Review of Eckhard J. Schnabel’s Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Acts
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament Series Offers Valuable Resource for Preachers and Bible Teachers
The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (ZECNT) Series continues to provide pastors and Bible teachers with a valuable resource for understanding and teaching the biblical text. In particular, Eckhard Schnabel’s volume on the book of Acts stands out as a clear and accessible exposition of the Greek text, making it easy to transfer into Bible lessons and sermons.
Schnabel’s commentary on Acts begins with an introductory section that addresses key issues such as authorship, dating, genre, and purpose of the book. From a conservative-evangelical perspective, Schnabel affirms the historical reliability of Luke’s second volume and provides a chronology of early Christian history, an outline of Acts, and a select bibliography.
The commentary follows a consistent structure as it moves through the text of Acts, offering a graphical layout of each passage to help readers visualize the flow of thought. Schnabel’s verse-by-verse exposition is accompanied by brief sections on theology in application and in-depth discussions on relevant topics. The commentary concludes with a section on the theology of Acts and includes indices for Scripture, ancient literature, subjects, and authors.
While Schnabel’s translation and graphical layout of the text are innovative, there are some inconsistencies that readers should be aware of. Additionally, Schnabel’s focus on the main message of the biblical author may limit his engagement with alternative viewpoints and scholarly debates. However, his interpretation of Acts is generally sensible and pastors and Bible teachers are likely to appreciate the historical insights provided in the commentary.
Overall, Schnabel’s commentary on Acts is a valuable resource for those seeking to preach and teach through the text of Acts. It complements other commentaries on Acts, such as David Peterson’s work, and offers a wealth of insights for interpreting and teaching the text to congregations. The ZECNT Series continues to be a go-to resource for pastors and Bible teachers looking to engage with the New Testament in a clear and accessible way.