Luke 1-5 MacArthur New Testament Commentary

MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

A doctrinally precise, intensely practical study of the first five chapters in Luke's Gospel. In this accessible and comprehensive commentary, MacArthur provides a verse-by-verse exposition of the text, accounts for its cultural and theological context, and addresses interpretive challenges and differing views while celebrating its unique treasures---including the fullest account of Christ's birth. 372 pages, hardcover from Moody.

Genres: Reference, Christianity

384 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6, 2007

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Joyce Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the 6th book in the MacArthur New Testament Commentary, and like the other 5, it was a great study. Easy to understand, yet full of depth and details that are fascinating. I've never read any commentary that was as helpful as these have been. I'm anxious to begin the next book of the series.

[Lucas Nosal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent commentary on the first five chapters of the book of Luke. I love Johnny Mac, and am extremely thankful for his teaching and ministry. For me to give him a 3 star when I line up my skills, wisdom, knowledge and experience with his, seems somewhat wrong. But even Johnny Mac doesn't produce 5 star books every time.

The good things about the commentary were: 1) It is a conservative commentary. There is no "did this miracle actually happen" garbage that you see in some of the critical commentaries. It is also a pastoral commentary, so helped a little bit in the application area.

The things I didn't like so much were: 1) It wasn't a very interesting commentary to read. I found the introductions pretty dull, the explanations of the text didn't seem very deep, and sometimes I would even skip a passage or two because I didn't think there would be much to offer. 2) It is a pastoral commentary, but it isn't "very pastoral". I think there could have been more application in the text and relating to contemporary issues people in the church might be dealing with.

Overall, the commentary isn't academically strong enough nor pastoral enough, and for that reason, I probably wouldn't recommend this commentary for the book of Luke. There are better ones out there that offer much more in their differing areas.

[Michael Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

MacArthur is always worth reading, but I especially enjoyed consulting his sermons on Luke while I was preaching through that wonderful Gospel account.

[Jon Anderson]

For sermon series on Luke 3-6 in Fall 2023

[Daniel Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing commentary on Luke 1-5