The detailed outlines at the beginning of each chapter are an organizational feat. They’re also a great help in understanding the passage! ( )

The brand new Christ-Centered Exposition series edited by David Platt, Danny Aiken, and Tony Merida, looks to be one of my go-to's as a pastor. I am always looking for succinct, mildly-technical, mostly-pastoral offerings. In the past, the Preaching the Word series, edited and mostly authored by Kent Hughes, has fit that bill. I'm glad to say that, at the very least, Ephesians by Tony Merida in the Christ-Centered Exposition series is a home run winner!

The commentary is laid out like it was probably a sermon series by Merida at one point. His headings are driven by the text, but presented in a way that is homiletically pleasing. While he isn't overly-illustrated, he offers illustrations where they are appropriate. Some are personal to him and didn't translate well into my pulpit ministry. Merida has a solid theological frame-work. He is mildly Reformed, but is clearly not an undiapered Calvinist. His main concern is to address the text.

I would highly recommend Ephesians to pastors, small group leaders, or even laymen looking for a meatier study aid in their personal time with the Lord. This is an excellent tool for the church! ( )