Commentaries on the Gospel according to Luke
Scroll below the quick recommendations list for my reviews.
Quick Recommendations List
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Best Choices: Bock (BECNT); Green (NICNT).
Additional Strongly Recommended: Evans (NIBC); Talbert (RNT); Butler (HNTC); Bock (NIVAC) or (IVPNTC).
Most Economical: Evans (NIBC); Morris (TNTC); Butler (HNTC); Wilcock (BST).
Easiest to Read: Butler (HNTC); Morris (TNTC); Craddock (Interpretation); Wilcock (BST).
Most Practical: Conservative evangelical: Butler (HNTC); Bock (NIVAC or IVPNTC); Green (NICNT); Moderate evangelical: Culpepper (NIB); Talbert (RNT).
Mainline Perspectives: Craddock (Interpretation); Schweizer (The Good News According to Luke); Tannehill (AbingdonNTC); Tiede (AugsburgCNT). Roman Catholic equivalent of moderate mainline: Johnson (SP).
Research Specialists: Conservative evangelical: Bock (BECNT). Moderate evangelical: Nolland (WBC Luke 1:1--9:20; Luke 9:21--18:34; Luke 18:35--24:53); Marshall (NIGTC). Roman Catholic equivalent of liberal mainline: Fitzmyer (AB, Chapters 1-9, Chapters 10-24 ).
Ideal Pastor’s Library: Green (NICNT); Bock (BECNT and either NIVAC or IVPNTC); Evans (NIBC); Talbert (RNT); Butler (HNTC); Stein (NAC); Craddock (Interpretation); Johnson (SP).
Strongly Recommended:
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I am listing Bock’s three commentaries together for convenience.
Luke 1:1--9:50 and Luke 9:51--21:53, two volumes
, Darrell L. Bock, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Baker Books, 1994, 1996. Volume 1 only. Volume 2 only. Conservative evangelical, intermediate level. Strengths: Bock handles the tasks of a traditional commentary better than anyone else, treating text, translation, sources, history, comparison to the other gospels, summary of the major scholarly debates, exegesis, and exposition. Bock reports and responds (negatively) to the conclusions of the controversial Jesus Seminar. He is always solid and usually fair-minded. Although this is an advanced, technical, comprehensive commentary, Bock immediately translates most of his references to the Greek text; the result is readable enough that I have labeled it intermediate and even considered labeling it developing level. Determined readers from all levels may mine this commentary and find nuggets. Weaknesses: Bock does not offer the brilliant, creative, and stimulating insights available through some other writers. Bock represents, albeit it peaceably, the views of Dallas Theological Seminary (including premillennial dispensationalism (albeit a progressive version), a non-egalitarian position on women’s roles, and a restrained position on the contemporary role of the Holy Spirit); this may limit his usefulness for some readers, but, while he indicates his own views, he notes other options for the rest of us and sometimes expresses appreciation of those with whom he disagrees.
Luke, Darrell L. Bock, NIV Application Commentary, Zondervan, 1996. Conservative evangelical, beginning level. The exegetical section is essentially abridged and simplified from Bock's two-volume BECNT commentary (see above). To this Bock adds, as called for in this series format, sections on "Bridging Contexts" and "Contemporary Significance." Strengths: To Bock’s strong exegesis, he adds informed and thoughtful application. Weaknesses: Bock is a better scholar than a theologian or preacher. See my comment on the BECNT (above) regarding his Dallas Theological Seminary viewpoint.
Luke, Darrell L. Bock, IVP New Testament Commentary, InterVarsity Press, 1994. Conservative evangelical, developing level. As with the NIVAC, the exegetical material is essentially abridged and simplified from Bock's two-volume BECNT commentary. Strengths: Bock’s strong exegesis is here interspersed with theological insight and application primarily for the benefit of the preacher or teacher; Bock stays more within his own strengths here than in the NIVAC volume. Weaknesses: There is not as much attention to hermeneutical method or to modern application examples as in the NIVAC volume. See my comment on the BECNT (above) regarding his Dallas Theological Seminary viewpoint.
The following applies to the three commentaries above: How much Bock should one person own? I would not advise spending one's whole Luke budget on Bock, because something needs to be left in the budget for other viewpoints. Those wanting detailed exegesis must have the BECNT and, if preaching or teaching, might choose to add one of the other two: either the NIVAC (easier, more methodical, more practical application) or the IVPNTC (blended exegesis and theology). Those not wanting the exegetical detail can get the summary form in either of the two smaller commentaries. Bock has also written Jesus according to Scripture, Studying the Historical Jesus, Blasphemy and Exaltation in Judaism, Purpose-Directed Theology, and Breaking the DaVinci Code. Bock and Green (immediately below), although very different in the content of their commentaries, both received their Ph. D. degrees from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, where I. Howard Marshall (farther below) taught them.
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The Gospel of Luke
, Joel B. Green, New International Commentary on the New Testament, Eerdmans, 1997. Conservative/moderate evangelical (more moderate than Bock and more conservative than Culpepper and Talbert), intermediate level. Strengths: Green focuses on three dimensions: Luke's literary/ narrative art, his theology, and the social/cultural context of Jesus' ministry as reported in this Gospel; he does this better than anyone else, using this perspective to offer stimulating and practical ideas for the preacher and teacher. His attention to social ethics will be welcomed in mainline circles and by evangelicals who are hungry for it. Viewpoint: Arguing that the central theme of Luke-Acts is salvation, Green then states, "Salvation is neither ethereal nor merely future, but embraces life in the present, restoring the integrity of human life, revitalizing human communities, setting the cosmos in order, and commissioning the community of God's people to put God's grace into practice among themselves and toward ever-widening circles of others." Weaknesses: Many issues dealt with in other commentaries are barely touched, if at all. One does not look here for word studies, comparisons to the other Gospels, Old Test5ament backgrounds, etc. Also Green unnecessarily burdens his writing with too much technical jargon from the field of "discourse theory." Scholars naturally want us to understand that they have followed academic disciplines in reaching their conclusions, but sometimes this can make it more difficult for us to understand the conclusions, and that is the case here. The author and his writings: Bock (above) and Green, although very different in the content of their commentaries, both received their Ph. D. degrees from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, where I. Howard Marshall (below) taught. Green has also written The Theology of the Gospel of Luke, Recovering the Scandal of the Cross, and Salvation. He is co-editor of The Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels.
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Luke 
, Craig A. Evans, New International Biblical Commentary, Hendrickson, 1990. Moderate evangelical; developing level. Strengths: Evans is concise, informative, and especially helpful on Old Testament background, especially the Deuteronomic background to Luke's central section. I have found that Evans has stimulated a number of sermon ideas for me. Don’t overlook the endnotes to each section; they have some of the most useful material. Weaknesses: While this commentary covers much in brief, it is by no means comprehensive, sometimes leaving major issues untouched. Conservatives may be slightly unhappy with a few of his critical positions, but it should not prevent their appreciating his general thrust. The author and his writings: Evans is co-author with moderate mainline scholar James A. Sanders of the book, Luke and Scripture: The Function of Sacred Tradition in Luke- Acts, Augsburg Fortress, 1993; I recommend this supplementary book as well for those able to handle intermediate level material (or for those willing to mine it for nuggets). Evans also is the author of the second volume of the Word Biblical Commentary on Mark and of books titled Noncanonical Writngs and New Testament Interpretation, Jesus and the Ossuaries, and Jesus and His Contemporaries. He has co-authored or edited many more.
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Reading Luke
, Charles H. Talbert, Reading the New Testament, Smith & Helwys, revised 2002. Moderate evangelical, developing level. Strengths: Talbert is most helpful on literary structure, Jewish and Greco-Roman literary and cultural backgrounds, and the connections of Luke’s Gospel to the other Gospels and to Acts. This book is filled with useful insights and interpretive keys that make great supplements to a commentator like Bock. Weaknesses: This is inadequate for anyone looking for verse-by-verse exegesis. The author and his writings: Talbert founded and is editing this series, and this is his best-known volume. Talbert has three other volumes in the RNT series, on the related Acts, on John, and on the Corinthian correspondence. He also has written the Romans volume in the Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series and a brief commentary on Revelation.
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Luke
, Trent C. Butler, Holman New Testament Commentary, Broadman & Holman, 2000. Conservative/moderate evangelical; beginning level. Strengths: This user-friendly series intends to help beginning students of the Bible find its message in ways they can immediately use in preaching, teaching, and leading small groups. Butler succeeds admirably in conveying Luke’s major points with a fresh, informal, readable style, and in adhering to Broadman & Holman theological standards without unnecessarily narrowing his audience to conservative Baptists. For the most part, his illustrations and applications will be appreciated by his readers and may often be quoted in sermons and Sunday school lessons. This is not only a useful book for beginners, but also for those who need to communicate with beginners. Weaknesses: The series format is designed to be short on credits to other scholars, but Butler could have done a bit more to help his readers become acquainted with his sources. The bibliography shows that he has consulted most of the right fellow scholars, but he does not show us when and how they have strongly influenced him. The series format demands that writers come up with their full quota of illustrations and applications; as might be expected, Butler occasionally succumbs to stretching a connection a bit far. The author and his writings: Butler has written Isaiah and is scheduled to write Hosea—Micah in the Broadman & Holman series. He has written Joshua (more technical, not conservative) and is scheduled to write Judges in the Word Biblical Commentary series. He has edited many books. Disclosure: Butler has edited a book co-authored by my wife.
Also Recommended:
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Luke, Robert H. Stein, New American Commentary, Broadman and Holman, 1992. Conservative evangelical; developing level. Strengths: Stein’s work is solid, disciplined, and clear; it concentrates on the message Luke wishes to convey to Theophilus and through Theophilus to others. Stein is the strongest conservative evangelical redaction critic (a redaction critic focuses on the viewpoint of the author/editor, considering how the writer has reshaped the traditions he has received). Bock and Marshall do not focus so exclusively on this perspective. Weaknesses: Precisely because of his focus, Stein lacks the comprehensiveness of Bock, the social relevance of Green, or the informativeness of Evans. Nor does he show the communicator’s intuition of fellow redaction-critic Craddock. The author and his writings: Stein has written a large number of books such as Jesus the Messiah, A Basic Guide to Interpreting the Bible, The Method and Message of Jesus’ Teaching, An Introduction to the Parables of Jesus, The Synoptic Problem, Gospels and Tradition, and Difficult Passages in the New Testament.
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Luke, Fred B. Craddock, Interpretation, Westminster John Knox Press, 1990. Moderate mainline, beginning level. Strengths: Like Stein, Craddock takes a redaction approach. Craddock is a great preacher and teacher who views Luke as a preacher and teacher in order to help other preachers and teachers do their work better. This book is very readable; it does as well as any and better than most at finding the potential of a text for proclamation. Craddock borrows from scholars to either side of him (moderate evangelical and liberal mainline) and presents his conclusions in a way that is seldom objectionable to any position. Weaknesses: This is not a complete commentary and should be used as a supplement to a solid treatment of the text. The author and his writings: Craddock has commentaries on Philippians, Hebrews, I and II Peter and Jude; he also has books on the art of preaching.
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Luke 1:1--9:20; Luke 9:21--18:34; Luke 18:35--24:53, three volumes, John Nolland, Word Biblical Commentary, Nelson-Word, 1989, 1993, 1993. Moderate evangelical, intermediate level. Not as accessible as Bock, but more accessible than Marshall to the non-Greek reader. Strengths: Nolland can serve as balance or alternative to Bock for those desiring great detail from a moderate perspective: he takes moderate methods to generally conservative conclusions. Qualifications: Conservatives may find all the moderating of evangelical positions unnecessary and frustrating. A typical statement, after a lengthy discussion: "While difficulties no doubt remain, there seems to be no adequate basis for abandoning the essential historicity of the tradition of a virginal conception of Jesus."
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The Gospel of Luke, I. Howard Marshall, New International Greek Text Commentary, 1978. Conservative evangelical; advanced level. Strengths: Marshall is the father of modern evangelical scholarship on Luke-Acts, and this is his classic work. Weaknesses: Unfortunately, it is hard to read for the student who does not know Greek. The author and his writings: Marshall was a primary instructor for Green, Bock, and many other fine American evangelical scholars. Marshall also has written an influential introduction to this Gospel: Luke: Historian and Theologian, Third Edition, 1970/1989/1998. Marshall offers easily readable conclusions on Luke in the New Bible Commentary; a quite readable and informative commentary on Acts in the TNTC series (one of the two best volumes in that series), and another readable and excellent commentary on I Peter in the IVPNTC series. He also offers reputable commentaries on I, II Thessalonians and I, II, III John. His technical commentary on the Pastoral Epistles surprises conservatives in its views on authorship.
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The Gospel of Luke, Luke Timothy Johnson, Sacra Pagina, Liturgical Press, 1991. Roman Catholic equivalent of moderate mainline; developing level. Strengths: Johnson offers a canonical and literary reading that is informative and theologically perceptive. Weaknesses: Although Johnson has made a strong defense of the Gospels against the extreme attacks of the Jesus Seminar, he does not himself defend the complete accuracy of the Gospels and Acts. The author and his writings: He has more recent volumes, one in the same series on the related Acts of the Apostles as well as commentaries on Romans, James, and the Pastoral Epistles in other series. Johnson rebuts the "Jesus Seminar" approach in The Real Jesus. He also offers the canonical-literary Writings of the New Testament.
Others:
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Luke, Revised Edition, Leon Morris, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Eerdmans, 1974/1988. Conservative evangelical, beginning level. Strength: Morris’ little volume is solid, concise, simple, and inexpensive; it covers many of the important points. The revision is on a minor scale (showing up occasionally in the footnotes) but of an important nature, reflecting especially Morris' reading of Marshall and Fitzmyer. Weaknesses: The commentary is brief and unexciting. The author and his writings: Morris has major commentaries on Matthew, John, Romans, Galatians, and I and II Thessalonians as well as an EBC commentary on Hebrews and TNTC volumes on I Corinthians, I and II Thessalonians, and the Revelation to John. In addition he has written extensively on New Testament introduction and theology, Johannine theology, atonement, and the cross.
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"Luke," Walter L. Liefeld, Expositor's Bible Commentary Volume VIII, Zondervan, 1984. Conservative evangelical; developing level. Strengths: Liefeld’s work is solid, readable, and theologically-sensitive. Qualifications: It is not comprehensive. The edition, the author, and his writings: Liefeld also has commentaries on Ephesians and the Pastoral Epistles. He is co-author along with Ruth A. Tucker of a book on women in ministry in historical perspective. In the hardcover edition of Volume VIII, his Luke commentary is bound with Wessel on Mark and the much weightier Carson on Matthew. There is also a stand-alone paperback edition. One can buy the hardcover 12-volume set in two portions: 7-volume OT, 5-volume NT. Computer users should note that the least expensive way to buy the 12-volume Expositor's Bible Commentary is on CD-ROM.
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The Message of Luke, Michael Wilcock, The Bible Speaks Today, InterVarsity, 1979. Conservative evangelical; beginning level. Strengths: This theologically perceptive but brief commentary may serve well to stimulate thought about Luke’s purposes. It offers a readable supplement to more detailed works. Weaknesses: This work is dated and lacking in methodical contributions to our understanding of Luke. It will not do as a primary commentary. The author and his writings: Wilcock offers commentaries in this series on Judges, Chronicles, Psalms (two volumes), and Revelation.
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Luke, David L. Tiede, Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament, Augsburg Fortress, 1988. Moderate mainline; developing level. Strengths: Tiede is informative and thoughtful; he offers good choice for someone wanting a readable mainline commentary. Weaknesses: The commentary does not offer as much help as most of the commentaries above. Conservatives will find some of his positions not to their liking.
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The Gospel according to Luke, Two Volumes, Chapters 1-9, Chapters 10-24, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, Anchor Bible, Doubleday, 1981, 1985. Roman Catholic equivalent to liberal mainline; intermediate to advanced level. Strengths: Fitzmyer’s work is comprehensive and insightful, filled with archaeological information and especially evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Specialists cannot afford to ignore this source of information. Weaknesses: Evangelicals will not be happy with Fitzmyer's views. The author and his writings: Fitzmyer has more recent AB commentaries on the related Acts and on Romans, and a book on Luke's theology.
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The Good News according to Luke, Eduard Schweizer, Westminster John Knox Press, 1984. Liberal mainline, developing level. Strengths: Schweizer is theologically profound, but not overly-complicated. He is a superb redaction critic, and may be worth owning even by those who do not agree with him. Weaknesses: He is a modernist, explaining away the supernatural. The author and his writings: Those who are interested in Schweizer's work would do well to buy all three volumes of the Good News series, one on each of the Synoptic Gospels. In some ways, the Mark volume is foundational to the other two.
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"Luke," R. Alan Culpepper, New Interpreter's Bible, Volume 9, Abingdon, 1995. Moderate evangelical; developing level. Strengths: This is a readable literary treatment in an attractive, though expensive format. It is good, but perhaps not good enough to warrant the purchase of this volume. The edition, the author, and his writings: Culpepper's work shares space in a volume with a commentary on John by Gail O’Day that is not as good. Culpepper also has several books on John's Gospel.
I am listing the NIB set, print and electronic editions, from Christian Book Distributors because I believe that they provide better pricing and service on these products:
Hardcover set from CBD
CD-ROM set from CBD
Warning: The CD-ROM version will not transfer its data base to your hard drive; you must use the compact disks to access the commentary.
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Luke, Robert C. Tannehill, Abingdon New Testament Commentary, 1996. Moderate mainline, beginning level. Strengths: This is a literary approach based on Tannehill's two-volume work in The Narrative Unity of Luke-Acts: A Literary Interpretation. This is among the options one might choose to represent the mainline perspective. Tannehill consults Green, Bock, Craig Evans, etc., as well as liberal scholars. Weaknesses: A quotation may serve to as a warning to conservatives: “The reader should not assume that statements about Luke’s Jesus in this commentary also apply to the historical Jesus.”
The Narrative Unity of Luke-Acts: A Literary Interperetation, Volume 1, The Gospel of Luke, Robert C. Tannehill, Augsburg-Fortress, 1990. Moderate mainline. Volume 2 covers Acts.