Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke Vol. 1

Expository Thoughts on the Gospels #3

by J.C. Ryle

Written for the ordinary reader by the famous 19th century bishop and evangelist, this three-volume series is one of the classic expositions on the Synoptic Gospels. This volume covers the Gospel of St Luke.

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

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1858

About the author

(John Charles Ryle) Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas's, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.

Reviews

[Simon O'Mahony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm and devotional commentary.

[John Ayena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been using this as a part of my devotional reading of Luke for the last 6 months or so (it's not that this is a long read, I've just been in and out of Luke over that time). It's broken down into chunks of 4 to 10 verses; for each chunk, Ryle provides sermon-like commentary and then ends with a more study-style, verse-by-verse breakdown of key words/phrases, in which he references the original Greek as well as explanations from church fathers. It's a nice way to balance scripture meditation and study. Excited to dig into volume 2!

3.5 stars.

[Carter Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a commentary before. I suppose I expected to get to know more about Christ but J.C. Ryle taught me how to know Christ more. It was incredibly pastoral in nature and spoke well to my soul. I am incredibly thankful for his thoughts on the first 10 chapters and excited to read the next 14!

[Vaclav · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a delightful read as you ponder the Gospel of Luke.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Studying Luke with this as a reference has been perhaps the most profitable study since I was saved four and a half years ago. The Lord has seen fit to bless richly, for which I am deeply thankful. Ryle is perfect for someone who desires to study and ponder the text for themselves, and then turn to him for additional wisdom and/or correction.

Ryle is incredibly easy to read, deeply Christ focused, and inherently practical. Can't recommend highly enough.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Like everything written by Ryle

[Bob O'Bannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryle‘s talent as a writer and pastor is abundantly displayed in the fact that even though he wrote more than 150 years ago, his words are so very clear and applicable to readers in 2023. Very few writers have been able to distill Biblical truths so effectively into such theologically rich and practical analysis, and with a persistent tone of grace and warmth on every page.

This book functions very well as a devotional aid, because the Biblical passages covered are brief, and then only 3-4 pages of commentary are offered. More technical exegetical details follow the commentary, which I suppose could be considered optional reading, but sometimes those notes contain the most helpful insight.

Of course the age of this commentary (1858) means you don’t get more updated exegetical analysis, but Ryle has a great talent for getting to the point. Sometimes detailed analysis can lead a teacher or preacher to miss the forest for the trees, but the bishop won’t allow that to happen.

NOTE: The edition of this book I read was the Banner’s 2012 retypeset version, not the one pictured above.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series. This one changed the format a little by having notes at the end of each section. I feel there are more notes than are needed but of course that is optional to peruse anyways. The rest is going through Luke just the way he went through Matthew and Mark. I continue to enjoy this writer and love the insights he had from 1858. These are thoughts just as applicable today. I truly love this series.

[Lucas Nosal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently preaching through the book of Luke and have about 5-6 commentaries at my disposal. I'll usually reference 3 or 4 for a sermon, and this is one I never skip. It is full of wisdom. This is my first time reading Ryle and I really enjoy his work. I'd recommend this to everyone, and it would make a good companion book for anyone reading through the gospel of Luke. Looking forward to the second volume of Luke.

[Jon Pentecost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully of exegetical and pastoral nuggets. Because it was written as a primarily devotional reading, the application is fronted, and exegetical notes follow. So I recommend reserving it toward the end of any commentary consulting. But it is rich fare indeed.

Used in preparing to preach Luke in 2019, 2020

[Bryan Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful! Ryle explains the text well and gives good applications. His exegetical notes are also surprisingly thorough.

[Ian Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

See comments on "Expository Thoughts on Matthew's Gospel".

[Eric Honsberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Ryle is always helpful.

[Nick Roark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glorious

[Jonathan Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic devotional commentary on Luke. Expository thoughts on the Gospel’s by Ryle might be my favorite commentaries of all time.

[Matthew Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I done this as a daily devotional. Really great read

[Aaron Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of all my commentaries.

[Olanma Ogbuehi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended. Clear exposition of the gospel of Luke, which engages with the contemporary scholarship of Ryle's day. A very pastoral and evangelistic work, seeking to engage his readers with the meaning and implications of the gospel on their lives. It has stood the test of time. Ryle wants all people to received salvation and wants all Christians to be fruitful.

[Sarahelisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a reread of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke volume 1. On the reread, I've probably bored other people telling them how much I like this book.

JC Ryle was the Anglican bishop of Liverpool and a Victorian but he avoided using typical Victorian prose. This book is clear, sensible and honest. Ryle is clear about parts of the Gospel that he doesn't understand or are controversial yet brings out clear, challenging thoughts without compromising the meaning of the passage.

The sections are short and conveniently have a Bible passage printed at the top. The short sections make this idea for reading a portion daily.

Highly recommended.

[Roy Bartle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative commentary; embellishes a few unusual and interesting points.