Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.0/10

A substantial technical companion on Colossians-Philemon that strengthens careful exposition.

Publication Date(s): 1988

Pages: 685

ISBN: 9789401535885

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.7/10

We find careful, text governed work that tracks argument and structure with discipline.

Christ Centredness: 7.6/10

While primarily exegetical, it supports Christ centred proclamation by giving firmer footing for our gospel shaped reading.

Depth of Insight: 8.8/10

We are helped by sustained attention to detail, key terms, and interpretive decisions.

Clarity of Writing: 7.8/10

Clear for a technical series, though it still requires focus.

Pastoral Usefulness: 7.9/10

Most useful as an exegetical companion alongside a more sermon focused volume.

Readability: 7.4/10

Better in focused blocks than in a hurried skim.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 685 pages
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 8 / 10
Strength: Close attention to argument, structure, and key details.
Limitation: Less direct help with sermon structure and application.

We find Peter T. O’Brien’s Colossians-Philemon 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 Colossians, then browse Top Recommendations, and consult the Reformed Commentary Index to build a balanced shelf.

Where to buy

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