R.C. Sproul

R. C. Sproul was one of the most influential theologians and Bible teachers of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Known for his infectious enthusiasm for the glory of God and the authority of Scripture, he spent his life helping Christians think deeply, love truthfully, and live faithfully. As founder of Ligonier Ministries, he brought accessible Reformed theology to millions through teaching series, books, and conferences, shaping generations of believers with his passion for God’s holiness.

A pastor, professor, and prolific author, Sproul combined intellectual rigour with heartfelt devotion. He served as teaching pastor at Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida, and as chancellor of Reformation Bible College. His Renewing Your Mind broadcast reached listeners around the world, making weighty theology understandable and compelling. Sproul wrote more than a hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, each marked by his trademark clarity and reverence for Scripture.

Above all, R. C. Sproul was a champion of expository preaching and doctrinal fidelity. Whether addressing justification by faith, the sovereignty of God, or the beauty of the gospel, he spoke with conviction and joy that drew others to worship. His ministry reflected a single, burning aim — to help the church rediscover the majesty of God and the transforming power of His Word. Though he entered glory in 2017, his voice continues to instruct and inspire all who seek to know the God of Scripture with conviction, clarity, and care.

R.C. Sproul

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The Reformation Study Bible

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice

9.3

Author: R.C. Sproul

Type: Theological

Publisher: Ligoneir Ministries

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Study Bible

Summary

We regard the Reformation Study Bible as one of the most theologically anchored and pastorally reliable study Bibles available in English. Edited by R. C. Sproul, it brings the riches of the Reformation tradition into direct conversation with the biblical text, offering notes that are consistently God centred, doctrinally clear, and rooted in historic confessional Christianity.

We find that the study notes are not designed to overwhelm the reader, but to guide them. They explain the meaning of the text, clarify doctrinal issues, and regularly situate passages within the wider storyline of Scripture. The tone is instructive without being pedantic, confident without being combative, and reverent throughout.

Why Should I Own This Resource?

We should own this Study Bible because it provides a trustworthy theological companion to the reading of Scripture. The notes repeatedly draw attention to the character of God, the centrality of Christ, and the unfolding purposes of redemption. This makes it especially valuable for pastors who want help that strengthens conviction rather than distracting from the text.

We also appreciate the consistency of its Reformed perspective. Key doctrines such as grace, election, covenant, justification, and sanctification are handled with clarity and care. Where interpretive decisions are made, they are explained plainly and connected to the wider witness of Scripture.

We find it particularly useful for discipleship and teaching. Whether preparing sermons, leading Bible studies, or guiding newer believers, the notes help readers ask the right questions of the text and avoid common misunderstandings.

Closing Recommendation

We confidently commend the Reformation Study Bible as a cornerstone resource for pastors and serious Bible readers. It combines theological depth with pastoral wisdom and has proved itself over time as a steady guide for the church.

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1-2 Peter

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation

9.4

Author: R.C. Sproul

Bible Book: 1 Peter 2 Peter

Series: St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary Series

Type: Expositional Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical

Publisher: Reformation Trust

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

R. C. Sproul’s exposition of 1–2 Peter in the St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary series offers a warm, clear, and pastorally rich journey through two letters written to suffering believers. Drawing on decades of teaching and pastoral ministry, Sproul unpacks the apostle Peter’s exhortations with his characteristic theological clarity, gospel focus, and pastoral tenderness. These sermons-turned-commentary reflect Sproul’s ability to make deep truth accessible while keeping Christ at the centre.

The commentary moves steadily through both epistles, highlighting Peter’s emphasis on holiness, hope, perseverance, suffering, false teaching, and the promises of Christ’s return. Sproul does not aim for technical detail or academic debate; rather, he focuses on helping readers understand the text, delight in the gospel, and grow in steadfast discipleship in the midst of trials.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We appreciate Sproul’s ability to speak clearly into themes of suffering and holiness—areas that sit at the heart of 1–2 Peter. His exposition offers comfort without sentimentality, and challenge without harshness. He patiently guides readers through the nature of saving faith, the call to holiness, God’s sovereignty in trials, and the believer’s hope in Christ’s unfading inheritance.

Preachers will benefit from Sproul’s model of pastoral exposition. He demonstrates how to teach doctrine in a way that strengthens weary believers and equips them to stand firm. His handling of texts such as 1 Peter 1:3–9, 1 Peter 2:24–25, and 2 Peter 1:3–11 is especially helpful, providing both theological depth and practical clarity.

Sproul also addresses the challenges of false teaching in 2 Peter with wisdom and restraint. He grounds discernment in biblical truth rather than speculation, helping readers see how the gospel shapes both belief and behaviour. For personal devotions, sermon preparation, or small-group study, this commentary offers nourishing, trustworthy, and deeply encouraging guidance.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly commend Sproul’s 1–2 Peter as a faithful, pastoral, and uplifting resource for believers facing trials or seeking to grow in holiness. It is particularly valuable for pastors and ministry leaders who want a dependable, gospel-centred companion to Peter’s letters.

If you desire an accessible exposition that strengthens faith, deepens hope, and clarifies the call to holy living, Sproul’s volume on 1–2 Peter is an excellent choice.

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Galatians

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation

9.4

Author: R.C. Sproul

Bible Book: Galatians

Series: St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary Series

Type: Expositional Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical

Publisher: Ligoneir Ministries

Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

R. C. Sproul’s commentary on Galatians in the St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary series offers a warm, clear, and deeply pastoral exposition of Paul’s thunderous defence of the gospel. Drawn from his preaching ministry at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, these sermons-turned-commentary bring together Sproul’s lifelong passion for the doctrines of grace, justification by faith alone, and the freedom believers enjoy in Christ.

This volume walks passage by passage through Galatians, providing accessible explanation, theological clarity, and spiritually compelling insight. Sproul keeps the focus on the heart of Paul’s message—Christ alone saves, faith alone receives, and grace alone liberates. It is not an academic commentary, but a preacher’s careful exposition shaped by decades of teaching the Reformed faith.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We value Sproul’s ability to communicate the central doctrines of the Reformation with clarity and pastoral sensitivity. Galatians’ themes of justification, Christian liberty, the danger of legalism, and the life of the Spirit are handled with conviction and warmth. Sproul’s exposition repeatedly returns to the wonder of the gospel and the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work.

Preachers will find this commentary especially helpful. Sproul models how to draw out doctrinal precision from Paul’s argument without losing sight of pastoral application. His treatment of the works of the flesh, the fruit of the Spirit, and the believer’s identity in Christ provides material that is immediately useful for sermons, discipleship, and counselling.

While not technical, Sproul’s exposition complements more academic commentaries by supplying the pastoral depth, devotional tone, and gospel focus that enrich ministry. It is ideal for those seeking a faithful and approachable guide through one of Paul’s most urgent letters.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly commend Sproul’s Galatians to pastors, elders, Bible teachers, and believers who want to understand this letter with clarity, conviction, and joy. It beautifully captures the liberating message of the gospel and the life-transforming power of God’s grace.

If you desire a commentary that blends doctrinal clarity with pastoral warmth, Sproul’s exposition of Galatians is an excellent and uplifting choice.

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Romans

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice

9.4

Author: R.C. Sproul

Bible Book: Romans

Series: St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary Series

Type: Expositional Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical

Publisher: Reformation Trust

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

R. C. Sproul’s Romans in the St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary series offers a warm, pastorally rich, and doctrinally lucid exposition of Paul’s greatest letter. Drawn from his preaching ministry at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, this volume reflects Sproul’s lifelong passion for teaching the doctrines of grace and grounding believers in the gospel’s transforming power. Romans, with its majestic theology, is an especially fitting match for Sproul’s gifts as a communicator and theologian.

Sproul walks through the text carefully, combining clear explanation with theological reflection. He traces Paul’s argument from human sin and divine righteousness to justification by faith, union with Christ, life in the Spirit, God’s sovereignty in salvation, and the practical implications of the gospel for everyday Christian living. This is not a technical commentary; it is exposition shaped by worship, clarity, and pastoral care.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We value Sproul’s ability to unpack dense theological truth in a way that ordinary Christians can grasp. His treatment of justification, adoption, election, sanctification, and the sovereignty of God is especially strong—rooted in Reformed theology and expressed in accessible, pastoral language. He shows how Paul’s gospel brings assurance, humility, joy, and obedience to the believer.

Preachers will find Sproul particularly helpful in modeling how to preach doctrine. He demonstrates how to move from Paul’s argument to the heart, offering clear application without moralism and deep theology without abstraction. His exposition of Romans 9–11 is notably clear, presenting God’s sovereign grace with conviction and gentleness.

Because the commentary is based on sermons, it carries a warm, devotional tone that makes it ideal for regular ministry use. It is not a substitute for technical works, but it serves as a beautiful complement—offering the pastoral heart and gospel clarity that academic volumes often lack.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly commend Sproul’s Romans to pastors, elders, small-group leaders, and believers eager to understand the gospel’s depths. It is doctrinally sound, pastorally rich, and spiritually nourishing—an excellent companion for both study and preaching.

If you want a commentary that brings Romans to life with clarity, conviction, and worshipful warmth, Sproul’s exposition is a deeply valuable resource.

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Acts

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation

9.2

Author: R.C. Sproul

Bible Book: Acts

Series: St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary Series

Type: Expositional Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical

Publisher: Reformation Trust

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

R. C. Sproul’s commentary on Acts in the St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary series presents a warm, clear, and deeply pastoral exposition of Luke’s account of the early church. Drawn from Sproul’s preaching ministry at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, this volume reflects his long-standing commitment to teaching Scripture with theological conviction, gospel clarity, and pastoral sensitivity. Acts, with its emphasis on the risen Christ’s continued work through the Spirit and the mission of the church, is exceptionally well suited to Sproul’s strengths as a teacher.

The commentary moves steadily through the narrative, offering explanation, doctrinal reflection, and practical application. Sproul focuses on the major themes of Acts—the authority of Christ, the power of the Spirit, the courage of the apostles, and the unstoppable advance of the gospel. Rather than functioning as an academic commentary, this volume serves as a guide to understanding and applying the text in the life of the church.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We appreciate Sproul’s ability to make theological truth accessible without sacrificing depth. His exposition highlights the sovereignty of God in mission, the boldness of Spirit-filled witness, the centrality of the resurrection, and the unity of the church in the face of persecution. Preachers will find Sproul’s reflections especially helpful for shaping sermons that are both faithful to the text and pastorally rich.

Sproul’s strength lies in drawing the reader into the drama of Acts. His treatment of Pentecost, Peter’s sermons, the conversion of Saul, the missionary journeys, and Paul’s trials brings clarity and spiritual weight. He helps readers see not only what happened but why it matters for the ongoing mission of the church today. His pastoral wisdom shines particularly in passages dealing with suffering, courage, and the cost of discipleship.

This commentary will not replace technical works, nor is it intended to. Instead, it beautifully complements them by supplying the heart, devotion, and pastoral pointedness that academic volumes can lack. It is an ideal resource for devotional reading, sermon enrichment, and small-group guidance.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly commend Sproul’s Acts to pastors, elders, ministry trainees, and all believers seeking to understand the early church with fresh clarity and devotion. It excels as a spiritually nourishing, doctrinally sound, and pastorally insightful companion to Luke’s narrative.

If you desire a commentary that blends accessible exposition with theological conviction and pastoral warmth, Sproul’s Acts is a valuable and uplifting resource.

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John

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation

9.4

Author: R.C. Sproul

Bible Book: John

Series: St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary Series

Type: Expositional Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical

Publisher: Reformation Trust

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

R. C. Sproul’s commentary on John in the St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary series offers a warm, pastoral, and theologically rich walk through one of the most profound books of Scripture. Drawn from his preaching ministry at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, Sproul’s exposition reflects decades of teaching the doctrines of grace and unfolding the glories of Christ with clarity, reverence, and conviction.

John’s Gospel—majestic in its Christology, profound in its simplicity, and rich in its theological texture—is an ideal match for Sproul’s gifts. He moves passage by passage, opening the meaning of the text with pastoral warmth and doctrinal clarity. This commentary is not academic or technical; it is a shepherd guiding readers into the wonders of the Word made flesh.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We value Sproul’s ability to bring theological depth into accessible exposition. His treatment of John’s major themes—the deity of Christ, the nature of saving faith, the work of the Spirit, union with Christ, and the glory of the cross—is consistently clear and spiritually nourishing. He excels at helping readers understand not only what the text says but why it matters for life and godliness.

For preachers, this commentary offers reliable help. Sproul models how to preach narrative and discourse with clarity, how to draw doctrinal riches out of simple sentences, and how to keep Christ central at every step. His exposition of the Upper Room Discourse, the I AM sayings, and the Passion Narrative is especially valuable for sermon preparation.

While Sproul does not engage with technical critical issues, his theological steadiness and pastoral tenderness make this resource a strong supplement to more academic volumes. It is ideal for devotional reading, discipleship training, and sermon enrichment.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly commend Sproul’s John to pastors, elders, ministry trainees, and believers who want to encounter the Gospel of John with clarity and wonder. It is one of the finest devotional-style expositions available and a rich companion for ongoing study.

If you desire a commentary that blends doctrinal conviction, pastoral sensitivity, and Christ-centred focus, Sproul’s exposition of John is a deeply rewarding choice.

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Luke

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice

9.4

Author: R.C. Sproul

Bible Book: Luke

Series: St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary Series

Type: Expositional Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical

Publisher: Ligoneir Ministries

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

R. C. Sproul’s commentary on Luke in the St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary series brings together his hallmark clarity, theological precision, and pastoral warmth. Drawn from years of preaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, this volume reflects Sproul’s commitment to opening Scripture in a way that is both doctrinally rich and deeply accessible. Luke’s Gospel—with its careful historical structure, rich parables, and emphasis on Christ’s compassion—is wonderfully suited to Sproul’s gifts as an expositor.

The commentary moves passage by passage, providing clear explanation, doctrinal reflection, and pastoral application. Rather than offering technical debate or extensive scholarly interaction, Sproul stays close to the text and unfolds its meaning with the heart of a shepherd and the mind of a theologian. The result is a deeply edifying exposition of one of the New Testament’s most beloved books.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We appreciate Sproul’s ability to make profound truths simple without ever trivialising them. His handling of Luke’s major themes—Jesus’ kingship, the kingdom of God, divine compassion for the marginalized, and the cost of discipleship—is consistently clear and Christ-centred. He excels in helping readers feel the weight and wonder of the Gospel narrative.

Preachers will find this commentary especially useful. Sproul models how to draw out doctrinal clarity from narrative material, how to preach the parables faithfully, and how to move from the text to the heart with pastoral power. His reflections on repentance, grace, faith, and the mission of Jesus are consistently insightful and spiritually nourishing.

Though not a technical commentary, this volume provides theological stability, pastoral gentleness, and clear explanation—qualities especially valuable for sermon preparation, small-group leadership, and personal devotion. It functions beautifully alongside more academic works, offering the heart while others supply the detailed scaffolding.

Closing Recommendation

We gladly recommend Sproul’s Luke to pastors, elders, and Christians who want doctrinally sound, Christ-exalting exposition of the third Gospel. It is a superb resource for devotional reading and a steady aid for preaching and teaching.

For those seeking a warm, trustworthy, and gospel-rich companion to Luke, Sproul’s exposition stands out as one of the finest devotional-commentary options available.

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Mark

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice

9.4

Author: R.C. Sproul

Bible Book: Mark

Series: St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary Series

Type: Expositional Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical

Publisher: Ligoneir Ministries

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

R. C. Sproul’s commentary on Mark, part of the St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary series, brings together decades of pastoral ministry, theological conviction, and expositional clarity. Drawn from his preaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, the commentary reflects Sproul’s commitment to making Scripture understandable, worship-shaping, and pastorally weighty. This is exposition designed for the church—rich, warm, and consistently centred on the person and work of Christ.

Sproul guides readers through Mark’s fast-moving narrative with characteristic clarity. He pays close attention to the identity of Jesus, the nature of discipleship, and the authority of Christ over every sphere of life. The commentary is not technical or academic; it is a preacher opening the text with reverence, doctrinal grounding, and pastoral compassion.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We value Sproul’s ability to communicate profound truths in simple, accessible language. His exposition of key passages—such as the parables, the calming of the storm, the transfiguration, and the passion narrative—brings theological depth without drowning the reader in technical detail. He continually places the spotlight on Christ’s authority, compassion, and mission.

For preachers, this commentary provides a model of faithful exposition. Sproul shows how to move naturally from the text to theology to the heart. He draws out the implications of Jesus’ teaching for faith, repentance, obedience, and trust—especially in the face of suffering, fear, and unbelief. The pastoral warmth throughout the volume makes it especially helpful for those who preach or lead small-group studies.

Readers who desire accessible exposition will find this volume deeply nourishing. While Sproul does not engage in detailed critical discussions or extensive lexical work, that is precisely its purpose: to provide clear, Christ-centred exposition that strengthens the church and equips believers to follow the Lord with renewed confidence.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly commend this commentary to pastors, elders, ministry learners, and Christians who want spiritually rich, doctrinally sound, and pastorally helpful exposition of Mark. It is not a technical resource, but it is one of the finest devotional-expository guides available for this Gospel.

If you want a commentary that combines theological depth with pastoral gentleness, Sproul’s Mark is a superb companion for both study and ministry.

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Matthew

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation

8.3

Author: R.C. Sproul

Bible Book: Matthew

Series: St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary Series

Type: Expositional Expository (Mid-Level) Homiletical

Publisher: Ligoneir Ministries

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

This commentary on Matthew by R. C. Sproul is a verse-by-verse commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, drawn from 128 sermons preached at Saint Andrew’s Chapel and published in the St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary series. It aims to combine solid exegesis, rich Reformed theology, and practical application for the church.

Sproul’s methodology is expositional rather than highly technical: he opens each passage, explains its meaning in context, highlights theological themes (such as Christ’s identity, the Kingdom of God, and the church’s life), and then brings the implications into how believers live. Because it is based on preaching, the tone is pastoral and accessible rather than primarily academic.

This commentary is best suited for pastors, teachers, and mature lay-leaders who value a Reformed theological framework, and who want a book that can serve both as sermon preparation and for faithful Bible study. It is less heavy on Greek/Hebrew or on critical apparatus, so academic specialists may find it less detailed than other commentaries.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

One of the main strengths of this work is its clarity combined with theological depth. Sproul is a gifted communicator who consistently draws out the doctrinal riches of Matthew, bringing the message of the Gospel to bear on everyday Christian experience. The commentary shows the sovereignty of God, the person and work of Christ, and the implications of discipleship with conviction and clarity.

Another advantage is its practical orientation: since the book is adapted from sermons, it gives many entry-points into how to teach or preach Matthew’s Gospel. The passages are introduced, explained, and then applied — helpful for sermon series, adult Bible studies, or personal preparation. For those working in the pulpit or small-group ministry, this resource stands as a bridge between purely devotional reading and rigorous academic treatises.

Additionally, the series’ Reformed theological anchor is a plus for pastors and teachers who want their commentaries aligned with the doctrines of grace. Sproul’s legacy as a Reformed theologian ensures that readers will encounter a gospel-centred, well-grounded perspective. While this does not preclude broader evangelical use, the vantage point is unmistakably Reformed.

Closing Recommendation

We therefore recommend this commentary strong for pastors, Bible-teachers and senior lay-leaders looking for a robust, readable, and theologically sound guide to the Gospel of Matthew. It complements more technical commentaries and is particularly effective when you want something readable that still goes beyond surface application.

If your primary need is advanced linguistic or critical-historical engagement, you might consider supplementing it with a more academic work. But for teaching, preaching and faithful exposition in a Reformed evangelical context, this is a very commendable choice. Score: 8.0/10.

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