Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes (1798–1870) was an American Presbyterian minister and biblical commentator whose Notes, Critical, Explanatory, and Practical on the New Testament (1832–1851) became one of the most widely circulated biblical commentaries in nineteenth-century America. Grounded in the original Greek and drawing on the best philological scholarship of his day, Barnes aimed to make serious exegesis accessible to the general reader. His clear explanatory style, attention to literary and historical context, and moderate Calvinist theology made the work a standard in evangelical households and Sunday schools. Barnes also wrote commentary on select Old Testament books. His works entered the public domain and have remained in print as a practical resource for lay and pastoral readers.