Click chart to enlarge
Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission
Another Chart from Charles Swindoll
Click chart to enlarge
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
HENRY ALFORD
- Matthew 8:28-34 Afraid of Jesus
- Matthew 9:1-8 To Forgive, Divine!
- Matthew 9:9-13 The Teacher of Mercy
- Matthew 9:14-17 From Fasting to Feasting
- Matthew 9:18-26 Wonders Along the Way
- Matthew 9:27-31 According to Your Faith
- Matthew 9:32-34 No 'Neutrality' About Jesus!
- Matthew 9:35-38 The Compassionate Shepherd
JOSEPH ADDISON ALEXANDER GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW
Cyril Barber - Published posthumously in 1861 and covering (in detail) only chapters 1-16, this volume contains the same richness of thought and close attention to detail that is found in Alexander's other commentaries.
INDEX - Note that chapters 17-28 are only brief summaries.
MICHAEL ANDRUS - click link for audio and notes - click "Notes" for pdf
Comment: I appreciate Barclay's unique insights on Greek words, but clearly his teaching about a "second chance" is NOT sound doctrine! Be an Acts 17:11 Berean with Barclay. See discussion of his orthodoxy especially the article "The Enigmatic William Barclay".
- Matthew 9
- Matthew 9:9-17 New Wine for a New Way
- Matthew 9:18-26 Fingers of Faith
- Matthew 9:27-38 Comrades in the Dark, Companions in the Light
JOHANN A BENGEL
JIM BOMKAMP SERMONS MATTHEW
- Matthew 8:28-9:8 Jesus Heals A Demon-possessed Man Who Is Both Blind And Dumb
- Matthew 9:9-17 The Calling Of Matthew
- Matthew 9:18-26 A Woman Grabs The Hem Of Jesus' Garment And Is Healed
- Matthew 9:27-38 Jesus Heals Two Blind Men Who Cry Out For Mercy
- Matthew 9:1-2 Three Cheers Of The New Testament
- Matthew 9:36-38 The Compassionate Christ
- Matthew 9:35-38 Seeing The Harvest Through His Eyes
- Matthew 9:36-38 A Passion For Souls
ARTHUR CARR
- Matthew 9 Commentary - Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
- Matthew 9 Commentary - Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - more Greek text
- Matthew 9:3 The Marvel of Jesus
- Matthew 9:1-8 The Good Cheers of Jesus
- Matthew 9:14-17 The Old and the New
- Matthew 9:9-13 Savior and Sinner
- Matthew 9:32-38 The Compassionate Jesus
- Matthew 9:32-38 The Heart to Care
- Matthew 9:10-13 Atonement in the Interbiblical Period
- Matthew 9:14-15 Prayer and Fasting
- Matthew 9:35-38 The Responsive Heart
RON DANIEL - Sermon Notes
BOB DEFFINBAUGH
- Matthew 8:1-17 A Leper, a Gentile, and a Little Old Lady
- Matthew 9:1-17 Why Jesus Doesn’t Conform to Man’s Expectations or Why Does Jesus Feast when Others Fast?
- Matthew 9:1-8 The Miracles of the Kingdom, Part 4: Jesus Cures the Paralytic and Forgives His Sins!
- Matthew 9:9-17 The Miracles of the Kingdom, Part 5: Jesus Came for Sinners
- Matthew 9:18-38 Jesus Preaches and Teaches
CHARLES ELLICOTT (editor) - Edward H Plumptre - author of Matthew
CHARLES R ERDMAN
EXPLORE THE BIBLE
- Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20 Your Missions Involvement
- Faith Demonstrated Matt. 8:5-13 Jan, 31, 2016
- In His Service Matt. 9:35-38,10:1-8 HCSB Feb. 07, 2016
- Always Trust Christ Matt. 8:1-3,23-27; 9:1-8 Sept. 23, 2007
- Take Part In Missions Matt 9:35-38; 10:5-14, 26-31 Sept 30, 07
EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - John Gibson
EXPOSITOR'S DICTIONARY OF TEXTS - excerpts from other sermons
EXPOSITOR'S GREEK TESTAMENT - A B Bruce
GENE GETZ - 10+/- minute videos emphazing principles in each section of Scripture
- Matthew; Principle #5; Mt. 4:1-11; The Power of Scripture: When we're tempted to violate God's will, we are to follow Jesus' example and use Scripture to thwart Satan's efforts. Video
- Matthew; Principle #6; Mt. 4:18-22; Dedicated Discipleship: To follow the Lord Jesus Christ, we must faithfully apply His teachings. Video
- Matthew; Principle #7; Mt. 4:23-5:1; Producing Mature Disciples: To develop mature Christ-followers, all spiritual leaders should give special attention to those who have a sincere desire to learn deep spiritual truths. Video
GOTQUESTIONS GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
- Gospel of Matthew - Bible Survey
- Mt 8:12, 13:42, 50, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30 What does the Bible mean when it refers to the gnashing of teeth?
- Mt 8:20 What does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay his head?
- Mt 8:23-27 What is the significance of Jesus calming the storm?
- Mt 8:28-34, Mk 5:1-20, Lk 8:26-39. Why are there 2 demon-possessed men in Matthew, but one in Mark and Luke?
- Mt 8:30-37, Mk 5:1-20, Lk 8:27-38 - Why did Jesus allow the demons to enter the herd of pigs?
JAMES HASTINGS - in depth
DAVID HOLWICK - frequent illustrations
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 9:1-8 The Paralytic, The Pallet, and the Power of the Son of Man
- Matthew 9:9-17 When Sick Men Reject Their Doctor, or Growing Opposition to the King
- Matthew 9:18-26 Master of Death and Man of Feeling
- Matthew 9:27-31 Blind Men and the Lord, Then and Now
- Matthew 9:32-34 An Unequal Cure and Uncommon Critics
- Matthew 9:35-10:42 The Mission of the Twelve
STEVE KRELOFF - Messianic Pastor
- Matthew 9:1-8: Jesus' Power over Sin - Study Guide - click dropdown
- Matthew 9:1-8: Jesus' Power over Sin
- Matthew 9:9-13 Receiving the Sinner/Refusing the Righteous 1
- Matthew 9:14-17 Receiving the Sinner/Refusing the Righteous 2
- Matthew 9:18-22: Jesus' Power over Death 1 - Study Guide - click dropdown
- Matthew 9:18-22: Jesus' Power over Death 1
- Matthew 9:23-26: Jesus' Power over Death 2 - Study Guide - click dropdown
- Matthew 9:23-26: Jesus' Power over Death 2
- Matthew 9:27-33a: Miracles of Sight and Sound - Study Guide - click dropdown
- Matthew 9:27-33a: Miracles of Sight and Sound
- Matthew 9:33b-35: Responding to Jesus' Power - Study Guide - click dropdown
- Matthew 9:33b-35: Responding to Jesus' Power
- Matthew 9:35-10:1 The Harvest and the Laborers
- Matthew 9:2 Christ’s Encouragements
- Matthew 9:6 Soul-healing First: Body-healing Second
- Matthew 9:9-17 The Call of Matthew
- Matthew 9:18-31 The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ
- Matthew 9:36 A Christlike Judgment of Men
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 - Illustrations Index on page 323
J VERNON MCGEE
HEINRICH A MEYER - Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
Hiebert - The prince of biblical expositors covers the entire gospel in a series of seventy-three biblical expositions. This volume on Matthew is the best of his expository volumes on the four gospels. Does not deal with critical introductory problems. The volume requires careful and intent reading, and offers many rich spiritual insights into Matthew's gospel.
ROBERT MORGAN
- Matthew 9:1-8 Be of Good Cheer! Your Sins Are Forgiven!
- Matthew 9:1-8 Be of Good Cheer! Your Faith Has Healed You!
- Matthew 9:1-8 Be of Good Cheer! It is I - Do Not Be Afraid!
HENRY MORRIS - Defender's Study Bible study notes - well-done, conservative
TOMMY NELSON
- Matthew 9:1-8 The Authority of Christ, Part 2
- Matthew 9:9-17 New Wineskins
- Matthew 9:18-34 Christ the Healer
- Matthew 9:35-38 The Lord of the Harvest
JAMES NISBET - Church Pulpit Commentary
- Matthew 9
- Matthew 9:1-8
- Matthew 9:2
- Matthew 9:4
- Matthew 9:9-13
- Matthew 9:12
- Matthew 9:13
- Matthew 9:13
- Matthew 9:18-26
- Matthew 9:29
- Matthew 9:36
- Matthew 9:37-38
- Matthew 9:35-38
- Matthew 9:36
- Matthew 9:38
- Matthew 9:38
- Matthew 9:2 Be of Good Cheer - Franklin L. Kirksey
- Matthew 9:22-31 The Unforgivable Sin - J. Mike Minnix
- Matthew 9:27-31 The Touch That Opens Our Eyes - Terry Trivette
- Matthew 9:32-38 Being Like Jesus - Larry L. Lewis
- Matthew 9:34-39 - 4 Step Guide - Praying to Reach the Lost - Mark Sterling
- Matthew 9:35-38 All People Matter To God - Jerry N. Watts
- Matthew 9:35-38 The Lord of the Harvest - J. Mike Minnix
- Matthew 9:36-38 We're Losing the Harvest - Michael A. Guido
JOHN PIPER
EDWARD PLUMPTRE - In Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
RAY PRITCHARD
- Matthew 9:1-8 The Real Problem Jesus Came to Solve
- Matthew 9:9-13 Not the Righteous But Sinners
- Matthew 9:14-17 One Man’s Meat, Another Man’s Poison
- Matthew 9:18-38 Power in Weakness
DON ROBINSON - transcripts, conservative
- Matthew 9:1-8 The Authority To Forgive Sins
- Matthew 9:18-26 Authority Over Death
- Matthew 9:27-31 The Authority To Give Sight
- Matthew 9:1-8 Demonstrations of Deity
- Matthew 9:9-17 Jesus Extends a Call
- Matthew 9:18-26 Jesus Restores Life
- Matthew 9: 27-38 Jesus Demonstrates His Power
J C RYLE
JAMES SMITH SERMON OUTLINES GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
- Great Faith Matthew 8:5-10
- Evil: Its Nature And Remedy Matthew 8:28-33
- The Call Of The Publican Matthew 9:9-13
C H SPURGEON
- Matthew 9 Commentary
- Matthew 9:6 Devotional
- Spurgeon's 500 Page Commentary on Matthew
- Matthew 9:2 The Secret of Happiness
- Matthew 9:2, Mark 2:3-5, Luke 5:18-20 Good Cheer from Forgiven Sin
- Matthew 9:2-7 The Physician Pardons His Palsied Patient
- Matthew 9:9 A Man Named Matthew
- Matthew 9:9 A Man Named Matthew - Sermon Notes
- Matthew 9:12 The Great Physician and His Patients
- Matthew 9:20-22 Luke 8:42-48 Good Cheer from Grace Received
- Matthew 9:21 May I?
- Matthew 9:27-30 Our Lord’s Question to the Blind Men
- Matthew 9:27-30 The Plain Man's Pathway to Peace
- Matthew 9:27 Faith in Christ's Ability
- Matthew 9:32, 33 An Unparalleled Cured
- Matthew 9:36: The Compassion of Jesus
- Matthew 9:36 A Portrait of Jesus - Sermon Notes
- Matthew 9:37, 38, 10:1 Harvest Men Wanted
DON STEWART - 385 pages (1997)
TODAY IN THE WORD - Devotionals often with good sermon illustrations
DANIEL B. WALLACE
THIRD MILLENNIUM STUDY NOTES MATTHEW
- Some men brought to him a paralytic - Matthew 9:1-8
- Matthew got up and followed him - Matthew 9:9-13
- The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast - Matthew 9:14-17
- Your faith has healed you - Matthew 9:18-26
- Have mercy on us, Son of David! - Matthew 9:27-34
- Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field - Matthew 9:35-38