Acts

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Bible Book: Acts
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 6, 2026
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.3/10

A strong mid level Acts commentary that serves preaching, mission, and church life with balance.

Publication Date(s): 2008
Pages: 447
ISBN: 9780802801739
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.4/10
We find clear explanation that keeps us close to the narrative and its theological purpose.
Christ Centredness: 8.2/10
Acts is handled as the advance of Christ’s gospel by the Spirit, keeping the risen Lord central.
Depth of Insight: 8.2/10
We are helped by sensible guidance through speeches, conflicts, and key turning points.
Clarity of Writing: 8.4/10
Clear and practical, with writing that supports sermon preparation.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8.5/10
The commentary helps us apply Acts with wisdom, honouring what is unique while drawing out faithful patterns.
Readability: 8.2/10
Readable and steady, a good working companion for a preaching series.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
447 pages
Type
Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.3 / 10
Strength
Clear narrative guidance with pastoral restraint.
Limitation
Less technical than specialist academic commentaries on Acts.

We find I. Howard Marshall’s Acts a classic Tyndale volume, offering clear explanation and a steady grasp of Luke’s purpose. He helps us see Acts as the story of the risen Christ advancing His gospel by the Spirit, through ordinary servants and often through suffering.

The tone is practical and church facing. We are helped to read Acts as Scripture that shapes worship, mission, and endurance.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want guidance that keeps us close to the narrative and alert to theology. Marshall handles speeches, travel sections, and controversies with clarity, and he resists turning Acts into a set of programmes.

We also benefit from the balance in application. He helps us honour the book’s redemptive historical uniqueness, while still drawing out faithful patterns for prayerful witness and congregational life.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level Acts commentary for preaching and teaching. It remains a useful companion for series work and for sharpening our categories in mission texts.

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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Reviewed by

An Expositor

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