The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew

by Theophylact of Ohrid (Translator), Christopher Stade

This classic Orthodox commentary of the New Testament was written in about the year 1100 A.D. by a brilliant and saintly Byzantine churchman. His commentary has remained a primary text of New Testament interpretation throughout the Orthodox world of Greece, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Blessed Theophylact distills the teaching of the earlier Church Fathers, especially St. John Chrysostom, in language that is profound, powerful, and direct. Translated from the original Greek text.

Genres: Christianity, Theology

270 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1992

About the author

Theophylact of Ohrid (Greek Θεοφύλακτος, surname Ήφαιστος, Bulgarian Теофилакт Охридски, Serbian Теофилакт Охридски, also known as Theophylact of Bulgaria) (1055–1107) was a Greek archbishop of Ohrid and commentator on the Bible.

Reviews

[Monique Mathiesen]

So many interesting things presented in this commentary that I’d never thought of. Thoroughly enjoyed it, plus was easy to follow!

[DúviAurvandil Ericsson e Pereira]

Really excellent, short, and to-the-point commentary on the gospel of Matthew. Theophylact follows some themes throughout the gospel, but does not over burden the commentary with systemization and bird's-eye-views. If you need a quick look at a patristic viewpoint of a passage, this is a great resource.

[Signe]

The translation to English and publication of these commentaries by St. Theophylact of Ohrid were started by St Chrysostom Press. The translation and publication has been moved to St. Herman's Press. Word is that they currently have some copies and plan to start publishing again. I just ordered and received the Commentary on the Gospel of St Luke. Hardback copies are $26.00 USD. Paperback are $21.00 USD. (At the time of this review)

There are sellers on Amazon who are trying to charge upwards of $900.00 to $1,000.00 USD for a paperback copy of these books. Amazon refused to post my review that pointed out the price gouging going on while there is a lapse in publication.

St Theophylact (ca. 1050/60 - ca. 1108) was a Greek born clergyman who as a fairly young man was consecrated as a bishop and sent against his will to Bulgaria where he served for 25 years. Later Ochrid became part of the Serbian jurisdiction.

His exegesis are primarily based on the work of St John Chrysostom and other Church Fathers, however he does have original insight as well.

These are highly regarded Bible study texts.

[Kade]

Great book, and great Audible recording. The version I listened to was narrated by the Deacon Nathan Williams, and was eminently listenable. This is a book that I will need to re-read, probably multiple times, to fully grasp, but there was enough low-hanging fruit to keep it quite interesting. The author is obviously intimately familiar with the gospels, and often refers to what Luke, or Mark, or John says in the context of exhorting the reader not to be disheartened by some apparent contradiction--most of which apparent contradictions I had never even noticed. I highly recommend this book, and the Audible edition by Orthodox Christian Recorded Books, and I look forward to reading the author's explanations of the other Gospels.

[William Tu]

This is about as good as Hilary of Poitiers' "Commentary on Matthew". You can get this book (Explanation on Matthew by Theophylact) on Amazon as a Kindle book (e-book) for about a dollar.

[T B]

Truth unmarred by the reductionism of modernity.

[Laura Hargett]

Best commentary I ever read, used as companion to listening to Fr Evan on AFR.