Rev.
Dr. Jean Libom Li Likeng, newly elected president of the Association of
Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), leads a prayer of commissioning for the
second edition of the Africa Bible Commentary during the 13th AEA
General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. Christian Daily International
The second edition of the Africa Bible Commentary (ABC) was
officially commissioned on May 23 in the final sessions of the 13th
General Assembly of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA),
marking a significant milestone in African theological scholarship.
Leaders emphasized that the commentary is fully African-owned and
crafted to meet the spiritual and contextual needs of the African
Church.
The original Africa Bible Commentary, first published in 2006, was
hailed as a landmark resource—the first of its kind for the continent.
This revised and updated edition, developed over nearly eight years, has
expanded its contextual relevance and depth, offering richer exegetical
and theological engagement with Scripture through an African lens.
“The Africa Bible Commentary is your project,” said Professor
Elizabeth Mburu, a member of the editorial team and Langham Literature’s
Regional Coordinator for Africa. “It is supported by many partners, but
it is owned by the AEA. It is a resource owned by Africa, by us and for
us.”
The updated edition now includes 122 contextual articles—almost
double the number from the first edition—addressing issues ranging from
social media and ministry to persecution, disability, gender, pastoral
family life, and digital ethics. Importantly, 21 of the 53 new authors
are women. The revised commentary also features a more robust editorial
framework that reflects a three-dimensional interpretive approach: the
world behind the text (historical background), the world of the text
(literary structure and message), and the world in front of the text
(reader context).
Professor Nathan Chiroma, one of
the editors, highlighted how this approach helps pastors and lay leaders
alike make sense of the Bible while responding to present-day
challenges. “These articles are meant to address the questions we are
asking and help local pastors address contextual issues that under
normal circumstances would not be addressed,” he said.
Professor Mburu emphasized the commentary’s theological fidelity and
contextual awareness. “We did not allow our African contexts to override
the biblical message,” she said. “Scripture is the final authority.”
The commentary draws on traditional African symbols, idioms, and
proverbs to create interpretive bridges for readers, all while
maintaining rigorous exegetical standards. “This edition exposes users
to three worlds: the world behind the text, the world of the text, and
the world in front of the text,” she said. “It ensures the Bible speaks
to African realities without compromising its truth.”
Rev. Dr. Master Matlhaope, AEA General Secretary, presided over the
commissioning ceremony. In his remarks, he recalled the vision of AEA’s
first African General Secretary, Byang Kato, who warned that the African
church suffered from “theological anemia.” Kato had called for the
production of African-led theological resources to equip churches and
leaders.
“This determination inspired pioneers to create the first Africa
Bible Commentary, and the same commitment has driven the editorial team
for this new edition,” said Matlhaope. “We pray that it will have a
transformational impact across Africa.”
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In a symbolic act of blessing, newly elected AEA President Rev. Dr.
Jean Libom Li Likeng led the assembly in prayer, dedicating the second
edition to God and invoking his guidance for its distribution and use
across the continent.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and pray for
this remarkable resource,” Matlhaope added. “I wholeheartedly recommend
this commentary for use in seminaries, personal devotions, and across
our national alliances.”
The English edition is scheduled for official release in October
2025, with translations into French, Portuguese, and Swahili already
underway. A post-publication celebration and wider launch are expected
in Addis Ababa in 2026.
“The church of the future is in our hands,” Mburu said. “We have a
responsibility to shape it—and the Africa Bible Commentary will help us
do just that.”
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