Gospel of Matthew. N. T. Commentary, by William Hendriksen.
Banner of Truth Trust. £3.50.
This volume is by a well-known commentator, who is an authority in the exposition of the Greek Text of the New Testament. There are two introductions — one bearing on the Gospel-records of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; and the other, on what pertains especially to Matthew. In the introduction to the Gospels, Dr Hendriksen exposes the views of such men as Harnack and Bultmann. He includes with them Schweitzer, who, “Although he combated the Liberal view, remained, nevertheless, in some respects a Liberal at heart,” (p. 63 ft.). “God’s Word is an anvil that cannot be crushed.” (p. 75). The commentator does not expect readers to agree with his exegetical view, or views on every point. On page 874, he points to this frankly and courteously. The book is primarily for those who are acquainted with, or acquiring a knowledge of the Text; and contains a vast amount of edifying matter. There are many footnotes. A large number of these set down in detail the parts of the Greek verbs used. There is a very full Bibliography at the end.
As far as the general reader is concerned there is much in the volume of benefit for reference and meditation. The style makes for easy reading, and the writer has the capacity of drawing one on to ascertain his views of the several parts of a chapter. The leading truth throughout is that of the eternal Sonship and self-disclosure of Christ, with His teachings, works and self-sacrifice, on to the Commission given to the disciples prior to his ascension. On p. 1001, there is a very nice treatment of the relation of baptism to circumcision — both being linked up with the doctrine of the justifying righteousness which is by faith. We would also refer to the account given on pp. 889-890, regarding Satan and the place where there is no hope. The whole cannot of course be quoted. He points out that hell implies — (1) separation from God . . . (2) also, association with the devil and fallen spirits . . . (3) that hell is a place of fire . . . (4) the abode of darkness. The Scripture references quoted from both Old and New Testaments in support of the above solemn doctrines are very many.
A matter which occasions regret is that, while Dr Hendriksen is evidently at home in the sphere of art yet it must be indicated that it is not befitting that ‘portrayals’ of Christ should be used as means of instruction. On p. 253, there is the following; ” . . . Among the many art-portrayals of Christ’s healing power, the following deserve special mention: A Deitrich’s painting entitled, ‘Christ, have mercy on us’ . . . J.M.F.H. Hofmann’s drawing, ‘Christ healing the sick’.” From p. 155, we quote: “It was Rembrandt who shows in all his best paintings that he has caught the spirit of the inspired Gospel-writers!” Further on, p. 673, there is as follows: “Raphael’s painting, The Transfiguration, on which that famous artist worked himself to death, dramatizes the contrast between that which had taken place on the summit of the mountain and what was happening in the plain below. Only, Raphael has united the two scenes that must have occurred at a considerable distance from each other and a day apart (Luke 9:37). But in bringing the two scenes together Raphael rendered a real service, emphasizing exactly what the Synoptists also seem to stress, namely, the tremendous contrast between the glory above (represented by the upper half of Raphael’s masterpiece), and the shame and confusion below (the lower half). Above is the light, below are the shadows.”
In connection with this matter of the portrayal of Christ by artists, we notice that Dr C. Hodge in his System. Theol.: III p. 304, quoted from the Heidelberg Catechism, “God cannot and ought not in any way to be depicted . . . It does not become us to be wiser than God, who has willed that his Church be instructed, not by dumb images, but by the preaching of his Word.” These references by Dr Hendriksen to portrayals of Christ by famous artists, are totally unfbefitting, and, as far at any rate as his outlook is grasped by us, the position is one of being contrary to the second Commandment.
Although we disagree with Dr Hendriksen on his outlook on this matter, we consider that he is cordial in his emphasis on outstanding fundamental doctrines, as those of inspiration and such as pertain to the Godhead and Person of the Redeemer and His Work; also the doctrine of justification by faith and inseparably from it the doctrine of sanctification. Let a reader beseech the glorified Head of His Church for His unction to have like precious faith with Matthew and those tax-collectors and sinners, who gathered at the feast and followed Jesus. (Mark 2:15).
D.A. Macf.
Commentary on 1 Peter, Volumes I and II, by John Brown (of Edinburgh).
Banner of Truth Trust. Price £5.50 the set of two volumes.
These two volumes on 1 Peter by Dr John Brown of Broughton Place, Edinburgh, are the latest addition to the Banner of Truth’s Geneva series of Commentaries. This exposition of 1 Peter is well-known and has justly received high praise from Reformed divines. It consists of a series of discourses, twenty-four in all, going through the Epistle from the beginning to the end. Consequently, it does not deal with the Epistle verse by verse, but rather section by section. Being in sermon form, not only are the truths contained in each section elucidated but application is made to the reader of the teachings so clearly brought out. Dr John Brown deals thoroughly with the difficulties encountered in the Epistle as, for instance, the part dealing with Christ preaching unto the spirits in prison and also the reference to baptism which immediately follows it (1 Peter 3:18-22). The discourse on this one portion of the Epistle occupies 136 pages of Volume 2.
Spurgeon’s high testimony to Brown as “a Puritan born out of due time” should be an indication of the value he placed on his writings. We have little difficulty therefore in warmly commending this exposition of 1 Peter to all diligent students of the Word.
D.B.M.