Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.0/10

A rich technical companion for Matthew 14 to 28, strong for careful preparation.

Publication Date(s): 2015

Pages: 576

ISBN: 9780310522119

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.4/10

We find steady attention to the text and careful handling of key passages in the second half of Matthew.

Christ Centredness: 8.2/10

Matthew’s passion narrative and resurrection material invite direct proclamation of Christ, and this volume often supports that with textual care.

Depth of Insight: 8.6/10

We benefit from detailed engagement with complex sections, including parables, controversy narratives, and passion chronology.

Clarity of Writing: 7.5/10

Dense but generally clear, with explanations that keep us grounded in the argument.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8/10

Particularly helpful for careful preaching through the passion and resurrection, where precision matters deeply.

Readability: 7.3/10

Best used alongside a more directly pastoral commentary if time is short.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 576 pages
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 8 / 10
Strength: Thorough exegesis through the passion and resurrection narratives.
Limitation: Heavy detail can slow weekly preparation if used without selectivity.

We find Donald A. Hagner’s Matthew 14-28 a serious, text focused commentary that rewards careful use. It helps us attend to the flow of the passage and the author’s intent, so our exposition rests on solid ground.

Because this sits in a technical series, its chief strength is close exegesis. It is less concerned with sermon outlines, but it often provides the observations we need to preach with accuracy, proportion, and confidence.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume when we want a resource that slows us down and keeps us honest with the text. In familiar passages, that discipline can expose assumptions and sharpen clarity.

We also benefit when we face interpretive pressure points. A technical commentary can help us weigh options, test conclusions, and avoid avoidable errors.

For weekly preaching, this works best alongside a more pastorally direct commentary. Used together, we gain both careful exegesis and clearer routes to application and proclamation.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong technical companion for serious preparation. If we use it with purpose and prayer, it can serve faithful preaching and careful teaching in the local church.

We will get the most benefit by pairing it with a more directly pastoral volume, especially when we need help moving from exegesis to sermon shape.

As a next step, we can strengthen our reading and preaching by visiting the Bible Book Overview, browsing Top Recommendations, and consulting the Reformed Commentary Index.

Where to buy

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