Review: "Philippians"

Philippians:  A Commentary for Biblical Preaching and Teaching, part of the Kerux Commentaries series by Kregel, by Thomas Moore and Timothy D. Sprankle has far more in it that the size of the book would lead you to assume.

Herman W. Bateman IV, the series editor, explains that the series attempts to give “a detailed introduction and outline [of the book], a summary of all preaching sections with their primary exegetical, theological, and preaching ideas, preaching pointers that join the original historical context with the contemporary one, insights from the Hebrew and Greek text, a thorough exposition of the text, sidebars of pertinent information and historical background, appropriate charts and photographs, a theological focus to passages, a contemporary big idea for every preaching unit, present-day meaning, validity, and application of a main idea, creative presentations for each primary idea, key questions about the text for study groups, lists of books and articles for further reading” (7-8).

Now, if that doesn’t sound overwhelming, you can’t be overwhelmed!

The commentary begins with an “overview of all preaching passages” including “the exegetical idea, theological focus, preaching idea, [and] preaching pointers.” 

After dividing the text in this way, there is a chart of abbreviations.

Then an introduction to the book – much along the lines you would find in a study Bible, but in significantly more detail.

Then the commentary begins (44 in this case).  All the facets intended are covered here, ending each preaching section with discussion questions.

Final, there is the list of reading materials.

The good about this commentary – and the series – is that it takes the text seriously, it gives the read extensive information – particularly in interpreting the text in its context, and in this, it is a very valuable series for seminary students, preachers, and discussion groups.

My one qualm is the other side of the coin:  this series gives an extraordinary amount of information – great for the price! – but it even divides the text into preaching sections and tells the reader what the points/themes of the text are.  I am concerned that some will use this commentary to automatically write the sermon without relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  One could easily take this commentary and give eighteen sermons covering the book without thinking about the text or waiting on the leading of God for the congregation the preacher is shepherding.

This is a valuable series, packing an incredible amount of information in a short space.  However, it might be wise for the man of God to read the text and pray prior to opening the commentary, so he will not be lulled into simply giving a summary of the commentary to his people.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, Kregel.com, and Goodreads.com.]