Click chart to enlarge
Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission
Another Chart from Charles Swindoll
Click chart to enlarge
CAVEAT: A number of the resources listed below interpret the events of Mt 24:15ff as prophecy which was fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Holy by the Romans in 70 AD. Matthew 24:21 would seem to be a stumbling block to such an interpretation. Jesus said "For then (speaking of Mt 24:15-20+) there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will." Note His qualifier "NOR EVER WILL." Jesus is describing a time in history that will never be repeated (if we interpret Him literally, which I do). That means the worst tribulation in the history of the world occurred in 70 AD! What about World War I? What about World War II when 85 million people were killed? But let's say we restrict the "great tribulation" to an event just affecting the Jews. To say that the killing of upwards to a million Jews in 70 AD is worse than the 8 million killed by Hitler in the Holocaust does not seem to fit with Jesus' teaching in Mt 24:21 "NOR EVER WILL." For more discussion see Matthew 24:21 Commentary All this to say BE A BEREAN when you read the comments (INCLUDING MINE!) on the eschatological passages, especially Matthew 24-25.
Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/
The Beatitudes for today by Blanchard, John
The Gospel of Matthew by Boice, James Montgomery
The Sermon on the mount : an evangelical exposition of Matthew 5-7 by Carson, D. A
When Jesus confronts the world : an exposition of Matthew 8-10 by Carson, D. A
Matthew's Story: Good News for Uncertain Times. Thompson, William G New York: Paulist Press, 1989. A clear introduction to Matthew as story theology for Christians who wish to have their faith stimulated
Matthew by Chamblin, J. Knox (See also links below)
Matheson (Ligonier) - This massive work (almost 1,600 pages) is the fruit of a lifetime of teaching the Gospel of Matthew. The commentary is in-depth without losing sight of the big picture. It is scholarly without being unreadable. Very highly recommended.
A critical and exegetical commentary on the Gospel according to Saint Matthew : in three volumes by Davies, W. D. (William David), and D.C. Allison (International Critical Commentary)
Matheson (Ligonier) - For those doing an exhaustive study of the Gospel of Matthew, the work of Davies and Allison is indispensable. Readers should be aware that it is written from a moderately critical perspective, but in terms of comprehensiveness, there is nothing quite like this commentary. It is a highly technical commentary on the Greek text and thus not suitable for lay readers, but discerning pastors who are looking for information on every conceivable issue related to the text need look no further. The three paperback volumes are somewhat expensive (see links above), but they are a bargain compared to the hardcovers, which run approximately $150 each! For those not interested in all the technical details, an abridged version is also available.
Cyril Barber - A massive work. Learned, yet not so erudite that it is beyond the comprehension level of a seminary-trained pastor. The nuances of the Greek text are ably elucidated. Scheduled for 3 volumes. Replaces the earlier work by W. C. Allen.
The Sermon on the Mount by Davies, W. D. (William David)
The setting of the Sermon on the Mount by Davies, W. D. (William David)
Seeking the kingdom : the Sermon on the mount made practical for today by Dockery, David S
Cyril Barber - A practical guide applying the contents of Matthew 5--7 to the needs of people today who are waiting for Christ’ return and the inauguration of His Kingdom.
The Bible knowledge background commentary : Matthew-Luke by Evans, Craig A - This resource will give you very interesting insights and is worth checking on individual passages.
The Gospel of Matthew by France, R. T New International Commentary on the New Testament, (2007)
Challies - France has a volume in the Tyndale series that is highly regarded, but it has since been eclipsed by his much longer and more significant contribution to the NICNT. That series, like so many, is somewhat uneven, but France’s is said to be excellent. Keith Mathison says the “work is thorough and solidly evangelical and will be beneficial to pastors and all serious students of Scripture.” I expect to find a greater number of endorsements as the commentators catch up with newer volumes like this one.
Keith Matheson (Ligonier) - A short commentary on the Gospel of Matthew has been available by R.T. France in the Tyndale New Testament Commentary series since 1985, but in 2007, France published a much more comprehensive commentary on this Gospel in the NICNT series—The New International Commentary on the New Testament. France’s work is thorough and solidly evangelical and will be beneficial to pastors and all serious students of Scripture. His commentary is distinctive in that he takes a largely preterist approach to much of the Olivet Discourse.
Kingdom life in a fallen world : living out the Sermon on the Mount by Ferguson, Sinclair B
Cyril Barber - A challenging discussion of the relevance of Matthew 5--7 to the life of the believer.
The Sermon on the Mount by Ferguson, Sinclair B
The Gospel according to Matthew : an introduction and commentary by France, R. T
Rosscup (comment on his work in the Tyndale NT Commentary) - This work, only a fair one, was done to replace R. V. G. Tasker’s work. It handles many matters well, concisely, and usually hits the crux of interpretation, showing awareness of considerable scholarly literature and main views. France uses the NIV text. He draws up summaries of sections and shows the meaning and connection in context.
Matthew 1-14 by Gangel, Kenneth O - This is more like a workbook with questions and short explanatory notes.
Matthew 15-28 by Gangel, Kenneth O
Reading Matthew : a literary and theological commentary on the first gospel by Garland, David E
The Gospel of Matthew by Hobbs, Herschel H., (1965) 364 pages
The Gospel of Matthew by Hobbs, Herschel H (1961) 264 pages
Abba Father : the Lord's pattern for prayer (Matthew 6:9-14) by Hughes, R. Kent,
Book of Matthew : the carpenter king by Lucado, Max
Matthew : the coming of the King by MacArthur, John,
The Gospel of Matthew: Behold Your King by MacDonald, William (1974) 340 pages
Matthew 1-13 by McGee, J. Vernon
Matthew 14-28 by McGee, J. Vernon
The Gospel according to Matthew by Morgan, G. Campbell
Matthew by Mounce, Robert H 312 pages 3 ratings
Exalting Jesus in Matthew by Platt, David, (2013) 404 pages 193 ratings
Matthew (Focus on the Bible series) by Price, Charles 7 ratings 5 ratings - "Undiscovered gem."
The Gospel According to St. Matthew : an Introduction and Commentary by Tasker, R. V. G (1983) 292 pages. 2 ratings
Matthew by Turner, David L Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (2008) 35 ratings
Matthew, a study guide commentary by Vos, Howard Frederic,
Live like a king : making the Beatitudes work in daily life by Wiersbe, Warren
Rosscup - First published in 1976. Wiersbe recognizes the present and future implications of the “Sermon on the Mount,” and expounds the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-16) with God’s Kingdom program in mind. Here is a work that is rich in insights and spiritual application. Each message deals with the realities of living the Christian life as a “King’s kid.” Recommended.
Cyril Barber - A devotional masterpiece. Practical, relevant, rich in insights, and rewarding in its application of truth to life. This brief work deserves to be read slowly and carefully
Meet your King (Matthew) - same work entitled Be loyal (Matthew) by Wiersbe, Warren
The Bible exposition commentary by Wiersbe, Warren W - All NT books in one source. Excellent.
Rosscup - One of America’s most appreciated staunchly evangelical Bible conference teachers gives diligent, refreshing expositions. These are all of his 23 separate, earlier books in the “Be” series on the New Testament. He strikes a particular appeal with lay people as he crystallizes sections, deals with some of the verses, handles certain problems and backgrounds and applies principles. He is premillennial.
With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W
Cyril Barber - This is a book of exceptional merit. Pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers will profit from its use. Wiersbe introduces each book of the NT, provides an outline, and then furnishes his readers with a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the contents. The homiletic style is a “plus.” Recommended.
Windows on the parables by Wiersbe, Warren
The word in life study Bible : Gospel of Matthew 59 ratings Gives excellent background information. Worth checking out.
Interpreting the parables by Blomberg, Craig
Chronological and Background Charts of the NEW TESTAMENT - Pdf - D Wayne House - outstanding compilation of charts - check this one out!. This book can also be borrowed = Chronological and background charts of the New Testament
STUDY BIBLES
Note: The first 3 resources have no time restriction and allow copy and paste function:
(1) KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial. User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. - 372 ratings
Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective user reviews
The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.
(2) The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. . 3,194 ratings. Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.
(3) NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial. 917 ratings
The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings
Wycliffe Bible Commentary - OT and NT - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). 214 ratings Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary.
The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible commentary - This version has no time restriction but only has the NT.
The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes for well known creationist. 45 ratings
The MacArthur study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes 1,275 ratings
The David Jeremiah study bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."
ESV study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings
Believer's Bible Commentary by MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages
Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. - "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen."
Warren Wiersbe - "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word."
Life application study Bible : New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes. 4,445 ratings
Compact Bible commentary by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H Wayne, et al - 954 pages. 424 ratings Multiple contributors to the comments which are often verse by verse. The comments are brief but meaty and can really help your study through a given book. A sleeper in my opinion.
NIV archaeological study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)
NIV cultural backgrounds study Bible. bringing to life the ancient world of scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)
The NIV study Bible by Barker, Kenneth L; Burdick, Donald W (1995) 2250 pages. Note this is the first edition. This resource has been fully revised in 2020.
The Ryrie study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative. 216 ratings
The Word in life Study Bible - Only covers the NT. Very interesting format. Not your routine study Bible. Worth checking (e.g., here is a picture of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances.)
Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews.
New Bible Commentary - (1994) See user reviews
- Matthew 11:1-6 When Jesus Disappoints Us
- Matthew 11:7-19 Seizing the Kingdom
- Matthew 11:20-24 What Have You Done with Jesus' Great Works?
- Matthew 11:25-27 A Gracious Discrimination
- Matthew 11:28-30 The Great Invitation
STEVE ANDREWS
MICHAEL ANDRUS
WILLIAM BARCLAY
- Matthew 11:1-19 Christianity… 200 Proof
- Matthew 11:20-30 Soul Rest
- Matthew 11 - Same material but different source
- Matthew 11 Commentary - Gnomon
- Matthew 11 Commentary - The Critical English Testament
BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR
BRIAN BILL Sermon
JIM BOMKAMP SERMONS
- Matthew 11:1-6 John The Baptist Sends His Disciples To See If Jesus Really Is The Christ
- Matthew 11:7-19 Jesus Begins To Tell The Multitudes Who John The Baptist Was In God's End-times Scheme
- Matthew 11:20-30 Jesus Pronounces 'Woes' On The Cities That Rejected Him,
- Matthew 11:1-11The Prison Of His Persuasions
- Matthew 11:1-6 That's Him
- Matthew 11:16-19 Jesus: The Friend Of Sinners
- Matthew 11:28 How To Handle What's Handling You
- Matthew 11:28-30 There Is A Place Of Rest
- Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus Our Haven Of Rest
ARTHUR CARR (1883) Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
ARTHUR CARR (1883) Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges
- Not Futuristic - Same author as above but different book with more emphasis on Greek
- Matthew 11 Commentary
- Matthew 11:1 Learning About His Ways
- Matthew 11:25 How Will I Know?
- Matthew 11:28 Getting There
- Matthew 11:28 The Exclusiveness Of Christ
- Matthew 11:28 Self-Awareness
- Matthew 11:28 Completeness
- Matthew 11:29 Inner Invincibility
- Matthew 11:29 Enrolling in the School of Jesus
- Matthew 11:2-6 The Finality of Christ
- Matthew 11:12 The Desperately Determined
- Matthew 11:25-30 The Pleading Christ
- Matthew 11:2-3 The Perplexity of the Prophets
- Matthew 11:28 The Most Precious Invitation
- Matthew 11:28 The Spirit of Jesus
- Matthew 11:29 At the Feet of Jesus
- Matthew 11:28-30 Discipleship: Its Requirements and Its Rewards
- Matthew 11:1-30 Jesus, John the Baptist, and the Jews
JOHN DUMMELOW
- Matthew 11:1-6 The Ambassadors of the Kingdom, Part 2: John's Doubts and Christ's Answer
- Matthew 11:7-19 Tribute to the Forerunner of the Kingdom, Part 2: More than a Prophet
- Matthew 11:20-30 Tribute to the Forerunner of the Kingdom, Part 3: God's Sovereignty and the Free Offer Part 1
- Matthew 11:25-30 Tribute to the Forerunner of the Kingdom, Part 4: God's Sovereignty and the Free Offer Part 2
CHARLES R ERDMAN
D Edmond Hiebert A well-outlined paragraph-by-paragraph interpretation by a noted conservative Presbyterian teacher and writer. Intended for the lay reader. His understanding of the Olivet Discourse is premillennial.
EXPOSITOR'S DICTIONARY OF TEXTS - excerpts from other sermons
GENE GETZ - 10+/- minute videos emphazing principles in each section of Scripture
- Matthew; Principle #27; Mt. 11:1-15; Doubt and Disillusionment: Regardless of our maturity in Christ, we should expect crises that are sometimes disillusioning. Video
- Matthew; Principle #28; Mt. 11:16-30; Imitating Christ: When we face persecution, we are to imitate the Lord's gentle, humble, and sacrificial example. Video
- Mt 11:11 In what way was John the Baptist the greatest?
- Mt 11:15, 13:9, 43 What did Jesus mean when He said, “He who has ears to hear”?
- Mt 11:30 What does it mean when Jesus says “my yoke is easy and my burden is light”?
GREG HERRICK
- Matthew 11:28-30 The Mission: Discipleship—To Be One and to Make One
- Matthew 11:28-30 Airplanes, Storms, and God's Blue Sky
Click for Another Critique on Keener's commentary on Matthew
Tim Challies: Keener’s work receives high recommendations and significant warnings about the limits of its usefulness. It may also be going out of print since it is not available at Westminster Books and is currently available only from Amazon resellers. This is the kind of commentary I tend to avoid since I don’t consider myself sufficiently schooled to confidently sort through the weaknesses. However, most experts do recommend it with certain caveats. (Challies.com)
- Matthew 11 Commentary
- Matthew 11 Commentary - unabridged
- Matthew 11:1-19 John's Doubts about Jesus' Messiahship
- Matthew 11:20-30 The Unshared Sonship of the Son of God
SIMON KISTEMAKER
- Matthew 11:1-6 Solving the Problem of Doubt
- Matthew 11:7-15 True Greatness
- Matthew 11:16-24 Treating Christ with Criticism and Indifference
- Matthew 11:25-26 Jesus' Personal Invitation 1
- Matthew 11:27-30 Jesus' Personal Invitation 2
- Matthew 11 What Rest Does Jesus Promise?
- Matthew 11 The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived
- Matthew 11 Violence in Heaven
- Matthew 11 The Nature of Unbelief
- Matthew 11 A Punishment Worse Than Sodom and Gomorrah
- Matthew 11:2-15 John’s Doubts of Jesus, and Jesus’ Praise of John
- Matthew 11:19 The Friend of Publicans and Sinners
- Matthew 11:20 Sodom, Capernaum, Manchester
- Matthew 11:25 Christ’s Strange Thanksgiving
- Matthew 11:28-29 The Rest Giver
JAMES MCCULLEN - uses many illustrations
- Matthew 11:27-30 The Master's Great Invitation
- Matthew 11:27-30 Why We Should Accept the Master's Invitation
- Matthew 11:28-30 Coming to Christ
- Matthew 11:27-30 The Master's Rest
ROD MATTOON - excellent illustrations
- The Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:1-48 - 312 pages - Illustrations Index on page 301
- The Sermon on the Mount Volume 2 - Matthew 6-7 - 328 pages - Numerous Illustrations Index on page 323
BRYN MACPHAIL - sermons
MARTYN LLOYD-JONES - articles unless otherwise specified
- Matthew 11:2-6 Art Thou He that Should Come? - Mp3
- Matthew 11:21-28 Woe Unto Thee - Mp3
- Matthew 11:28 A Knowledge of God - Mp3
TOMMY NELSON
NET BIBLE NOTES
- Matthew 11:1-6 Settling Doubts
- Matthew 11:7-15 Greatness in the Kingdom
- Matthew 11:16-24 The Face of the Non-repentant
- Matthew 11:25-30 Come to Christ!
- Matthew 11:1-6
- Matthew 11:5
- Matthew 11:7-19
- Matthew 11:19
- Matthew 11:19
- Matthew 11:19
- Matthew 11:21-23
- Matthew 11:25-30
- Matthew 11:25-30
- Matthew 11:25-30
- Matthew 11:28
- Matthew 11:28
- Matthew 11:28
- Matthew 11:28
- Matthew 11:28
- Matthew 11:28
- Matthew 11:29
- Matthew 11:29
- Matthew 11:29
- Matthew 11:29
- Matthew 11:30
- Matthew 11:1-11 When God Is Near and Yet Seems So Far Away -- Sammy Burgess
- Matthew 11:16-17 Generation Evaluation - Terry Trivette
- Matthew 11:28-30 Letting Go - Rob Jackson
- Matthew 11:28-30 To The Weary Heart, Jesus Says, Come Unto Me - David E. Owen
- Matthew 11:28-30 The Call of Christ
- Matthew 11:28 The Rest of Christ
- Matthew 11:28 The Yoke of Christ
- Matthew 11:3 A Question for Jesus
- Korazin: Knowing Too Much and Believing Too Little (Matthew 11:20-24)
- Are You the One? (Matthew 11:1-3)
- Matthew 11:28-30 Exposition
- Matthew 11:25-30 The Joy of Christ over the Penitent
- Matthew 11:28-30 The Yoke of Rest
- Matthew 11:20-30 Jesus Rejected by the Wise but Owned by Babes
- Matthew 11:25-30 The Knowledge of the Holy
- Matthew 11:28 Rest for the Weary
- Matthew 11:29 A Yoke for Two
ROBERT RAYBURN SERMONS
- Matthew 11:1-19 A Believer’s Doubts
- Matthew 11:20-24 God’s Judgment: Certain and Just
- Matthew 11:25-30 Rest for the Weary
REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE
- Matt 11:2
- Matt 11:4–6
- Matt 11:9
- Matt 11:11
- Matt 11:12
- Matt 11:14
- Matt 11:19
- Matt 11:25
- Matt 11:27
- Matt 11:28
- Matt 11:29–30
- Matthew 11:1f
- Matthew 11:7f
- Matthew 11:12f
- Matthew 11:16f
- Matthew 11:20f
- Matthew 11:25f
- Matthew 11:28
- Matthew 11:29f
- Matthew 11:28-30 The Invitation
- Matthew 11:28-30 Looking Up to God for Rest
- Matthew 11:28 Chose Rest Over Stress
ALLEN ROSS Exposition
GIL RUGH Sermons
- Matthew 11 Commentary
- Matthew 11:28 Come Unto Me - A Sobering Sermon!
- Matthew 11:28 Come! - an evangelistic tract
CHUCK SMITH Sermon notes
- Come Take Learn Matthew 11:28-30
- Matthew 11:28 Go to Him As You Are
R C SPROUL
- Matthew 11:5: Preaching for the Poor
- Matthew 11:6 Offended With Christ
- Matthew 11:12: Holy Violence
- Matthew 11:19: The Sinner's Friend
- Matthew 11:25, 26 Even So, Father”
- Matthew 11:27-28: Powerful Persuasives
- Matthew 11:28-30- Rest for the Restless - Sermon Notes
- Matthew 11:28- Jesus Calling - Sermon Notes
- Matthew 11:28-30: Rest, Rest
- Matthew 11:28 The Christ-Given Rest
- Matthew 11:28 Christ's Word with You
- Matthew 11:28 Jesus Calling
- Matthew 11:28 The Old Gospel for the New Century
- Matthew 11:28 A World Wide Welcome
- Matthew 11:28-30 The Meek and Lowly One
- Matthew 11:28-30 Rest for the Laboring
- Matthew 11:29 The Heart of Jesus
- Matthew 11:30 Christ’s Yoke and Burden
- Matthew 11 Exposition
- Matthew 11 Commentary - distinct from his exposition
- Matthew 11 - click here for devotionals below
- Matthew 11:25
- Matthew 11:28
- Matthew 11:28
DON STEWART - 385 pages (1997)
- The Nature of the Kingdom - Matthew 11:1-13:58
- Kingdom Persons: John and Jesus - Matthew 11:1-12:50
- John heard in prison what Christ was doing - Matthew 11:1-3
- Go back and report to John - Matthew 11:4-6
- Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John - Matthew 11:7-19
- Jesus began to denounce the cities - Matthew 11:20-24
- I will give you rest - Matthew 11:25-30
TODAY IN THE WORD DEVOTIONAL - Moody Bible Institute