This Pillar NT Commentary abounds with the author’s own approach to exegesis. It is scholarly but dry reading. It will doubtless appeal to the academic reader; there is much consultation of other authors. However, notable omissions in the consultation are John Calvin and Philip Hughes, neither of whom is cited.
The pastor may find this commentary homiletically superficial and failing to stimulate spiritual thinking, despite the general correctness of the exegesis.
It is generally conservative, but there can be careless statements; for example, Seifrid’s universal interpretation of the atonement: ‘Christ has borne the suffering and death of all human beings’ (p.26). This statement alone may tell us of the theological background of the interpreter.
This is not to minimise the great labours of the author in its production. It does not, however, add to the rich commentaries that are available. It seems to lack spiritual insight into this most autobiographical letter of Paul, but perhaps such was not the purpose of this particular work.
The corresponding commentary in the ‘Baker exegetical’ series strikes a better balance between the academic and devotional, and may be more useful to the busy pastor.
