Genesis 1-11:26: The Christian Standard Commentary

by Kenneth A. Mathews

Genesis 1–11:26  is part of The Christian Standard Commentary (CSC) series. This commentary series focuses on the theological and exegetical concerns of each biblical book, thoughtfully balancing rigorous scholarship with practical application. 
 
This series helps the reader understand each biblical book’s theology, its place in the broader narrative of Scripture, and its importance for the church today. Drawing on the wisdom and skills of dozens of evangelical authors, the CSC is a tool for enhancing and supporting the life of the church.
 
The author of Genesis 1–11:26  is Kenneth A. Mathews.

656 pages, Hardcover

Published June 15, 2023

Reviews

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad that Kenneth Mathews’ work in the NAC series has been imported and updated here in the Christian Standard Commentary (CSC) series. I just happened to be doing some work in these early chapters of Genesis and found this volume a godsend. It gave me such tangible help, even providing that help at every point I needed without exception.

Just like the Isaiah entry in this series, we will have to wait on volume two. Don’t wait, though, to get volume 1. It’s that good. Genesis is so foundational to the entire Bible that we simply must get our bearings straight. That’s what this volume will do for you. Genesis 1-11 is a natural unit anyway.

To my point, this volume gives great help on structure. I would argue that structure is exceptionally vital here. Both in the Introduction and then throughout the text that aid is rendered. For what it’s worth I’d say the structure points are right on in this volume.

The Introduction is a success. For sure it addresses what I like to see rather than the speculative stuff that’s of no substantial value. The place of Genesis in the Pentateuch is thoroughly developed with even more structural insight. Finally, the theology section does what it’s supposed to and somehow summarizes everything else the Introduction suggested.

The commentary proper was outstanding, consistent, and never lost sight of the big picture. Again, it helped me on several tricky passages.

This one is a must-have!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[JR Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great semi-technical commentary on Genesis. I say semi-technical because the author avoids extended commentary on textual-critical issues, keeps things to a mostly English discussion, and also declines to move from historical-literary/theological message to contemporary application. Therefore, unless the reader is already familiar with Genesis and its theological message, and able to apply it already, they will need to supplement this commentary with something more praxis-focused.

But, in terms of its stated aims and scope, this commentary is fantastic. I especially appreciated Matthews' exegesis of the literary features of Genesis 1-11. He saves extended discussion about Germaine issues of science, creation-days, historical Adam, etc. for an "Excursus" section in the back, taking up about 110 pages of text. I skipped most of these, but read 489 pages of commentary.

I eagerly anticipate the revision of his 12-50 commentary, which should come out in the next couple of years by Holman.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough and academic. I appreciate the author’s high view of Scripture and his approach to Genesis as a unified text rather than continually going down the rabbit hole of source criticism/the historical-reconstruction of the Pentateuch.

[Joey Dutcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary!!