Ephesians

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Bible Book: Ephesians
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 6, 2026
Looking for alternatives? Compare Ephesians commentaries.

Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.3/10

A strong mid level Ephesians commentary that helps us preach the letter’s gospel shaped vision for the church.

Publication Date(s): 2019
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9780830842988
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.4/10
We find steady attention to Paul’s argument, with the passage driving the outline and emphasis.
Christ Centredness: 8.3/10
Union with Christ and the gospel foundation of the church’s life are kept central.
Depth of Insight: 8.1/10
We are helped by clear thematic guidance and sensible interpretive decisions.
Clarity of Writing: 8.4/10
Clear and compact writing, well suited to weekly sermon preparation.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8.5/10
The commentary supports preaching that moves from doctrine to lived unity and holiness.
Readability: 8.2/10
Accessible for pastors and church teachers, with useful structure.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
240 pages
Type
Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.3 / 10
Strength
Clear movement from doctrine to life with disciplined application.
Limitation
Not as detailed as major academic Ephesians works.

We find Darrell L. Bock’s Ephesians a compact, clear guide through a letter that moves from God’s saving purpose in Christ to a new life together as the church. He helps us trace Paul’s argument and keep the big themes in view, grace, unity, holiness, and spiritual warfare in ordinary discipleship.

The volume is accessible and well suited to weekly preparation, with steady attention to context and structure.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching Ephesians with clear movement from doctrine to life. Bock is especially useful in keeping application tethered to the text, so that unity and holiness are grounded in the gospel, not in mere exhortation.

We also appreciate the balanced handling of contested sections. He helps us make responsible interpretive decisions while keeping the letter’s pastoral aim clear, that the church would live as Christ’s new humanity.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level Ephesians commentary for preaching and teaching, especially for pastors who want a clear, disciplined guide that stays close to Paul’s purposes.

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, General readers, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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