Acts 1–9:42

This first instalment of Walton’s projected three-volume commentary is an outstanding contribution to the study of Acts. Walton combines detailed engagement with the Greek text, mastery of recent scholarship, careful historical judgment, literary sensitivity and substantial theological reflection while keeping the biblical text rather than scholarly debate at the centre. He writes with unusual clarity for a technical commentary and remains attentive to the significance of Acts for the church, making the volume useful to scholars, students and pastors alike. His interpretations are generally balanced and well argued, and he succeeds better than most technical commentators in integrating history and theology without reducing one to the other. The only major limitation is unavoidable: this volume covers only Acts 1:1–9:42, so the commentary cannot yet serve as a guide to the whole book. Judged within its published scope, however, it is among the finest available.