ESV Expository Commentary: Matthew–Luke (Volume, 8)

First off, I am a fairly progressive Christian (in many areas, but not all), and am, decidedly, not the intended audience for this volume. My 2* review reflects this caveat.That aside, I commend Crossway for their sensational offerings of Scripture and Scripture tools (like journals, Bible Studies, and now, this commentary). Their attention to detail in design and function is commendable.If you are a decidedly conservative exegete, and intend to remain that way and do not want to consider a position that is "liberal" then this may be the series for you. But I hope that you at least consider additional volumes to balance it out, as the interpretations of Scripture contained within are unnecessarily narrow.For example, any other commentary that I've used recently will dive in and consider the arguments to be made that the Gospels of Mark and Matthew may not be written by those who were traditionally associated with them. The introductions to both of those books basically dismiss that notion out of hand, without an honest and rigorous exploration at all. It feels like willful ignorance.They will also jump right to a more conservative conclusion in other areas. In Matthew 25 (p. 382 of this volume) for instance, they seem to discount the idea that "the least of these" are anything but fellow believers. They do not say it outright, but the pastor preparing a message on this scripture who is not more well-informed who uses only this commentary will easily come to the conclusion that we need not care about any poor who aren't part of our tribe. Ugh.Throughout this volume, the assumption is that a Reformed Conservative Penal-Substitutionary Atonement viewpoint is the only acceptable way of understanding the Christ event. It is hardly a surprise coming from the publisher who basically licensed the RSV to make their own update merely as a conservative "reaction" against more liberal ideas in more modern translations (like gender-inclusive language). In short, the agenda drives the scholarship, which results in a product that is far more biased than any other volume on my shelf.So... if you are combining this volume with others, such as the New Interpreters' Bible Commentary that this reviewer often uses, it makes an excellent "conservative foil." And to be sure, I disagree with SO many of the conclusions of the authors and editors (6 white men, btw... no need to look for anything the slightest bit diverse with Crossway--at least the 4 people who are listed on the back cover endorsing the volume are only HALF white men... but are all men, of course [women obviously have nothing to contribute to biblical scholarship in these circles). I will probably use this, but never as a primary source... In this case, it might get 4 stars for usefulness, if not intellectual rigor and honesty in the content.If you are only using this volume to prepare sermons, I give it 0 stars, and beg you to consider widening your perspective by getting something to go along with it.

Where can you go to get a commentary on the Gospels that is theologically sound and pastorally wise? In the newest edition of the ESV Expository Commentary, Crossway presents a passage-by-passage commentary of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.The Parable of the Talents in MatthewContributors to this volume include Dan Doriani (Matthew), Hans F. Bayer (Mark), and Thomas R. Schreiner (Luke). Dan Doriani (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) serves as the vice president of strategic academic projects and professor of theology at Covenant Seminary. Hans F. Bayer is Professor of New Testament and Chair of the New Testament Department at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Thomas R. Schreiner (MDiv and ThM, Western Conservative Baptist Seminary; PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and associate dean of the School of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.I quickly jumped to Doriani’s commentary as I studied to prepare a sermon from Matthew 25 on The Parable of the Talents. The section overview gave me a compelling introduction to the theme of faithful stewardship. Comments on talents were insightful, such as understanding that “a laborer would toil one hundred years to earn five talents.” What was most beneficial was the response section, giving the principal points of the parable but also proper application towards how it reshapes our work. This commentary helped me quickly engage with the text.Connections in Luke and MarkUsing the Scripture Index, I saw that the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 had comparable similarities and differences to the Parable of the Minas in Luke 19:11-27. Schreiner comments that believers and disciples of Christ are to be responsible servants as we wait for the return of Jesus. Schreiner clearly states that “true faith manifests itself in good works. We are saved by faith alone, but never by a faith that is alone. Genuine faith manifests itself in the doing of good works.” I found this commentary to be concise while highlighting preaching and pastoral considerations.While there was no direct correlation to this parable in the Book of Mark, reading the introduction section allowed me to further see that discipleship “is essentially a life-giving relationship with Jesus resulting in godly personal and social conduct, not primarily and exclusively following a certain code of conduct.” This commentary emphasizes how knowing our master necessitates a changed life. While written for serious study, the commentary will serve you well for both sermon preparation and devotional delight.Trusted LegacyAesthetically, this is a handsome premium hardcover book. It is massive at 1,160 pages. The font size is generous, making for a pleasant - as opposed to a tedious - reading experience. You will want to refer to this commentary every time you plan to present a text or for your own personal study.Crossway’s ESV Expository Commentary has proved to be a trusted resource, and this edition will further it's legacy. As a tentpole volume on the first three Gospels, it is a must-have book in your library and study. Go and read the Gospels, and be ready to better preach and proclaim the Good News.I received a media copy of the ESV Expository Commentary: Matthew–Luke and this is my honest review.

The ESV Expository Commentary Volume 8 provides approximately 1100 pages of in depth bible teaching. It is a huge book. Each section has commentary written by a different author. Daniel M. Dorianicovers the gospel of Matthew. Hans F. Bayer covers the gospel of Mark. Thomas Schriener cover the gospel of Luke. The commentary is well written by all of the authors. They make it easy to read and understand. It is not dry like reading a textbook, but is almost like reading a daily devotional. The portions of scripture that is covered is divided in reasonable amounts. There are no maps. There are only a few tables that are not really very useful.The commentary is not intended to be skewed to any denomination, but conservative and evangelical in nature. However, it is described as wanting the authors produce commentary that is "broadly reformed." I will stay attuned to the possibility of a Reformed/Calvanist slant in the commentary.I like reading the English Standard Version (ESV) and I think that it is one of the more reliable modern versions. Using the ESV in this commentary series is natural, since Crossway produces the ESV.The commentary Index is not too useful, as it is difficult to read and find books that you are looking for. When looking for a certain passage of the books covered in the commentaries, the page heading shows the book and passage.Overall, I think this commentary will be enlightening and useful as one source in my biblical studies.