Digital Logos Edition
The Pauline epistles represent perhaps the most influential and powerfully-written body of literature in the Christian tradition. In them, we witness Paul’s correspondence, his pastoral heart, his theological musings, and his affirmation of the grace of God. While some are autobiographical and others are devoted to strictly theological themes, all have profoundly shaped the emergence of Christianity and the development of theology. The commentaries by Harold W. Hoehner (Ephesians), Phil W. Comfort (Philippians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians) and Peter H. Davids (Colossians, Philemon) help modern readers understand the nature and purpose of these Pauline epistles.
“Paul now explains that these spiritual benefits are based on the work of the three persons of the Trinity: the selection of the Father (1:4–6), the sacrifice of the Son (1:7–12), and the seal of the Holy Spirit (1:13–14).” (Page 32)
“Most commentators agree that one dominant theme of Ephesians is unity.” (Page 21)
“It has a local sense, denoting the place where the exalted Christ is and the place from which believers derive their spiritual blessings.” (Pages 29–30)
“The ability ‘to stand’ results in firmly holding one’s position. Notably, then, this is not speaking of offensive but defensive warfare, to hold one’s ground, against the schemes or strategies of the devil.” (Page 127)
“The nature of the enrichment or benefit is ‘spiritual.’ The sense, therefore, is that God has enriched us with every spiritual benefit necessary for our spiritual well-being.” (Page 29)
An enormously helpful series for the layperson and pastor alike because it centers on the theological message of each book and ties it directly to the text. This approach has been needed for some time and will be an invaluable supplement to other commentary series.
—Grant Osborne
A treasure house of insight into the biblical text. Written by some of the best scholars working today, it is an essential tool for pastors, students, church leaders, and lay people who want to understand the text and know how it relates to our lives today. Like the New Living Translation text it uses as its base, this commentary series is extremely readable.
—Tremper Longman
Harold W. Hoehner is Professor of New Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary and is well known for his work on biblical chronology in the first century. He is also the author of a commentary on Ephesians in the Baker Exegetical Commentary series.
Peter H. Davids is a Professor of Biblical Theology at Stephen's University. He served as a missionary educator in Europe, training Christian leaders in the German-speaking world, and has written commentaries on James and 1 Peter, and authored The Letters of 2 Peter and Jude in the Pillar New Testament Commentary. He is also co-editor (with Ralph Martin) of The Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Development.
Philip W. Comfort has studied English Literature, Greek, and New Testament at the Ohio State University and the University of South Africa. He has taught at Wheaton College, Trinity Episcopal Seminary, and Columbia International University. He currently teaches at Coastal Carolina University and is a senior editor of Bible reference at Tyndale House Publishers. Comfort is co-editor of the Life Application Bible Commentary New Testament, The Text of the Earliest New Testament Greek Manuscripts, and the Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words, available from Logos as part of the Holman Reference Collection (11 Vols.).