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.
Frederic W. Farrar (1831-1903) was born in Bombay India, and educated at King William's College on the Isle of Man, King's College London and Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1876 he was appointed a canon to Westminster Abbey, subsequently becoming the rector of St. Margarets, and archdeacon in 1883. He later served as the dean of Canterbury. In addition to his work on the Expositor's Bible Commentary, he wrote the popular Life of Christ in 1874, and Life of St. Paul in 1879.
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.