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
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.
HENRY ALFORD
- Matthew 1:1-17 The Lineage of Our King
- Matthew 1:18-25 Wondering at Immanuel
- Matthew 1:18-25 God With Us
- Matthew 1:18-25 Our Redeemer - Preserved!
MICHAEL ANDRUS - click link for audio and notes - click notes for pdf
BILL BALDWIN
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 1 Knots in Jesus’ Family Tree
- Matthew 2 Redeemer, Refugee, IDP
- Matthew 3 Advance Man
JOHANN A BENGEL
- Matthew 2:1-12 Three Seekers
- Matthew 2:1-12 Devotion
- Matthew 2:1-12 Give More
- Matthew 2:1-8 A Tale of Two Kings
- Matthew 2:13-23 Dealing with the Post-Christmas Blahs
JIM BOMKAMP SERMONS MATTHEW
- Matthew 2: The Two Responses To Hearing About Jesus Christ: The Magi Verses Herod"
- Matthew 2:1-23 The Magi Visit Baby Jesus
- Matthew 2:1-12 Wise Men Still...
- Matthew 2:1-12 Following A Star And Finding A Shack
- Matthew 2:1-12 The Sacrifice Of Biblical Worship, Part 2
ARTHUR CARR
- Matthew 2 Commentary - Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
- Matthew 2 Commentary - Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - more Greek text
STEVEN COLE
- Matthew 2:11 A Gift for Christ
- Matthew 2:11 When They Opened Their Treasures
- Matthew 2:2 The Lights of Christmas
RON DANIEL - Sermon Notes
BOB DEFFINBAUGH
- Matthew 2:1-23 Two Incredible Journeys
- Matthew 2:1-12, 16-18 Responses to the Revelation of the Coming of the King
- Matthew 2:13-18 The Slaughter of the Infants and Innocent Suffering
- Matthew 2:1-12 Wise Men from the East
- Matthew 2:1-12 Nine Lessons and Carols- Born by the Book
- Matthew 2:1-12 Irony and Worship at Christmas
- Matthew 2:1-12 Jesus born in Bethlehem: According to Scripture
- Matthew 2:13-23 Flight, Murder, and Return From Egypt
CHARLES ELLICOTT (editor) - Edward H Plumptre - author of Matthew
CHARLES R ERDMAN
EXPLORE THE BIBLE
EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - John Gibson
EXPOSITOR'S DICTIONARY OF TEXTS - excerpts from other sermons
EXPOSITOR'S GREEK TESTAMENT - A B Bruce
- Matthew - Discovering Christ in Matthew (>900pp, Note Fortner is not literal on prophecy)
- Matthew 2:23 Christ the Nazarene
- Matthew 2:1-12 Lessons From The Wise Men
- Matthew 2:13-23 Satan's First Assault
GENE GETZ - 10+/- minute videos emphazing principles in each section of Scripture
- Matthew; Principle #3; Mt. 2:1-12; Worshipful Generosity: We are always to use our material gifts s to worship and praise God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Video
GOTQUESTIONS GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
- Gospel of Matthew - Bible Survey
- What were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ?
- Why did God give us four Gospels?
- What is the harmony of the Gospels?
- What is a Christmas nativity?
- Is Micah 5:2 a Messianic prophecy?
- Why was Jesus born in a manger?
- What year was Jesus Christ born? When was Jesus born?
- Can the various resurrection accounts from the four Gospels be harmonized?
- When were the Gospels written?
- Mt 1:1-16 Is there an error in the counting of the generations in Matthew chapter 1?
- Why are Jesus' genealogies in Matthew and Luke so different?
- How old was Mary when Jesus was born?
JAMES HASTINGS - in depth
DAVID HOLWICK - frequent illustrations
- Matthew 2:1-2 A Journey To Jesus
- Matthew 2:1-2 Debunking Christmas
- Matthew 2:1-10 The Star of Bethlehem
- Matthew 2:1-10 The Strangest Star
- Matthew 2:1-12 The Fourth Wise Man
- Matthew 2:1-12 What Most Miss At Christmas
- Matthew 2:9-11 Gift Getting
- Matthew 2:9-11 The Best Present
- Matthew 2:9-11 Magi - Giving the Best
- Matthew 2:9-11 What Will Jesus Get?
- Matthew 2:9-12 The Father's Gift
- Matthew 2:9-12 Why All the Hassle?
- Matthew 2:11-15 Who Belongs Here?
- Matthew 2:16-18 Crying at Christmas
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 2:1-12 When Bethlehem Became the House of Bread
- Matthew 2:13-23 From Bethlehem to Egypt to Nazareth
STEVE KRELOFF - Messianic Pastor
- Matthew - Six Ways Satan Is Stealing Christmas
- Matthew 2: Jesus' Birth Fulfills Prophecy
- Matthew 2:1: Who Were the Wise Men?
- Matthew 2:1-3: Fools and Wise Men 1 - Study Guide - click dropdown
- Matthew 2:1-3: Fools and Wise Men 1
- Matthew 2:4-12: Fools and Wise Men 2 - Study Guide - click dropdown
- Matthew 2:4-12: Fools and Wise Men 2
- Matthew 2:13-15: The King Fulfills Prophecy- 1
- Matthew 2:16-23: The King Fulfills Prophecy- 2
- Matthew 1 An Unsavory Lineage
- Matthew 1:1-17 Why Does God Include Israel's Checkered History in Christ's Family Tree?
- Matthew 1 God with Us
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
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.
HENRY MORRIS - Defender's Study Bible study notes - well-done, conservative
TOMMY NELSON
JAMES NISBET - Church Pulpit Commentary
- Matthew 2
- Matthew 2:1-2
- Matthew 2:2
- Matthew 2:1-12
- Matthew 2:1-12
- Matthew 2:1-10
- Matthew 2:11-12
- Matthew 2:11
- Matthew 2:1-12 Bethlehem's Brightest - The Seekers Song -Donald Cantrell
- Matthew 2:1-12 The Three Gifts-Franklin L. Kirksey
- Matthew 2:1-12 We Shall Give Him Our Substance-David E. Owen
- Matthew 2 What Do You Give Someone Who Has Everything? - J. Mike Minnix
- Matthew 2 Wise Worship-Frank Page
- Matthew 2:11 Christmas Gift Suggestions-Paul E. Brown
- Matthew 2:1-10 Do You Hear What I Hear?-Johnny Hunt
- Matthew 2:1-12 What Happened in Bethlehem Didn't Stay in Bethlehem!-J. Mike Minnix
- Matthew 2:1-12 What Shall I Give This King?-David E. Owen
- Matthew 2:1-23 O Worship the King-Franklin L. Kirksey
- Matthew 2:1-6 Do You Hear What I Hear?-Terry Trivette
- Matthew 2:2 How Should A King Come?- Franklin L. Kirksey
EDWARD PLUMPTRE - In Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
WIL POUNDS
RAY PRITCHARD
- Matthew 2:1-12 We Three Kings
- Matthew 2:1-6 The King Has Come!
- Matthew 2 Herod: The Man Who Tried to Kill Christmas
- Matthew 2:7-12 Follow the Christmas Star
- Matthew 2:16-18 Christmas Tears
DON ROBINSON - transcripts, conservative
J C RYLE
C H SPURGEON
- Matthew 2 Commentary
- Spurgeon's 500 Page Commentary on Matthew
- Matthew 2:1-4 The Far-Off, Near; the Near Far Off
- Matthew 2:2 The Sages, the Star, and the Savior
- Matthew 2:14 Out of Egypt
- Matthew 2:23 The Nazarene and the Sect of the Nazarenes
JOHN STEVENSON
- Powerpoint presentations on Matthew
- Matthew 2. The Two Kings
TODAY IN THE WORD - Devotionals often with good sermon illustrations
DANIEL B. WALLACE
- Sorry - Links keep changing at this so cannot keep the live any longer - go to link for sermons, select "Browse Books" then "Matthew" and scroll down
- Matthew 1-2 The Savior Appears: God with Us
- Matthew 2:13-21 The Light Still Shines
- Matthew 2:1-12 We Have Seen His Star
THIRD MILLENNIUM STUDY NOTES MATTHEW
- During the time of King Herod - Matthew 2:1-2
- Herod called the Magi secretly - Matthew 2:3-12
- Get up, take the child . . . and escape to Egypt - Matthew 2:13-18
- Get up, take the child . . . and go to the land of Israel Matthew 2:19-23