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Rating: 
Summary: Frustrating but informative
Review: Back when I was in Seminary I took a class on the Gospel of Luke where the instructor, instead of assigning a commentary as a textbook, instead had about a half dozen commentaries in the library on reserve. All students rotated between these commentaries before in class discussions on various texts. When reading Fitzmyer I was often frustrated by how long it takes for him to get to the point and how often he doesn't seem to make a firm stand on any meaning for the text. In fact, we had some rather negative things to say about his style...However, a funny thing happened when I got to class - on the days I had read Fitzmyer, I felt better prepared for the discussion than I was after reading most other commentaries. Fitzmyer communicates clearly most issues and points of view various interpreters have had with the text. He gives the information I needed to feel like I understood what is at issue in the text. At the end of class I picked his work for my library. He may not be the clearest at times. He may seem overly academic at times. On the other hand, he gives me the tools I need to work it out for myself.
Rating: 
Summary: The best part about this commentary is the Introduction.
Review: It's not that this isn't a helpful commentary. It's very good. But the exegesis is a little thin in places and there are more fanciful interpretations than one would like. It also seems to have a predisposition to being down on some of the historicity of the Gospel of Luke. But the introduction is great (even though it's starting to become rather dated!) This is no longer a first or second choice for Luke commentaries. I would get Bock and Nolland first. And Green's "The Theology of Luke" or Marshall's "Luke: Historian and Theologian."
Rating: 
Summary: A magisterial work, even-handed scholarship.
Review: Vol. 1 of a 2 vol. work, Fitzmyer gives the most thorough and well-balanced analysis,
explanation, and exegesis of Luke in print. Not a light
read, but it will pay continued dividends every time
you return to it. Historical and linguistic insights,
and very balanced "moderate" criticism. Enoromously
valuable footnotes and bibliographical references. There are more recent "Luke" studies, but Fitzmyer
will not be "dated" for many years.
Rating:
Summary: A magisterial work, even-handed scholarship.
Review: Vol. 1 of a 2 vol. work, Fitzmyer gives the most thorough and well-balanced analysis,explanation, and exegesis of Luke in print. Not a light read, but it will pay continued dividends every time you return to it. Historical and linguistic insights, and very balanced "moderate" criticism. Enoromously valuable footnotes and bibliographical references. There are more recent "Luke" studies, but Fitzmyer will not be "dated" for many years.
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