Evaluation
Overall Score: 8.4/10
A clear, convictional, and pastorally rich exposition of Matthew’s opening chapters—highly useful for preaching and teaching.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 416 pages
- Type
- Expositional, Expository (Mid-Level)
- Theo. Perspective
- Baptist, Broadly Evangelical, Reformed
- Overall score
- 8.4 / 10
- Strength
- A clear, convictional exposition that brings out the authority and compassion of Christ while offering preachers steady help for teaching Matthew’s foundational chapters.
- Limitation
- The commentary does not explore alternative scholarly viewpoints in depth and remains mid-level rather than engaging the full academic landscape.
John MacArthur’s *Matthew 1–7* opens the New Testament’s first Gospel with his characteristic verse-by-verse exposition. This volume covers the infancy narrative, John the Baptist’s ministry, the temptation of Jesus, and the whole of the Sermon on the Mount. Written for pastors, teachers, and everyday Christians, it aims to make the text clear, doctrinally sound, and pastorally applicable.
As with the rest of the series, the commentary blends careful observation, theological conviction, and a concern for practical obedience. MacArthur focuses on the authority of Christ, the character of true discipleship, and the ethical weight of Jesus’ kingdom teaching. His exposition is straightforward, earnest, and consistently evangelistic.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We appreciate the clarity and directness MacArthur brings to the Gospel of Matthew. His pastoral instincts shine especially in the Sermon on the Mount, where he draws sharp distinctions between genuine and superficial faith. The commentary offers reliable explanations of difficult passages, strong doctrinal grounding, and clear application—qualities that make sermon preparation more confident and focused.
MacArthur’s strength lies not in technical detail or academic debate but in plain, forceful exposition. For pastors who want a clear guide through Jesus’ teaching—especially on topics like righteousness, prayer, the law, anger, lust, giving, and anxiety—this volume offers consistent help. His commitment to the authority of Scripture and the glory of Christ gives the book a refreshing steadiness.
Readers looking for linguistic analysis, historical nuance, or interaction with a broad scholarly spectrum will need to supplement this with more technical works. But those seeking a reliable, conservative, application-oriented exposition will find this volume dependable and pastorally fruitful.
Closing Recommendation
We gladly commend *Matthew 1–7* to pastors and teachers who want a clear, convictional guide to the early chapters of Matthew. It excels in practical usefulness and doctrinal clarity, especially for those preparing sermons or leading Bible studies.
This volume is best used alongside a more technical commentary, but as an expositional companion it remains strong, steady, and focused on Christ’s authority and call to genuine discipleship.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Useful supplement