Matthew

Saint Andrews Expositional Commentary #1

by R.C. Sproul

Over the course of three years, Dr. R. C. Sproul gave 128 sermons on the Gospel of Matthew, which have now been edited into this collection of memorable messages. Here is a substantial and practical commentary on the first book of the New Testament canon, one that will serve the church well and will be of great use in small-group settings, sermon preparation, or personal Bible study. Other volumes in the St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary series include Mark, John, Acts, Romans , and 1-2 Peter .

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction, New Testament, Reference, Christian

832 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2013

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edifying. Well worth your time and money.

[Carrie Brownell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was my goal to read through this in 2023. I worked my way right up to the last minute but it was quite worth it. About halfway through I ended up picking it up on Audible and finished it that way. RC Sproul has such an easy way of explaining the scripture and I appreciated his practical and in depth insights.

[Brynne B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ☆

Overall I found this commentary really enjoyable and helpful in understanding the details in the book of Matthew. There are a few chapters and/or interpretations that I strongly disagreed with. But I think we're all hard-pressed to find a commentary to which we would we agree on every word. Looking forward to reading the next commentary!

[Rod Innis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great commentary by a great author. I have read many of his books and have several others that I plan to read. I read his commentary on Romans and have not just finished this 766 page commentary on Matthew.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with every commentary is this series, this book is a gem. Every chapter includes the verse, and an expositional essay on it. The chapters are small and do not take long to read. Each one reads like a mini sermon. During the exposition the Scripture is in bold print, because it is the Scripture that takes center stage. The illustrations are kept to a minimum, but Sproul's story telling and sense of humor leap off of every page. Te man wrote his personality in every bit of prose. He alludes to other parts of Scripture, especially how Matthew differs from the other Gospels, but keeps the verse stated at the beginning of the chapter the main point. The only negative thing to say is that there were so few volumes in the set.

[Mark Lickliter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic R.C. in the pulpit. This is the 5th commentary that I have read in its entirety by Sproul. My only complaint is that he repeats the same stories that he uses in his lectures. I have heard the same ones over and over. I feel like I know what R.C. is going to say before he says it. Maybe I should take his cue and read the old dead guys (Edwards, Calvin, Luther) instead! Either way, I owe a lot to R.C., and I will work on his Romans commentary next!

[Jeff Schofield · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the other editions in this series, this was an excellent read. I learned a lot of really good stuff, but more importantly it drew me closer to Christ and helped me engage with the gospel more intimately.

[Debbie Brandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. Used this to supplement my study in Bible Study Fellowship.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book consists solely of sermons, which have been transcribed into book form. The audience was intended to be Sunday morning church goers; not readers, and it shows.

When I read a commentary, ideally I don't really need to read a mini altar call every other chapter. I don't need to be reminded to tithe every 10th chapter. It's not ideal for a reader when, for example, the chapter on fasting becomes a chapter on church attendance, because likely Sproul thought it was relevant to his audience, in the original context when the sermon was delivered. Big questions go unaddressed. It's very casual material, usually.

It's not bad, it just would have been better if it were book that had readers (not Sunday morning congregants) targeted as the primary audience.

[Des · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book as always by RC Sproul. I enjoyed chapter 115 “The Parable of Talents” which basically expanded and teaches Economics; talked about productivity - tools (as an important factor) - acquiring tools by profit (surplus capital) and talked about laziness that affects management, and delayed gratification. Of course, the entire book is truly worth reading. Each chapter brings conscious discipline.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent expositional commentary by RC Sproul. Highly recommended.

[Jason Sixsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m enjoying these Bible commentaries as they give fuller insight to the text and the times.

[Travis Daggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Sproul. Makes me miss him and wonder who will take his place.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edifying. Sproul's commentary is well-worth the read, as usual.