Evaluation
Overall Score: 8.4/10
A clear, theologically grounded guide to Ephesians that serves both the pulpit and the study.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 272 pages
- Type
- Application, Expositional, Homiletical
- Theo. Perspective
- Broadly Evangelical
- Overall score
- 8.4 / 10
- Strength
- Helpfully connects Paul's theology in Ephesians with the life and ministries of local churches.
- Limitation
- Offers little engagement with Greek or technical debates, so benefits from a more detailed partner on the shelf.
In The Message of Ephesians, John R. W. Stott offers a warm, pastoral and theologically solid exposition of Paul’s great letter to the church in Ephesus. Working verse by verse, he draws out the theological riches of Ephesians—especially the unity believers enjoy in Christ, the glorious nature of the church as God’s new society, and the practical consequences for Christian life, relationships and community. The commentary avoids unnecessary academic obscurity and speaks clearly to the needs of pastors, preachers and committed lay-readers who want to see how the gospel shapes both our theology and our everyday life.
Stott’s treatment is neither hyper-technical nor superficially devotional. Rather it strikes a balanced tone that honours the text’s original force while making it accessible for church use. He understands that Ephesians is not simply a doctrinal treatise but a vision of what the church — local and universal — is meant to be in Christ. The result is a commentary that engages both mind and soul.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
If you want a commentary on Ephesians that is rooted in Scripture, shaped by evangelical conviction, and yet oriented toward the daily life of the church, this volume belongs on your shelf. For a busy pastor or teacher, it provides a ready bridge between what Paul wrote and what your congregation faces. Stott clarifies big ideas — union with Christ, church unity, spiritual identity, Christian ethics — in a way that theologically grounded but not remote.
For sermon preparation or small-group teaching, Stott’s clear headings, helpful observations and practical applications give you solid launch-pads. You will often find yourself convinced by his summary insights, then challenged to think further about how Ephesians changes not only individual believers but whole congregations. Despite its relative brevity, the book has enough depth to serve as a dependable mid-level commentary without overwhelming the reader.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend The Message of Ephesians as an essential mid-level commentary for pastors, teachers and serious lay-students alike. It combines theological clarity, pastoral heart and practical usefulness in a way that few other Ephesians commentaries do. For those working from a Reformed, broadly evangelical perspective, it is among the strongest choices available — a book that helps you preach Ephesians with confidence in both doctrine and application.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Strong recommendation