McGarvey, John William (1829-1911)

Commentary on Acts of the Apostles

Description: McGarvey, in his introduction to this commentary, notes that he wrote the work with the reader in mind. He designed it to be read more as a narrative than simply as a reference book, and encourages readers to use it so. Written in the late 19th century, Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles is a verse-by-verse look at Acts, which McGarvey believed many theologians had misunderstood before. He cites an encyclopedia entry which he believes best represents the book: "The design of Luke, in writing Acts, was to supply, by select and suitable instances, an illustration of the power and working of that religion which Jesus had died to establish." McGarvey was a teacher for much of his life, so his commentary is accurate and easy to understand. The book of Acts of indeed a powerful testimony to Jesus' life, and believers will be enlightened by McGarvey's intuitive and unique notes on the text.

Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff Writer

Four-Fold Gospel (Author)

Description: This mixture of gospel harmony (a comparison of identical stories from each of the gospels, placed in chronological order) and commentary (a verse-by-verse analysis of a passage) by John William McGarvey is a highly technical but incomparably useful guide to the biblical Gospels. McGarvey, a serious student of the Bible and author of many other commentaries, is at his best here in the unique blend. Users should be sure to read the introductory sections in order to understand the abbreviations, symbols, and set-up of the volume to avoid confusion and to get optimal use from the source. This reference is a wonderful expansion of Gospel commentaries, and is one of the only books of its kind.

Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff Writer