Last week Philip Graham Ryken’s two volume commentary on Luke in the Reformed Expository Commentary series arrived. Ryken is pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church Philadelphia. Among his predecessors were the late Donald Grey Barnhouse and James Montgomery Boice. Apart from sharing three part names, they are very, very skilled expositors of God’s Word.
Barnhouse’s and Boice’s sermons remain available in print and by audio recording. With Luke, Ryken proves beyond any doubt that he is a fitting successor in ministry.
Within the two volumes are one hundred and twelve expositions spread over 1400 pages. I haven’t read them all, but various parts of Luke attract attention. I looked at the material covering the contention around the dating of Jesus’ incarnation. Ryken acknowledges controversy and maintains a satisfying conclusion that is at harmony with the text. His treatment of chapter 15 is comprehensive. Even the problematic parable of the unjust steward in chapter 16 is dealt with in an orderly fashion. The post resurrection accounts are covered in thoughtful detail, emphasising the differing reactions to the raised Jesus and His interactions with the disciples.
I appreciate the footnoting format utilised. Ryken’s scholarship is broad, engaging with critical and evangelical sources. Literary references abound. His sermons are thoughtfully laid out and well illustrated.
These are not technical commentaries but are the fruit of a lot of faithfully executed technical work. They would be excellent for devotional use or pulpit and study preparation.
I look forward to reading and utilising these volumes for years to come.
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