Evaluation
Overall Score: 8.4/10
A warm, spiritually alert exposition that serves both study and devotion with steady insight.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 1048 pages
- Type
- Exegetical (Technical), Expository (Mid-Level)
- Theo. Perspective
- Reformed
- Overall score
- 8.4 / 10
- Strength
- Balances doctrinal clarity with devotional warmth, helping readers grasp each letter’s core message.
- Limitation
- Lacks sustained interaction with more technical or contemporary discussions in Pauline scholarship.
Exposition of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon by William Hendriksen (Baker Book House) belongs to the New Testament Commentary series. First published in 1996, this approx. 1,000-page volume covers five epistles of Paul: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Hendriksen writes from a Reformed-evangelical standpoint, offering verse-by-verse exposition aimed at pastors, teachers and serious Bible-students who value doctrinal depth alongside practical ministry application.
The work moves through each letter with consistent clarity, offering textual remarks, theological reflection, and application-oriented commentary. Hendriksen’s tone is that of a pastor-scholar: confident in the authority of Scripture, attentive to the Greek text where it clarifies meaning, and sensitive to the needs of the church-reader rather than purely the academic specialist.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We commend this volume first for its robust doctrinal foundation. Hendriksen remains firmly in a Reformed tradition—emphasising God’s sovereign grace, the centrality of Christ, the unity of the body of Christ, and the life of faith. His examination of Galatians’ freedom in Christ, Ephesians’ unity and mystery, Philippians’ joy in Christ, Colossians’ supremacy of Christ over all, and Philemon’s reconciliation theme, all bear the hallmark of careful theology married to faithful exegesis.
From a practical ministry standpoint, the volume is especially helpful for sermon-preparation and teaching series. Hendriksen provides chapter introductions, section summaries, and frequent application notes that keep the text rooted in the life of the church. While not the most current in every facet of recent scholarship, its clarity and pastoral tone mean it remains a friendly companion for ministry. In particular, the cohesion of covering these five letters in one resource is convenient for pastoring through multiple epistles without switching volumes.
Finally, we appreciate the accessibility of the commentary. Technical matters are addressed (Greek word notes, structural observations) yet Hendriksen writes in a way that welcomes non-specialists. The high page-count may challenge busy readers, but for those building a preaching library this is a strong foundation piece.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend this commentary warmly for pastors, elders, and committed Bible-study leaders who desire a clear, theologically anchored exposition of these Pauline epistles from a Reformed evangelical perspective. If you want one trusted volume to cover Galatians through Philemon that serves both teaching and preaching purposes, this offers excellent value.
If you already possess separate technical commentaries covering each letter and are seeking cutting-edge scholarship, you might supplement this with younger volumes. But for a primary ministry resource, Hendriksen’s work remains solid and well-worth acquiring.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Strong recommendation