Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.3/10

A strong advanced guide that serves careful exegesis and clear preaching in Philippians.

Publication Date(s): 2009

Pages: 360

ISBN: 978-0-8028-3742-4

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.7/10

We find close attention to the flow of the passage, with context doing the governing work rather than later assumptions.

Christ Centredness: 8.3/10

Christ is kept central in a way that arises from the letter’s purpose, shaping both doctrine and the life of faith.

Depth of Insight: 8.6/10

We are helped by clear engagement with key interpretive questions and the theological weight of the argument.

Clarity of Writing: 8.2/10

The writing is organised and readable, making it realistic for sustained sermon preparation.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.3/10

The exposition supports proclamation and discipleship, helping us move from meaning to faithful application.

Readability: 7.8/10

Substantial in places, but accessible with steady reading and easy to return to during a series.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 360 pages
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Strength: Serious engagement with the text that still serves preaching and teaching.
Limitation: Most useful when we can give it time, it is less suited to rapid reference.

We find this volume helps us read Philippians as a letter of gospel shaped joy, formed in suffering and expressed in humble unity.

Hansen keeps Paul’s argument clear, and he shows how Christ’s pattern of self giving obedience shapes the whole letter.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want careful exegesis that still serves preaching. It handles key passages with patient attention to context, and it keeps the letter’s pastoral purpose in view.

It is especially helpful on partnership in the gospel, the pursuit of maturity, and the call to rejoice without pretending life is easy. The result is exposition that strengthens both assurance and obedience.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong advanced commentary for preaching and teaching Philippians, particularly for those aiming to hold together doctrinal clarity and warm, realistic application.

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