Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.4/10

A strong Reformed volume on Matthew that helps us stay close to the text and preach with theological weight.

Publication Date(s): 1994

Pages: 340

ISBN: 9780802808011

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.7/10

We find careful attention to the passage in its flow, with a consistent concern to let the text govern the claims we make in preaching.

Christ Centredness: 8.6/10

We are helped to keep Christ central, with clear lines from the passage to the gospel, without forcing connections that the text does not support.

Depth of Insight: 8.4/10

We benefit from sustained theological reflection that clarifies key themes and strengthens our grasp of the book’s argument.

Clarity of Writing: 8.3/10

The writing is generally clear and ordered, though the older style sometimes asks a little more patience from the reader.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.4/10

We are regularly helped toward proclamation, prayer, and practical shepherding, with application that grows out of exegesis.

Readability: 8.2/10

It is best read in steady portions. The style is older, but it remains accessible for pastors willing to read carefully.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 340 pages
Type: Expositional
Theo. Perspective: Reformed
Overall score: 8.4 / 10
Strength: Clear, text bound exposition that strengthens preaching and doctrine together.
Limitation: Older style and occasional length mean it works best alongside a modern reference for background questions.

We find Calvin’s Harmony of the Gospels on Matthew a careful, Christ focused reading that helps us preach the Lord Jesus with reverence and clarity. He is attentive to the plain sense of the text and to the pastoral aim of the evangelist.

Calvin writes as one who expects Scripture to form the church. He is not interested in novelty. He wants us to understand the passage, then to feel its weight before God.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume because it keeps us honest. It does not let us preach favourite themes while neglecting awkward details. Calvin repeatedly forces us back to the words on the page.

We also gain a model of application that grows out of exegesis. He speaks to conscience, comforts the troubled, and warns the careless, without theatrics.

For contemporary issues and critical questions, we will still want a modern reference. Yet Calvin’s spiritual realism often gives the preacher the firmer footing.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong Reformed resource for preaching Matthew, especially for pastors who want depth without clutter. It repays rereading across a whole series.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.

Where to buy

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