The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians (New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Rating:
Summary: Expounding the essentials
Review: In these admirable but relatively brief commentaries on Colossians and Ephesians (each is 190 pages or so) the late, great F.F. Bruce manages to say a great deal. Verse by verse, with discernment and economy of words, he weaves a web of exposition and theology. Brevity is achieved by applying in general what he writes specifically in connection with Eph. 3:18, that "it would be pointless to examine all the interpretations that have been offered." He does not dwell much on critical questions, either; but with a mature understanding of the texts Bruce has focused his attention on expounding their essential meaning. Satisfactory detail is provided by the footnotes, which treat textual issues, Greek words and phrases, the (often divergent) viewpoints of other scholars, and give Biblical and bibliographic references. The introduction to the commentary on Colossians includes good background information on the "Colossian heresy." One notable feature of the main text is Bruce's drawing parallels throughout to the other writings of Paul; it is remarkable how often he finds occasion to refer to Romans, for example (specially in the case of Ephesians). As he rightly points out (p. 326), "Paul is his own best interpreter." While many scholars doubt that Paul was the author of Ephesians and, to a lesser degree, of Colossians, Bruce's cited parallels of thought and language leave little doubt that these letters are thoroughly Pauline, whoever the actual author(s) may have been if not Paul himself. There are recognizable similarities between Colossians and Ephesians, but which one depends on the other and to what extent is not clear and has been the subject of much debate. Having commentaries on them in one volume, by one author, with one exegetical approach makes the comparison of parallel verses/expressions/thoughts convenient and instructive, even if it does not resolve the debate. That commentary on the short letter to Philemon is included too is a plus, not least because of the letter's association with Colossians at more than one point.

Rating:
Summary: Thorough
Review: Since I started seminary, I've enjoyed F.F. Bruce's commentaries. Having started a study of the letter to the Colossians, I've consulted this commentary extensively. His insight and text critical footnotes help the reader to get a better grasp of the content and meaning of this letter. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Thorough
Review: Since I started seminary, I've enjoyed F.F. Bruce's commentaries. Having started a study of the letter to the Colossians, I've consulted this commentary extensively. His insight and text critical footnotes help the reader to get a better grasp of the content and meaning of this letter. Highly recommended.