Evaluation
Overall Score: 8.6/10
Clear, reliable exposition of Matthew 16–23 that serves preachers with conviction, clarity, and pastoral warmth.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 336 pages
- Type
- Expositional, Expository (Mid-Level)
- Theo. Perspective
- Baptist, Broadly Evangelical, Reformed
- Overall score
- 8.6 / 10
- Strength
- A well-organised and convictional exposition that keeps Matthew’s major themes clear, providing pastors with steady help for preaching Christ’s identity, mission, and call to discipleship.
- Limitation
- The commentary seldom interacts with broader academic discussion, and certain sections would benefit from additional historical or theological nuance.
In this volume on Matthew 16–23, John MacArthur continues his steady, verse-by-verse exposition of the Gospel narrative at a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry. These chapters contain Peter’s confession, Jesus’ declaration of the church, the transfiguration, escalating conflict with Israel’s leaders, and the solemn woes pronounced upon the scribes and Pharisees. MacArthur approaches each passage with a focus on authorial intent, straightforward explanation, and strong pastoral application.
We find his work designed primarily for teachers and preachers who value clarity, doctrinal stability, and faithful exposition. While the commentary is not technical, it offers dependable guidance for understanding the flow of Matthew’s argument and the theological weight of Jesus’ teaching in these chapters.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We appreciate the commentary’s ability to give a clear and organised explanation of the text without overwhelming detail. MacArthur writes for the ordinary expositor—someone who wants trustworthy interpretation, accessible explanation, and consistent application. His handling of the Church’s foundation in Matthew 16, the transfiguration, and Jesus’ climactic engagement with the Pharisees is crisp, pastoral, and anchored in historic evangelical conviction.
We also value the way he integrates doctrine with exposition. Themes such as the Messiah’s identity, the cost of discipleship, the nature of true righteousness, and Jesus’ authority over Israel’s leadership are treated with seriousness and conviction. His exposition of the woes in Matthew 23 is especially strong—full of pastoral urgency and clear doctrinal reflection.
For sermon preparation, this volume offers a reliable scaffold. It will not replace more technical works, but it will sharpen outlines, clarify difficult verses, and help preachers bring the text to bear on the hearts of their people with clarity and weight.
Closing Recommendation
We warmly commend this volume to pastors, Bible teachers, and small-group leaders who want faithful, conservative, expositionally driven help in navigating Matthew’s middle chapters. It is doctrinally sound, steady in its interpretation, and written with the heart of a pastor.
While it is best used alongside more technical or academic works for detailed study, it remains a strong and trustworthy companion for preparing sermons or leading Bible studies through Matthew 16–23.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Strong recommendation