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Peter Thomas O'Brien
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The Letter to the Ephesians (The Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC)) Hardcover – October 25, 1999

by Peter T. O'Brien (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 79 ratings
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From a foremost authority on the New Testament comes a major new commentary on Ephesians--a letter of truth, love, and unity to our superficial world.

This volume in the Pillar New Testament Commentary series provides a rich exposition of Ephesians, one of the most significant documents ever written. Using the fruits of recent biblical research, Peter O'Brien shows how Ephesians sums up God's magnificent plan of salvation in Christ and spells out his divine purpose for believers today.

A model of the scholarly excellence characteristic of the entire PNTC series (which now features a striking new jacket design), O'Brien's Ephesians will become the standard work on this profoundly influential book.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    539 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Eerdmans
  4. Publication date
    October 25, 1999
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1.31 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0802837360
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0802837363
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Theological Book Review
"O'Brien has produced a well-researched and clearly presented commentary on Ephesians. He has read widely and thought carefully, so students of the New Testament will find his scholarly contribution a useful addition to their libraries."

Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly
"Here is a commentary that expounds this marvelous epistle with a clarity and reverence that are quite refreshing. O'Brien draws upon his years of experience as a missionary, pastor, professor, and scholar to write a book that examines all the inspired nuances of Ephesians without losing sight of the main theme all the way. . . Practical, scholarly exposition that takes a high view of Scripture."

Faith & Mission
"This commentary is definitely a masterpiece, a volume that without question should belong to the library of all who desire to achieve a profound and comprehensive understanding of the epistle. Its simple, yet highly scholarly style will not only inform, but also challenge the reader to prepare for intense study and arrive at certain positions only after weighing carefully all the evidence."

About the Author

Peter O'Brien is senior research fellow in New Testament, Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Eerdmans; First Edition, First Printing (October 25, 1999)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 539 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0802837360
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0802837363
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.31 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 79 ratings

About the author

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Peter Thomas O'Brien

Peter Thomas O'Brien

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
79 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

David A. Bielby
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read, scholarly & excellent tool
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2005
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Overall, this commentary is one of my favorites. (I'm a pastor who does exegetical sermons from the Greek text).

He interacts with many scholars on a variety of details without getting bogged down. It's easy to read yet gives substantive arguments that summarize well the opposing views as well as explaining his own view.

One issue I would take exception to is his exegesis in Ephesians 2:1 where he labels the phrase 'trespasses and sins' as a hendiadys. The term is probably simply a synonym use-not a hendiadys. I checked with a number of Greek experts who all concur that he is probably off on that point...not a biggie...but I did remember it for some reason.

One issue I really liked was his handling of Ephesians 5:18 ff. Some miss the linkage of the participles which follow 5:18...but O'Brien nails it. His explanations of the Household Table and it's header/title in 5:21 are more convincing than most I've read. I think coupled with FF Bruce on Ephesians and Stott for preaching/teaching phraseology this commentary ranks right up there as a top notch..ya gotta have it...commentary for the 'prince of epistles'. I highly recommend it and still use this book.

The binding on my copy was pretty cheap. The book started falling apart the first time I opened it...and I am seeking another copy. Hope that was just a fluke.

If you are a pastor or bible teacher who works through Ephesians I think you will find yourself referring to this book over and over. Buy it if you have the funds...you won't be sorry if you are a serious student of Ephesians.
12 people found this helpful
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SouthernFamily
5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Commentary on Ephesians
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2013
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Peter O'Brien's commentary on Paul's Letter to the Ephesians is the best commentary on the subject.

Dr. O'Brien is balanced and fair in his treatment of dissenting views concerning the provenance and situation of the letter.

His interaction with the background materials and other commentaries on Ephesians is comprehensive and even-handed.

His grasp of the language as well as the context of the letter comes through clearly and helps the reader make sense of the letter.

While the commentary is enough for a serious academic to sink their teeth into, it is also imminently readable and comprehensible for any student of God's Word to grasp.

O'Brien doesn't just stop at translating and explaining the text, he also seeks to help the reader see the redemptive intent of the text and apply it to ones own life directly.

Anyone who wishes to understand Paul's letter better should buy this book!
3 people found this helpful
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Steve Rentz
5.0 out of 5 stars Leading Small Group
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2013
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I'm co leading a small group of young professionals at Bethlehem Baptist and I'm constantly surprised by the insights this commentary provides. I work in marketing for a Fortune 500 and it's my job to see the "theme" or "story" in a myriad of data/details so I have a lot of respect and appreciation for the Peter Obrien's ability, for example, to connect the dots in Ephesians 6:10-20 across the entire book....and then expand into Isaiah and beyond. This book allows me to worship God with new perspectives....and see his wisdom and authenticity across time.
One person found this helpful
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Angelo Mysterioso
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful work
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2015
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A fair price and quick response to ship my order. The book is excellent ! Thank you. This commentary series tends to be aimed at those interested in the Greek language behind the English. If you are an informed or more mature Christian that reads a lot then this would be a good resource. O'Brien does a wonderful job explaining the text and deals with hard parts well. As I read this work I feel convicted for my years wasted when I could have moved forward and gleaned for myself.
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Best of both
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2013
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What makes a good commentary is when the practical meets with the spiritual and O'Brien blends them well. Sadly I did not have this before I preached through the first three chapters of Ephesians but finding it most helpful has I continue through the letter.
One person found this helpful
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ADK_Jr
5.0 out of 5 stars If you love the word and want to go deep
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2014
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Very complete for the serious scholar. If you are not a slow reading student of The Holy Bible, then this book is not for you. If you are serious about Paul's correspondence with the Ephesians and just about every different angle, opinion and final recommendation then do not purchase this book. If you love the word and want to go deep...this is your book.
3 people found this helpful
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Nichole
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic reference book
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2016
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I purchased this book as a study reference for a speaking series. It feels like it goes deeper than 90% of the commentaries I have. The author does a remarkable job of referencing the different source material for each viewpoint and is a great reference book for a sermon series. I'd highly recommend it.
One person found this helpful
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JayCee
5.0 out of 5 stars Really Love the Pillar Commentaries
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2016
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I love the Pillar Series. Each volume contains great insight into the passage, but you don't have to know Greek or big fancy theological terms to understand it. I am a Seminary trained Pastor and I highly recommend these commentaries for your personal study, sermon preparation, and other study preparation.
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Top reviews from other countries

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M. Ackermann
5.0 out of 5 stars Hervorragend
Reviewed in Germany on August 21, 2015
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Dieser Kommentar ist wie bereits in den anderen Rezensionen beschrieben - hervorragend. Es gibt kaum was besseres. Ich habe mir zusätzlich den Höhner gekauft und bin damit gut ausgestattet. Jedoch ist mir die Pillar Reihe generell sehr unübersichtlich. Leider gibt es wohl 2 verschiedene Verlage, die diesen Kommentar herausgeben. Bei Ivp ist die Bindung sehr schlecht. Eerdmanns ist da besser. Aber aufgrund des super Kommentars trotzdem 5 Sterne.
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Neil Allenbrand
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource
Reviewed in Canada on February 12, 2014
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As a pastor who is preaching through the book of Ephesians, I have found OBrien very helpful. His overview of the text along with general look at various opinions gave one an opportunity to think through the interpretation with him. I appreciated his in depth look at the subject matter. Though at time I found his own bias come through, in spite of other views that I felt were better supported by the the text. I also have Hoehner commentary on Ephesians, at times I felt I only needed to read one of them. Though Hoehner does cover some areas in more detail and depth. I found Hoehner gave some very interesting insights like the reference to the way adoption was done in the first century which I read in no other commentary. Yet for my series I found myself turning to OBrien more often and came away feeling better equipped to prepare my sermons. Don't miss the excellent introductions in these two. I also have Snodgrass and these two shine way above, if you want a thorough study of the text, Snodgrass is OK if you just want a good overwiew.
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Rob
5.0 out of 5 stars A commentary worth having
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2013
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Pillar has a good reputation for good Biblical scholarship. This volume will enable
you to grapple with Paul's teaching. Useful for students of the NT and those who
preach/teach.
One person found this helpful
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piwiaus
3.0 out of 5 stars deep and detailed
Reviewed in Australia on June 30, 2014
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A good exegetical source. Personally I had hoped for a more devotional resource. As with most ebooks, the indices don't hyperlink to the text (as the end notes do), and so are useless in this context. So for genuine scholarly access, the printed version may be superior.
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Samuel
1.0 out of 5 stars God a damaged copy
Reviewed in India on February 29, 2024
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The book content looks good, but got a damaged, old copy.
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Samuel
1.0 out of 5 stars God a damaged copy
Reviewed in India on February 29, 2024
The book content looks good, but got a damaged, old copy.
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