NIGTC Review

A friend recently asked for my evaluation of the New International Greek Testament Commentary. Below is my reply. I hope it’s helpful.

John Nolland, Matthew – Every time I looked at this commentary, it seemed as though he was spending more time doing redaction criticism than actually explaining the text. I don’t own and I don’t plan to buy.

R. T. France, Mark – This is a good, detailed exegetical commentary on Mark (though take note of the preterist eschatology in the Olivet Discourse). I own it and find it helpful.

I. Howard Marshall, Luke – This is a decent Luke commentary, but I would rank Bock’s 2 volume BECNT and Green’s NICNT volume above it. I do own it and consult it, however.

Anthony Thiselton, 1 Corinthians – This is a massive commentary on 1 Corinthians. There’s so much that it’s a bit overwhelming. Fee (NICNT) and Garland (BECNT) are much more useful for studying large chunks (like chapters). But if you’re going to do some detailed exegesis, this volume will be helpful. I own.

Murray Harris, 2 Corinthians – This is a superb 2 Corinthians commentary. Worth having. I own it.

F. F. Bruce, Galatians – Like most of Bruce’s work, this is a solid commentary. I own it. But there are a number of newer commentaries on Galatians that are in the pipeline that, I think, will surpass this one. I think Carson and Moo are both working on Galatians commentaries for the PNTC and BECNT sets, respectively.

Peter T. O’Brien, Philippians – This is one of the best commentaries on Philippians. It’s a hard call between O’Brien and Fee (NICNT). This is worth having. I own.

George Knight, Pastoral Epistles – Knight is more conservative than some of these other contributors, but his volume is older and thinner. I wish I could recommend him, but I’d go for Mounce (WBC), Towner (NICNT), and Marshall (ICC) before Knight. I’ve found when I use these Knight doesn’t add anything. I don’t own and don’t plan to buy.

Paul Ellingworth, Hebrews – A detailed, helpful commentary, if a bit atomisitc. Still worth having. I own.

Peter Davids, James – I’m not a fan of Davids’ commentaries. I’d go for Moo (PNTC) and the new BECNT commentary on James by McCartney before getting this one. I don’t own and don’t plan to get.

Greg Beale, Revelation – This is the commentary on Revelation from an Amillennial perspective. I don’t own, and I’m debating on whether I need an Amill commentary on Revelation. Maybe, if I’m going to teach eschatology and won’t have a library with it nearby. But other than that, I’m not planning to get.