Derek W. H. Thomas

Derek W. H. Thomas

Derek W. H. Thomas is a Reformed pastor and theologian known for his teaching, writing, and editorial work. He is currently the senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC and Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. The reviews and recommendations on this site under his name are drawn from the "Recommended" commentaries listed in his The Essential Commentaries for a Preacher's Library (2nd ed.; updated with John Tweeddale), published by First Pres Press and used with permission.
Occupation Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary
Education PhD (University of Wales)

Libraries

Reviews

Hendriksen, William. More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation. Baker Books, 1998.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 21, 2008
Very accessible and readable. The opening section is crucial reading for interpreting apocalyptic literature. Amillennial.
Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation. NIGTC. Eerdmans, 1998.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 21, 2008
A monumental and comprehensive work. Amillennial.
Moo, Douglas J. James. TNTC. Eerdmans, 2007.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 21, 2008
Not as thorough as his Pillar Commentary.
Owen, John. Hebrews. CCC. Crossway, 1998.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 21, 2008
A lifetime accomplishment. One of the finest and most exhaustive expositions ever written. The story is told that upon completion Own is said to have exclaimed, "Now my work is done; it is time to die!"
Lincoln, Andrew T. Ephesians. WBC. Thomas Nelson, 1990.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 21, 2008
This is regarded as one of the best commentaries on Ephesians despite the face that Lincoln does not think Paul wrote it! For discerning readers only, then.
Hodge, Charles. Ephesians. CCC. Crossway, 1994.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 21, 2008
Still one of the best commentaries to turn to and the most reliable guide to put into the hands of the average reader.
Ryken, Philip Graham. Galatians. REC. P&R Publishing, 2005.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 21, 2008
A model commentary: expositional, pastoral, confessional, and Christological.
George, Timothy. Galatians. NAC. Broadman & Holman, 1994.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 21, 2008
A wonderful commentary written by an accomplished church historian who shows himself an able biblical scholar.
Pratt Jr., Richard L. I and II Corinthians. HNTC. Broadman & Holman, 2000.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
A nice blend of exposition, theology, and application.
Pratt Jr., Richard L. I and II Corinthians. HNTC. Broadman & Holman, 2000.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
A nice blend of exposition, theology, and application.
Schreiner, Thomas R. Romans. BECNT. Baker Academic, 1998.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
Coupled with Murray on the one hand and Moo on the other, you will gain a firm exegetical and theological grasp of a text. Note that since his commentary, Schreiner has changed his view from seeing righteousness as 'transformative' to 'forensic,' see Paul: Apostle of God's Glory in Christ (Downers Grove; IVP, 2001), p. 192.n2.
Murray, John. The Epistle to the Romans. 2 Vols. NICNT. Eerdmans, 1965.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
Though replaced by Moo, this ranks as one of the finest Reformed commentaries ever written. Murray was a master exegete and brilliant systematician. Every shelf should have a copy of this commentary.
Moo, Douglas J. The Epistle to the Romans. NICNT. Eerdmans, 1996.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
A colossal commentary (over a thousand pages!). Moo's interpretation of Romans 7 is definitely not recommended; nevertheless, his commentary has already become a standard and has more to offer than Cranfield. See his contribution on Romans in the New Bible Commentary, 21st edition for shorter treatment.
Bruce, F. F. The Book of Acts (Rev. ed.). NICNT. Eerdmans, 1988.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
A classic. Strong on history and more accessible than his Greek commentary [1990, IVP].
Bock, Darrell L. Luke. NIVAC. Zondervan, 1996.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
Yes, a third commentary on Luke! This will be the most helpful for application.
Bock, Darrell L. Luke. IVPNTC. InterVarsity Press, 1995.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
A smaller version of [his BECNT work].
Bock, Darrell L. Luke. 2 Vols. BECNT. Baker Academic, 1994.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
Bock is a preeminent scholar on Luke. These two gigantic commentaries are to be preferred to Marshall. There is a great deal of theological comment in these volumes which make them very useful for sermon preparation. However, Bock does not always come down on one side in issues of controversy. He is a progressive dispensationalist.
Robertson, O. Palmer. The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1990.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
A masterfully done commentary. Nicely weds a redemptive-historical hermeneutic with a pastor's touch.
Robertson, O. Palmer. The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1990.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
A masterfully done commentary. Nicely weds a redemptive-historical hermeneutic with a pastor's touch.
Robertson, O. Palmer. The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1990.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
A masterfully done commentary. Nicely weds a redemptive-historical hermeneutic with a pastor's touch.
Stuart, Douglas; Stuart, Douglas; Stuart, Douglas; Stuart, Douglas; Stuart, Douglas. Hosea–Jonah. WBC. Thomas Nelson, 1987.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 20, 2008
Gomer is presented typically as a harlot because she is a member of wayward Israel not because she was immoral. Clever but not convincing! Nevertheless, a very good commentary.
Goldingay, John. Daniel. WBC. Thomas Nelson, 1989.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
Despite a 2nd century date and viewing the visions as pseudonymous 'quasi-prophecy,' deals ably with the text.
Block, Daniel I. The Book of Ezekiel. 2 Vols. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1998.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
Technical and thorough. However, his 'Theological Implications' are proportionally brief. Though a wealth of information, a busy pastor may find Duguid a more helpful tool.
Ryken, Philip Graham. Jeremiah and Lamentations: From Sorrow to Hope. PtW. Crossway, 2001.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
A superb commentary. Includes a helpful index of sermon illustrations.
Thompson, John A. The Book of Jeremiah. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1980.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
Provides much more detailed exegetical and historical discussions than Ryken. The two compliment each other nicely.
Young, Edward J. The Book of Isaiah. 3 Vols. Eerdmans, 1969.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
Young has now been replaced in the NICOT series by John N. Oswalt, a sensible commentary worth consulting, but is still preferred.
Motyer, J. Alec. The Prophecy of Isaiah. InterVarsity Press, 1998.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
A heavier and more detailed study than his commentary in the TOTC.
Longman III, Tremper. The Book of Ecclesiastes. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1997.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
Takes Qohelet as 'a type of pseudonym.' Maintains two speakers 1) Qohelet (1:12-12:7) and 2) an unnamed individual (1:1-11 and 12:8-14). Interesting but too idiosyncratic.
Bridges, Charles. Ecclesiastes. GEN. Banner of Truth, 1981.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
Bridges was a first -class scholar and pastor. Though dates, his keen exegesis and searching application show that commentaries can be both scholarly and practical.
Waltke, Bruce K. The Book of Proverbs. 2 Vols. NICOT. Eerdmans, 2005.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
A lifetime achievement. This historio-grammatical commentary is sure to set the standard for commentaries on Proverbs for years to come. A definitive work.
Bridges, Charles. Proverbs. CCC. Crossway, 1846.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
Bridges was a first -class scholar and pastor. Though dates, his keen exegesis and searching application show that commentaries can be both scholarly and practical.
Plumer, William S. Studies in the Book of Psalms. J.B. Lippincott, 1866.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
Still one of the best. Especially helpful are his 'doctrinal and practical remarks.'
Craigie, Peter C.; Tate, Marvin E. Psalms 1–50 (2nd ed.). WBC. Thomas Nelson, 2004.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
These volumes are uneven in quality and orthodoxy. Craigie does not accept the imprecations in the psalms as inspired: "These psalms are not the oracles of God." p. 41. See War Psalms of the Prince of Peace, below, for a good treatment of the imprecations of the Psalms. These three volumes from the Word Biblical Commentary are included because of the great deal of modern research in psalm genre this century. A modern commentary is, therefore, essential. But little sermonic help will be found in these volumes.
Allen, Leslie C. Psalms 101–150 (Rev. ed.). WBC. Thomas Nelson, 2002.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
This commentary has serious weaknesses in setting the psalms in a New Testament context.
Clines, David J. A. Job. 3 Vols. WBC. Thomas Nelson, 2009.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
This is the most comprehensive commentary on Job 1-20 available. Volumes 2 and 3 are still pending. Clines deserves to be read thoroughly, though there are times when he is irritatingly defensive on Christological implications in the 'big' texts in Job. For a summary, consult his commentary in the New Bible Commentary, 21st Century Edition, pp. 459-484.
Duguid, Iain M. Esther and Ruth. REC. P&R Publishing, 2005.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
Look for this series to set the standard for reformed, expository commentaries.
Baldwin, Joyce G. Esther. TOTC. InterVarsity Press, 1984.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
A short commentary; pays close attention to literary and historical aspects.
Kidner, Derek. Ezra and Nehemiah. TOTC. InterVarsity Press, 1981.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
Succinct. Helpful appendices on historical matters.
Fensham, F. Charles. The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1983.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
A serious commentary; takes a traditional approach to dating, theology, etc.
Pratt Jr., Richard L. 1 and 2 Chronicles: A Mentor Commentary. Ment. Mentor, 2006.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
Excellent! Keeps the theology of the text central. Identifies 28-major biblical-theological motifs.
Dillard, Raymond B. 2 Chronicles. WBC. Thomas Nelson, 1987.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 19, 2008
Masterful exegesis. His interaction with Samuel-Kings and Chronicles is thorough; however, you may be left wanting for application of the text.
Baldwin, Joyce G. 1 and 2 Samuel. TOTC. IVP Academic, 2008.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 17, 2008
This is a brief commentary, but other commentaries, e.g. the two by Klein and Anderson in the Word Biblical Commentary Series, are heavily into text and literary criticism and have very little to help busy preachers.
Hubbard, Jr., Robert L. The Book of Ruth. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1989.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 17, 2008
A substantial commentary in size and achievement.
Duguid, Iain M. Esther and Ruth. REC. P&R Publishing, 2005.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 17, 2008
Look for this series to set the standard for reformed, expository commentaries.
Davis, Dale Ralph. Judges: Such a Great Salvation. FB. Christian Focus, 2000.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 17, 2008
An exemplary "theo-centric exposition" - full of anecdotes and applications. Those looking for more background information, see Block.
Woudstra, Marten H. The Book of Joshua. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1981.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 17, 2008
It is difficult to recommend a single commentary on Joshua, and this one is not as good as it could be.
Davis, Dale Ralph. Joshua: No Falling Words. FB. Christian Focus, 2000.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 17, 2008
Sets the standard for how to expound and apply historical narrative.
Craigie, Peter C. The Book of Deuteronomy. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1976.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 17, 2008
Especially helpful on the role of the covenant in Deuteronomy.
Wenham, Gordon J. Numbers. TOTC. InterVarsity Press, 2008.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 17, 2008
Overall, a good, brief exposition of the text. While his introductory discussions are solid (esp. on typology), his discussion on the transmission of the text is at points muddied.
Wenham, Gordon J. The Book of Leviticus. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1979.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 17, 2008
Ambivalent regarding dating but exegesis of text is extremely useful.
Currid, John D. Leviticus. EPSC. Evangelical Press, 2005.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 17, 2008
Clearly and cogently presents Leviticus as a series of directories for public worship and establishes the importance of Leviticus for the NT. Especially helpful on the Holiness Code.
Motyer, J. Alec. The Message of Exodus. BST. InterVarsity Press, 2005.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 16, 2008
A superb commentary. Scholarly, simple, and sensible. While focusing on the text his footnotes will point eager students in the right direction for further study.
Currid, John D. Exodus. 2 Vols. EPSC. Evangelical Press, 2000.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 16, 2008
In a refreshing way pays close attention to the text without getting bogged down in critical discussions. Helpful section on the Decalogue in volume 2.
Currid, John D. Genesis. 2 Vols. EPSC. Evangelical Press, 2003.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 15, 2008
Easy to read yet biblically robust expositions that seek to bridge the gap between technical and popular commentaries. Upholds a literal, six-day creation account and provides a helpful introduction to 'seed-theology.'
Wenham, Gordon J. Genesis. 2 Vols. WBC. Thomas Nelson, 1987.
Derek W. H. Thomas Derek W. H. Thomas September 15, 2008
It is difficult to imagine a less user-friendly layout than the Word Biblical Commentary Series. The series is uneven and occasionally goes overboard in literary/source criticism. But at least one up-to-date, critical commentary on Genesis should be on our shelves, and this is about the best. Maintians a literary view of Genesis 1.