Evaluation
Overall Score: 8.6/10
A rich, thorough, and pastorally grounded exposition of Matthew that serves both scholars and preachers with exceptional balance.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 1152 pages
- Type
- Exegetical (Technical)
- Theo. Perspective
- Broadly Evangelical
- Overall score
- 8.6 / 10
- Strength
- A rich, balanced exposition that blends careful exegesis with pastoral clarity, offering substantial insight into Matthew’s structure, theology, and Christ-centred themes.
- Limitation
- The commentary’s depth and size may feel demanding for preachers seeking quick consultation, and its technical sections can stretch those unused to academic detail.
Grant Osborne’s Matthew volume in the Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series offers a richly informed, pastorally sensitive, and academically responsible treatment of the first Gospel. Osborne combines careful exegesis, well-chosen background material, and clear theological insight, making the work accessible for pastors while grounded enough for serious students. His approach consistently seeks to unfold Matthew’s structure, highlight the evangelist’s theological priorities, and connect the text to the life of the church.
We appreciate that Osborne writes with warmth and clarity, never losing sight of the Gospel’s central focus on Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and authoritative Lord. His engagement with Greek grammar, literary features, and first-century context strengthens the reader’s ability to understand Matthew as both history and proclamation. This makes the commentary a trustworthy companion for expositors who want depth without technical overload.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
This commentary is particularly strong in its structural insights. Osborne excels at showing how Matthew arranges his material in purposeful, thematic ways. His frequent attention to discourse structure, narrative flow, and intertextual patterns helps preachers grasp not only what Matthew says but how and why he says it. This proves invaluable for sermon series planning and for avoiding a disjointed, verse-by-verse treatment of the Gospel.
We find his balance of exegetical rigor and pastoral application especially commendable. Osborne does not shy away from academic questions, but he communicates his conclusions with clarity and humility. His comments often move naturally from interpretive explanation to pastoral implication, making the commentary immediately useful for those preparing sermons, Bible studies, or discipleship material.
The volume also gives significant attention to the Christology of Matthew, emphasising Jesus as fulfilment of Old Testament promise, authoritative teacher, suffering servant, and risen King. Osborne’s theological reflections remain anchored in the text and avoid speculative tendencies, making this a dependable resource for doctrinally careful preaching.
Closing Recommendation
We warmly recommend Osborne’s Matthew commentary to pastors, students, and serious lay readers who want an exegetically robust and pastorally grounded treatment of the first Gospel. It provides clarity, depth, and steady guidance through both familiar passages and difficult texts.
While highly technical specialists may supplement it with more narrowly academic works, this volume offers a superb blend of scholarship and usefulness—an excellent addition to any expositor’s library.
Classification
- Level: Advanced
- Best For: Advanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Strong recommendation