The Message of Luke

by Michael Wilcock

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Last updated: November 28, 2025
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Author: Michael Wilcock
Bible Book: Luke
Series: Bible Speaks Today
Publisher: IVP
Type: Application, Expositional
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical

Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.6/10

A clear, Christ-centred guide to Luke that serves pastors and teachers with real clarity.

Publication Date(s): 1984
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9780851115068
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.5/10
Wilcock handles Luke with care, following the shape and intent of the text while keeping interpretation anchored in Scripture.
Christ Centredness: 9/10
The commentary consistently lifts up the person and work of Christ, showing how Luke’s Gospel draws the reader to the Saviour.
Depth of Insight: 7.5/10
Insightful and thoughtful, offering strong pastoral reflection, though not intended as a technical or academic treatment.
Clarity of Writing: 9/10
Wilcock writes with warmth, balance, and precision, making complex ideas graspable for ordinary readers.
Pastoral Usefulness: 9/10
Ideal for sermon preparation and discipleship, giving clear guidance on how the text speaks to the life of the church.
Readability: 9/10
A smooth, engaging read that serves busy pastors and lay teachers alike.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
320 pages
Type
Application, Expositional
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.6 / 10
Strength
Excellent balance of biblical insight and pastoral application.
Limitation
Lacks the technical depth needed for advanced exegetical study.

Michael Wilcock’s The Message of Luke offers a clear and pastorally wise walk through Luke’s Gospel. He traces Luke’s presentation of Jesus with care, showing how the evangelist arranges his material to strengthen confidence in the saving work of Christ. Wilcock writes with a steady hand, helping readers appreciate both the flow of the narrative and the beauty of the Lord it reveals.

The commentary remains firmly rooted in the text while giving sustained attention to Christian discipleship. Wilcock handles Luke’s major themes with clarity: the compassion of Christ, the wideness of God’s mercy, the certainty of salvation, and the call to follow Jesus in humility and joy. It is a commentary that speaks directly to the needs of the church today.

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Why Should I Own This Commentary?

Pastors will appreciate Wilcock’s ability to draw out the message of each passage without drowning the reader in technicalities. He shows how Luke’s carefully shaped account strengthens assurance, fuels worship, and calls the church to mission. His reflections are grounded, doctrinally safe, and pastorally fruitful.

Those preaching through Luke will find in this volume a steady and reliable companion. It offers enough detail to guide interpretation while keeping the main thing central: the saving grace of Christ. Readers from a Reformed background will find Wilcock’s emphasis on grace, divine initiative, and the unfolding kingdom to be fully compatible with a gospel-centred ministry.

Closing Recommendation

The Message of Luke stands as a valuable first commentary for those teaching and preaching this Gospel. It is faithful, readable, and nourishing. While not designed for advanced exegesis, it serves pastors and church leaders with clarity, conviction, and genuine help.


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Classification

  • Level: Mid-level
  • Best For: Busy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

Reviewed by

An Expositor

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