Philippians, Colossians, & Philemon (New Testament Commentary)

Description

William Hendriksen’s New Testament Commentary: Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon provides a detailed, conservative evangelical analysis of these Pauline epistles, emphasizing linguistic precision, theological depth, and pastoral application. Here’s a structured summary:

Philippians
Focus: Joy in Christ amid suffering.
Hendriksen highlights Paul’s gratitude for the Philippians’ partnership in the gospel, addressing themes like humility (Christ’s kenosis in 2:5-11), unity, and contentment in all circumstances (4:11-13). The commentary stresses the epistle’s pastoral warmth, with Paul’s imprisonment underscoring the power of Christ-centered joy[^7^].

Colossians
Focus: Christ’s supremacy and sufficiency.
The commentary meticulously critiques the Colossian heresy—a blend of Jewish ritualism, angel veneration, and proto-Gnostic philosophy (2:8-23)[^1^][^3^]. Hendriksen emphasizes Christ’s preeminence in creation and redemption (1:15-20), arguing against asceticism and legalism by affirming believers’ completeness in Christ (2:9-10). The ethical exhortations (3:1-17) are framed as the natural outflow of union with Christ[^7^].

Philemon
Focus: Reconciliation through Christian love.
Hendriksen underscores Paul’s tactful appeal for Onesimus, a runaway slave, portraying the letter as a model of grace and equality in Christ. The commentary highlights the transformative power of the gospel to break social barriers, urging Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother (v. 16)[^7^].

Distinctive Features
Translation: Hendriksen’s original idiomatic English translations precede each section, balancing accuracy with readability[^7^].

Structure: Introductions cover authorship, date, and historical context, followed by verse-by-verse exegesis and thematic syntheses[^7^].

Theological Emphasis: A Reformed perspective underscores justification by faith, the sovereignty of God, and the ethical implications of union with Christ[^7^].

Hendriksen’s work remains a trusted resource for its scholarly rigor, pastoral sensitivity, and defense of orthodox Christology against early heterodoxies.