ESV Expository Commentary: Matthew–Luke
This commentary was originally reviewed on September 21, 2021.
Where can you go to get a commentary on the Gospels that is theologically sound and pastorally wise? In the newest edition of the ESV Expository Commentary, Crossway presents a passage-by-passage commentary of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
The Parable of the Talents in Matthew
Contributors to this volume include Dan Doriani (Matthew), Hans F. Bayer (Mark), and Thomas R. Schreiner (Luke). Dan Doriani (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) serves as the vice president of strategic academic projects and professor of theology at Covenant Seminary. Hans F. Bayer is Professor of New Testament and Chair of the New Testament Department at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Thomas R. Schreiner (MDiv and ThM, Western Conservative Baptist Seminary; PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and associate dean of the School of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
I quickly jumped to Doriani’s commentary as I studied to prepare a sermon from Matthew 25 on The Parable of the Talents. The section overview gave me a compelling introduction to the theme of faithful stewardship. Comments on talents were insightful, such as understanding that “a laborer would toil one hundred years to earn five talents.” What was most beneficial was the response section, giving the principal points of the parable but also proper application towards how it reshapes our work. This commentary helped me quickly engage with the text.
Connections in Luke and Mark
Using the Scripture Index, I saw that the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 had comparable similarities and differences to the Parable of the Minas in Luke 19:11-27. Schreiner comments that believers and disciples of Christ are to be responsible servants as we wait for the return of Jesus. Schreiner clearly states that “true faith manifests itself in good works. We are saved by faith alone, but never by a faith that is alone. Genuine faith manifests itself in the doing of good works.” I found this commentary to be concise while highlighting preaching and pastoral considerations.
While there was no direct correlation to this parable in the Book of Mark, reading the introduction section allowed me to further see that discipleship “is essentially a life-giving relationship with Jesus resulting in godly personal and social conduct, not primarily and exclusively following a certain code of conduct.” This commentary emphasizes how knowing our master necessitates a changed life. While written for serious study, the commentary will serve you well for both sermon preparation and devotional delight.
Trusted Legacy
Aesthetically, this is a handsome premium hardcover book. It is massive at 1,160 pages. The font size is generous, making for a pleasant - as opposed to a tedious - reading experience. You will want to refer to this commentary every time you plan to present a text or for your own personal study.
Crossway’s ESV Expository Commentary has proved to be a trusted resource, and this edition will further it’s legacy. As a tentpole volume on the first three Gospels, it is a must-have book in your library and study. Go and read the Gospels, and be ready to better preach and proclaim the Good News.
I received a media copy of ESV Expository Commentary: Matthew–Luke (Amazon, 5% off Westminster Bookstore with code DIVEINDIGDEEP) and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.