Lexham Press is the publisher of a more recent commentary series called “Evangelical Exegetical Commentary” (EEC). The editors are H. Wayne House, W. Hall Harris III, and Andrew W. Pitts. This is a review of the Ephesians volume of this excellent new series, and it is authored by S. M. Baugh, the well-known and highly respected New Testament scholar at Westminster Theological Seminary California.
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What is the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary Series?
There are many commentaries being published today, but the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (EEC) series looks to be a standard that will be consulted by the Evangelical church for commentary on God’s Word by experts/scholars in the field. I find it to be similar to series such as the Baker Exegetical Commentary (BECNT & BECOT) as well as other leading technical commentaries. The EEC “incorporates the latest in critical biblical scholarship and is written from a distinctly evangelical perspective. Each comprehensive volume offers an original translation and addresses biblical theology and application for each passage.” This is a conservative commentary written by Evangelicals who believe the Bible to be the inspired, inerrant Word of God.
Though I also greatly enjoy and appreciate commentaries that are more pastoral and devotional in nature, I also have a deep love for the more technical commentary that deals with the original languages, grammar, historical issues, critical issues, etc. With that being said, the EEC looks to be one of my new favorite commentaries. So far, Ephesians is the only EEC volume that I have explored, but if the other volumes follow Baugh’s lead, then this is surely to be just as valuable to the church as other excellent technical commentaries (such as the BECNT as mentioned above).
Ephesians: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary
Baugh claims in the introduction that he isn’t aiming to be comprehensive in a book this size. If this book isn’t a comprehensive treatment on Ephesians, it sure is quite close. Baugh covers a ton of terrain in both the main content of the book as well as in the abundance of footnotes. The first 48 pages are Baugh’s introduction to the book of Ephesians, and it is here that he covers authorship, date and place of writing, occasion, recipients, theological emphases, and more (including an outline of the entire book of Ephesians). The rest of the book consists of over forty years’ worth of study on this glorious, God-breathed book of Holy Scripture.
Baugh is praised by other scholars for producing a work of art in this commentary, and it’s not hard to see why. Baugh is an excellent exegete who knows the text inside and out. He is also exceptionally knowledgeable about both the ancient sources and contemporary scholarship that assist in getting to the true meaning of the text. As Michael Horton says of Dr. Baugh, he “is the exegete’s exegete.”
Format and Content
The format of this book is one of the EEC’s greatest strengths (apart from the content in general). For each section (passage), there is first a concise introduction. Next, there is an outline of that passage which is followed by the “Original Text” of the passage (for this volume, that would be in Greek, often based on the NA28). Next there is a section on “Textual Notes” which is really good and helpful to the serious student of God’s Word. Next is an English translation of the passage that I believe is the author’s own translation, and this followed by the commentary on each individual verse. Each verse is in bold, making it convenient to find a specific verse.
The last section is on “Application and Devotional Implications.” This last section may come as a surprise to many considering this is a technical commentary. The pastor-scholar is (praise God!) highly valued today, and many scholars are likewise pastors who are very wise in handling the Word of God and helping their flock to apply it to their very own lives. This section shows Baugh’s pastoral heart and abilities. If you are a pastor, Bible teacher, or serious student of God’s Word, you will greatly value this last section! Again, this format is what makes the EEC such an amazing gift to the church today! This is a truly amazing series and a wonderful volume within the series.
I have wanted to fill my shelves with a technical commentary like the EEC, and one of the reasons is that I desire to see the Greek text being directly worked with, and the EEC does that. For those who have learned Biblical languages, this is an excellent way to keep up with what you have previously learned. With that being said, though, I believe that those who have not learned biblical languages are still going to love this series. Often when the Greek is referenced, there is an English translation given in parenthesis immediately after the Greek term or clause is provided. Therefore, if you’re not proficient in Biblical Greek (in this instance), you need not worry! But if you are familiar with Greek, then you will love this volume even more.
Conclusion
I value commentaries because I value the Word of God. The Bible is sufficient, but I am most certainly not. Therefore, I need experts and scholars to help guide me, and I consult commentaries nearly daily for that reason. They are like good friends of mine that know more about God’s Word than I do, and they are able to lend me a hand when I need some help in interpreting the text.
Whether you are studying the Bible on your own or preparing to teach or preach, this commentary will be of immense help to you! I can’t recommend this series, in general, and this volume, in particular, highly enough! Tolle lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to Lexham Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Other Books We’ve Reviewed in the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary Series:
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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