Evaluation
Overall Score: 8.4/10
A thoughtful and dependable exposition that supports clear teaching and nourishes steady, text-rooted ministry.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 1015 pages
- Type
- Exegetical (Technical), Expository (Mid-Level)
- Theo. Perspective
- Reformed
- Overall score
- 8.4 / 10
- Strength
- A thoughtful and dependable exposition that offers stable guidance and nourishes pastors with careful, text-rooted insight.
- Limitation
- Limited engagement with more recent redemptive-historical and socio-rhetorical scholarship.
The commentary on Matthew by William Hendriksen offers a verse-by-verse exposition of the Gospel of Matthew from a firmly Reformed perspective. Published in 1973 by Baker Book House, this volume spans over 1,000 pages and integrates thoughtful commentary, Greek textual notes, and application sidebars.
Hendriksen writes with the dual conviction that Scripture is God’s word and that the expository task is both faithful and practical. Within this narrative gospel he highlights the kingdom of heaven, the fulfilment of Old-Testament prophecy, and the Lord’s authority, all while guiding the reader through the text with clarity and pastoral warmth.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
First, this commentary stands out for its theological consistency. Hendriksen remains committed to Reformed doctrines of salvation, covenant and Christ’s lordship—he brings these into his commentary without overt polemics, making the book helpful for preaching and teaching in a confessional evangelical context. Because of this, we find it very reliable for pastors and church-leaders who want a commentary rooted in historic orthodoxy, not simply modern thematic commentary.
Second, practical value is high. The book offers not only scholarly insight (including Greek textual references and bibliographies) but also application sections that help bridge from text to congregation. That makes it especially worth owning for those who both teach and preach. Third, although it was written some decades ago, its form and language remain accessible: Hendriksen avoids overly technical jargon while still unpacking key theological and exegetical points—so it serves both seasoned and developing expositors.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend this volume with confidence for those pastors, teachers, and serious students who desire to dig into Matthew with theological depth and pastoral sensitivity. If you are looking for a commentary that supports faithful preaching and robust exegesis from a Reformed perspective, this Hendriksen volume is a solid cornerstone of any commentary library.
For those whose budget or time restricts them, there may be more recent volumes with fuller engagement of current scholarship—but for core use in Reformed pulpit work, this remains a dependable choice.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, General readers
- Priority: Strong recommendation