Joel, ESV Expository Commentary

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Bible Book: Joel
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Looking for alternatives? Compare Joel commentaries.

Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.2/10

A clear and pastorally direct guide for preaching Joel.

Publication Date(s): 2018
Pages: 800
ISBN: 978-1433546525
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.2/10
We are helped to read Joel closely, with attention to the book’s movement and emphases.
Christ Centredness: 8.1/10
We are guided to preach the Lord’s saving work within the whole Bible, with careful, controlled connections.
Depth of Insight: 8/10
We receive solid help with the book’s key themes and tricky sections, enough to sharpen sermon preparation.
Clarity of Writing: 8.3/10
The writing is clear and well structured, which makes it easy to use by passage.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8.2/10
We are helped to press repentance and hope home to the congregation in a straightforward way.
Readability: 8.2/10
It is readable and practical, suitable for busy weeks and quick consultation.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
800 pages
Type
Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.2 / 10
Strength
Strong help for sermon clarity and faithful application.
Limitation
Those needing exhaustive technical detail will still want a specialist volume.

In Joel, ESV Expository Commentary, Thomas R. Schreiner helps us preach Joel with clarity, holding together the call to repentance and the promise of the Lord’s saving presence.

We are guided to read each section in its place, so our sermons remain both serious and hopeful.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume when we want an expository guide that supports clear preaching in a shorter prophetic book. It helps us keep the argument moving and connect themes carefully.

It is also useful for teaching because it keeps application tethered to the passage, rather than broad generalities.

For training, it models a sound approach to prophecy that is text driven and pastorally direct.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend Joel, ESV Expository Commentary for pastors and teachers who want a steady, church facing companion for preaching Joel with urgency and hope.

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: Mid-level
  • Best For: Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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Reviewed by

An Expositor

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