Acts (Interpretation : a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching)

Rating:
Summary: Acts
Review: This is a superb commentary! In fact, in twenty years of ministry, I've never even thought of reading a commentary cover to cover -- yet I couldn't stop myself with this one! I can't praise this enough: it conveys the excitement of the Early Church all the while making connections with today. Thank you Mr. Willimon!

Rating:
Summary: Acts
Review: This is a superb commentary! In fact, in twenty years of ministry, I've never even thought of reading a commentary cover to cover -- yet I couldn't stop myself with this one! I can't praise this enough: it conveys the excitement of the Early Church all the while making connections with today. Thank you Mr. Willimon!

Rating:
Summary: Uneven but often brilliant
Review: Very homiletical. Lyrical and smart. Theologically aware (if often Arminian and Neo-Orthodox -- expected for a United Methodist).

Not a verse by verse commentary. Willimon often takes overly large chunks (as much as 2-3 chapters) and gives thematic insights. Often these are highly original and brilliant. Just as often they use the text as a launching point for pet topics that are not central to the text.

No one should use this as your first overall commentary on Acts (John Stott is infinitely better for that). Certainly not the first commentary for technical matters either (try Bruce for that; or maybe Howard Marshall). Or even as the basic homiletical one (Kent Hughes is more consistent; even Boice is probably better most weeks). But it is a GREAT idea starter for the discerning reader. No preacher should be without it. One of the better volumes in the (highly uneven) Interpretation series.