Ralph P. Martin

Ralph P. Martin was a British New Testament scholar of the modern era, writing within broadly evangelical scholarship.

He is known for work on Pauline theology and for careful engagement with the pastoral pressures of Paul’s letters. His exposition of 2 Corinthians can help us track argument and tone in a letter marked by suffering, weakness, and the paradox of gospel power.

He remains valued for warmth, seriousness, and a steady concern to serve the church through scholarship.

Recommended titles include 2 Corinthians in Word Biblical Commentary, Philippians in New Century Bible, and Worship in the Early Church.

Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical

Ralph P. Martin

Ralph P. Martin was a British New Testament scholar of the modern era, writing within broadly evangelical scholarship.

He is known for work on Pauline theology and for careful engagement with the pastoral pressures of Paul’s letters. His exposition of 2 Corinthians can help us track argument and tone in a letter marked by suffering, weakness, and the paradox of gospel power.

He remains valued for warmth, seriousness, and a steady concern to serve the church through scholarship.

Recommended titles include 2 Corinthians in Word Biblical Commentary, Philippians in New Century Bible, and Worship in the Early Church.

Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical

Ralph P. Martin

Ralph P. Martin

Ralph P. Martin was a British New Testament scholar of the modern era, writing within broadly evangelical scholarship.

He is known for work on Pauline theology and for careful engagement with the pastoral pressures of Paul’s letters. His exposition of 2 Corinthians can help us track argument and tone in a letter marked by suffering, weakness, and the paradox of gospel power.

He remains valued for warmth, seriousness, and a steady concern to serve the church through scholarship.

Recommended titles include 2 Corinthians in Word Biblical Commentary, Philippians in New Century Bible, and Worship in the Early Church.

Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical

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James

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
7.8
Author: Ralph P. Martin
Bible Book: James
Series: Word Biblical Commentary
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find Ralph P. Martin’s James a steady technical guide that helps us follow the letter’s pastoral wisdom with clarity. It keeps us attentive to structure, key themes, and the flow of argument, which is vital in a book that is often reduced to disconnected sayings.

Martin’s work does not try to be flashy. It aims to help us read James on James’s own terms, so our preaching can be both searching and genuinely evangelical.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching James as more than moral advice. Martin’s close reading supports the truth that living faith bears fruit, and it keeps the letter’s warnings and encouragements in their proper pastoral register.

We also benefit from the careful handling of contested passages, where quick conclusions can produce either harsh legalism or soft evasion. Technical precision here can be a gift to the church.

For Reformed preaching, the best use is to let clear exegesis protect the gospel. When James is read accurately, our people are pressed toward obedience without being pushed away from grace.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a technical companion for those who want to teach James carefully. It is strongest when paired with an expository volume that helps with sermon shape and application, but it can significantly strengthen our preparation.

As a next step, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, then browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working shelf.


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2 Corinthians

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
8.0
Author: Ralph P. Martin
Bible Book: 2 Corinthians
Series: Word Biblical Commentary
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find Ralph P. Martin’s 2 Corinthians a steady, text attentive guide that helps us follow the argument with care and patience. The strength of the volume is disciplined exegesis, with repeated attention to structure, key terms, and the flow of thought.

Because it sits in a technical series, it is not written as a sermon manual. Yet the close work regularly clears away confusion and gives us the kind of clarity that makes preaching more faithful and more confident.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want a rigorous companion that keeps us close to what the text actually says. It helps us resist preaching in fragments, and instead teaches us to proclaim the whole line of thought as the Spirit has given it.

We also benefit from careful handling of difficult phrases and disputed readings. Even where we do not agree with every judgement, the interaction forces us to think, to justify our conclusions, and to handle alternatives fairly.

For Reformed preaching, the value is often indirect. Strong exegesis serves better theology, and better theology serves clearer proclamation. This volume will not do every Christward step for us, but it helps us make those steps with firmer ground under our feet.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a technical companion for serious preparation. It works especially well alongside a warmer expository volume that majors on application and sermon shape.

As a next step, we can return to the Bible Book Overview for 2 Corinthians, then browse Top Recommendations, and consult the Reformed Commentary Index to build a balanced shelf.


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Purchase here