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Title: Luke (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, New Testament, 3) by Arthur A. Just, Thomas C. Oden ISBN: 0-8308-1488-4 Publisher: Intervarsity Press Pub. Date: February, 2003 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $40.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Best Commentary in Print
Comment: This is the first of a new series of commentaries that Concordia Publishing House is printing. This new commentary series does not claim to be unbiased; yet its Preface clearly explains its agenda. This commentary applies the following guidelines in its text: 1) All Scripture is Christological, 2) Law and Gospel will be made clear, and 3) Scripture is God's way to communicate the Gospel. This commentary on Luke (and following editions) operate on the premise that all Scripture is inspired, and inerrant--something quite refreshing in this day of tepid, unbelieving Christianity!
This commentary has a three-sectioned format. First, it includes a translation done by the author. Following the translation are textual notes, followed by a commentary. This reviewer noticed right from the beginning in Luke's prologue, that this translation is new, and fairly literal. Nevertheless, that does not mean that this translation is perfect. Luke 1:4 reads: "in order that you come to recognize completely the reliability concerning the words by which you have been catechized." In the textual notes the author remains silent on why he chose the word "catechized." Richard Lenksi in his translation wrote: "that thou mightest come to realize the certainty of the statements concerning which thou hast been informed." A big difference exists between "catechized" and "informed." Yet unlike Just, Lenski explains his reasoning: "Others go too far in the opposite direction by thinking that Theophilus was fully instructed [catechized] in the 'doctrines.' If Luke had meant the latter he would not have used the plural without a modifier." This reviewer sides with Lenski on this translation, for he explains his translation based on the original text.
Although seeming trivial, another area where this reviewer hoped this translation would shine is in its negative, present-tense imperatives, which urges some activity to stop. For instance, when the angel of the Lord announced Christ's birth to the shepherds he said, "Fear no longer!" Yet, the Concordia Commentary translates this as, "Do not fear." Here Lenski properly translates this passage as, "Stop being afraid!" He then states in his commentary that, "The present tense imperative means to stop an action already begun . . ."
Despite these poor renderings, this does not mean that this translation--and commentary--is not worth using. Quite to the contrary: buy and use it! For example, in the Christmas account the commentary reads, "And it came to pass in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the inhabited world should have itself registered. This registration happened before Quirinius governed Syria." Here the reviewer especially liked "governed" as a verb and not a noun; the original Greek has "governed" as a predicate participle. Also well liked is that "this registration happened before Quirinius governed Syria." This matches some Greek scholars' opinion that protos can, and in this instance should, be translated as "before" or "prior to." The textual notes are laid out in a very easy-to-read, clean, user-friendly format. Most of the notes are sufficient, explaining why the author chose a particular rendering; however, in a few places the textual notes leave the reader wanting. Unfortunately, the textual notes do not print an English-language transliteration of the Greek words being explained, which would be most helpful to laypersons. The commentary notes are copious, and, perhaps, a bit abstract for the average layperson. However, most pastors should appreciate the more esoteric points being made.
What really impressed this reviewer is the commentary's printing of chiastic formats (where structure and form matter play an important role in poetry). If not laid out in such a format, then a reader could completely miss the parallelisms and climax. For layperson use, the Concordia Commentary Series is a welcome addition. Although some of the textual notes and commentary may be above a layperson's understanding, it is not so removed to make this series unusable.
If the rest of this commentary series remains true to its all-Scripture-is-Christologial premise, and it seems that way so far, then this reviewer should like to see its Old Testament commentaries, especially Isaiah 53, Psalm 22--and 2 Samuel 7:19b, which only Beck translated correctly in his An American Translation. If one does want to delve deeper, then consider this new series as another reference along with Lenski's New Testament commentaries. This commentary is not cheap, but it is the best one in print for the Gospel of Luke; however, only minor weaknesses keep it from earning a perfect 5-stars rating. (Is a 4.9 rating possible?).
Rating: 5
Summary: Excellent commentary on the Gospel of Luke
Comment: Dr. Just's two-volume work on Luke's Gospel will bless the Christian community by showing the incarnational/sacramental theology of the text.
Just does this in two major steps, the first being his own Greek translation followed by key Greek word(s) and phrases and their meanings, grammatical studies, etc. which will clearly benefit clergy and informed lay people. Second, in the commentary section he clearly sets forward the meaning of the text in light of the historical understanding and recent scholastic views.
This is a marvelously useful set to guide the Christian who wants the most out of Luke. He will find Christ here on every page.
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