PHILIPPIANS (MENTOR COMMENTARY)
By Matthew Harmon
Christian Focus. 502 pages. £22.99
ISBN 978 1 781 914 281
Matthew Harmon’s new commentary on Philippians is a worthy addition to the bookshelves of any Christians who are keen to wrestle with God’s Word for themselves and teach it to others.
Harmon begins his commentary with a refreshingly honest ‘note to the reader’ in which he says that ‘a good commentary should explain the meaning of the text and indicate how it applies to our lives’ (p.7). The author then endeavours to do exactly that with great skill and clear pastoral warmth.
Harmon’s commentary is a meaty read, but not one which is fit only for the experts to enjoy. Harmon expounds the text with skill and sums up difficult verses with great clarity and economy of words. His helpful insights on the text are matched by wise pastoral application. The highlight for me was at the end of each major section, where Harmon gives ‘suggestions for preaching/ teaching and application’. The author then outlines his own thoughts on how he would preach the section, with helpful pointers to application.
Challenges
His applications aren’t always left for those sections either, with challenges littered throughout the commentary. For example, after reviewing Paul’s greeting in 1.1-2, he challenges his readers: ‘We are sons and daughters of God, meaning that we are part of a new spiritual family that transcends even the bonds of our earthly families. Is this how you view yourself? Is this how you view fellow believers?’ (p.77). How refreshing to have such direct questions in a weighty commentary!
Also, Harmon is not afraid to part company with the translators where he sees fit. Harmon uses the ESV as his base text. However in 2.4, where the ESV says that we should look ‘not only to our own interests’, Harmon comments that there is no ‘only’ in the Greek text. The text, he says, is stark – we should not look to our own interests, but to the interests of others. Harmon shows attention to detail and willingness to challenge current assumptions, which gives the reader confidence in his determination to explain Philippians as clearly and faithfully as possible.
Excellent resource
Harmon’s commentary would be an excellent resource for any pastor or small group leader keen to understand and teach Philippians, as well as any believer who loves to study God’s word and apply it to their lives.
