Commentary

Review: Matthew

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Cover image of "Matthew" by Darrell L Bock and Timothy D. Sprankle

Matthew

Matthew (Kerux Commentaries), Darrell L. Bock and Timothy D. Sprankle. Kregel Ministry (ISBN: 9780825458255) 2025.

Summary: A Kerux Commentary combining exegesis of Matthew with communication insights for teaching and preaching.

The Kerux Commentary series is designed for pastors and teachers. First, an accomplished exegetical scholar unpacks the literary structure and theme of a text, offering a brief expository overview, verse-by verse discussion of the text, and a theological summary of the text. Then, a skilled preacher focuses in on a “Big Idea” from the exegesis, offers contemporary connections and creative ideas for presentation. This part concludes with a succinct preaching outline and discussion questions. In the case of this volume, New Testament scholar Darrell L. Bock (Dallas Theological Seminary) combines with Timothy D. Sprankle, senior pastor at Leesburg Grace Brethren Church in Northern Indiana.

Like most commentaries, this offers an introductory section. Reflecting its conservative character, it favors Matthean authorship, written for an audience of churches near Judea, and a date prior to the fall of the temple. It notes the prophetic claims of Matthew, which the commentary traces, suggesting an apologetic purpose. Unlike proposals that Matthew draws on Mark and is the source for Luke, this commentary accepts the more traditional proposal of Matthew’s dependence on Mark, a shared source with Luke (some form of the hypothetical Q?) and unique materials to which Matthew had access.

A few highlights from this lengthy commentary. The birth narrative (2:1-23) recognizes God’s providential leading and protection. The temptation passage (4:1-11) highlights Israel’s wilderness history and Jesus qualification to reverse Adam’s sin. Within the Sermon on the Mount, the discussion of 5:21-48 highlights the love that goes beyond the law, that righteousness is about more than being right. The commentary on 8:1-9:38 highlights the three triads of miracles and how they reveal his authority and call for a choice.

Then, as opposition intensifies, Jesus turns to parables (13:1-58). Specifically, disciples are distinguished as those who listen, discovering the power and preciousness of the kingdom. However, opposition continues to intensify as Jesus extends God’s compassion in 15:1-16:12. Then, I appreciated particularly the contrast drawn in the commentary on 19:3-30 between the humility of children and the obstacles wealth create to knowing God.

Finally, we turn to the Passion narratives in Matthew. I loved how the authors connected the healing of the blind in Jericho with the Triumphal entry (20:29-21:11). The commentary shows the intensifying opposition, how Jesus met every challenge. The commentary on the Olivet Discourse (24:1-25:46) both reflects and an awareness of Matthew’s original audience, and the contemporary need to be watchful and about the work of the kingdom. The trial and death narratives focus on Jesus innocence and messianic identity.

The exegetical commentary emphasizes readability over extended discussions of minutiae with lots of Greek text and footnotes. Yet, the engagement with scholarship shows in references to other scholars and the concluding bibliography. Also, sidebars on other Jewish sources relating to a particular text offer good background. However, I found the preaching material less helpful. Although it suggests helpful directions in contemporary application of the text, I thought it could become a substitute for prayer for reflection and exegesis of one’s congregation or audience. Nevertheless, the suggestions of visual media and other creative actions helpful in breaking out of preaching ruts.

In sum, I think many pastors will find this a solid and accessible resource for study, preaching and teaching.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: The Vision of Ephesians

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Cover image of "The Vision of Ephesians" by N.T. Wright

The Vision of Ephesians

The Vision of Ephesians, N.T. Wright. Zondervan Academic (ISBN: 9780310172505) 2025.

Summary: Ephesians as a vision of the church between creation and consummation as God’s small working model of new creation.

In recent years, N.T. Wright has been revisiting books of scripture on which he has written previously. He has written new, and briefer texts on Acts and a portion of Romans. Here, Wright turns to Ephesians, and as he has returned to it, has been struck with its visionary character. It reaches back to creation and before, and forward to the consummation of all things in Christ. And in the midst of all this are both the glory of Christ and of his body on earth, the church.

In particular, he centers on the vocation of the church. In chapters 1-3 of Ephesians he sees God’s purpose as displaying his glory through the church’s life. And then, chapters 4-6 focus on the mission of the church, accomplished through its unity and holiness. Rather than focus on specific problems, Paul offers an expansive vision both of Christ and the church. This may reflect the letter’s likely circular nature.

Wright covers the book in nine chapters. His approach is not verse by verse but by sections and paragraphs. Often, Wright will set the passage under discussion in the context of biblical history, the cultural backgrounds of second temple Judaism, and Greco-Roman culture. This background will often take up nearly half a chapter.

Wright offers some interesting insights. For example, discussing Ephesians 2 under the theme of the new temple, he observes how the new temple theme is what unites the “old” perspective of justification of verses 1-10 and the “new” perspective of covenant inclusion in one new man. He eloquently captures the wonder of the doxology of 3:20-21 that speaks of glory in the church and Christ Jesus, where we are “being thrust on stage to link arms with Jesus and take a bow before the whole redeemed creation.”

His treatment of unity portrays well a spirit-enabled unity amidst diversity. He gets more challenging as he moves into the realm of sexual ethics. While not explicitly mentioning LGBTQ+ persons, he writes of “a desire to be a different kind of human from the one you were born as. That is a form of Gnosticism, rejecting the goodness of creation itself. It is (as we all know) widespread in the Western world today, as distorted desires twist themselves into ever more bizarre shapes” (p. 105). No matter one’s stance on sexual ethics, many would regard this characterization as both pastorally insensitive and as a polemical caricature. In a brief commentary, dealing with a biblical text that does not address explicitly LGBTQ+ sexuality, it might be asked why this was included.

This contrasts with a much more thoughtful discussion of mutual submission in the household code material, recognizing how Paul, while not overtly challenging role distinctions, subverts them with the ethic of the one new people. Finally, in discussing the spiritual battle in 6:10-20, Wright helpfully observes that sharing Christ’s royal status in the heavenly places does not exempt us from battle. Also, how we fight is important, not with flesh and blood or earthly weapons.

There is much of value in anything Wright writes. Yet, I wish he would have gone into greater depth at many points in unpacking the text. Still, I believe Wright succeeds in casting an elevated vision of the church in the grand purposes of God. Many churches seem to think they can only be significant if linked to a political agenda. Wright reminds us of the glory we share with Christ. He points to our incredible privilege to demonstrate the grace of God and the new creation. What could be better than this?

Review: Ezra-Nehemiah

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Cover image of "Ezra-Nehemiah" by Deborah Ann Appler and Terry Ann Smith

Ezra-Nehemiah

Ezra-Nehemiah (Wisdom Commentary, 14) Deborah Ann Appler and Terry Ann Smith. Liturgical Press (ISBN: 9780814681138) 2025.

Summary: A feminist commentary with background and intersectional analysis of power, ethnicity, race, class, and gender in the text.

The Wisdom Commentary series from Liturgical Press is dedicated to feminist interpretation of biblical texts. This includes foregrounding texts involving women but also brings feminist analysis in a broader sense to the whole of a text. And this means noting the hidden presence of women in places where the text is silent and the cultural situation of women. In addition, feminist interpretation includes an intersectional analysis of not only gender dynamics but also the intersection of power and authority, race and ethnicity, and class in a given text. This is important in the study of Ezra-Nehemiah. While women are mostly absent in the text, power, class, and ethnicity play an important part. Often, other commentaries overlook this.

I will note a few other general features. One is the inclusion of the NRSVue text in the commentary. The second is the treatment of the text in blocks rather than verse by verse. Finally, there is a commitment to interpretive and religious pluralism in the text. Additional contributors offer their own perspectives at various points. For example, in the Nehemiah commentary on sabbath, Rabbi Sonja K. Pilz offers her interpretation and reading of Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming Sabbath)

In my review, I will highlight several of the illuminating discussions in the commentary. The first concerned the gender identity of Nehemiah. The commentators raise the question of whether Nehemiah, as a court official, was a eunuch. This may provide one explanation for his expressed unworthiness to enter the temple. We can’t know for sure, but it is plausible.

A larger issue is the power dynamics between Persia and the repatriates. Likewise, consider the relationship of repatriates, empowered by Persia, to the indigenous people, both Jewish and non-Jewish. The commentators read the conflicts in Ezra and Nehemiah not merely as an effort to maintain identity and purity. They also explore the assertion of power by the arriving repatriates that upsets working relationships among the indigenous inhabitants of the land. They raise questions about the exclusory use of power of the repatriates.

These factors also come into play in the texts in both Ezra and Nehemiah involving separating and sending away the foreign wives and their children of Jewish men. The commentators read this “against the grain” of typical assertions of religious and ethnic identity. It is an early form of family separation in which the women had no voice. The commentators raise the question of other exceptions made for foreign women, including Ruth the Moabitess.

Ruth strike me as an interesting case. Ruth clearly renounces her Moabite identity and religion to embrace that of Naomi. We do not know whether this was the case with any of the foreign wives or whether this was an option. Could there have been a “path to citizenship” that allowed for these thing? Instead, there was a categorical and draconian exclusion on several occasions.

While I could not accept every interpretation of the authors, I found this commentary opening new dimensions of what I thought was a well-known text. I appreciated the readability of the text, and setting the biblical text alongside the commentary. At the same time, scholarship was not sacrificed for readability, particularly as it concerned cultural backgrounds. I’m grateful for the growing number of commentaries by women, people of color, and from those representing different parts of the church. Too late, I have realized the cultural blinders I’ve lived with. It’s time to prepare to join that great community of every people of every identity who will be praising and proclaiming the Lamb.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: Galatians and Ephesians Through Old Testament Eyes

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Cover image of "Galatians and Ephesians" by Gary M. Burge

Galatians and Ephesians Through Old Testament Eyes, Gary M. Burge. Kregel Academic (ISBN: 9780825445187) 2025.

Summary: A commentary drawing out the Old Testament allusions and references Paul makes.

Galatians and Ephesians sit side by side in our Bibles. But they are so different. Galatians begins harshly. Ephesians glows with a marvelous prayer and thanksgiving. Galatians is unanimously attributed to Paul. The authorship of Ephesians is disputed. But we treasure them both.

Gary M. Burge sees these books as written by an author or authors (he opts for Paul as author for both) steeped in the Jewish scriptures and in his commentary on these two books notes the references and illusions that inform the writing. This is one of the distinctive features of the Through Old Testament Eyes series. In addition to the running commentary, “Through Old Testament Eyes” insertions explain references and allusions in the text. There are also periodic insertions on “What the Structure Means” and “Going Deeper.” The latter unpacks implications of the text for present day readers.

Befitting this series, I will focus on some of the Old Testament material discussed in the commentary for each book. In Galatians, the discussions of circumcision, meals, Gentiles and separation, and the material on Abraham and his seed. What is most striking is that Burge sees the promises made to Abraham as applying to all who, by faith are children of Abraham. And the land promise? It is no longer limited to a strip of land on the eastern Mediterranean but extends to the whole world. In Going Deeper discussions, Burge elaborates the significance of this for present day Israel

Turning to Ephesians, Burge first elaborates the Old Testament concept of “blessing,” so much a part of the opening prayer. Several articles elaborate Ephesians 2:11-22, discussing relations of Jews and Gentiles, and the dividing wall of the temple (and Christ’s new temple. In Ephesians 4:20-21, he contrasts Old Testament codes and learning Christ. Then, he sets the household codes not only in their Gentile context but also in terms of Old Testament teaching on marriage and slavery.

In addition, the “Going Deeper: sections move from commentary to challenging implications. He challenges racism and sexism in the church on the basis of Galatians 3:28. Instead of allegiance to an earthly Jerusalem, he calls for allegiance to Christian Israelis and Palestinians and our expectation of the New Jerusalem. His words on our use of words and anger from Ephesians 4:29-32 are much needed as is his calling out of marital abuse and the misuse of Ephesians 5:21-33.

In addition, Burge offers helpful background and timeline material based on and including a well-argued southern Galatia hypothesis. He offers helpful structural observations of Paul’s argument in both books and background on letter-writing conventions, so important given Paul’s breech of those conventions in Galatians. In conclusion, this is a valuable commentary for devotional study, teaching, and preaching.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Reviews of other commentaries in this series:

Matthew: https://bobonbooks.com/2024/06/11/review-matthew-through-old-testament-eyes/

Mark: https://bobonbooks.com/2017/12/04/review-mark-through-old-testament-eyes/

John: https://bobonbooks.com/2023/12/18/review-john-through-old-testament-eyes/

Revelation: https://bobonbooks.com/2022/11/28/review-revelation-through-old-testament-eyes/

Review: 1 Corinthians

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Cover image of "1 Corinthians" by Michael J. Gorman

1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral & Missional Commentary, Michael J. Gorman. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (ISBN: 9780802882660) 2025.

Summary: A theological, pastoral, and missional commentary designed for all wanting a careful exposition of the text.

The apostle Paul wrote more to the Corinthian church than any other. And that doesn’t include the correspondence we don’t have! Paul spent significant time with them on more than one visit. The problems arose in his absence. Rival factions contended, some loyal to him, others preferring other teachers. They had issues with immorality and questions about sexuality and marriage amid licentious Corinth. Their gatherings reflected their rivalries, from inequities at the Lord’s table to rivalries as to who was more spiritual. Finally, some denied the resurrection, which Paul considered the linchpin of belief. In 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses all these matters.

Michael J. Gorman, in 1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral & Missional Commentary, articulates the structure of Paul’s letter, exposits the text, explaining its background, and identifying key themes and issues and their contemporary relevance. He argues that 1 Corinthians is, first of all, a theological text, centering on the cross and the Spirit. Paul’s aim is that the Corinthians become a cruciform charismatic community. Secondly, the letter is pastoral, seeking their ongoing transformation into Christlikeness. Thirdly, the text is missional. Throughout, we see Paul’s concern for unbelievers, whether those they meet in social relations, those in mixed marriages, or those visiting the assembled community. Paul sets before them his missional model of becoming all things to all men to save some.

Gorman emphasizes particularly the working out of cruciformity in Paul’s ministry and instruction. He describes this as an x-y-z pattern: “Although (x) not (y) but (z).” For example, in 1 Corinthians 9, Gorman observes this pattern:

  • Although [x] as an apostle he has the right to financial support from those to whom he ministers,
  • he has chosen not [y] to exercise that right
  • but has rather [z] worked with his hands to support himself and not burden others–an act of love. (p.66)

A second theme Gorman notes is Paul’s “bi-focal vision.” Paul not only looks back to the cross and resurrection and what is already true but also forward to the coming of the Lord and living in light of his appearing.

Finally, Gorman observes Paul structuring the letter around the four marks of the church in the creed: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. He outlines the letter as follows:

  1. One: Chapters 1-4 — Unity Through the Wisdom and Power of the Cross
  2. Holy: Chapters 5-7 — Addressing Moral Chaos: Holy Living Between the Cross and Parousia
  3. Catholic: Chapters 8-14 — Addressing Liturgical Chaos: The Cross, Worship, and Salvation for All
  4. Apostolic: Chapters 15-16 — The Apostolic Witness to the Resurrection of Christ and Believers, and Conclusion (including the ecumenical offering and Paul’s missional plans)

Each sub-section of the commentary consists of exposition of the text by sections. While not “verse-by-verse” I found Gorman thorough in his treatment, though not exhaustive. He offers frequent summaries. Then at the end of each sub-section, he offers Spiritual, Pastoral, Missional, and Theological Reflections. These consider the the contemporary relevance of the text. Then he offers Questions for Those Who Read, Preach, and Teach of a more applicatory nature. He then concludes with a bibliography For Further Reading with a mix of highly accessible to technical texts, which he notes. Typical of commentaries, he offers introductory material on Paul, including his itinerary, and background for the Corinthian correspondence.

I found the commentary highly accessible, reading it along with the biblical text since Gorman does not provide full texts in the commentary. I most appreciated his emphasis on the cruciform life and how this addressed the rivalries in Corinth and also in how it is the bedrock for the exercise of spiritual gifts in the church, summarized in 1 Corinthians 13. This is a great commentary to read for devotional purposes as well as a resource for teaching and preaching. The reading lists and bibliography serve as an introduction to scholarly study. I am glad to add this to my “go to” commentaries on this letter!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: The Challenge of Acts

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Image of "The Challenge of Acts" by N.T. Wright

The Challenge of Acts, N.T, Wright. Zondervan Academic (ISBN: 9780310167990) 2024.

Summary: An overview of the book of Acts in four chapter sections, developing the major themes of the book.

The book of Acts is a long book. A commentary on such a book is no mean undertaking as Craig Keener’s four-volume work on Acts shows. Now N.T. Wright has shown himself capable of massive projects but takes a different approach in this study of Acts. Instead of verse-by-verse commentary, he offers an overview of the narrative that develops what he sees as major themes of the book. The plan of the book is to take the book in four chapter blocks, apart from a chapter on the opening of Acts, and a chapter devoted to Paul’s Mars Hill address.

The sections develop themes that will run through Acts. Beginning with chapter 1 on Acts 1, we see the command to take the gospel of the kingdom from Jerusalem and Judea to Samaria and to the ends of the earth, forming the plan of Acts. And then the resurrected King and Lord ascends into heaven, to rule at God’s right hand, present in his full authority as the church advances and faces adversity in its witness. Chapters 2-4 build on this news that in the risen Lord, God has raised up a new temple, a message the authorities immediately oppose. The Spirit empowered apostles persist in witness, determining to obey God when his command overrides that of human authorities. In chapters 5-8, believers are imprisoned, experiencing both deliverance and martyrdom. And the gospel spreads to Samaria (and Ethiopia).

Then chapters 9-12 serve as a bridge to the rest of Acts. On the Damascus road Saul encounters Jesus and finds his zeal redirected. Subsequently, with the church at peace, Peter accepts an invitation from a Roman centurion. And lo and behold, the Spirit of God falls upon the household, and the Jews conclude that god has granted the Gentiles ‘repentance that leads to life.’ Finally, after other persecution refugees testify in Antioch, with many Gentiles believing, brother Barnabas goes, affirms the grace of God and fetches Saul to help him.

The stage set, Antioch sends Barnabas and Saul out. And quickly, two things happen. People believe. And opposition arises. It becomes a pattern throughout Paul’s ministry. However, we also see authorities repeatedly acquit Paul. In Philippi, they receive a public apology for the beating off Paul, the Roman citizen. Then in Corinth the proconsul dismisses charges as a dispute about words, names, and laws, giving Paul legal cover for ministry. In Athens, the religious council at the Areopagus laugh at his ideas but do not charge him. And in Ephesus, the town clerk dismisses a rioting crowd. This will be important for what follows.

Chapters 21-24 cover Paul’s troubles in Jerusalem. Wright’s account struck me with the odd response to the offering and reports of the kingdom’s advance among Gentiles. Instead of jubilation, Paul is asked to pay for a cleansing rite to verify he is a true blue Jew. Then despite his diligence, a mob falsely accuses him. His defense is a proclamation of the risen Jesus. Then, in 25-28, we see his speech in Caesarea before Agrippa, once again speaking of the resurrection, that Festus and Agrippa can find nothing with which to charge him. But off to Caesar he will go, and after shipwreck will proclaim Jesus as Lord in Rome.

Two major themes come through. One is the proclamation of Christ as risen Messiah and King, the new temple and fulfillment of of the broadest hopes of Israel, that the nations would come to Yahweh. The other is the vindication of those who witness to the risen Christ, from Gamaliel in the Sanhedrin to Festus and Agrippa. Wright proposes that Acts may even have been a kind of “legal brief” for Paul’s defense before Caesar. In one respect, at least, the challenge of Acts is whether this movement is overturning the established order. Wright makes the case in his treatment of the defense on the Areopagus, that it was rather a setting of things to rights.

Wright offers a number of interesting insights. Sometimes, I wished for more evidence for some of his assertions. That is also the challenge of an overview of Acts. But Wright offers a resource for both personal study and for pastors and others who will teach this. He makes it clear that those engaged in gospel witness will face opposition from both human and spiritual powers. But in life and death, the risen Christ is with his people.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: Hebrews

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Cover image of "Hebrews" by Amy Peeler.

Hebrews (Commentaries for Christian Formation), Amy Peeler. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (ISBN: 9780802877383) 2024.

Summary: A commentary for Christian formation focused on the greatness of Christ, Christian faithfulness, and Christian community.

The Epistle to the Hebrews alternately inspires, puzzles, and sometimes alarms. It’s portrayal of Christ’s greatness ands great saving work leaves us in awe and wonder. Yet we don’t know who wrote it and the discussions of sacrifices and covenant takes some background understanding. Meanwhile, the warnings for those who drift away are alarming, especially to those of tender conscience. Amy Peeler, in this contribution to the Commentaries for Christian Formation, addresses all these aspects and more.

The series focuses on Christian formation, the fostering of growth in faith, holiness, and Christian discipleship that ought to be the aspiration of every believer. Peeler does this, albeit at a level of scholarship that is accessible, but will probably stretch many lay readers. The commentary takes sections of the text and first gives a brief overview and then walks through the text verse by verse, using Peeler’s translation. What is striking is her readable prose, which is not simply notes elaborating the biblical text. In addition, she offers an introduction to the book, thoroughly covering the ground, but not excessively. Finally, there is a concluding section, framed in the form of ten questions that both offer a thematic summary of the commentary and address pastoral concerns in Christian formation. The final question focuses on how one might prepare to teach Hebrews.

There were three great themes I noted running through her commentary. First, was her development of the superior character of the person and work of Christ, greater than angels, greater than the levitical priesthood, ushering in a new and greater covenant through the greater sacrifice of himself as high priest of the order of Melchizedek. Yet his greatness embraced humility and learning obedience.

Second is the theme of Christian faithfulness and the warnings to “sluggish” Christians not to drift, not to harden their hearts, and especially not to apostatize. In this regard, Peeler addresses both the tender conscience wrestling with sin, and the complacent, who need to be concerned lest they presume upon God. Rather, Hebrews offers this vision of the race of faith, inspired by the cloud of witnesses who have run ahead of us, foremost being the Lord Jesus himself.

Finally, Peeler emphasizes that this is a sermon to a community. Already we have our solidarity with those who ran before us. But in addition, there are those who run with us and the call to instruct and encourage one another. We are to continue in love, and to imitate the way of life of our leaders.

Peeler, in her concluding summary, addresses the “liminality” of Hebrews. She notes the parallel between the audience of Hebrews and being a Christian in the present time. What does it mean to live faithfully in this “in between” space? How do we neither retreat from nor accommodate the culture? What does it mean to keep confessing Jesus and our great salvation in him alone? These are questions that arise because of the portrait of the person and work of Christ in Hebrews, and its call to Christian faithfulness. These are questions I will continue to ponder….

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: Matthew Through Old Testament Eyes

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Cover image of "Matthew Through Old Testament Eyes" by David B Capes

Matthew Through Old Testament Eyes, David B. Capes. Kregel Academic (ISBN: 9780825444784), 2024.

Summary: A commentary on the Gospel of Matthew showing both obvious and subtle references to the Old Testament of how the life and ministry of Jesus fulfilled the plan of God articulated in these passages.

The Gospel of Matthew would seem the ideal book to look at “through Old Testament eyes.” Matthew wrote for a primarily Jewish audience and cites numerous OT passages and alludes to others. This commentary draws all that out, including a very helpful chart on the twelve fulfillment quotations (yes, the number is significant) (pp. 136-137). Through inline verse by verse commentary, sections on the structure, passage overviews “through Old Testament Eyes” and “Going Deeper” discussions on particular passages, David Capes helps the reader of Matthew understand how Jesus, in his life and ministry, fulfilled the redemptive purposes of God, glimpsed by the writers of the former Testament.

In my review, I want to highlight some of the fresh insights I gained from this study:

  • Capes notes the chiastic structure of the genealogy that highlights Jesus as Messiah, son of David and Son of Abraham.
  • He ties Herod into the bad shepherds of Micah.
  • He notes the connection of the servant song (Isaiah 42) to the Father’s “with him I am well pleased” at the baptism of Jesus.
  • The beatitude form is one found throughout the Old Testament.
  • The idea of the Two Ways restates themes found in Deuteronomy and elsewhere.
  • The three clusters of three miracles in Mt. 8-9 each end with teaching on some aspect of discipleship
  • The promise of rest in Matthew 11:28-30 sounds much like that in Jeremiah 6:16.
  • Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is intentional, even premeditated, and not accidental.
  • Capes sees parallels between King Ahasuerus and his oaths to Esther and Herod’s oath to his daughter at the banquet. A fascinating comparison!
  • Only Matthew uses the term “church” in the “on this rock” promise to Peter.
  • The elevation of children as models of discipleship is highlighted.
  • Jesus arrival in Jerusalem on a donkey harks to Zechariah 9:9 and signifies the kind of king he is.
  • Jesus is clear about his identity as the cornerstone, his rejection, and its consequences.
  • Capes offers a helpful outline of the apocalyptic discourse of Matthew 24-25.
  • It was not blasphemy for Jesus to claim he was Messiah, but rather to sit at God’s right hand and come on the clouds.
  • Psalm 22 underlies the account of the torture, humiliation, and crucifixion, and Jesus cry of dereliction.
  • Jesus Great Commission recapitulates his whole ministry–he exemplified what he commands.

This is only a selection. Capes helps us see the large structure of the five sermons and the bookends of Matthew as well as smaller details, such as parable or miracle groupings and their significance. Most of all, he helps us recognize in the story of Jesus the realization of the story of God’s history with Israel. Capes also helps us see how this gospel is a manual of discipleship, both for the first followers of Jesus and those of us coming along centuries later.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: Revelation Through Old Testament Eyes

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Revelation Through Old Testament Eyes (A Background and Application Commentary) Tremper Longman III, series editor Andrew T. LePeau. Grand Rapids: Kregel Academic, 2022.

Summary: A running commentary of the book of Revelation that focuses on the Old Testament background running through the book, along with material that goes deeper on the Old Testament material relating to different themes and the structure of the book as well as its contemporary application.

There is a school of thought that tries to read the book of Revelation and relate it to the events of the present day, a trend I’ve observed for fifty years, requiring many revisions in interpretation. This commentary, part of the “Through Old Testament Eyes” series, looks back, providing a running commentary of the Old Testament texts to which many of images and metaphors allude or draw upon. There is probably no New Testament book where this kind of commentary is more necessary, and Tremper Longman III admirably fills this need.

First of all, Longman offers a running, verse-by-verse commentary, offering Old Testament background on references in the text. The commentary is scholarly but not technical, accessible for a lay reader. Just one example, from “Look, he is coming with the clouds” (Revelation 1:7). Longman recalls the ancient Near East background of cloud riding deities, particularly storm clouds, which he believes in view here (cf. Psalm 18:9; 104:3). He cites the prophesy of Isaiah against Egypt in Isaiah 19:1-2 of God coming against them on a swift cloud, and similarly toward Nineveh in Nahum 1:3. He then focuses attention on the vision recorded in Daniel 7:13, where we have God both as Ancient of Days and coming “like a son of man” on the clouds.

These commentaries also incorporate sections called “Through Old Testament Eyes,” stepping back from the text. Following the above commentary, Longman offers an extended discussion of Daniel, as the other instance of extended apocalyptic writing in scripture. He observes that parallels in both where present evil will be overcome with God’s final victory. Where Revelation differs is that it reflects the already and not yet experience of the church having witnessed the resurrection of the son of God yet awaiting his final victory.

There are a number of “What the Structure Means” articles throughout the text as well. One of the most helpful was his discussion on the Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls, noting Bauckham’s observation that “the seventh-seal opening includes the seven trumpets and the seventh trumpet includes the seven bowls.” He argues that they are not sequential, but spiraling cycles moving toward the end. He notes the interludes and the significance of the seventh in each series–silence followed by earthquakes and lightning after the seventh seal, a vision of the heavenly temple and the ark along with more lightning, thunder, and earthquakes, and after the seventh bowl all of these with a severe earthquake.

Finally the commentary offers “Going Deeper” sections connection the commentary to application. For example, on “Perseverance of the Church: Revelation 11” focuses on the faithful testimony of the two witnesses who represent the church. They are killed by the beast from the Abyss but raised by God to heaven. Later, the pregnant woman, also representing the church is pursued by Satan but twice escapes harm. Finally, in Revelation 19, we have the vision of the wedding supper of the Lamb after the fall of Babylon (Rome). Longman notes how the churches to which John wrote faced persecution, and these words have encouraged the church whenever she has faced oppression, marginalization, and adversity.

One comes away from studying this commentary aware afresh of the seamless garment that is scripture. The Old Testament illumines so much of Revelation, furnishing the stock of metaphors John draws upon in relating his visions, while uniquely expanding upon them. Rather than getting caught up in prophecy chart, Longman invites us to get caught up in the Lamb who was worthy, the victory of God, the defeat of evil, and the enduring hope this offers the people of God of John’s day and throughout the ages down to our own.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.

Review: The Birth of the Messiah

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The Birth of the Messiah, Raymond E. Brown. Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Co., 1979 (Link is to 2nd edition, published in 1999 by Yale University Press).

Summary: An academic commentary on the Birth Narratives in Matthew and Luke.

This has been on my shelves a long time, a library copy picked up at a sale many years ago. More recently, it has been joined by Brown’s two volume The Death of the Messiah. I decided for Advent this year, it would be a good time to finally dive into this magisterial commentary by Brown

The commentary consists of an overall introduction, introductions to Matthew and Luke’s account respectively, and then commentary, running section by section of each narrative. This includes Brown’s own translation of the text, notes on the text, including textual variants, and commentary. In addition to overall bibliographies, Brown offers a bibliography for each section. He also includes a number of appendices on the genealogies, the Birth at Bethlehem, virginal conception and the charge of illegitimacy, the census, and midsrash.

I will offer here some overall highlights, rather than a lengthy discussion of a lengthy commentary. First of all, it is Brown’s theory that the infancy narratives came last in the formation of the gospels, the passion narratives being first, and then the ministry narratives. One of the big questions is why these narratives are so different and Brown would chalk this up to the theology of each evangelist, which he develops in the commentaries.

First, with Matthew, he emphasizes how Matthew shows Jesus to be Son of God and son of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, key for a Jewish-Christian audience. We see this in the genealogy, the five Old Testament texts which Brown would suggest may have been interpolated into an earlier pre-Matthean tradition, particularly Isaiah 7:14, which he deals with at length, as well as the visits of Magi, Herod’s attempt to kill him, and the flight to Egypt, a kind of recapitulation of Israel’s history. I was also struck with the thread of Joseph’s implicit obedience throughout. Joseph shines for this brief moment, and then slips from the scene.

The commentary on Luke focuses the transitional character of the infancy narratives, even as Acts 1-2 focuses on the transition from the ministry of Jesus to the church. The annunciation stories echo those of the births of Samuel and Samson, upon whom the Spirit dwelt. At the visit of Mary, who had conceived by the Holy Spirit, to Elizabeth, John, in utero, testifies to the coming of Jesus as Elizabeth speaks in the fullness of the Spirit. This anticipates the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. Brown also gives extensive attention to the parallel annunciations, birth narratives, and subsequent hymns. He also offers intriguing ideas about the connections of Simeon and Anna to the anawim and the Essene sect at Qumran. He observes the intensification of each of these for Jesus, showing how John is the lesser forerunner we will encounter in the following chapters.

The work reflects the historical, form, and source criticism of Brown’s time. Brown moderates some of the radical skepticism that would question the historicity of these events. Most notably, he defends the virgin conception (but not necessarily birth) of Jesus and the Davidic descent, but considers the claims of a Bethlehem birth weaker (despite this being a commonality of the two accounts), and believes Luke was in error about a census under Quirinius. He would not consider such passages such as the Magnificat as ipsissima verba of Mary, being skeptical that testimony could have come through Mary or her family to Luke.

While Brown, in this work, is more skeptical about the historicity of various aspects of these narratives than I am, it is wonderful to read with this scholar who has read scripture so closely. Having written narratives of local history, drawing on various sources, I am more sympathetic than I once was to his exploration of how Matthew and Luke composed these narratives. But I suspect that no two people who studied what I wrote could dissect the sources in the same way. There is a speculative element of this and I am more appreciative of the rhetorical criticism that looks at the final form of a work and its theological purpose. I think this is where Brown seems to be on the most solid ground.

My review is based on the first edition of this work. A revised edition was published in 1999, a year after his death. I have not had the chance to compare the two and to see if Brown’s views changed on any matters. At very least, it may reflect more current scholarship. This is well worth obtaining for any who expect to preach on these texts and offered rich devotional reflection for me.