Paul.Chang

If you have to preach tomorrow and only have time to read one of the many commentaries on Matthew, consider Donald Carlson's. If you have more time, consider John MacArthur's concise and excellent commentary. If you still have some time, consider Barclay's. Preachers must always prepare, pray, and study, but when you're struggling in the ministry, time and energy are not always abundant. While you must constantly avoid the excuse of laziness and the formidable threat of expediency, preachers should nevertheless select and distinguish the best, or rather, the most useful, commentaries for preaching. I choose Carlson. If you're a scholar and want to pursue a more scholarly approach, you don't need to consider my opinion too much. However, if you're a professional preacher and consider the crucial task of interpreting and communicating the Word your highest calling, you'll likely seek out commentaries for preaching, not for scholarship. By that standard, I believe my suggestion is sound.