Many multi-volume commentaries lose steam by the final volume. In this case, Francois Bovon carries a consistently high standard of quality to the end of this three-volume set in the Hermeneia series. Known in the commentary world for its great theological reflection, this final commentary continues its wow factor all across its pages.

This volume covers Luke 19:28-24:53. That means that he will pick up the story Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and then follow Luke through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As with the other volumes, each passage begins with a bibliography, his translation, an analysis that includes structure and textual issues, commentary, and an excellent history of interpretation. Sometimes his comments on structure are interesting, but I usually disagree with him on most of his textual opinions and historical evaluations.

Though you will find things you may disagree with completely, there’s all kinds of interesting things throughout the story of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. As that is the crux of the Bible itself, you will love having those insights that make you stop and say, wow, I’ve never thought about before.

You probably wouldn’t consider purchasing this final volume on Luke’s gospel, unless you intended to buy the whole set. It’s a plunge I recommend you take. Particularly, if you’re building a major exegetical commentary library. In fact, I don’t see how you can say you had that type of library unless these three attractive volumes sat on your shelves.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary is quickly becoming one of my favorite commentary series. The format is ideal for pastors or students and easy to follow. It yields great insight from the type of work scholars do and good theology that you might expect from a pastor. Don’t let the Greek scare you off as the English is always nearby and all arguments can be followed without difficulty.

Thessalonians is given treatment by scholar Gary Shogren. His Introduction begins with an exciting portrait of the birth of the Thessalonian church and the events of Paul’s ministry surrounding it. The description of Thessalonica is vividly told. A few pages in he even described life in that church and it felt like you were there. His telling of the treatment of Jews there further brought it to life.

He took on critical issues next and well described what has been believed. He was more generous than I could have been toward some of them, but you gained an awareness of the swirling of the scholarly world on Thessalonians. His own conclusions were conservative.

Some may not like his section on eschatology. Of course there’s enough eschatology in it that any commentator will have to disappoint somebody, but he was a little harsh toward those who believe in a pre-tribulational rapture. That section is followed by a detailed outline and a select bibliography.

The commentary was good as Shrogen obviously felt comfortable with the distinct ZECNT style. You will not find it shallow.

I recommend this to pastors and students seeking real help on Thessalonians.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Chalk this book up as another outstanding volume in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary (ZECNT) series that has turned out a remarkably consistent set of commentaries. This time respected scholar Thomas Schreiner does the spade work that uses the ZECNT design that helps pastors and students alike and presents Galatians in a clear and helpful way.

Schreiner doesn’t leave us guessing as in the first few paragraphs of the Introduction  his approach (a belief that the Reformers got it right, but not a defense of the Reformation itself)is laid out. I love how he dispensed with authorship in 3 sentences as there is no credible reason to doubt Paul. In his discussion of the recipients of the letter, he succinctly and fairly explains the both the North and South Galatian theories that divides scholars. He explains that it all rides on how Galatians correlates with Acts before he goes through all the arguments and concludes that the South Galatian theory is correct.

He goes on to explain date, background, opponents, and what the issue that Galatians addresses is all about. He provides discussion on structure before he proceeds to an outline.

The commentary is rich and, as expected, provides literary context, the main idea, a diagram, structure, an exegetical outline, and followed by detailed explanation of the text. Each passage concludes with a well done section on theology in application.

Again, ZECNT has provided one of the best commentaries of which I am aware on a particular New Testament book. You will want to add this volume to your shelves on the important book of Galatians.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This book is one of the finest scholarly commentaries that balances its discussion to maintain great value for pastors available today. In replacing Leon Morris’s volume in the vaunted Pillar New Testament Commentary series, which was a favorite for many of us, this volume had better be good. Even with that pressure, this book lived up to expectations. It’s thoroughly conservative, carefully written, readable, and persuasive. Somehow it covers all the bases and does so succinctly in only 600 pages for the incredibly profound Book of Romans.

The Introduction is superb. It makes complex subjects understandable. It begins with historical background that puts Rome, Roman Christians, and Paul in appropriate context. He well explains the purpose of Romans and what scholars have thought on the subject. He gives conservative conclusions on authorship, date, and the integrity of the text.

He gave a thoughtful summary on the New Perspective of Paul that is as good as I’ve seen. He writes respectfully and yet can’t hide the utter weakness of that viewpoint. From there, he transitions to a fine discussion of theological themes. He sees Father, Son, and Spirit pervading Romans and concludes that “the gospel of God comprehensively conceived” is the heart of Romans.

The commentary itself has punch. I couldn’t agree with all his classic reformed viewpoints, but his tone, scholarly scope, and accessibility is a joy. As an added bonus, you will find numerous weighty “Additional Note” sections.

This book is a top commentary on the vital Book of Romans available today. Put it in the must-have category.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.