Expository Thoughts on Matthew by J. C. Ryle Review
This is a review of J. C. Ryle's Expository Thoughts on Matthew, the first volume of his commentary on the four Gospels. It's also the shortest. The volumes get longer as they go: Matthew is one volume, Mark one, Luke two, and John three.
Commentary and devotional
What I love about this book is that it works both as a commentary and as a devotional. I've used it both ways. It's been my evening devotional, and when I'm studying a passage in the Gospels, Ryle's comments are rich, full and true to the text.
Most commentaries are hard going, written mainly for pastors at their desks. I love Matthew Henry, but his commentary has small print, older English and long sentences. Ryle writes in sentences of reasonable length, in words people understand, and he gets straight to the point. It isn't only easy to understand; it's enjoyable to read. Banner of Truth's edition is printed in a comfortable, readable size too.
Is there a better book?
There are countless commentaries and devotionals, so that's hard to answer. But as a Ryle enthusiast, I'd say this is the best commentary on Matthew I know, and one of the best devotionals I've ever read. Each section is short enough to read in a sitting but long enough to give real help when you're studying the passage.
A few things I marked
- We can never hear too much about Christ.
- Pride is the oldest and commonest of sins; humility is the rarest and most beautiful of graces.
- There is an inexhaustible fullness in Scripture. Other books grow threadbare the more familiar we become with them, but the more we read the Bible, the richer we find it.
- Nothing in the Word of God is written by chance; there's a reason for every expression.
- Nothing offends God so much as the neglect of privileges. Much has been given to us, and much will be required.
- Human nature would always rather lean on a visible minister than an invisible Christ.
- Above all, pray for the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Only He can apply truth to our hearts and make us profit from what we read.
Would I buy it?
Absolutely. It's been one of the most influential evening devotionals I've ever read, and it's full of insight into Matthew's Gospel. If questions come up as you read Matthew, Ryle has probably addressed them. You can buy this volume on its own or as part of the full set.
Soli Deo Gloria!
