Matthew: The Christbook and the Churchbook

Bruner is exegetically insightful, historically engaging, and full of lovely quotes, thoughtful expressions, and brilliant turns of phrase. This commentary is a gold mine for the preacher and lay leader alike. [Full Review]

I have become a collector of commentaries ever since my seminary days in the 1990s. As such, I am only going to recommend the best overall commentary for each book of the Bible on this site. As to Matthew, I do not actually believe it is even close: Bruner stands out to me. I highly recommend you get his two volumes. You may not always agree with him, but you will be challenged by him. (I named my second son after Dr. Knox Chamblin because of the character and wisdom of that man, so you cannot go wrong with his two volume set through Mentor).

How many times have you purchased a commentary only to find out that either it was too technical and not very helpful for the sermon or that it lacked depth of exegesis and width of historical or contemporary scholarship? Not so with Dr. Bruner's commentaries which are great gifts to the Church and to her teachers and preachers. It's refreshing to hear Bruner interact with the text and the chorus of voices from the Church throughout the ages.