Customer Reviews

Colossians and Philemon: The Supremacy of Christ (Preaching the Word)

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This expositional commentary is helpful for pastors. Hughes' ability to be concise is a lesson and a tool. Additionally, Hughes salts his books with so many illustrations you almost have to have this just for this purpose!

I have quickly come to appreciate this series of commentaries/sermons as a great help in my sermon preparation from week to week, and for my own edification. I greatly appreciate the basic commitments of this series: that the Church should take Scripture seriously (their view on Scripture is solidly evangelical), and that verse-by-verse exposition and application is a phenomenal--if not the primary--way of engaging people with God's revelation and will.

Among the books in this series I have read, this one may not be the most helpful. Most every chapter was very helpful in gaining understanding of the text, and ways in which they may apply to the contemporary Christian. But there were times when chapters were predicable, though by no means unbiblical.

As a series I heartily recommend Preaching the Word, and if you are looking for a good "application" resource on Colossians and Philemon, this would be a great addition to your shelf.

I have purchased most of the commentaries in the Preach the Word Series, and I have found them to be theologically sound, doctrinally rich, and very practical. As I pastor seeking to teach the whole council of God's word in a way that would allow people to learn doctrine and apply its truth to their daily lives, this series has proven to be invaluable!

I found few chapters to be enjoyable. First, Mr. Hughes seems confused about the background. He refers to Gnosticism, which he seems to have gleaned from other commentaries, then occasionally he mentions Jewish syncretists who combined Judaism with other rituals, knowledge, & secrets, emphasizing knowledge. The background message is sometimes clear and at times confused. NT Wright's commentary on Colossians is much more clear, has more clear background theories, and has support for them, unlike this book.

There were many illustrations of his points, but little clarity on the text. He seems to have read much material, but done little reading of Colossians on his own. The book reads like many disaggregated thoughts, where confusion reigns. Occasionally, there were some good chapters...for example Col 3:16 on the fullness of the word, was a good chapter.

Most chapters are 6-7 pages, with half the material his illustrations. So, there is very little exegesis of the text. I bought the text for a class, and expected exegesis of the text, but I got illustrations. This book is poorly organized, and not a commentary. It should be titled: "Illustrations for preaching Colossians".

I regret purchasing the text, & having to read this text. I would rather read NT Wright, or FF Bruce on Colossians. This is not a top five text for Colossians...I don't think it would rank in the top 20 of commentaries for Colossians. If you want background material and or exegesis of the text, buy NT Wright's book on Colossians & or FF Bruce's book.

Mr. Hughes is a series editor for 17 books. He should have done more research, organized it, and then written this book, and utilized an editor himself.

Another solid installment from Kent Hughes from his Preaching the Word series. Not a technical work but that's not its aim. It's eminently practical and filled with helpful illustrations. F. F. Bruce's Colossians commentary (part of The New International Commentary of the New Testament series) is a fine complement from a technical/exegetical standpoint.

Bottom line... as an aid for teaching, preaching, or simply personal study of this glorious epistle on the supremacy and sufficiency of our Savior, this is an excellent resource.

Colossians and Philemon by R. Kent Hughes is a great Bible study tool explaining Paul's purpose for writing to the first century Colossians. But it's not merely an historical account and his main purpose is to show the relevance of this epistle to modern man. This he does beautifully through his exceptional antecdotes which lend clarity to the book.

This is the best book I have ever read on the book of Colossians. The writer has a deep insight on the Christ set forth in this book. He explains very clearly the absolute deity of Jesus Christ as the sole expression of God to us in this age.
Wimbly J Hankins