The Expositor’s Bible was first published in eight series, each with six volumes, from 1888 to 1905. Edited by Sir W. Robertson Nicoll, the series featured contributions from twenty-nine prominent preachers from various Protestant backgrounds, emphasizing the shared beliefs across many denominations.

Nicoll, a theological writer, apologist, and literary critic, was well-suited suited for this role. His position as editor of the prestigious British Weekly gave him the necessary access to recruit prominent preachers to the task, and his literary skills added significant value to the volumes.

The Expositor's Bible is a substantial work, instrumental for sermon crafting and scholarly study. The series enjoyed broad distribution among clergymen and ministers in its day, and the truths within these volumes continue to resonate with preachers, teachers, and students of the Word today.

William Garden Blaikie (1820-1899) was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. He was educated at Marischal College and the University of Edinburgh and ordained in 1842. He served the parish of Drumblade in 1842, however he was one of 474 ministers resigning their positions in the 1843 Disruption. Joining the Free Church of Scotland, in 1844 he was called to Pilrig Free Church in Ediburgh until 1868, when he became the chair of apologetics and pastoral theology at New College, Edinburgh, and later Professor of Divinity until 1897. In 1892 he was elected to the chairmanship of the general assembly.

Sir William Robertson Nicoll, the editor, was a distinguished scholar, theological writer, and preacher. Born in Scotland, he served as a minister before moving to England. He earned his MA from the University of Aberdeen in 1870 and was ordained in 1874. In 1884, he became the editor of The Expositor for Hodder and Stoughton. After recovering from typhoid in 1885, he retired from preaching and founded the British Weekly, which he edited until his death in 1923. This publication greatly influenced non-conformist churches in England. Shortly after launching the British Weekly Nicoll began releasing the Expositor's Bible volumes, which he oversaw as editor. In 1909 he was knighted by King Edward VII.