The Letter to the Ephesians

In my view, this is an excellent mid-weight commentary on Ephesians, doing some of the technical work that a longer one like Cohick’s NICNT does, but in a package that is readable and concise. It would pair nicely with, for example, more pastoral work like John Stott’s evergreen Bible Speaks Today volume, or Bitrus A. Sarma’s Blessed New Humanity in Christ – I’m planning on reading Bock’s new TNTC next year, which I think might be quite similar in length to this PNTC volume. Campbell is to be commended for writing a thoroughgoingly theological, eminently readable, and calm commentary on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. [Somewhat ironically, this was one of two Ephesians commentaries I read this year - the other being O'Brien's, which this replaces. If you do have, and continue to use, O'Brien's, then Campbell's is well worth getting to augment it] [Full Review]

This brand new mid-level commentary is by an international expert in Greek grammar and syntax and Paul’s theology who, while putting this knowledge to good use, writes in a way that engages all types of readers. Campbell comes from a Reformed Evangelical perspective, but he writes and frames his discussions in an irenic way that appeals to a wide variety of readers. Given his scholarly expertise, Campbell is really effective at clarifying Paul’s ‘In Christ’ language and his eschatology. He also sympathetically incorporates the discussions of more recent scholars such as Matthew Bates on faith language and John Barclay’s on Paul’s language of grace/gift. As a kind touch, he dedicates the commentary to his predecessor in the series, Peter T. O’Brien.