Luke: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching

Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching

by Fred B. Craddock

Using Luke's own prologue as the guideline for his commentary, Fred B. Craddock calls attention to the continuities between Jesus and his heritage in Judaism and the church after him. Like Luke, Craddock assumes the reader is not only a believer but also a leader in the community of faith. A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.

Genres: Reference, Biblical Studies, Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Interpretation series is a real mixed bag. There are volumes like Willimon on Acts -- not what you'd want for your ONLY commentary on that book, but an ideal 2nd or 3rd one (original, well illustrated, theologically interesting, etc.) Then there are volumes like Craddock's.

I expected alot from this commentary. Craddock is a professor of both homiletics and NT at Emory, one of the leading liberal seminaries in America. He has a long-standing reputation as one of the premier preachers of his generation. And yet, there was nothing worthwhile I could locate in this book. (At least not in the first few chapters -- I gave up after Luke 2).

The problems as I see them:
1. Generally way too brief.
2. Highly idiosyncratic in what he chooses to focus on. For example, on the annuciation to Mary (Luke 1:26f.) Craddock devotes just two pages and wastes most of it digressing on ancient near east views on angels.
3. shockingly, almost no practical application.
4. Spills too much ink exploring highly speculative (and sometimes dated) critical issues that would seem to have very little use for preaching (even if they WERE true). For example, in Zechariah's song at the end of Luke 1, Craddock spends one of the three short paragraphs wondering if this might have originally been a hymn of John the Baptist's followers, with an new ending added by Christians to reshape it.
5. Dry as dust, with an artless use of English (again shocking for one with a reputation for eloquence).

I could go on. For a decent, theologically aware homiletical commentary try R. Kent Hughes' 2 vol. work (1998). The volume in the Bible Speaks Today series (BST) is also better. If you want something theologically creative (if sometimes wrong) and practically oriented, while academically solid, try NT (Tom) Wright instead. That volume is what this Interpretation series entry OUGHT to be.

[Bcoghill Coghill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been using this to co-teach an Adult Sunday School class for almost a year. This is a very good book for digging in to every verse but still retaining an overall scope and probably more important the message Luke intended for the readers of his time.
Good for a liberal to middle of the road church.

[Adam Bloch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read from cover to cover as sermon prep for a series on Luke (which spanned three years off and on). I started with 7 or 8 commentaries, this one remained one of my go-to, even though Craddock occasionally says something ridiculous (my margins have more than a few notes disagreeing with him). This commentary was useful for bringing attention to textual issues (without getting lost in the weeds), comparing synoptic parallels, and bringing that unique Craddock-focus on the narrative itself (which is particularly useful for sermon prep).

[jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was using this for a group I am part of at church. Very insightful and helpful in understanding the Gospel of Luke. My view of Christianity is from a very progressive perspective and this mostly aligned with my thoughts although the author, a noted theological scholar, was not as progressive as I am. This is not a book you want to read in one sitting. It is a study guide that requires careful consideration and reflection.

[Tara Tetzlaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final paragraph provides a beautiful framing of Luke’s gospel pointing out how Like both begins and ends with a scene in Jerusalem, in the temple, at the hour of worship: “ God is at work and something marvelous is about to happen.“

[Ralph Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really love this commentary series.

[Russrook · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comprehensive and considered commentary on the text.

[C.H.E. Sadaphal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bottom line: Another extraordinary volume in the Interpretation series and a masterful analysis of one of the Synoptics. A notable go-to resource when preaching or teaching lessons.

Luke Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive look at Christ’s life and mission, and the author is very careful to highlight how ... http://www.chesadaphal.com/luke-inter...

[E.]

Far less helpful for preaching than I expected it to be.