching preparation, but it can be a good compliment to more scholarly commentaries.

There are study guide questions at the end of each chapter to help an individual or small group dig a little deeper into their study. Some of the questions make use of other Scriptures and others ask the reader to think and dig deeper into what was read. There does not seem to be anything here that would be too difficult for an inexperienced believer to understand. But there should be an experienced, maturing believer leading the small group. The questions look like they would generate discussion among small group members.

Taken for what it is, a basic devotional commentary, I would recommend this commentary for other believers. It can be used with benefit for those who want to study Luke 1-13 on their own or in a small group. Pastors may not need this version, but they could benefit from owning and using the “Be” series. I received this book for free and offer objective feedback.

Stay faithful and hopeful,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13