Colossians, Philemon

The NIV Application Commentary, New Testament #12

by David E. Garland

Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from the twentieth century to the first century. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. In other words, they focus on the original meaning of the passage but don't discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuable -- but the job is only half done! The NIV Application Commentary Series helps us with both halves of the interpretive task. This new and unique series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into a modern context. It explains not only what the Bible meant but also how it can speak powerfully today.

Genres: Christian, Reference, New Testament, Theology, Biblical Studies

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 1997

About the author

David Ellsworth Garland (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate dean for academic affairs and William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University. He is the author of numerous books, including award-winning commentaries on 1 Corinthians and Mark.

Reviews

[Eliot DeLorme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really solid commentary on Colossians. This one was a good companion to NT Wrights commentary as was a bit more in-depth and was heavier on application. I’ve appreciated the commentaries that I have read from Garland.

[Gerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed bag. Other NIV Application Commentary I have read were better by far.

[Troy Solava · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used this alongside of Doug Moo’s (Pillar) and Pao’s (ZECNT). This was I preferred Moo and Pao.

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful commentary for preachers, with a lot of illustrations and application ideas. Used extensively to provide study aides for our weekly Bible study as well.

[Teresa K Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent series, using to teach a sunday sch class

[Frans Kempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good commentary

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I didn't care for this commentary. Overall, the work was good. He had good exegesis and supported interpretative issues well. I disagreed with several of his conclusions. the most disappointing was some of the application sections as a result of his interpretative decisions, especially 2:16ff. It wasn't a bad commentary, it just wasn't a really good one.

[Marshall Walter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Handy tool to have. The NIV application commentaries provide a nice change of pace and do a good job living up to their name. Definitely a nice series to own in conjunction with some more thorough works.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed--I loved Garland's commentary on Mark, but this one was rather weak. Maybe I was expecting too much since his other one is so so good.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid commentary, blandly evangelical in its application.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was good.  The commentary on slavery in Philemon was as good as I've heard.

[Hopson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful commentary on Paul's letter to the Colossians. For Tim Challies' 2016 Reading Challenge, this was the commentary I read.