Luke

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholarsUse with caution
Bible Book: Luke
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Non-Evangelical / Critical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 26, 2026
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 7.3/10

Publication Date(s): 2003
Pages: 450
ISBN: 9780830814886
Faithfulness to the Text: 6.8/10
The extracts often capture Lukes pastoral aim, though context can be thin. Keep testing each comment against the unit and the gospel flow.
Christ Centredness: 8.3/10
Christ is consistently central, especially in themes of mercy and salvation. The benefit grows when you trace how Luke presents Jesus within the narrative.
Depth of Insight: 7.1/10
There are many thoughtful theological observations, but the format limits development. Think of it as a prompt for meditation rather than a full guide.
Clarity of Writing: 7/10
Most comments are clear, though occasional dense theology appears. Reading the extracts in small groups of related verses helps.
Pastoral Usefulness: 7.4/10
Helpful for application and for keeping mercy and repentance together. It is not a replacement for modern exegetical work.
Readability: 7/10
Readable but large, so it suits targeted consultation. It works best when you enter with a specific passage in mind.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
450 pages
Type
Theological
Theo. Perspective
Non-Evangelical / Critical
Overall score
7.3 / 10

This volume collects early Christian reflections on the Gospel of Luke, organised by reference. It offers brief extracts that reflect doctrinal reading and pastoral aims more than modern critical method. You will see emphases on the compassion of Christ, the call to repentance, prayer, the work of the Spirit, and the shape of discipleship in the life of the church.

Strengths

The best sections enrich preaching by bringing theological depth to familiar narratives. The fathers often notice the spiritual condition of characters and the pastoral aim of the narrative, helping the preacher speak to the heart. The extracts can also prompt christological connections that keep Luke from being reduced to moralism or sentiment.

Limitations

The volume does not provide a continuous account of Lukes structure or major themes as a coherent argument. Historical setting and literary development receive little attention, and some comments can feel detached from the immediate context. The catena style also means you must work harder to discern what is central and what is secondary within a passage.

How We Would Use It

Use a trusted modern commentary for structure, then consult this volume for theological and pastoral enrichment. It can be especially helpful for sermon application on prayer, repentance, and the mercy of God, provided you keep the narrative context in view.

Closing Recommendation

A substantial supplementary resource for advanced readers. Use with discernment and let careful contextual reading govern what you take and what you leave.

Where to buy
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Classification

  • Level: Advanced
  • Best For: Advanced students / scholars
  • Priority: Use with caution

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Reviewed by

An Expositor

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