The Acts Of The Apostles

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Bible Book: Acts
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 6, 2026
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.3/10

A substantial Acts commentary that helps us preach Christ’s mission with theological balance and courage.

Publication Date(s): 2009
Pages: 725
ISBN: 978-0-8028-3731-8
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.7/10
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: 8.6/10
We gain real help on interpretive decisions and theological themes, with sustained engagement that rewards careful study.
Clarity of Writing: 8.2/10
Clear structure and controlled prose make it workable for weekly preparation, even when the material is weighty.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8.3/10
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
725 pages
Type
Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.3 / 10
Strength
Theological balance, mission focus, and careful handling of speeches and narrative.
Limitation
Best used for sustained study, it is less suited to quick consultation on a single verse.

We find David G. Peterson reads Acts as the account of the risen Christ advancing His gospel by the Spirit. He keeps the storyline clear, and he repeatedly shows how preaching, prayer, suffering, and mission belong together.

Peterson is attentive to Luke’s purpose, to the church’s life under pressure, and to the way Acts guards us from both triumphalism and fear.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we need a serious guide for preaching Acts that still speaks to the church. Peterson helps us handle speeches, miracles, and controversies with theological balance and textual care.

He is particularly strong on passages where modern readers may be tempted to chase novelty. He steadies us, keeps the focus on Christ and His gospel, and helps us apply Acts as Scripture rather than as a ministry manual.

For elders, preachers, and those leading mission minded congregations, this volume brings clarity and courage grounded in the text.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong advanced commentary for preaching and teaching Acts, especially when we want deep engagement with the text alongside clear direction for proclamation and church life.

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: Advanced
  • Best For: Advanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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Reviewed by

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