Favorite Commentators

Yesterday, we looked at several contemporary theologians who are particularly meaningful for me. But theologians are not the only significant figures in helping shape and expose truths of God's Word. We also draw great wisdom from an array of commentators who illuminate portions of God's Word for us.

Five of my favorite contemporary commentators are listed below. As there are different types of commentaries (technical--serious language work, redemptive historical--seeing the book and themes within the larger picture, and pastoral--drawing out contemporary significance), I have put the type(s) next to each commentator.

1) Dr. Dennis Johnson (New Testament/Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California, Technical/Redemptive Historical/Pastoral).

There is no commentary I enjoy more than Triumph of the Lamb, Johnson's beautiful (and faithful) portrait of my favorite book of the Bible, Revelation. He also has a number of wonderful commentaries, particularly on the book of Acts, that sharpen one's understanding of Scripture and nourishes the heart. Johnson is a New Testament scholar by trade, but combines his expertise with a Christ-centered, larger perspective likely learned from his deceased colleague, Dr. Ed Clowney. He is also the world's biggest teddy bear, which comes across in his warm, pastoral tone.

2) Dr. G.K. Beale (New Testament, Westminster Seminary Philadelphia, Technical/Redemptive Historical).

Beale is a joy to listen to (sounds like John Madden from Monday Night Football). Most important, he has written the most exhaustive and important volume on Revelation and is perhaps the greatest redemptive historical scholar today. I doubt anyone does a better tracing certain themes, like temple worship and idolatry, through Scripture as well as Beale.

3) Dr. Iain Duguid (Old Testament, Grove City College, Technical/Redemptive Historical/Pastoral).

You wouldn't know Duguid was a Hebrew scholar, even when he parses a particular Hebrew verb or explains and Old Testament concept. Why? Because his commentaries (on Numbers, Ruth, Esther, and Ezekiel, among others) masquerade as devotionals. In particular, mesmerizing portraits of Christ are painted in ways meticulously faithful to the text that will make your heart sing. Dr. Bryan Estelle at WSC has a similar effect in his writings as well.

4) Dr. Hywel Jones (Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California, Pastoral).

Jones is more of a preacher (an exceptional, Welsh preacher) than a commentator, but he has still produced a few gems--my favorite being his commentary on Job. With the pastoral wisdom that comes with decades in the pulpit and in prayer, Jones unearths gems that when collected, make the reader feel rich in God's grace.

5) Dr. Philip Ryken (President, Wheaton College, Pastoral).

Ryken, whose many commentaries are based upon his sermons, sparkles with clarity. There is a temptation to be clever in how one understands Scripture, at times reading things into God's Word that don't belong. In Ryken, the reader feels that he/she has grasped the simple meaning of the text and seen its manifold applications unfolded before his/her eyes, bringing conviction of sin and comfort in the Gospel.