John F. Walvoord (1910–2002)

This was an excellent work. It reminded me of a lot I already knew and showed me a lot that I had not considered before. If you are like me you will want to keep a dictionary close at had but that in itself is a good thing.

Purpose: Walvoord seeks to provide a dispensational explanation for the ministry of Jesus found in the book of Matthew.

Depth: For most passages, the commentary is more devotional than technical. When dispensational issues arise, the author provides more detail. When there is no pressing dispensational issue, it can be rather superficial.

Theological perspectives: Conservative, evangelical, dispensational, premillennial, pre-tributational

Evaluation: This book works best as a supplemental show more commentary. It misses too many questions to act as a stand alone work. However, in providing dispensational answers, it does very well. show less

A conservative, literal placement of the prophetic "Book of Daniel" in the Bible. Much effort is expended to defend a sixth century B.C. authorship of "Daniel." Walvoord, however, offers very few other insights, and the commentary does not live up to the promise of the title. Why would "Daniel" be the key to prophetic revelation and not any other book? Why not Deuteronomy 27 and 28? Granted, "Daniel" does influence the New Testament "Book of Revelation," but there is nearly no mention of show more this in the book. Also, some of the detailed discussions of the "seventy weeks" and other prophetic predictions are difficult to understand.

All in all, a good excuse to look at the "Book of Daniel", especially if you are conservative, but most other people will not be changed in life or thought. show less

Summary: In this brief work, Walvoord limits his discussion to the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer today. He begins with the revelation of truth. Illumination is defined as "making the revelation of God understandable." Understanding is immediately qualified as guidance concerning the proper application of Scripture. The Holy Spirit is also active in the work of spiritual renewal. From the creation of spiritual life to the baptism of the Spirit to indwelling and other show more such works, the Holy Spirit is an essential in the life of faith. As concerning holiness, the Spirit works through the yieldedness of the believer. Without this submission, no growth is possible. It this willfulness continues, the believer can grieve the Spirit which involves some loss of intimacy and limits His work within the believer. Concerning spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit empowers every believer in some way. Some gifts are more important to the church than others, and some gifts are no longer in operation today. Finally, the believer is filled with the Holy Spirit. This is not to imply perfectionism is possible. Rather, the process of sanctification is a gradual shaping of the believer into the form God desires.

Pros: The book is concise and accurate. It is written for laymen though it does not fail to address key issues facing the church today.

Cons: I disagree with Walvoord's philosophy of sanctification.

Evaluation: This is a useful work to address a few key topics in a way that would be helpful for church members. show less