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Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians and Philemon

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation

8.4

Author: William Hendrickson

Bible Book: Colossians Ephesians Galatians Philemon Philippians

Series: New Testament Commentary (Hendriksen Kistemaker Series)

Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level)

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

Exposition of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon by William Hendriksen (Baker Book House) belongs to the New Testament Commentary series. First published in 1996, this approx. 1,000-page volume covers five epistles of Paul: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Hendriksen writes from a Reformed-evangelical standpoint, offering verse-by-verse exposition aimed at pastors, teachers and serious Bible-students who value doctrinal depth alongside practical ministry application.

The work moves through each letter with consistent clarity, offering textual remarks, theological reflection, and application-oriented commentary. Hendriksen’s tone is that of a pastor-scholar: confident in the authority of Scripture, attentive to the Greek text where it clarifies meaning, and sensitive to the needs of the church-reader rather than purely the academic specialist.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We commend this volume first for its robust doctrinal foundation. Hendriksen remains firmly in a Reformed tradition—emphasising God’s sovereign grace, the centrality of Christ, the unity of the body of Christ, and the life of faith. His examination of Galatians’ freedom in Christ, Ephesians’ unity and mystery, Philippians’ joy in Christ, Colossians’ supremacy of Christ over all, and Philemon’s reconciliation theme, all bear the hallmark of careful theology married to faithful exegesis.

From a practical ministry standpoint, the volume is especially helpful for sermon-preparation and teaching series. Hendriksen provides chapter introductions, section summaries, and frequent application notes that keep the text rooted in the life of the church. While not the most current in every facet of recent scholarship, its clarity and pastoral tone mean it remains a friendly companion for ministry. In particular, the cohesion of covering these five letters in one resource is convenient for pastoring through multiple epistles without switching volumes.

Finally, we appreciate the accessibility of the commentary. Technical matters are addressed (Greek word notes, structural observations) yet Hendriksen writes in a way that welcomes non-specialists. The high page-count may challenge busy readers, but for those building a preaching library this is a strong foundation piece.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this commentary warmly for pastors, elders, and committed Bible-study leaders who desire a clear, theologically anchored exposition of these Pauline epistles from a Reformed evangelical perspective. If you want one trusted volume to cover Galatians through Philemon that serves both teaching and preaching purposes, this offers excellent value.

If you already possess separate technical commentaries covering each letter and are seeking cutting-edge scholarship, you might supplement this with younger volumes. But for a primary ministry resource, Hendriksen’s work remains solid and well-worth acquiring.

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Romans

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation

8.4

Author: William Hendrickson

Bible Book: Romans

Series: New Testament Commentary (Hendriksen Kistemaker Series)

Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level)

Publisher: Baker Book House

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

The commentary on Romans (Baker Book House, 1981) forms part of the New Testament Commentary series. Hendriksen offers a full-length exposition of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, written with the pastoral heart of a Reformed minister and the mind of an evangelical scholar. He treats the epistle systematically, guiding the reader through its doctrinal depth—sin, justification, sanctification, and the life of faith—while maintaining a lucid and church-oriented style.

The volume is intended for preachers, teachers and committed students of the Word who seek more than devotional reflection. Hendriksen presumes the text is authoritative and engages it accordingly, making the work suitable for use in sermon preparation and serious study in a Reformed evangelical setting.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We commend this commentary for its theological reliability. Hendriksen stays faithfully within a classic Reformed framework—emphasising God’s sovereign grace, Christ’s redemptive work and the believer’s union with Christ—without lapsing into theological jargon or abstraction. His exposition of Romans 9–11 remains particularly strong in drawing out the mystery of God’s sovereign election and the remnant of Israel within the plan of salvation.

From the standpoint of preaching and teaching, the work excels in clear structural aids: introductions to sections, helpful summaries of argumentative flow, and application notes that keep the text connected to congregational life. While it is not the most recent commentary, its church-centred tone and pastoral orientation make it a useful working tool for ministry. Its strength lies in bridging rigorous theology and accessible exposition.

We also like Hendriksen’s commitment to practical ministry. He writes not only for the academy but for the pulpit and classroom. Although newer technical volumes may incorporate more recent research and critical discussion, this commentary remains dependable in equipping ministers who value Reformed depth and evangelical clarity.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this commentary warmly for pastors, elders, Bible-study leaders and engaged students who share a Reformed evangelical conviction and aim to preach or teach Romans with substance and clarity. It is especially suited for those committed to doctrinal fidelity and congregational relevance.

If you already own a highly technical commentary on Romans, this Hendriksen volume may serve as a second voice—a steady, clear-voiced companion. But if you are building a commentary library and wish for one volume you can trust, it makes a fine choice.

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John

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation

8.6

Author: William Hendrickson

Bible Book: John

Series: New Testament Commentary (Hendriksen Kistemaker Series)

Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expositional Expository (Mid-Level)

Publisher: Baker Book House

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

William Hendriksen’s commentary on the Gospel of John, published by Baker Book House in 1954, is one of the earliest volumes in his New Testament Commentary series. Written from a firmly Reformed and warmly evangelical perspective, it offers a full exposition of John’s Gospel with careful attention to structure, key themes, and the theological distinctiveness of the Fourth Gospel. Hendriksen approaches the text with deep confidence in its historical reliability and presents Christ as the eternal Son who reveals the Father in grace and truth.

This volume moves steadily through the Gospel in a clear, pastoral style, bringing together exegetical analysis, doctrinal reflection, and practical insight. Pastors and serious students will find that Hendriksen does not merely comment on the text but seeks to lead readers into worship and obedience as the glory of Christ is unfolded.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We value this work highly for its theological fidelity. Hendriksen’s robust defence of Johannine authorship, his insistence on the Gospel’s trustworthiness, and his rich exposition of Christ’s person and work make this commentary deeply reliable for preaching. His discussions of the prologue, the I AM sayings, the signs, and the Upper Room discourse are especially strong—clear, reverent, and pastorally attuned.

In terms of exposition, Hendriksen excels in explaining the flow of argument and the theological purpose behind John’s selection and arrangement of material. He draws out the Gospel’s themes of life, light, witness, and belief with clarity and care. Greek references support the exposition without overwhelming readers, making the volume accessible to those with limited formal training.

For practical ministry, the commentary is rich with pastoral insight. Hendriksen frequently notes doctrinal connections, pastoral implications, and applications that naturally arise from the text. Though published many decades ago, the warmth, clarity, and devotional resonance of the work mean it continues to serve preachers exceptionally well.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this commentary gladly to pastors, expositors, and serious Bible students who desire a reliable, Christ-centred exposition of John. While newer technical works provide wider engagement with recent scholarship, Hendriksen remains a steady, trustworthy, and richly edifying guide whose work still stands with strength in the pulpit and study.

As a primary preaching companion—especially for those within a Reformed or conservative evangelical tradition—this volume remains both nourishing and dependable.

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Luke

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readersStrong recommendation

8.4

Author: William Hendrickson

Bible Book: Luke

Series: New Testament Commentary (Hendriksen Kistemaker Series)

Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level)

Publisher: Baker Book House

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

William Hendriksen’s volume on Luke in the New Testament Commentary series (Baker Book House, 1978) is a full-length, verse-by-verse exposition written from a clearly Reformed, evangelical standpoint. Running to over a thousand pages, it aims to walk carefully through the whole Gospel, explaining the text in its context and tracing Luke’s distinctive emphases on salvation history, the work of the Spirit, and the compassion of Christ.

Hendriksen brings together careful exegesis, interaction with the Greek text, and a concern that the message of Luke should be understood and proclaimed in the life of the church. The commentary is designed primarily for pastors and serious Bible students, but committed lay readers willing to work through a substantial volume will also find rich help here.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We value this commentary first for its theological reliability. Hendriksen writes as a convinced Reformed pastor-theologian, treating Luke as the inspired and historically trustworthy word of God. He is alert to questions of authorship, structure, and background, yet he never allows technical discussion to unsettle confidence in the text. His treatment of key themes—the Son of Man, the kingdom of God, reversal for the poor and lowly, the cost of discipleship—is consistently anchored in historic orthodox convictions.

Second, the volume offers substantial help for exposition. Hendriksen moves steadily through the text, section by section, explaining difficult phrases, highlighting Old Testament allusions, and drawing out the flow of argument. Greek is referenced where it genuinely clarifies meaning, but never in a way that excludes non-specialists. Preachers will appreciate the way he marks transitions, gathers parallels, and shows how individual stories fit Luke’s larger narrative purpose.

Third, there is real pastoral warmth. This is not a dry academic treatise; Hendriksen writes as someone who expects Luke’s Gospel to be preached, believed, and obeyed. Alongside doctrinal clarity there are frequent notes that suggest lines of application, comfort, and exhortation. While the work does not read like a sermon series, it consistently nudges the reader toward worship and obedience rather than mere information-gathering.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend Hendriksen on Luke warmly for pastors, elders, Bible teachers, and serious students who want a substantial, trustworthy companion to the Gospel. It will particularly serve those in Reformed and conservative evangelical settings who desire robust exegesis joined to confessional conviction and pastoral concern.

Readers needing exhaustive engagement with the latest critical scholarship may wish to pair this with a more recent technical volume, but as a primary preaching commentary—especially for those who share its theological instincts—this remains a richly rewarding and dependable choice.

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Matthew

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readersStrong recommendation

8.4

Author: William Hendrickson

Bible Book: Matthew

Series: New Testament Commentary (Hendriksen Kistemaker Series)

Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level)

Publisher: Baker Book House

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

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.

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Matthew

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation

8.6

Author: Grant R. Osborne

Bible Book: Matthew

Series: Exegetical Commentary On The New Testament

Type: Exegetical (Technical)

Publisher: Zondervan

Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

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.

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Ruth

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastorsTop choice

9.2

Author: Daniel I. Block

Bible Book: Ruth

Series: Exegetical Commentary On The Old Testament

Type: Exegetical (Technical)

Publisher: Zondervan

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

Daniel I. Block’s Ruth in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series provides a rich, text-driven, and theologically sensitive exposition of this beloved book. As one of the finest evangelical Old Testament scholars of our day, Block brings together linguistic expertise, literary insight, and pastoral warmth. His treatment honours the narrative’s beauty, its historical context, and its theological message while remaining highly usable for preachers and teachers.

The commentary walks through each unit of the text with clarity, highlighting structure, grammar, key terms, and narrative movement. Block’s goal is to help the reader understand not only what the text says, but how it says it—revealing the artistry and theological depth embedded in the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We value how Block combines technical skill with genuine pastoral sensitivity. His attention to Hebrew narrative, wordplay, and character development gives preachers a deeper appreciation of the text’s craftsmanship. At the same time, his exposition remains warm, clear, and spiritually compelling. He highlights the book’s themes of covenant faithfulness, loyal love, providence, and the surprising grace of God displayed in ordinary lives.

Block is especially strong in showing how the book of Ruth points forward to the redemptive purposes of God—culminating in David’s line and ultimately in Christ. Without forcing connections, he draws out the theological implications with balance and insight. His reflections on the cultural and legal background (kinsman-redeemer, gleaning laws, family loyalty) equip preachers to explain Ruth with clarity and confidence.

The commentary’s layout—combining structural analysis, exegetical detail, and pastoral reflection—makes it particularly useful for sermon preparation. It provides both the depth needed for careful study and the clarity needed for faithful communication. Block’s sensitivity to the emotional tone of the narrative, especially Naomi’s journey from emptiness to restoration, makes his work pastorally powerful.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly commend Block’s *Ruth* to pastors, teachers, and serious students of Scripture. It stands among the very best resources available on this book—deeply faithful, beautifully written, and rich in theological insight.

If you want a commentary that combines technical strength with pastoral usefulness and literary sensitivity, Block’s work is an exceptional choice.

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The Gospel According To John

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, General readers, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice

9.6

Author: D.A. Carson

Bible Book: John

Series: Pillar New Testament Commentary

Type: Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level)

Publisher: Eerdmans

Theological Perspective: Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

D. A. Carson’s commentary on John in the Pillar New Testament Commentary series is one of the finest evangelical treatments of the Fourth Gospel. Scholarly yet warmly pastoral, Carson offers a rigorous exposition rooted in the original text, careful theological synthesis, and a clear understanding of John’s literary and historical context. His aim is to help readers see the glory of Christ—His identity, mission, signs, and saving work—and to understand how John’s Gospel calls us to believe and live.

This commentary provides substantial exegetical depth without losing accessibility. Carson handles major themes—such as Jesus’ deity, the meaning of the signs, the “I am” statements, the nature of true belief, the role of the Spirit, and the unfolding of Jesus’ hour—with clarity and balance. Though academically capable, he writes in a way that serves the pastor, serious student, and lay reader alike.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We appreciate Carson’s ability to combine scholarly rigour with doctrinal clarity. His deep commitment to the authority of Scripture and the centrality of Christ shines throughout. He interacts with a broad range of scholarship, offering thoughtful evaluations while maintaining a confident, evangelical stance. This makes the commentary exceptionally reliable for those who desire both depth and theological steadiness.

Carson excels in explaining difficult passages—John 1:1–18, the new birth in John 3, the living water in John 4, the Bread of Life discourse, the Good Shepherd teaching, and the Farewell Discourse. His insights into first-century Judaism, the symbolism of John’s narrative, and the theological unity of the Gospel are consistently rich and illuminating.

For preachers, the commentary offers a wealth of exegetical and theological material that supports faithful, Christ-centred preaching. Carson does not merely provide technical analysis; he shows how John’s Gospel reveals Jesus in His glory, inviting the reader to trust Him more deeply.

Closing Recommendation

We strongly commend Carson’s John as an essential commentary for anyone teaching or studying the Fourth Gospel. It is reliable, spiritually penetrating, and intellectually rigorous—an outstanding resource for both ministry and personal growth.

If you want a commentary that combines careful exegesis, doctrinal clarity, and devotion to Christ, Carson’s contribution in the Pillar series remains one of the very best available.

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The Gospel Of Matthew

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation

8.8

Author: R.T. France

Bible Book: Matthew

Series: New International Commentary On The New Testament

Type: Academic Exegetical (Technical) Expository (Mid-Level)

Publisher: Eerdmans

Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical Reformed

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

R. T. France’s commentary on Matthew in the New International Commentary on the New Testament series is widely regarded as one of the finest modern expositions of the First Gospel. France brings a lifetime of scholarship to the task, handling Matthew’s narrative shape, Old Testament foundations, and theological emphases with remarkable clarity. This commentary is thorough without being bloated, scholarly without being obscure, and deeply attentive to the text as Scripture.

France approaches Matthew with keen literary sensitivity. He pays close attention to structure, theme, and context, helping readers see how Matthew crafts his portrait of Jesus as Israel’s Messiah, the fulfilment of God’s promises, and the authoritative teacher of the kingdom. His analysis is balanced, careful, and refreshingly free from speculative tangents.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We value France’s mastery of Matthew’s use of the Old Testament. His insights into fulfilment motifs, typology, and intertextual echoes give teachers a richer understanding of how Matthew presents Jesus as the consummation of Israel’s story. This is one of the commentary’s greatest strengths and a major reason why it continues to be so widely respected.

Pastors will appreciate France’s clarity. Though primarily academic, the commentary is highly readable, and France communicates complex material with a steady simplicity. His methodical explanations help preachers trace Matthew’s argument, understand difficult passages, and teach the Gospel with confidence. While he does not offer much direct application, the theological weight and exegetical precision provide more than enough material for thoughtful sermon work.

France also demonstrates a commendable restraint. He is honest where the text is disputed, careful not to overreach, and consistently charitable in presenting alternative views. This makes the commentary particularly valuable for ministry contexts where clarity, fairness, and steady exposition are needed.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly recommend France’s Matthew to pastors, teachers, and serious students of Scripture. It is one of the strongest full-length commentaries available on this Gospel and remains a dependable companion for both study and preaching.

If you want a commentary that combines depth, clarity, and theological steadiness, France’s contribution stands near the top of any Matthew bibliography—an outstanding resource for long-term ministry use.

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Revelation 17-22

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholarsUse with caution

6.8

Author: David E. Aune

Bible Book: Revelation

Series: Word Biblical Commentary

Type: Exegetical (Technical) Specialised

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Theological Perspective: Non-Evangelical / Critical

Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

David Aune’s third volume in the Word Biblical Commentary on Revelation brings his massive, scholarly investigation to its conclusion. Covering chapters 17–22, he traces the fall of Babylon, the final judgment, the triumph of the Lamb, and the glory of the new creation with the same rigorous historical and literary method that marks the whole set. This is a densely researched, academically oriented commentary intended for readers who want to understand Revelation within its ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman context.

We find here detailed discussions of symbolism, intertextual echoes, and first-century background material. Aune’s analysis is meticulous and often illuminating, even when we may differ at interpretive points. Pastors and teachers will not find devotional warmth or pastoral application, but they will find a treasure trove of data and historical insight.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

This volume stands out for its encyclopaedic scope. Aune’s command of ancient sources allows him to clarify images and terms that can otherwise feel opaque. His treatment of Babylon, the Beast, the New Jerusalem, and the consummation of all things is rich with historical detail, making this an invaluable resource for anyone preparing sermons or teaching series on Revelation.

We particularly appreciate the precision of his textual work. His interaction with the Greek text is careful, his footnotes are thorough, and his analysis of literary structure helps readers make sense of Revelation’s complex movement. For those who value deep background knowledge, this commentary consistently delivers.

Although it offers little in terms of pastoral direction, its academic strength makes it a useful supplement alongside more theological or pastoral treatments. When paired with Reformed or broadly evangelical expositions, Aune’s research can help preachers avoid anachronism and anchor their teaching in the first-century world.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this commentary for pastors, teachers, and students who want a serious academic companion to Revelation 17–22. It is not written from a Reformed or even explicitly evangelical perspective, but it remains one of the strongest historical-critical resources available.

If you already own volumes that offer theological clarity and pastoral warmth, Aune’s work will deepen your background understanding and strengthen your exposition when handled with discernment.

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