Philip du Toit
Occupation
Senior Lecturer (New Testament)
Education
B.A.Theology; B.Th; M.Th. Cum Laude (New Testament); Ph.D. (New Testament)
Reviews
Romans 1–8. ConC. Concordia Publishing House, 2013.
This double-volume, evangelical, Lutheran commentary of 1685 pages is definitely underrated. It features detailed commentary on the text, context and incorporates an impressive body of scholarly interpretations. In each section it also features an application. It is thoroughly scholarly, up to date, yet accessible. Highly recommended!
The Letter to the Romans (2nd ed.). NICNT. Eerdmans, 2018.
Moo's revised commentary is slightly bigger than the first edition and retains everything that made the first edition so great. It is a detailed, scholarly, yet accessible commentary. Moo omitted some older references and added new ones. The text reads slightly different in many instances, but Moo has not significantly changed his mind in the commentary itself. While Moo thoroughly engages with the New Perspective on Paul (having a 15 page excursion), he also engages the so called Radical New Perspective on Paul (or the "Paul Within Judaism" appraoch). In respect of the latter, he added a 5 page excursion. This commentary will remain one of the most important commentaries on Romans.
The Letter to the Colossians. NICNT. Eerdmans, 2018.
McKnight is a very fine exegete. He probably has one of the best up-to-date discussions on the authenticity of the letter. Excellent commentary in all respects.
The Letter to the Galatians. NICNT. Eerdmans, 2018.
This is a brand new commentary in all respects with a 100 page introduction. DeSilva definitely keeps up the standard of this series.
The First Epistle to the Corinthians (2nd ed.). NICNT. Eerdmans, 2014.
In my view, Fee's updated commentary is still the best on this letter. He is a formidable exegete with deep insight into the text and the situation. This will probably remain one of the top commentaries on this letter.
1 Corinthians. ZECNT. Zondervan, 2018.
This is an excellent, readable commentary that is aimed at both the scholar and the pastor. It is up to date and it has lengthy excursions on all relevant issues in the letter.
Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary. Baker Books, 2002.
This is in my view the best commentary on Ephesians. It is both excellent on an exegetical level and on the level of application.
Galatians. ConC. Concordia Publishing House, 2014.
This is a massive up-to-date scholarly commentary (738 pages). Das mostly follows a conservative, traditional line. The commentary is comprehensive and engages with opposing views.
Galatians. PAI. Baker Academic, 2015.
This is a small to medium sized commentary. Oakes mixes the New Perspective on Paul and a traditional reading of the letter. He argues that Judeans has to trust Christ for justification as opposed to trusting the Law for justification. He views faith in 2:16 as trust "in" Christ (objective genetive), other than most in the New Perspective. On the other hand, he argues that Judean believers continues full Law observance and circumcision and sees 3:10-14 as only pertaining to gentiles. These views seem to stand in some tension with one another.
Other than the above, Oakes provides theological (and devotional) reflection after each section of commentary and advances a cruciform reading of Christian ethics.
Galatians. BECNT. Baker Academic, 2013.
A rich, detailed, scholarly commentary on Galatians. Moo has a very balanced, moderate writing style. Even though he is critical of the New Perspective, he does so in a fair and balanced way. Being a very up-to-date commentary in terms of the New Perspective and its variants, it makes this commentary an absolute necessity.
Arnold, Clinton E. ed. Matthew. ZECNT. Zondervan, 2010.
A thick must-have commentary on Matthew. Although not containing the same amount of comparative scholarly material as France, this commentary offers an insightful, rich perspective on many passages.
Galatians. NTL. Westminster John Knox, 2011.
A thorough, scholarly, up-to-date commentary. De Boer borrows much from Louis Martyn's commentary in the AYB series in terms of an apocalyptic approach, but with his own unique perspective. Definitely a must-have!
Romans. IVPNTC. InterVarsity Press, 2004.
A good evangelical commentary with a fair amount of comparative views, but not a great deal of new input.
“Romans” in Acts to First Corinthians. NIB. Abingdon Press, 2002.
A very good commentary, however, not on the same exegetical level as Moo or Dunn in terms of engaging with wider scholarship. The reason being that Wright elaborates on his own (New Perspective) understanding of Romans. In terms of an evangelical New Perspective view on Paul, this commentary is a must.
Paul and the Faithfulness of God (Christian Origins and the Question of God: Volume 4). S.P.C.K. Publishing, 2013.
This is a massive work! Wright engages with everything about Paul which I consider important in contemporary New Testament scholarship. He has an engaging writing style and ventures deep into Paul's context and his thought. His insight in Paul is profound, whether you agree with him or not. This will become a standard work on Pauline studies.