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Pillar New Testament Commentary
The Acts of the Apostles (The Pillar New Testament Commentary
A new landmark in evangelical scholarship on the book of Acts.
Fifteen years in the making, this comprehensive commentary by David Peterson offers thorough exegesis and exposition of the Acts of the Apostles, drawing on recent scholarship in the fields of narrative criticism and theological analysis, incorporating insights into historical-social background, and investigating why Luke presents his material in the way he does.
In view of how long the book of Acts is -- over a thousand verses -- Peterson's commentary is admirably economical yet meaty. His judgments, according to Don Carson, are always "sane, evenhanded, and judicious." Even while unpacking exegetical details, Peterson constantly scans the horizon, keeping the larger picture in mind. With its solid exegesis, astute theological analysis, and practical contemporary application, Peterson's Acts of the Apostles is a commentary that preachers, teachers, and students everywhere will want and need.
Fifteen years in the making, this comprehensive commentary by David Peterson offers thorough exegesis and exposition of the Acts of the Apostles, drawing on recent scholarship in the fields of narrative criticism and theological analysis, incorporating insights into historical-social background, and investigating why Luke presents his material in the way he does.
In view of how long the book of Acts is -- over a thousand verses -- Peterson's commentary is admirably economical yet meaty. His judgments, according to Don Carson, are always "sane, evenhanded, and judicious." Even while unpacking exegetical details, Peterson constantly scans the horizon, keeping the larger picture in mind. With its solid exegesis, astute theological analysis, and practical contemporary application, Peterson's Acts of the Apostles is a commentary that preachers, teachers, and students everywhere will want and need.
846 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
David G. Peterson
13 books7 followersDavid Peterson was senior research fellow and lecturer in New Testament at Moore Theological College, Sydney, where he still teaches part time. He served as principal of Oak Hill College, London, from 1996 to 2007. His books include Engaging with God, Possessed by God (both IVP) and Hebrews and Perfection (Cambridge University Press).
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 13, 2017
Always helpful. Readable. Tied for most helpful commentator I used.
11 Commentaries I used cover to cover through an expositional series through the book of Acts. Of course, this ranking doesn't take into account that some that are lower were higher in specific ways, but all of these "made the cut" for me to spend the time each week to read.
1. Peterson, Schnabel, Polhill
2. Bock
3. Bruce
4. Kistemaker
5. Marhsall, Stott
6. MacArthur
7. Custer, Kent
11 Commentaries I used cover to cover through an expositional series through the book of Acts. Of course, this ranking doesn't take into account that some that are lower were higher in specific ways, but all of these "made the cut" for me to spend the time each week to read.
1. Peterson, Schnabel, Polhill
2. Bock
3. Bruce
4. Kistemaker
5. Marhsall, Stott
6. MacArthur
7. Custer, Kent
January 30, 2019
Quality writing and useful analysis. I found this work to be the most helpful as I prepared my sermons through the book of Acts. It is a technical commentary so there is plenty of Greek work and dealing with other scholars, but the flow never seemed to get bogged down. This will be my go-to for future Acts studies
September 29, 2022
very useful, particularly strong are his literary comments. together with Stott, the most helpful stuff.
January 24, 2015
Прекъсвам четенето при коментара на а11 глава. Рядко съм срещал толкова отегчителен коментар. Струва ми се, че същинската информация може да се събере на не повече от 1/4 от използваното място. Преминавам към коментара на Ф.Ф. Брус.
May 26, 2017
The Acts of the Apostles, is an Old Testament commentary, written by David G. Peterson published by Eerdmans. This commentary is one of the finest volumes in the Pillar New Testament Commentary Series with famed editor D.A. Carson, a series which is synonymous with superior exegesis and excellent application, this volume continues this legacy. This volume is one of the most articulate and practical modern commentaries on the book of Acts. While Peterson is no stranger to Biblical commentaries this is his first foray into this renowned commentary series.
The Acts of the Apostles, has three main sections the typical general introduction, and then followed by an group of insightful treaties on the theology of the book of Acts, followed by an exegetical commentary on Acts. With regard to the general introduction it is the typical study into the introductory matters of the book of Acts while demonstrating its place within scripture as a whole. The introduction is neither long nor relatively short at fifty pages, Peterson interacts with modern, older, and critical works. This is a serious scholarly work which dives into contextual as well as the as the different mythological approaches to study this book, a needed aspect when studying the book of Acts.
In reference to the commentary section on the text of this historical narrative, Peterson takes great care in carefully showing the original context of passage while applying it directly to the modern day reader. He also uses his the TNIV as a translation, something this whole series does, but also interacts with other translations and inserts his own translation when he differs with all other translations, which demonstrates his depth of knowledge of the text itself.
With regard of recommending in, Acts of the Apostles, to others I would whole heartily recommend this commentary to students of scripture, with one caveat. By this I mean I recommend this work to Pastors, Bible Teachers, Bible College Students, and to some extent Laymen, there is enough scholarly weight to this work to understand a particular issue in the text while giving aid to pastors in preaching the text. The caveat is to the laymen that is looking for a devotional commentary this is not a devotional type of commentary and it would be hard to use it as such. There are many commentaries about the book of Acts available at this moment but Acts of the Apostles of the Pillar New Testament Commentary series is one of the greatest treatments on the Biblical book that has ever been.
This book was provided to me free of charge from Eerdmans in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
The Acts of the Apostles: Pillar New Testament Commentary
© 2009 by David G. Patterson
Publisher: Eerdmans
Page Count: 846 Pages
ISBN: 978-0802837318
The Acts of the Apostles, has three main sections the typical general introduction, and then followed by an group of insightful treaties on the theology of the book of Acts, followed by an exegetical commentary on Acts. With regard to the general introduction it is the typical study into the introductory matters of the book of Acts while demonstrating its place within scripture as a whole. The introduction is neither long nor relatively short at fifty pages, Peterson interacts with modern, older, and critical works. This is a serious scholarly work which dives into contextual as well as the as the different mythological approaches to study this book, a needed aspect when studying the book of Acts.
In reference to the commentary section on the text of this historical narrative, Peterson takes great care in carefully showing the original context of passage while applying it directly to the modern day reader. He also uses his the TNIV as a translation, something this whole series does, but also interacts with other translations and inserts his own translation when he differs with all other translations, which demonstrates his depth of knowledge of the text itself.
With regard of recommending in, Acts of the Apostles, to others I would whole heartily recommend this commentary to students of scripture, with one caveat. By this I mean I recommend this work to Pastors, Bible Teachers, Bible College Students, and to some extent Laymen, there is enough scholarly weight to this work to understand a particular issue in the text while giving aid to pastors in preaching the text. The caveat is to the laymen that is looking for a devotional commentary this is not a devotional type of commentary and it would be hard to use it as such. There are many commentaries about the book of Acts available at this moment but Acts of the Apostles of the Pillar New Testament Commentary series is one of the greatest treatments on the Biblical book that has ever been.
This book was provided to me free of charge from Eerdmans in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
The Acts of the Apostles: Pillar New Testament Commentary
© 2009 by David G. Patterson
Publisher: Eerdmans
Page Count: 846 Pages
ISBN: 978-0802837318
June 27, 2019
This is a very good, solid commentary on Acts. D A Carson says that it is one of the best and the one he recommends the most. If you have a question on what something means, Peterson probably has an answer. However, nothing really sticks out as amazing or memorable. Not many "wow" moments when you read something you've never thought of before. It is a great reference book. In my top 3, but it just seemed to be missing something.
May 24, 2024
Very clear in its presentation of technical details and helpful for preaching.
May 4, 2013
Fantastic exegetical commentary that every pastor working through Acts would significantly benefit from studying. I certainly did.
March 30, 2017
David Peterson has produced one of the most outstanding commentaries we have on the book of Acts today. If you judge this commentary on the basis of its Introduction, it’s theology, and its commentary on the text, you will see that it is a winner across the board. To my mind, it is one of two in the exegetical commentary category that could be labeled “must have” today. Mr. Peterson has outdone himself in giving us a conservative, quality commentary on this critically important book of the Bible. This commentary stands high in the revered Pillar New Testament Commentary series.
His Introduction is ideal and one of the best I’ve seen on any New Testament book of the Bible. It covers all the usual topics with surprising depth. After a lengthy select bibliography, Mr. Peterson begins his Introduction discussing authorship and date. He explains well why Luke should be accepted as the author and finds a date in the 60-70s as sensible. In his discussion of genre, he looks at the unity of Luke and Acts and surveys the ancient literary models for this book. When he discusses sources, he emphasizes Luke’s eyewitness material. He is adept at explaining rhetoric and historical reliability as well.
Next, he provides a section on character, structure, and purpose. He sees the book of Acts as a theological history and says, “the narrative of Acts unfolds geographically and focuses on the ministry of key individuals within each context”. As you would expect, he draws in how the narrative is dominated by speeches and what he calls a narrative of fulfillment. As for structure, he sees the Word of God progressing through the book. In the section on interpretive issues he points out many of the editorial techniques that you will find in this book, as well as patterns of repetition. His section on textual matters is brief.
Next, he provides a large, warm, and outstanding section on the theology of Acts. He discusses God and His plan, Jesus as Messiah and Lord, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the Gospel, the atoning work of Jesus, witness and mission, miracles, the demonic, and the church. This section is impressively done and is the best I’ve seen on this book.
The commentary proper is full at over 600 pages and Mr. Peterson continues the quality of writing that we found in the theology section of the Introduction. You will not be disappointed.
Again, this is one of the two best exegetical commentaries on the book of Acts that I’ve encountered. This book will be a heavyweight acquisition for your library and I highly recommend it.
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.
His Introduction is ideal and one of the best I’ve seen on any New Testament book of the Bible. It covers all the usual topics with surprising depth. After a lengthy select bibliography, Mr. Peterson begins his Introduction discussing authorship and date. He explains well why Luke should be accepted as the author and finds a date in the 60-70s as sensible. In his discussion of genre, he looks at the unity of Luke and Acts and surveys the ancient literary models for this book. When he discusses sources, he emphasizes Luke’s eyewitness material. He is adept at explaining rhetoric and historical reliability as well.
Next, he provides a section on character, structure, and purpose. He sees the book of Acts as a theological history and says, “the narrative of Acts unfolds geographically and focuses on the ministry of key individuals within each context”. As you would expect, he draws in how the narrative is dominated by speeches and what he calls a narrative of fulfillment. As for structure, he sees the Word of God progressing through the book. In the section on interpretive issues he points out many of the editorial techniques that you will find in this book, as well as patterns of repetition. His section on textual matters is brief.
Next, he provides a large, warm, and outstanding section on the theology of Acts. He discusses God and His plan, Jesus as Messiah and Lord, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the Gospel, the atoning work of Jesus, witness and mission, miracles, the demonic, and the church. This section is impressively done and is the best I’ve seen on this book.
The commentary proper is full at over 600 pages and Mr. Peterson continues the quality of writing that we found in the theology section of the Introduction. You will not be disappointed.
Again, this is one of the two best exegetical commentaries on the book of Acts that I’ve encountered. This book will be a heavyweight acquisition for your library and I highly recommend it.
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.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews