Authored by Robert W. Yarbrough (Romans), Andrew David Naselli (1 Corinthians), Dane Ortlund (2 Corinthians), and Frank Thielman (Galatians)
Edited by Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., Jay Sklar
If you are like me and already own an ESV study bible, then you are already familiar with the quality and thoroughness that is put into this expanded form of the ESV Translation of the bible. It is theologically sound and provides for solid exposition of the Scriptures. Volume 10 is written from a broadly Reformed view towards interpretation and application of Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, and Galatians. The goal for each author is to be exegetically sound, biblically theological, globally aware, broadly reformed, doctrinally conversant, pastorally useful, application-minded, and efficient in expression. The authors have been faithful to this goal and provide an excellent bible study resource.
I also own the ESV study bible and the ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible. Each has slightly different content and provides varying levels of detail and content, with the Expository Commentary series being the most detailed. If you have ever felt like the study bible did not fully explain a difficult passage but feel intimidated reading a 1000 page commentary, then the Expository Series is perfect for you.
The introduction for each book covers the historical background, genre, purpose, theology, and other relevant topics to better understand and breakdown the book. The commentary is well written in a deep but approachable manner. It does not breakdown the Greek translation, except where it is necessary to discuss the nuances of translation or to highlight a specific word that is important for interpretation. This make the text approachable to those that have never studied the bible in depth but want to explore the texts deeper. It is a perfect fit for most readers of Scripture from new believers to seminary students, pastors, and teachers of the word.
After the introduction, the book of the bible is broken down into sections. There is the section verses, section overview, outline, and then a verse by verse commentary. Each verse has between a paragraph to a page of commentary, depending on its complexity. After the verse by verse commentary is a Response section. This is a valuable section that further summarizes the text while providing practical application. Scripture is not merely to be read or understood, but it is to be lived out. In living out Scripture, we demonstrate what we truly believe.
As one of my favorite books of the bible, Romans has much to theologically consider. The Expository Series provides in depth consideration while remaining somewhat brief. As noted on page 30, Romans is simple in that a clear message of salvation is seen, like in the example of select verses making up the Romans Road. In another sense, Romans is incredibly complex and densely packed with theological truths. In the “preaching from” sections you get the first indication of a directed audience towards pastors. Apart from this section the commentary is written towards a broad audience. Romans has some distinctly Reformed themes that did not seem to be fully addressed or argued for one way or another. This is the only place where I felt like the Yarbrough could have done more to either present both sides of the argument or argue in favor of his interpretation.
“Romans 8 says that believers have a home—they have a Father and a family. “We are children of God” (v. 16), so much so that we are “heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (v. 17). Even if “suffer” gives pause, there is joy in belonging to God the Father, and to other believers, in a world of alienation and dislocation.”
Page 136
[2 Corinthians 3:18] Believers are “being transformed” (present passive) into the very image of Christ. United to him, we look like him as we gaze at him… But this is not a false superspirituality in which we all become “nicer” and increasingly bland and look more and more like each other. It is a regaining of our lost humanity, our fallen dignity. “Image” is a fundamental biblical category that draws the reader all the way back to Eden, where man was made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26–28). To behold the glory of Christ is to be given back our true selves.
Page 450
[2 Corinthians 3:18] But what does “from glory to glory” mean? Perhaps, as some translations make explicit, the meaning is a gradual glorification. But it is more likely, given the context, that Paul means we are being gradually transformed from the glory of the old age into the glory of the new age.
Page 451
[Galatians 6:1] The passive-voice verb translated “caught” leaves the implied subject of the action unclear. Does Paul envision other Christians catching a person in some transgression, or transgression itself catching that person? It seems more in line with the spirit of Paul’s main point to read this as transgression itself catching someone. His warning that helpers of this needy person should guard themselves against transgression seems to confirm this reading. Paul personifies transgression as the chief actor in both clauses.
Page 642
The ESV Expository Commentary series is a newer series with volumes still releasing. Volume 3 (1 Samuel–2 Chronicles), Volume 4 (Ezra–Job), Volume 7 (Daniel–Malachi), Volume 9 (John–Acts), Volume 10 (Romans–Galatians), Volume 11 (Ephesians–Philemon) and Volume 12 (Hebrews–Revelation) have been released as of writing this.
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ESV Expository Commentary (Volume 10): Romans-Galatians – eBook By Robert W. Yarbrough, Andy Naselli & Dane C. Ortlund |
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.