Luke, Vol. 2

Expository Thoughts on the Gospels #4

by J.C. Ryle

Bishop Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were first issued in 1856 and immediately met with a warm welcome from evangelical Christians of all denominations. In the 20th century the growing popularity of Ryle's spiritual approach has led to three reprints of the series in ten years. The author did not prepare the work for scholars, but instead that the volumes were for family and private use. Like all his writings, they were intended to help the ordinary man and woman. "I have a strong conviction," he wrote, "that we want more reverent deep-searching study of the scriptures in the present day. Most Christians see nothing beyond the surface of the Bible when they read it. We want more clear knowledge of Christ, as a living person, a living priest, a living physician, a living friend, a living Saviour soon about to come again. Most Christians know little of Christianity but the skeleton of doctrines - I desire never to forget those two things: if I can do anything to make Christ and the Bible more honourable in these latter days, I shall be truly thankful and content."This volume covers the Gospel of Luke.

Genres: Christian, Biblical Studies, Theology, Nonfiction, Reference

395 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1858

About the author

(John Charles Ryle) Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas's, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have now finished re-reading all of J. C. Ryle's commentaries on the gospels. For sober exegesis, sound doctrine, and vital religion, they are hard to beat. I disagree with his premillennial interpretations and his hypothetical universalism, yet, even in relation to these points, it is useful to read his arguments so that you can intelligently disagree with them.

[Aaron Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of all my commentaries.

[Bob O'Bannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this second volume on the gospel of Luke I would say roughly the same thing I did in my review of Ryle's first volume on this gospel, which I wrote about in my review on April 4, 2023. Ryle is simply the master at getting to the main point and capturing the glory and greatness of Christ in a warm, worshipful and inspiring way. At the end of each section are more detailed exegetical notes for those wanting to dig deeper. This is a perfect devotional aid for daily Bible reading.

One thing I found interesting is how frequently Ryle offers a challenge to a postmillennial eschatology in this volume. For instance, he writes on page 178 of those who are "dreaming of universal conversion in the day of election. They are fancying that missionaries and ministers and schools will change the face of the world before the end comes. Let us beware of such mistakes." (similar critiques can be found on p.97,182,190,270). Of course this is not surprising since Ryle wrote his own book defending the premillennial view, but it suggests that the postmillennial view must have been pretty popular in Ryle's day. And it's worth noting that Ryle does acknowledge that the full number of God's elect "will probably far exceed in number those who are lost." (notes on p.101).

But we are not going to allow eschatological details to distract us too much. Bottom line is you can't go wrong reading J.C. Ryle.

NOTE: The edition of this book I read was the Banner’s 2012 retypeset version, not the one pictured above.

[Vaclav · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a delightful read as you ponder the Gospel of Luke.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have written reviews on the volumes of Matthew, Mark and the first half of Luke. The same thoughts continued in this volume. It is a great devotional while the notes provide more of a study/commentary on the reading. I have loved Ryle's focus on Christ and his encouragement to evaluate ourselves to make sure we continue our growth in Christ. His is a truly pastoral perspective and his care and love for people shines through. I look forward now to finishing the series in his 3 volumes on the book of John.

[Ian Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

See comments on "Expository Thoughts on Matthew's Gospel".

[Michael Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryle is always helpful in the application of the text.

[Jon Pentecost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for an example of exegetical rigor and heart-warming Christian devotion in one place? Take up and read.

Used in preaching Luke in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.

[Olanma Ogbuehi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended. Bishop Ryle, loves to show Christ to the people. He is determined that all should know the Saviour by hearing and believing the gospel. His commentary is full of wise pastoral insights to encourage, exhort, rebuke, teach and train us in righteousness as we pay attention to the words of this gospel. Your hearts will be warmed by the words and actions of King Jesus. To know Him is to love Him. He presents Jesus and explains his teachings; we are warned by them not to be hard-hearted and full of contempt and hatred for our Holy Saviour, because he exposes our sinful nature. We are called to turn in trust and repentance for the remission of our sins which Christ has paid through his suffering on the cross. Come and see! Taste and see that the Lord is good.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again JC Ryle’s commentary has filled my heart and soul with spiritual food and I cannot praise this book ; this series more! Every page if filled with devotional spiritual insight always directing the reader to continue in faith, read your Bible , pray.
JC Ryle is able to turn each passage into words of conviction , Hope , and comfort. I hope to always be reading this series until the Lord takes me home and I know with every read , and I have read this series multiple times , something new will be revealed .

[Reginald Detabali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my family almost every night and it has helped us see the gospel in its clearer application to our walk in our Christian life. This is too precious not to read.

[Kierkegaard's Pancakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended, as a commentary, reference tool and as a daily devotional. Ryle devoted a great part of his life to this series and he proves to be thoroughly Biblical, anti-liberal and well reasoned.

I'm a bit surprised this series of books isn't more popular... Perhaps the wordy titles and Victorian copyrights are throwing people off. Irregardless, Ryle is extremely readable and, surprising or not, he spends some of his time arguing against the liberal theologies and interpretations of his day, which is handy since they are the same fallacies we face today.

An added attraction is, the copyrights have run out and a printed version probably can be had for free, if not, a very kind volunteer over at LibriVox has made wonderful audio recordings of most if not all of the series.

I've been using these as devotionals and, when finished, will probably flip to the beginning and start the series anew.