The Works of Thomas Goodwin, Vol. 1: Containing an Exposition on the First Chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians

by Thomas Goodwin, John C. Miller

This is Volumes II of Goodwin's works which is the second half of his Exposition on Ephesians, plus some other sermons on Ephesians, and his precious little gem, Let Patience Have Its Perfect Work. There is nothing more, and nothing better that has been written on the first two chapters of Ephesians. All the following expositors of this portion of the Scriptures depended on this great work by Goodwin. "Goodwin combines in a remarkable fashion two of the main qualities requisite for a successful study of (1) A close attention to careful exegesis, in which every element of the written text of Scripture is the object of painstaking and loving scrutiny. (2) A comprehensive grasp of revealed truth in its entirety and in its structural relationships. In this way, in Goodwin, exegetical and doctrinal theology walk hand in hand, so to speak, every truth is substantiated by Scripture, and every text is carefully analyzed so that the verities [that it reveals may find their proper place in the total organism of the Christian faith. (Introduction by Roger Nicole). In these expositions Goodwin proves himself to be the very finest of communicators. His detailing of God's words are translated into power in the reader's understanding. The more one reads, the more the truth of God sinks in to the consciousness of the soul's ears. A holy excitement develops when one sees into the inner workings of God's mind given through the Apostle Paul as he was "being borne along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). With Goodwin as guide not only deep theology is taught, but very personal practical lessons are carried away to live in the hearts and practice of his readers. Goodwin gives such keen summations of each verse at the end of each chapter one may be lulled into thinking it is enough to just read them. This would leave such a one the poorer, having skipped over so many exquisite gems of scriptural knowledge as to rob himself of the richest revelations. For Goodwin roams the scriptures to reinforce the subject being discussed, scattering prisms of truth as he goes. Goodwin "represents the cream of Puritanism, capturing the intellect, the will, and the heart of his readers" (Joel Beeke)

Genres: Theology

596 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

Thomas Goodwin known as 'the Elder', was an English Puritan theologian and preacher, and an important leader of religious Independents. He served as chaplain to Oliver Cromwell, and was imposed by Parliament as President of Magdalen College, Oxford in 1650. Christopher Hill places Goodwin in the ‘main stream of Puritan thought’.

Reviews

[Liam]

Had to throw in the towel on this for now. Just too heady for an audiobook listen. Will likely pick up this mighty Ephesians volume at some point in the future.

[Evelynn Moorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good sermons. I was especially interested in his discussion of knowledge and communion with God.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole of Volume 1 is dedicated to his commentary on Ephesians 1. It's too bad that Goodwin didn't write a commentary on the entire book of Ephesians! His work is both scholarly and practical, a trademark of most of the Puritans. He never skimps on the doctrinal theology taught and implied in the text, and he expects his readers to keep up (This was originally sermons, so he expected his congregation to keep up!). However, the exposition is laced with loads of practical observations and pastoral applications. I won't say that this is an easy read, but it is far more readable than almost anything by John Owen. But the pay-off makes the work worthwhile.