Matthew’s Gospel shows that Jesus was Israel’s king and long-awaited Messiah. In Insights on Matthew 1–15 , Chuck Swindoll explores the announcement, arrival, proclamation, and reception of the king. Chuck’s deep insight, signature easygoing style, and humor bring a warmth and practical accessibility not often found in commentaries.
The 15-volume Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary series draws on 13-time Christian Book Award winner Chuck Swindoll’s more than 50 years of studying and preaching God’s Word. Each volume includes both the NLT and NASB translations of the Bible, verse-by-verse commentary, charts, maps, photos, key terms, and background articles with practical application. A must-have for pastors, teachers, and anyone else who is seeking a deeply practical resource for exploring God’s Word.
Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.
I love Charles Swindoll’s Living Insights books. It contains the Bible passages in two translations and then commentary on it. It’s broken down into sections. He tells background info on the culture so it makes the Bible come alive with understanding. Highly recommended.
Charles Swindoll's Living Insight books are easy to read and give you a teaching on each book of the New Testament from a pastor's point of view.
When needed, Swindoll will add maps, explain historically what was going on at the time, the ancient cultural norms, and even an explanation of greek words for clarification.
Each 'chapter' is about 10 pages long (8-10 pages) and systematically takes on logical chunks of Matthew. (Same for his other books)
I have found if you read his books like a devotional; one chapter per night, depending on your reading speed you will spend about 10 to 15 minutes each evening and in about a month or so, you will be through the book and on to the next one.
The books are formatted with each chapter beginning with the bible verses he will be discussing. He uses both the NASB (A more literal translation) and the NLT (A more thought for thought flowing translation)
He then has a paragraph of overall thoughts, followed by a verse-by-verse explanation, after which he finishes the chapter with the application (Because he is a pastor)
In some chapters, he will also add an excursus when needed, such as a brief explanation of who the Pharisees were, as well as maps and occasionally thoughts from his diary when they apply.
Overall this is a great book for those looking to have a better understanding of Matthew.
For those who are looking for a better understanding of the old testament, you might try Dr. Bill Creasy's audible recordings of his 7-year bible course. Begin with Genesis and keep going. (Most of the courses are pretty cheap, so buy with money instead of an audible credit) He does much of what Charles Swindoll does but in an Audible format instead of book form.
On a side note, these books are a great companion for those who are currently attending a weekly bible study, the combination of these books and a group discussion go well together.
Chuck Swindoll’s Living Insights commentaries are phenomenal. He breaks down the Word in small bites, explains background, history, culture and biblical language in a way that the average reader can understand. He highlights the character of God throughout the pages and ends each section with reflective application. Can’t get any better than that! I’m so grateful for his diligent work in understanding the Word of God.
I really love this series, explaining the new testament books to me, with explaining words, containing maps, background information about the country and culture. The books about Matthew don't only show me that Jesus is the King, the long awaited Messiah, but also that He is truly human. That He understands what we, including me, are going through. That He truly understands what we experience, and still He choose to sacrifice Himself. Matthew and the teachings from this books are teaching me how great and awesome my God is. It makes me feel humble in His presence.