Resource Type: Commentary

A volume offering verse-by-verse or section-by-section exposition of a biblical book, written to help pastors, teachers, and serious students understand the meaning of Scripture in its context.

The Letters of John (8.6)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice
Author: John R.W. Stott
Bible Book: 1 John 2 John 3 John
Series: Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find this volume on the Letters of John a clear guide through pastoral writing that binds truth and love together. It helps us see how assurance, obedience, and doctrinal clarity belong together, and how the gospel shapes the life of a local church.

The treatment is accessible and disciplined, keeping the argument visible and the pastoral aim close at hand.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching assurance without sentimentality. It serves us well in passages on false teaching, testing spirits, and the call to walk in the light, keeping Christ’s saving work at the centre.

We also benefit from the steady tone. It helps us address sin, holiness, and love with clarity and tenderness, which is precisely what these letters demand.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level resource for preaching and teaching 1, 2, and 3 John, especially for pastors who want clear guidance that serves the church’s confidence in Christ.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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1 Peter (8.5)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice
Author: Wayne Grudem
Bible Book: 1 Peter
Series: Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find this volume on 1 Peter a strong guide for preaching to believers under pressure, calling us to holiness, courage, and hope in Christ. It helps us trace Peter’s argument and feel the pastoral weight of living as sojourners who belong to God.

The commentary keeps Christ’s suffering and triumph central, which is exactly what the letter itself does.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching identity and obedience together. It serves us well in passages on submission, suffering, and witness, keeping the tone both realistic and hopeful.

We also benefit from its clear handling of difficult sections, where careful reading is needed to avoid confusion or overstatement in the pulpit.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level 1 Peter resource for preaching and teaching, particularly for pastors shepherding congregations through hardship and cultural pressure.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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Hebrews (8.5)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice
Author: David G. Peterson
Bible Book: Hebrews
Series: Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find this volume on Hebrews a clear guide through a majestic, demanding sermon that calls us to hold fast to Christ. It helps us see how the letter joins deep theology to urgent exhortation, pressing us to persevere because Jesus is the final Word and our great High Priest.

The commentary keeps the argument moving, which is a gift in Hebrews, where it is easy to lose the thread.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching Hebrews as a unified message, not a set of disconnected proof texts. It serves us well on the warning passages, on priesthood and sacrifice, and on the call to endure by faith.

We also benefit from its steady pastoral emphasis. It helps us preach assurance and warning together, with Christ’s finished work kept central to both comfort and summons.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level Hebrews resource for preaching and teaching, particularly for pastors who want clear guidance through the letter’s argument and exhortation.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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James (8.4)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: Douglas J. Moo
Bible Book: James
Series: Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find this volume on James a clear guide for preaching a letter that confronts double mindedness and calls for living faith. It helps us read James as pastoral wisdom for the church, with a steady focus on speech, money, trials, and prayer.

The writing supports a careful walk through short units without turning the letter into disconnected moral slogans.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching James without losing the gospel. It keeps the fear of God, the need for humility, and the call to patient endurance in view, while showing how genuine faith bears fruit.

We also benefit from the way it handles application. It presses us toward integrity and repentance, yet it does so with a clear sense that our hope rests in the Lord who gives grace to the humble.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level resource for preaching and teaching James, especially for pastors who want clear exposition and sensible application.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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1 & 2 Thessalonians (8.4)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: Leon Morris
Bible Book: 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians
Series: Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find this volume on 1 and 2 Thessalonians a helpful companion for preaching a church shaped by the gospel, holiness, and hope. It keeps the pastoral tone of the letters in view, and it helps us feel how encouragement and correction belong together.

The writing supports a steady walk through the text, with enough detail to clarify the argument and enough restraint to keep sermons focused.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching the return of Christ with warmth and steadiness. It handles passages on suffering, sanctification, and the day of the Lord in a way that serves the church rather than stirring speculation.

We also benefit from the careful attention to pastoral purpose, especially in 2 Thessalonians where disorder and confusion needed firm, patient instruction.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level resource for preaching and teaching 1 and 2 Thessalonians, particularly for pastors who want clarity on eschatology without losing the letters’ pastoral heart.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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Colossians & Philemon (8.4)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: Alan J. Thompson
Bible Book: Colossians Philemon
Series: Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find this volume on Colossians a steady help for preaching Christ’s supremacy with clarity and proportion. It supports us in tracing Paul’s argument, showing how the fullness of Christ shapes doctrine, worship, ethics, and the church’s life together.

It is well suited to weekly use, with clear organisation and a consistent concern to let the passage set the agenda.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching Colossians against both legalism and spiritual novelty. It keeps the focus on Christ, and it helps us apply union with Him to real church pressures and ordinary discipleship.

It is also useful when we are working through household instructions and warnings about false teaching, because it keeps application tethered to the letter’s gospel logic.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level guide for preaching and teaching Colossians, and it pairs well with a more technical work if you need deeper detail on debated points.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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Philippians (8.4)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: Jeannine K. Brown
Bible Book: Philippians
Series: Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find this volume on Philippians a clear guide through a letter full of joy, courage, and Christ centred ambition. It helps us keep the argument visible, especially the way Paul joins deep doctrine to a life shaped by humility, unity, and hopeful endurance.

The Tyndale strengths are evident, it is readable, it stays close to the passage, and it keeps moving. That makes it particularly useful when we are preparing sermons in a busy week.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching Philippians as more than a set of favourite verses. It serves us well on the hymn in Philippians 2, the partnership language, and the call to rejoice without denial of suffering.

We also benefit from its balanced application. It presses for obedience that flows from grace, and it keeps Christ’s example and lordship at the centre of our pastoral use of the letter.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level resource for preaching and teaching Philippians, especially for pastors who want clear guidance that remains close to the text.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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Ephesians (8.3)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: Darrell L. Bock
Bible Book: Ephesians
Series: Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find Darrell L. Bock’s Ephesians a compact, clear guide through a letter that moves from God’s saving purpose in Christ to a new life together as the church. He helps us trace Paul’s argument and keep the big themes in view, grace, unity, holiness, and spiritual warfare in ordinary discipleship.

The volume is accessible and well suited to weekly preparation, with steady attention to context and structure.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching Ephesians with clear movement from doctrine to life. Bock is especially useful in keeping application tethered to the text, so that unity and holiness are grounded in the gospel, not in mere exhortation.

We also appreciate the balanced handling of contested sections. He helps us make responsible interpretive decisions while keeping the letter’s pastoral aim clear, that the church would live as Christ’s new humanity.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level Ephesians commentary for preaching and teaching, especially for pastors who want a clear, disciplined guide that stays close to Paul’s purposes.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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Galatians (8.2)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: R. Alan Cole
Bible Book: Galatians
Series: Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find R. Alan Cole’s Galatians a concise, focused guide to Paul’s defence of the gospel of grace. He helps us see the letter’s urgency and its pastoral aim, to guard the church from distortion and to keep our confidence in Christ alone.

The commentary is brief enough to use quickly, yet pointed enough to clarify the argument and its implications.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume when we need a straightforward companion for preaching Galatians. Cole helps us follow Paul’s line of thought on justification, the promise to Abraham, the law’s purpose, and life by the Spirit.

We also appreciate the way it supports proclamation. It presses us to preach grace with clarity and to call for Spirit shaped freedom, not self made religion.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a useful mid level resource for preaching and teaching Galatians, especially when we want a concise volume that still keeps the gospel edge sharp.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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1 Corinthians (8.4)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Author: Thomas R. Schreiner
Bible Book: 1 Corinthians
Series: Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find Thomas R. Schreiner’s 1 Corinthians a clear, firm, and pastorally aware guide through a letter full of real church problems. He helps us see Paul’s consistent concern, that the gospel reshapes a divided, confused, and morally pressured congregation.

The writing is direct and well organised, with careful attention to argument and context across the whole letter.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we need help preaching difficult sections with courage and clarity. Schreiner handles disputed passages with measured judgement, and he helps us keep the letter’s main line visible, Christ crucified, the Spirit’s work, and love that builds up the church.

We also benefit from the pastoral emphasis. Application is not bolted on, it arises naturally from Paul’s purposes, which helps us speak to modern churches with both truth and tenderness.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level commentary for preaching and teaching 1 Corinthians, especially for pastors who want clear guidance through the letter’s most contested chapters.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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