Evaluation
Overall Score: 8.2/10
A solid, well-paced treatment of Colossians and Philemon that helps teachers grasp the text’s theology and apply it with confidence.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 288 pages
- Type
- Expositional, Expository (Mid-Level)
- Theo. Perspective
- Baptist, Broadly Evangelical, Reformed
- Overall score
- 8.2 / 10
- Strength
- A solid, well-paced exposition that clearly unfolds the theology and pastoral application of both letters.
- Limitation
- Avoids more technical debates and does not incorporate wider scholarly discussion on authorship and background.
John MacArthur’s Colossians & Philemon offers a clear and pastoral exposition of two closely related New Testament books. In Colossians, we are led through Paul’s majestic presentation of the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, His role as Creator and Redeemer, and the implications of His lordship for Christian living. In Philemon, MacArthur guides us through Paul’s tender, gospel-shaped appeal for reconciliation, forgiveness, and brotherly love. As with the rest of the series, the commentary follows a straightforward verse-by-verse method, designed to help pastors, teachers, and thoughtful lay readers understand and apply the biblical text.
The commentary is not technical and does not attempt to engage exhaustively with scholarly debates. Instead, it prioritises clarity, doctrinal steadiness, and practical usefulness. MacArthur gives brief notes on Greek words, background information, and theological themes, always returning quickly to the central message of each passage.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
This volume is particularly strong in its exposition of Colossians 1, where Paul unfolds the cosmic supremacy of Christ. MacArthur’s reflections on Christ as the image of the invisible God, the head of the church, and the reconciler of all things are clear, worshipful, and pastorally rich. Teachers will find this section especially useful for grounding their congregations in a high Christology.
We also appreciate the clarity with which MacArthur addresses the false teaching threatening the Colossian church. He exposes the dangers of legalism, mysticism, and asceticism, showing how each undermines the sufficiency of Christ. His pastoral applications consistently point readers back to the freedom and fullness found in union with Christ.
The exposition of the household instructions in Colossians 3–4 is practical and balanced, offering guidance for marriages, parenting, and work relationships. MacArthur’s pastoral tone helps bring these commands into the daily life of the church with clarity and gentleness.
His commentary on Philemon, though brief, is warm and thoughtful. MacArthur highlights the transforming power of the gospel in relationships and models how Christian love and forgiveness should shape church communities. It functions as a helpful devotional and pastoral companion to the doctrinally rich material in Colossians.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend Colossians & Philemon for pastors and Bible study leaders who want a clear, text-driven exposition that keeps Christ’s supremacy at the centre. Its simplicity and pastoral warmth make it especially useful for sermon preparation, discipleship, and teaching on the nature of Christian maturity and gospel-shaped relationships.
While it is best supplemented with more technical works for deeper study, this commentary provides a reliable and edifying foundation for anyone seeking to understand and teach these two important New Testament books.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Useful supplement