Acts

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Bible Book: Acts
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Theological Perspective: Reformed
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 5, 2026
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.4/10

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

Publication Date(s): 1980
Pages: 498
ISBN: 9780851513096
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.4/10
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: 8.1/10
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: 8.2/10
We benefit from sustained theological reflection that clarifies key themes and strengthens our grasp of the book’s argument.
Clarity of Writing: 8.5/10
The writing is generally clear and ordered, though the older style sometimes asks a little more patience from the reader.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8.3/10
We are regularly helped toward proclamation, prayer, and practical shepherding, with application that grows out of exegesis.
Readability: 8.6/10
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
498 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 J. A. Alexander’s Acts a brisk, lucid guide that keeps us moving through Luke’s narrative while still pausing for the points that shape doctrine and church life. His note style comments are concise, but rarely thin.

Alexander is especially helpful on the flow of argument and the theological meaning of events, so that we do not reduce Acts to anecdotes or moral lessons.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume because it helps us preach Acts as Scripture, not as a museum of early church curiosities. It keeps the risen Christ and the spread of His word central.

We also benefit from Alexander’s disciplined restraint. He avoids forced originality, and that makes him a stabilising presence when controversial passages tempt us into heat rather than light.

It is not a modern academic commentary. Yet as a preaching companion it is remarkably efficient, and it pairs well with a fuller technical work when needed.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level Reformed commentary for preaching Acts. It is particularly suited to weekly preparation where clarity and forward movement matter.

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.


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Classification

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

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Commentary

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Reviewed by

An Expositor

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