The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible encourages readers to explore how the vital roots of the ancient Christian tradition inform and shape faithfulness today. In this volume, prominent Reformed theologian Michael Allen offers a theological reading of Ephesians. As with other series volumes, this commentary is designed to serve the church, providing a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.
Uche AnizorAllen has given us what anyone should desire from a good theological commentary: closeness to the biblical text, judicious engagement in critical issues, charitable attention to the tradition, and alertness to perennial as well as less perspicuous theological concerns that arise from the scriptures. Throughout we hear the voices of Irenaeus, Augustine, and Thomas; Luther, Calvin, and Owen; Barth, Webster, and others. Yet, above all we hear the voice of Paul, as Allen allows scripture to speak as God’s word. This is an excellent commentary that displays the best of Reformed-catholic exegesis. Highly recommended!
Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
Donald SeniorThis unique commentary series interprets the biblical text from a theological perspective in order to open up new vistas of meaning. . . . As a literary critic who is also attuned to biblical interpretation [David Lyle Jeffrey] brings a special quality to this task [in Luke]. His approach is to read Luke’s Gospel in the company of previous interpreters, ancient and modern. The end result is a beautiful exposition of Luke, blending in patristic comments and snatches of poetry along with medieval and modern interpretations of individual passages in the Gospel.
CP, The Bible Today
Amber WarhurstIn an easily accessible style, [Peter] Leithart interweaves an entertaining rehearsal of the biblical story while expanding on themes that relate to Christian theology and practice [in 1 & 2 Kings]. . . . [Leithart’s] aspiration of bringing the OT to the church as an ongoing source of revelation is refreshing. In a discipline felt by many to have become increasingly distant from the church, theology, and even exegesis, biblical studies is in need of ‘reform.’ Like Elijah, Leithart is attempting to address the problem from within, rather than casting aspersions from a distance. For this, as well as for his engaging style and challenging observations, his contribution is welcome.
Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Wesley HillHere is a gift to the church–the richest example of theological commentary on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians that we now have, from one of our finest contemporary theologians. Drawing on the Reformed exegetical and theological vision of John Webster, Michael Allen here presents the fruit of his patient listening to the apostolic witness, and it is nourishing fruit indeed.
Trinity School for Ministry
Daniel J. TreierThis volume is an admirably compact example of a theologically focused commentary–celebrating what Paul celebrates and wrestling where the epistle wrestles. Allen is a fitting substitute for the late John Webster as the volume’s author, since he seeks fundamentally to be a student of Paul and of the risen Christ, who speaks through the apostle by the Holy Spirit.
Wheaton College Graduate School
Jonathan A. LinebaughAnchored in and responsive to the scriptural text, listening to and engaged with the history of doctrine and biblical interpretation, and always reading with an eye on the personal, political, and pastoral horizons, Ephesians by Michael Allen is a model of theological commentary. Without ever overlooking historical and contextual information about the letter, Allen’s ear is principally tuned to the good news proclaimed by Ephesians: God, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. My highest praise is a personal report: having read this commentary, I immediately read the letter to the Ephesians.
University of Cambridge and Jesus College