This commentary is a study in clarity and balance. It is simple in expression, yet profound in insight. It is thorough in scope, yet selective enough not to overwhelm. It is informed by recent scholarship, yet avoids fruitless complexities. It draws on knowledge of ancient languages, yet makes its case in plain English. It is classic in its focus on God, Christ, and redemption, yet current in showing how a gospel from long ago is just as true and powerful today. In a word, this is a fine resource for serious students of Philippians in both church and college settings.
Robert W. Yarbrough
Professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri
Historically aware, exegetically astute, and theologically sensitive... A new go-to resource for pastors and students!
Lee Gatiss
Director of Church Society, and Adjunct Lecturer in Church History, Union School of Theology, Bridgend, Wales
... Harmon has struck an extremely helpful balance with this commentary on Philippians. While neither becoming lost in scholarly cul-de-sacs nor avoiding tough questions, Harmon focuses on the text of Paul's letter and its application. His commentary is a sensitive and thoughtful guide to Philippians that will be appreciated by pastors, scholars, students, and (perhaps especially) by those who are some combination of the three.
One particular strength of the commentary is Harmon's clear and thoughtful analysis of Paul's use of the OT in Philippians. Philippians has too often been neglected in studies of the use of the OT in the NT, but Harmon brings the sophistication and sensitivity that mark his previous work on the OT in Galatians to this commentary, while avoiding unnecessary technicality.
A solid, well-researched commentary that should stand among the primary commentaries on Philippians for many readers.
Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Matthew Harmon's commentary on Philippians is an outstanding work. We find careful exegesis and a clear explanation of the text. The commentary is theologically rich, in terms of both biblical and systematic theology, and so there is more than a running commentary. Harmon also applies the text to readers in practical ways. Scholars, students, pastors, and teachers will profit significantly from this work.
Thomas R. Schreiner
James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Associate Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky
Matt Harmon explains Paul's letter clause by clause, traces Paul's argument, reads Paul's argument in light of the rest of the Bible, and applies the letter to people today.
Andy Naselli
Associate Professor of New Testament and Systematic Theology, Bethlehem College and Seminary, Minneapolis, Minnesota
... a model of good commentary writing...I commend his work to students, teachers, and preachers who seek better to understand this important letter of Paul.
Douglas Moo
Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois
...deep-rooted, solid, and broadly accessible. This will now be my "go-to" book for teaching or preaching Philippians. I can't commend Matt Harmon's commentary on Philippians highly enough to pastors and students in all areas of church ministry and life.
Dan Phillips
Pastor, Copperfield Bible Church, author and blogger at Pyromaniacs, Houston, Texas
Matthew Harmon has given us a fresh and faithful reading of Philippians that will be a powerful help to all who preach and teach the Word.
James M. Hamilton Jr.
Professor of Biblical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky
...insightful theological analysis, and practical pastoral application. Pastors and laypeople alike can benefit from this finely crafted work.
Justin Taylor
Executive vice president for book publishing, Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois
Harmon does an excellent job of drawing forth the theological, pastoral, and ethical riches of the text ... a model commentary for its intended audience. The author, fully-versed in Greek exegesis and the secondary literature, is able to mine the wealth of these resources and also effectively bring them to bear on the larger Biblical-theological questions that any pastor or teacher would want to convey to his hearers.
Matthew Fisher, Lecturer in Biblical Theology, St Petersburg Christian University, St. Petersburg, Russia
