Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.3/10

A rich, careful Luke commentary that supports sustained preaching with depth and pastoral steadiness.

Publication Date(s): 2015

Pages: 831

ISBN: 978-0-8028-3735-6

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.8/10

We find consistent attention to the argument of the passage, with careful handling of context and a disciplined respect for what the text actually says.

Christ Centredness: 8.4/10

We are helped to keep Christ central in both doctrine and application, with connections that arise from the text rather than from habit or sentiment.

Depth of Insight: 8.7/10

We gain real help on interpretive decisions and theological themes, with sustained engagement that rewards careful study.

Clarity of Writing: 8.1/10

Clear structure and controlled prose make it workable for weekly preparation, even when the material is weighty.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.2/10

The exposition supports proclamation and shepherding, helping us press the truth home with realism and hope.

Readability: 7.8/10

Substantial in size, but readable in steady portions, and well suited to ongoing sermon work.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 831 pages
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Strength: Depth and coherence across Luke’s length, with a pastoral instinct throughout.
Limitation: Its size makes it best for planned series rather than rapid reference work.

We find James R. Edwards offers a rich guide to Luke, with close attention to narrative flow, historical setting, and theological purpose. He helps us see how Luke builds confidence in Jesus through orderly testimony, and how the Gospel trains the church to live as a worshipping, witnessing people.

He is careful with details, but he keeps the argument visible. That is a gift in a large Gospel, where it is easy to lose the main line across long sections.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want depth without fog. Edwards handles complex questions with a steady hand, and he consistently returns us to the text’s own emphases.

He is especially helpful on Luke’s concern for the Spirit, prayer, mercy to the outsider, and the reversal of human pride. Those themes land in preaching with both comfort and edge when they are handled well.

For a church focused series through Luke, this is a dependable desk companion that repeatedly strengthens both understanding and proclamation.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong advanced commentary for preaching and teaching Luke, particularly for those who want a careful guide through Luke’s length and detail without losing pastoral momentum.

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

Amazon Logos