Luke (The NIV Application Commentary) by Darrell L. Bock

The NIV Application Commentary, New Testament #3

by Darrell L. Bock

Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from the twentieth century to the first century. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. In other words, they focus on the original meaning of the passage but don't discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuable -- but the job is only half done! The NIV Application Commentary Series helps us with both halves of the interpretive task. This new and unique series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into modern context. It explains not only what the Bible means but also how it can speak powerfully today.

Genres: Reference, Christian, New Testament, Theology, Christianity, Collections, Religion

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Darrell L. Bock is a New Testament scholar and research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas, United States. Bock received his PhD from Scotland's University of Aberdeen.

Reviews

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darrell Bock is clearly one of the most-respected scholars on Luke and his Gospel. It’s interesting to note that Bock first turned out a major commentary on Luke Gospel in the BECNT series before he attempted this more streamlined, expositional approach. His love of Luke’s Gospel is clear and he seems to enjoy this chance to move past the technical discussion of Luke to this more relevant approach.

He begins his Introduction of Luke by explaining Luke’s unique place among the Gospels. He skillfully discusses authorship, audience, date, and purposes and arrives at reasonable conclusions throughout. He briefly outlines Luke’s major theological themes and explains the value of preaching Luke. His is a good example of a succinct Introduction for these mid-level commentaries.

In the commentary he made the leap from his earlier exegetical commentary to this type of work. I thought he found his voice as a clear commentator on Luke quite well. In a briefer format, he was able to give meaningful help. His BECNT work is more well known, but I believe this book could help a greater swath of people. I recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Ben Ullman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long commentary but incredibly good.

Learned lots more about the original Greek words used in the book of Luke, and how Jesus’ character is profoundly merciful.

Think I’m doing Genesis next

[Pam Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My problem with the NIVAC series is I would prefer more exposition and less application. But I liked Darrell Bock's presentation of Luke.

[Jonathan Z. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series on the various Bible books because it provides historical context to the verses, explains how modern readers have come to understand the material or how to best explain ancient concepts to modern readers, and a portion for the author to provide commentary as he sees fit. This was a handy volume to have during our quarterly study on Luke and I'll likely look to this series again for future studies.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read this entire commentary this time around - maybe next time. I chose to read James Edward's Luke commentary instead. But I did pick up Darrell Bock's commentary on Acts, and it's excellent!

[Binoy Chacko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the practical aspect of this commentary. The commentary is structured well. It is not just pure exposition. Author deals with contemporary application as well.

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always the NIV Application Commentary series is excellent.

[Doug Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently my "go-to" commentary as I'm preaching through Luke this year. Bock does a good job of hitting key original context issues (not exhaustive to be sure), keeping overly technical academic issues to a minimum (see I H Marshall's commentary for that stuff). Of course some of the application ideas are now dated, but he provides good starting points for us pastors to see analogous applications for our own contexts.

[Artist · Rating 1 out of 5]

bet this guy was a legend at writing essays in high school. somehow manages to take The Gospel According To Luke and make it ten times longer. yeah, there are a few minor small technical cultural details, but they are rare and mostly trivial. this was a chore to get through, especially with how damn long it was. this was my first time reading a Biblical commentary, and all I can hope is that they're not all like this

[Mike E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bock was one of my favorite Greek professors . . this is an example of a technical commentary on the Greek text that is also accessible to lay people and non-Greek students . . the shaded summaries make this useful on many levels . . downside--this sucker is big!

[Tom Beetham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary. I have read many Bible commentaries, and I was looking for a blend of exegesis and application and this one nailed it. If you are looking for a technical commentary, this is not it. He wrote a much longer one to fulfill that need.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great commentary, great series. Very thorough.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book on the life of Jesus but it didn't answer enough questions for me like the NIVAC on Revelation did.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Luke commentary around

[David Corbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best in the series by IVP but insightful on points.

[Rick Hogaboam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ranks near the top. The exegesis is thorough and yet manageable to follow.

[Andrew Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The go-to commentary for our sermon series in the Gospel of Luke. Consistently the most thorough, balanced and even inspirational of the Luke commentaries.

[Brian Langford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good solid commentary on Luke. I did not want to take the time to use his much larger 2 volume set. He has a lot of knowledge and passion for Luke.

[Pam Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have preferred a slightly longer commentary to get more exposition, but Darrell Bock is always good.