Exalting Jesus in Matthew (Volume 2) (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary)

Like other volumes in this series, “Exalting Jesus in Matthew” is easy-to-understand, energizing and evangelical. This series is based on the belief that the Bible contains “a unified story…of which Jesus is the hero.” This volume covers the part of the story in which Prince Jesus, the hero, appears. It does a solid job, and is seasoned with apt quotations. Here is a sampling of parts that stood out to me. “Jesus refused to exchange the end-time exaltation by the Father for a right-now exaltation of a snake” (Russell Moore). “Nothing, in fact, has done more harm to Christianity than the practice of filling the ranks of Christ’s army with every volunteer who is willing to make a little profession” (J.C. Ryle). “Don’t you know, young man, that from every town and every village and every hamlet in England, wherever it may be, there is a road that leads to London?... So from every text in scripture there is a road towards the great metropolis, Christ” (Charles Spurgeon). “Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us (leading us to faith and worship), we have to see it as something done by us (leading to repentance)” (John Stott).

I must begin this review with an alert to prospective purchasers of this commentary: It gives only an overview of the Sermon on the Mount. This was a disappointed to me. After poking around on the internet I discovered that the publishers plan to release a separate commentary devoted entirely to the Sermon on the Mount. But that fact isn't explained in this commentary.While Platt provides a great deal of very helpful historical and cultural context, he comes up short on occasion. The destruction of Jerusalem as judgment upon the nation of Israel looms large in most of the Jesus' warnings. For example Platt ignores this context in his exposition of the parable of the great feast (22:1-14). In other discourses when Jesus describes judgment as weeping and gnashing of teeth (8:12) or as fire (13:38ff, 47ff), he again fails to consider that the destruction of Jerusalem may be in mind. In my opinion that context is important.My criticism above does not prevent me from recommending this commentary. It is sound and well-written. It is Christ-centered, kingdom-centered and grace filled. Platt's exposition is approachable and his applications are relevant for Christians today.

I just received my copy, opened it up to the passage I am preaching next, and found myself reading with great joy. This work is wonderfully balanced with scholarship and pastoral exegesis. I found myself not only preparing for my next sermon, but being fed personally as I read. If you already have technical commentaries full of overwhelming 10 page explanations for each passage, add this to your collection for a breath of fresh air and very practical sermon help.

One of the most extensive studies I've seen and done in a while. Each lesson is formatted perfectly for anyone learning on their own, group study, or even pastors prepping for future messages. I'm excited to continue this study and continue the Exposition series. I've already gotten a few others for other group studies!

Commentary is clear and easy to read. Is Christ centered and is definitely a good addition to help with Bible study

I bought this as a new way to "read through the Bible." I really like this book. Its written in an easy to read style. I can see that it would be a great tool for a pastor or teacher in preparing a lesson but for me its a great tool for my own learning side by side with the Bible. I hope to buy the rest of this series.

Love the lessons and teaching

Reads as a sermon with a strong emphasis on the Great Commission. Ties back in to the parallels of Moses and the exodus beautifully, and dives into the Old Testament references well.

Does what it says on the can, conservative evangelical exposition of the text with some great outlines for preaching and questions for bible study; I'm on my second copy, as I gave the first away. I'm using it alongside Matt Woodley's 'God with Us' (which I ordered at the same time) and Craig Blomberg's contribution to the 'Commentary on the NT use of the OT' edited by Beale and Carson, which is always off my shelf being used. If I had to choose between Platt and Woodley I'd go for Platt as a resource and Woodley as a devotional read. If you want it quickly and budget's an issue Platt is noticeably cheaper and arrived promptly, whilst Woodley took the best part of three months to arrive.

This book is great for devotional use, or even for preaching content. However, there are way too many quotes by John MacArthur and J.C Ryle. Although their points may be homiletically helpful, these people should not be quoted for historical/cultural information, as they are not educated in such fields. Use of these authors also reveals a Reformed bias.

Great book

Amazing commentary