The Letter To The Ephesians

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Bible Book: Ephesians
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 6, 2026
Looking for alternatives? Compare Ephesians commentaries.

Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.3/10

A theologically rich Ephesians commentary that serves preaching aimed at unity, holiness, and maturity in Christ.

Publication Date(s): 2023
Pages: 358
ISBN: 978-0-8028-3736-3
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.6/10
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: 8.5/10
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: 8.2/10
The exposition supports proclamation and shepherding, helping us press the truth home with realism and hope.
Readability: 7.9/10
Substantial in size, but readable in steady portions, and well suited to ongoing sermon work.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
358 pages
Type
Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.3 / 10
Strength
Clear theological line from grace to church life, with careful handling of key texts.
Limitation
It is serious in tone, so we may pair it with a more directly homiletical help.

We find Constantine R. Campbell brings careful Pauline scholarship to Ephesians, with a focus on the letter’s movement from God’s saving purpose in Christ to a new life together in the church. He keeps the argument clear and the theology thick, without losing sight of practical obedience.

Campbell is particularly helpful on union with Christ, the shape of grace, and the church as God’s new humanity, all of which are central to preaching Ephesians with confidence.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want a serious guide through Ephesians that supports both doctrinal clarity and pastoral application. Campbell helps us see how the indicatives of grace drive the imperatives of holiness and love.

He is also useful on contested passages, where he slows down, argues carefully, and keeps the text itself in control. That steadiness helps us preach with conviction and patience.

For a church wide series in Ephesians, this volume supports teaching that builds assurance, unity, and maturity in Christ.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong advanced commentary for preaching and teaching Ephesians, especially for pastors who want clear exegesis with sustained theological depth.

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.


Where to buy
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Classification

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

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