Acts: (A Paragraph-by-Paragraph Exegetical Evangelical Bible Commentary - BECNT) (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)

The `Baker Exegetical Commentary On The New Testament' for `Acts' or `Acts of the Apostles' by Darrell L. Bock, the research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary is a generally good commentary on one of the less well appreciated books of the New Testament. In the spectrum of commentaries which range from very pastoral - friendly such as the `New Interpreters' Bible' to the heavily scholarly volumes which are practically worthless for pastoral use, such as those in the `Word Biblical Commentary' series, Bock's volume falls about two - thirds of the way toward the scholarly side. The book's greatest strength, as well as its greatest weakness, is that it seeks to be a scholarly study of all the latest commentaries on `Acts', most especially the Anchor Bible contribution from Joseph Fitzmyer, the Sacra Pagina contribution from Luke Timothy Johnson, The New International Commentary on the New Testament volume by F. F. Bruce, and `The Acts of the Apostles, A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary' by Ben Witherington. In fact, Bock refers so often to Fitzmyer and Witherington that I seriously wonder what I'm doing reading Bock, when I can be getting the goods from the horse's mouth. Surveys of the best (and worst) of scholarly opinions are great, but such books become books about the research rather than books about the scripture. As I read Bock, I often find myself vainly seeking to find what Bock himself thinks about a passage. And, there are times when I find Bock expressing an original opinion, only to find other experts disagreeing with him, and I agree with the other writers.One of the better reasons for picking Bock is that he also did a commentary on the Gospel of Luke, the first of the Luke - Acts combination, written by the same author. I have not used Bock's commentary on Luke, because those by Fitzmyer, Johnson, and Joel Green are so good, and, Fitzmyer and Johnson have also done commentaries on both works.A `simple' reason for picking Bock is that his book is quite new, so it covers all the major works written in the last fifteen years. Another simple reason for picking Bock is that in addition to pointing out the good stuff, he gives us what we need to know to avoid the bad commentaries. But, both of these reasons are a bit weak. If you happen to read this review and go with Fitzmyer, Johnson, Witherington, or Bruce, you really don't need Bock at all.Since I always find it best to work with at least two commentaries on scripture for my lay Bible study teaching, I strongly recommend Robert W. Wall's commentary in volume X of the New Interpreter's Bible plus either Fitzmyer or Witherington. If Johnson has a point, Fitzmyer will have it in spades. Wall is especially good for lay study, and Fitzmyer is a good partner, as Fitzmyer (or the 'Word Biblical Commentary' volume) will have all the study critical material Wall avoids.Last but not least, I found the Baker style of presentation just a bit difficult to follow; however, I must commend them on excellent typefaces for their readability. Otherwise, this is a book almost exclusively for scholars and teachers of courses on `Acts'.

I am very content with this book

This book was required reading for my class at seminary school and I found it to be well-rounded and informative. With almost 900 pages, the book is certainly worth the investment! I appreciate how the author presents supporting historical documents for the verses in Acts, as well as the detailed historical background. In addition to the factual information, he then presents varying opinions from different commentaries. For example, in explaining Acts 11:15-18, the author references different scripture translations, and then commentary authors Bruce, Marshall, Jervell, Stott and Barrett...comparing their agreements and differenes to the related passage. So rather than give one opinion to the meaning of the passage, the author is giving several meanings to the passage and allowing the reader to determine what is intended by the passage. In some instances he will state his own opinion and why he agrees or disagrees with the other authors, and Darrell Brok clearly defines this as his opinion. I also like how the book is organized by theme, exegesis and exposition, then summary. Since reading this book I have recommended it to several friends and I look forward to reading other books in the series.

Stott never disappoints. Have used many things in our bible study.

Very in depth commentary on the book of Acts. The focus is on God throughout the book while also describing other viewpoints of certain sections.

unable to read on kindle cloud reader. this is a dealbreaker. I blame the publisher, not the excellent content or author.

This commentary by Bock is simply the best available commentary out there on Acts. It was published in 2007 and therefore incorporates the latest scholarship on Acts.Bock has a solid reputation of being a trustworthy NT scholar and commentator. You would not be disappointed. He works quite well with the Greek and offers several translations and indicates the best one.The layout of the commentary is great. I wish all commentaries were laid out in this way. It's so easy to find things and just begin to read.Get this,for it is the best out there!

This, sadly, could have been such a good commentary. But Mr. Bock is cemented into his doctrinal stances so blatantly that he essentially quotes his doctrines and then works backwards from them to form his conclusions. He takes long held and very tired anti-Jewish, anti-Old Testament perspectives and weaves a commentary that ignores even his own findings in order to come to conclusions that a 2nd year Seminary student ought to question. He often questions the veracity of the text itself when it doesn't jibe with his pre-determined agenda. Biblical era Hebrew culture and expressions are ignored or glossed over in favor of unworthy stereotypes that commentators repeat among themselves; and he superimposes this on the persons of Paul, James, Peter, and Luke. If you want a far more academic and researched commentary on the Book of Acts that is based on original language familiarity, and is historically accurate, and works more to enlighten than to preach, try F.F. Bruce's or Shulam and LeCornu's.

I have been trying to get this book in digital format for some months, but opted in the end to buy the book. The advantage of a book of course, is that one needs neither electricity nor internet connection to enjoy!!Darrell Bock has majored in the writings of Luke for mant years now and his 2 volumes on the Gospel of Luke and this accompanying volume on Acts are essential for anyone wanting an in-depth evangelical yet scholarly approach to these important books of the Bible. The end product (all 3 volumes) are God-honouring and Christ exalting, which is what any guide to these important books ought to be.I am delighted to get this and would recommend it unreservedly to any serious student of the BibleMy copy came from "The Book Depository" here in the UK and the parcel arrived in good time and in excellent condition.

In-depth Commentary on the Book of Acts