Bible Survey Books

Gray, Scroggie, and Hendriksen were all respected evangelical Bible teachers, but they differ in tradition, writing style, and scholarly depth.

Gray: American, Moody Bible Institute leader, devotional and accessible.

Scroggie: British Baptist expositor, famous for Keswick-style preaching and “The Unfolding Drama of Redemption.”

Hendriksen: Dutch-American Reformed scholar, highly technical New Testament commentator.

Brief Profiles

James M. Gray (1851–1935)

• American Bible scholar and longtime leader at Moody Bible Institute.
• Served as dean and later president, shaping Moody’s early growth.
• Wrote accessible works like How to Master the English Bible.
• One of the editors of the Scofield Reference Bible.
• Emphasized practical Bible reading and Christian living.

William Graham Scroggie (1877–1958)

• British Baptist pastor and influential Keswick preacher.
• Pastored Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle and preached internationally.
• Known for The Unfolding Drama of Redemption, a sweeping Bible overview.
• Style: devotional, pastoral, rich in outlines and structure.

William Hendriksen (1900–1982)

• Dutch-born American Reformed theologian and New Testament scholar.
• Professor of NT at Calvin Theological Seminary.
• Authored the widely respected New Testament Commentary series.
• His book More Than Conquerors (Revelation) remains influential.
• Style: rigorous exegesis, strong Greek scholarship, Reformed theology.

Which One Should You Read?

It depends on what you want:

✔ For devotional clarity and simplicity → James M. Gray

Great for beginners or those wanting a straightforward Bible overview.

✔ For sermon preparation or big-picture Bible themes → W. Graham Scroggie

His outlines and structure are especially helpful for teaching.

✔ For deep, scholarly New Testament study → William Hendriksen

Ideal for pastors, seminary students, and serious Bible students.