The Gospel of Luke (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "The purpose of this first introductory section is to identify,explain, and, to a lesser degree, defend the interpretive approach of this commentary..." (more)
Key Phrases: own discourse situation, patronal ethics, regal prophet, Third Gospel, Son of Man, Gospel of Luke (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This highly original commentary, part of the New International Commentary, is unique for the way it combines concerns with first-century culture in the Roman world with understanding the text of Luke as a wholistic, historical narrative.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 928 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802823157
• ISBN-13: 978-0802823151
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #16,761 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Holistic, scholarly, and readable, March 23, 2007

By	Matthew Gunia (Justice, Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Joel Green, a professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky, writes this commentary from a Methodist perspective. His commentary resembles narrative-criticism. That is to say, Green does not necessarily concern himself with a critique of the textual evidence, nor does he examine the "sources behind the text," nor does he speculate about any "Lukan Community," he doesn't even address whether the events contained in Luke actually happened. Instead he gives a scholarly analysis of Luke by treating it as a purposefully written, carefully constructed, unified narrative account. The resulting commentary shows Luke's portrayal of Jesus as the perfectly obedient Messiah who breaks social barriers, blesses the unlovable, and irrevocably/violently divides all peoples.

In so doing, he does a masterful job of showing Luke's major themes (leitmotifs) manifesting themselves throughout Luke and shows how Luke carefully constructs his narrative for maximum effect. While he makes a strong argument that Luke and Acts (both written by Luke) were always intended to be read in light of one another, he makes few connections with other New Testament books. The result is that Green allows Luke to speak for himself; no attempt is made to matrix Luke with Paul, John, Matthew, etc. However, Green does contextualize Luke as he critiques it from both the perspective of Roman society and from the perspective of Second Temple Judaism. During the many meal scenes Luke relates, Green shows how they parallel Roman symposium meals. He also pays close attention to the dominant Roman social network of benefactors and vessels. Each of these examinations draws out meanings in Luke that are normally lost when read through 21st century Western eyes. Green also emphasizes the Jewish notion of cleanliness versus uncleanliness, Jewish-Roman relations, and shows how Luke relies heavily on the Old Testament. Each of these also help the reader in understanding Luke's message. Especially appreciated by this reader is the Green's efforts to make clear Luke's continual connections between Jesus and Moses/Jesus and Elijah.

The negative aspects of Green's commentary are relatively minor but should be mentioned. In his narrative, Green prefers to use a multi-syllabic, uncommon word where more common words would be more beneficial for the reader. Green, writing as a Methodist, views Baptism and Holy Communion as symbolic and thus Sacramentalists will find his comments on certain passages (Jesus' baptism, the Last Supper) lacking. While Green shows that Jesus and Luke are very concerned about eschatology, Green does not show a systematic/unified teaching of eschatology in Luke/Acts. Finally, devotionally, Green emphasizes sanctification (righteous living and attitudes) as opposed to the faith that naturally produces such attitudes. The overall feel is "act like Jesus" as opposed to "believe in Jesus." While this commentary is not necessarily intended to be devotional in nature, the places where application is pointed out, the outcome is emphasized over and above the source.

Nevertheless, these criticisms are minor and should not detract the reader from absorbing and enjoying this excellent commentary on Luke's Gospel. In the author's preface, Green thanks his family who can look forward to "conversations that do *not* turn so quickly to Luke!" Green's dedication to the text, his depth of thought, and his hard work are evident and edifying. Highly recommended.

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Commentary, December 29, 2000

By	James D. Dvorak (Edmond, OK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Contrary to another review, this book is not the least bit uneven. When the editors/publisher of this series decided to revise several of the commentaries within it, I was so glad to hear that J. B. Green was authoring the volume on Luke.

I have read many articles and dictionary entries by Dr. Green on Luke-Acts and interpretation in general. They are all fantastic. This commentary is no exception. I really appreciate his section in the introduction on How to Interpret Luke, as well as his attention to interpreting narrative in general. He is very articulate, even on the difficult passages of Luke.

This fresh commentary on Luke is a must buy!

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars None Better, February 6, 2004

By	John D. White "camsterdad" (Cayce, South Carolina United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Green's commentary on Luke's Gospel provides a model for the biblical commentator. Thorough, well written, orthodox, evangelical--and marvelously helpful for the pastor who faces Sunday constantly--wanting and needing something worthwhile to say, Green's commentary is a helpful ally. Green's commentary here is among the best on Luke's gospel, if not the best. As a pastor who has almost every commentary on Luke's gospel written in the last several years, Green's is by far among the cream of the crop. If you have a limited budget and can only purchase one book on Luke's gospel, this is the one to purchase for your library.