The list below ranks 10 highly regarded commentaries on Matthew based on aggregate reviews. It includes options for pastors, teachers, students, and lay readers, ranging from accessible mid-level works to technical academic resources.
#1: Matthew by D.A. Carson (EBCR)
D. A. Carson is a prominent evangelical New Testament scholar and longtime professor whose work is widely respected by pastors and academics.
One of the finest evangelical commentaries ever printed
Based on aggregate reviews, D. A. Carson’s Matthew commentary in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary is the highest-rated volume on the Gospel.
Best for: pastors and teachers who want a strong mid-level evangelical commentary for preaching and serious study.
Carson combines careful exegesis with theological and historical insight while remaining accessible to readers without Greek. He revised his original 1984 commentary substantially for the 2010 edition.
Carson is a respected Reformed evangelical scholar and former professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary series is designed to provide reliable evangelical exposition for pastors and serious Bible students.
| Reviews from Academic Journals |
| Journal of the Evangelical Theology Society (subscription required) |
| “… a veritable gold mine of information for research, preaching, and teaching… here is a scholar who knows his material, weighs the options carefully, and offers judicious conclusions as a genuine believer.” |
| Trinity Journal (subscription required) |
| “This is, in most areas, the commentary on Matthew for which evangelicals have been waiting for the last thirty years or more… a first-rate commentary, sound in scholarship, sensitive in discussions of areas of controversy, clear in expression, uncompromising in loyalty to the Word of God, and eminently usable by the ‘expositor’ for whom the series is designed.” (R.T. France) |
| Reviews from Pastors and Professors |
| Thomas Schreiner |
| “clear first choice for pastors” |
| Desiring God (ministry of John Piper) |
| #1 recommended commentary on Matthew |
| Keith Mathison (Ligonier Ministries) |
| “Carson’s work is characterized by careful and sane exegesis and consideration of all interpretive options” |
#2: The Gospel of Matthew by R.T. France (NICNT)
R. T. France was a respected New Testament scholar best known for his work on the Gospels and Pauline literature.
France is less accessible than Carson yet has excellent depth
R. T. France’s Matthew commentary in the NICNT series is widely regarded as one of the strongest evangelical treatments of the Gospel. It is detailed, carefully argued, and especially useful for pastors and serious readers seeking greater depth.
Best for: pastors and teachers who want a substantial evangelical commentary and are comfortable with a more demanding read.
France’s volume is substantially fuller than his earlier TNTC commentary on Matthew and represents a major reworking rather than a simple revision. He was a respected evangelical New Testament scholar, served on the NIV translation committee, and wrote extensively on the Gospels.
NICNT is a well-regarded evangelical series known for combining serious engagement with scholarship and a high view of Scripture.
| Reviews from Academic Journals |
| Bibliotheca sacra (subscription required) |
| “This may be the best amillennial commentary on Matthew currently available… his writing style is truly captivating… [France] is a first-class Gospels scholar…” |
| Journal of the Evangelical Theology Society (subscription required) |
| “France has made this a commentary on Matthew, not a commentary on commentaries on Matthew… His work should be warmly appreciated, and his example of focusing on textual exegesis rather than peripheral matters should be followed by all those who do scholarly biblical exegesis for the benefit of Christ’s church.” |
| Reviews from Pastors and Professors |
| D.A. Carson (links to Amazon) |
| A “best buy” on Matthew, “Judicious, well-written, and informed, this is likely to become a standard work on Matthew for some time to come” |
| Keith Mathison (Ligonier Ministries) |
| “France’s work is thorough and solidly evangelical and will be beneficial to pastors and all serious students of Scripture” |
#3: Matthew (2 vol.) by Donald A. Hagner (WBC)
Donald A. Hagner is a respected New Testament scholar and longtime professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, known for his work on the Gospels and New Testament theology.
A two-volume award-winning commentary
Hagner’s two-volume Matthew commentary in the Word Biblical Commentary series offers substantial exegetical depth and is especially useful for pastors, students, and scholars. Readers with some knowledge of Greek will benefit most, though the commentary remains useful without it.
Best for: pastors and serious students who want detailed exegesis and are comfortable with a more technical format.
The two volumes were published in 1993 and 1995 and together provide more than 900 pages of commentary. The work received the ECPA Gold Medallion Award for Best Commentary in 1996.
Hagner taught New Testament for many years at Fuller Theological Seminary and also contributed to other major evangelical commentary projects.
The WBC series is known for detailed textual and exegetical analysis and is aimed primarily at pastors, scholars, and serious students of Scripture.
| Reviews from Academic Journals |
| Journal of the Evangelical Theology Society (subscription required) |
| “…even when one disagrees with Hagner’s conclusions, one must admire his discussion of the evidence and his weighing of the competing viewpoints… the WBC format has been utilized by Hagner to write what is perhaps the finest evangelical commentary on Matthew in terms of detailed exegetical discussion… deserves a wide readership.” |
| Trinity Journal (subscription required) |
| “…will stand as one of the premier commentaries on Matthew for years to come… will prove to be a benchmark for other works on the gospel… the student of Matthew cannot afford to be without this work… thorough, well written, and clearly organized… the student or pastor seeking to understand a passage in Matthew’s gospel would do well to begin with what Hagner has written.” |
| Reviews from Pastors and Professors |
| Thomas Schreiner |
| “helpful commentary on the Greek text” |
| Denver Seminary (Craig Blomberg, etal.) |
| A “priority” commentary on Matthew |
#4: The Gospel of Matthew by Craig S. Keener (SRCS)
Craig S. Keener is a respected New Testament scholar and professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, known for detailed research on the historical and cultural background of the New Testament.
Keener provides insights into the culture and literature of Matthew
Craig Keener’s Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on Matthew is especially strong on the Gospel’s social, cultural, and literary background. His detailed research helps readers understand how Matthew’s message would have been heard in its first-century setting.
Best for: pastors, teachers, and serious readers who want historical and cultural depth.
Readers looking for a more concise and preaching-oriented treatment may prefer Keener’s IVP New Testament Commentary volume on Matthew.
The Socio-Rhetorical Commentary series emphasizes the social and rhetorical world of the biblical text, making it especially useful for readers interested in historical context and ancient culture.
| Reviews from Academic Journals |
| Themelios (subscription required) |
| “Keener has produced a distinctive and valuable and insightful commentary. With its abundant references to ancient literature and secondary literature, it can only be described as a remarkable tour de force. Solidly evangelical, deeply thoughtful, always informed and eminently practical, this is a commentary that will faithfully lead readers to the heart of Matthew.” |
| Presbyterion (subscription required) |
| “…it displays massive erudition… Keener is an exceptionally clear writer, capable of expressing the fruits of his research in non-technical terms.” |
| Reviews from Pastors and Professors |
| D.A. Carson (links to Amazon) |
| a “best buy” on Matthew; “sets new standards… it is engagingly written and always has the preacher and teacher in mind.” |
| Denver Seminary (Craig Blomberg, etal) |
| a “priority” commentary on Matthew |
#5: Matthew by Craig L. Blomberg (NAC)
Craig L. Blomberg is a respected New Testament scholar and longtime professor at Denver Seminary, known for evangelical scholarship that combines careful exegesis with a strong commitment to the authority of Scripture.
Evangelical interpretations with application suggestions
Blomberg’s Matthew commentary in the New American Commentary series combines careful evangelical scholarship with attention to how the text applies to Christian life and ministry.
Best for: pastors, teachers, and students who want a clear mid-level commentary with both exegesis and application.
Blomberg is a Baptist New Testament scholar who has also contributed major commentaries on 1 Corinthians and James.
The NAC series is designed for pastors and serious Bible students, combining exposition, theology, and practical application from a conservative evangelical perspective.
| Reviews from Academic Journals |
| Themelios (subscription required) |
| “Blomberg’s commentary is solidly evangelical, well-informed, and judicious in its conclusions… it is clear that the author is an exegete, and a good one… he helps “the reader understand what the text says” and “provides pastoral wisdom” “…filled with solid, informative exegesis… especially appealing to pastors and lay teachers” (Donald Hagner) |
| Reviews from Pastors and Professors |
| Thomas Schreiner |
| “helpful commentary for pastors” |
| D.A. Carson (links to Amazon) |
| “equally good in detail and in the flow of the argument” |
#6: Matthew by Grant R. Osborne (ZECNT)
Grant R. Osborne was a respected New Testament scholar and longtime professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, known especially for his work in hermeneutics, Revelation, and the Gospels.
Strong exegesis with a pastor-friendly format
Osborne’s Matthew commentary in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary series combines detailed exegesis with theological reflection and practical application.
Best for: pastors and serious students who want substantial exegetical help presented in a clear, ministry-oriented format.
Osborne was an evangelical New Testament scholar with particular expertise in hermeneutics, Revelation, and the Gospels.
The ZECNT series is designed to bridge technical study and preaching, with attention to the Greek text, literary structure, theology, and application.
| Reviews from Academic Journals |
| Review of Biblical Literature (subscription required) |
| “Osborne avoids a forced choice (more common in older works) between history and theology; he reads Matthew as theologically motivated history.” “…offers a moderately conservative outlook, but Osborne remains generous and ready to interact with a range of positions… scholars working on Matthew’s Gospel cannot afford to neglect this important addition to research on this Gospel.” (Craig Keener) |
| Themelios (subscription required) |
| “Overall, the pastor who makes this one of the main commentaries in sermon preparation will not be disappointed, and in this it seems Osbrone’s volume accomplishes its goal… a notable achievement and will indeed serve its educated-pastoral purpose well in many ways. I would recommend it as one to have on any pastor’s shelf as they study and proclaim the Gospel from the First Gospel.” |
| Reviews from Pastors and Professors |
| Denver Seminary (Craig Blomberg, etal.) |
| A “priority” commentary on Matthew |
#7: Matthew (3-4 vols.) by W. D. Davies and Dale C. Allison (ICC)
W. D. Davies was a prominent New Testament scholar known especially for his work on Matthew, Judaism, and the historical study of Jesus.
The best technical commentary on Matthew
Davies and Allison’s unabridged Matthew commentary in the International Critical Commentary series is one of the most detailed technical treatments of the Gospel.
Best for: scholars, advanced students, and pastors with strong Greek skills who want exhaustive engagement with the text and academic scholarship.
The unabridged edition spans multiple volumes and requires substantial familiarity with Greek. An abridged version is more accessible and better suited to pastors who want the core insights without the full technical detail.
The ICC series is known for extensive original-language analysis and critical scholarship. These volumes are also among the more expensive options on Matthew, especially in hardcover.
| Reviews from Academic Journals |
| Review of Biblical Literature (subscription required) |
| “The style of the commentary is largely descriptive; its perspective is moderately critical… Readers will generally gain a good understanding of the basic issues of interpretation of the individual pericopes as they work through each section… for beginning students and busy ministers.” (Refers to the abridged edition.) |
| Reviews from Pastors and Professors |
| Thomas Schreiner |
| recommended, “massive and technical Greek commentary” (refers to unabridged version) |
| Keith Mathison (Ligonier Ministries) |
| #5 commentary on Matthew; “the work of Davies and Allison is indispensable” (refers to unabridged version) |
#8: The Gospel According to Matthew by Leon Morris (PNTC)
Leon Morris was a respected evangelical New Testament scholar known especially for his work on the Gospels, Pauline theology, and the doctrine of the atonement.
An evangelical commentary for pastors
Leon Morris’s Matthew commentary in the Pillar New Testament Commentary series combines careful exegesis with clear theological reflection and pastoral usefulness.
Best for: pastors, teachers, and serious readers who want a substantial evangelical commentary without an overly technical format.
Morris was a respected evangelical New Testament scholar known for his work on the Gospels, Pauline theology, and the atonement.
The Pillar series is designed to combine rigorous exegesis with readable exposition and attention to biblical theology and contemporary relevance.
#9: Matthew by R.T. France (TNTC)
R. T. France’s shorter Matthew commentary offers a more concise alternative to his larger NICNT volume. Tom Schreiner recommends it as a helpful shorter treatment.
A more accessible version of France’s NICNT volume
France’s Tyndale commentary on Matthew offers a concise, readable treatment of the Gospel and is much more accessible than his larger NICNT volume.
Best for: pastors, teachers, and lay readers who want solid evangelical exposition without extensive technical detail.
The TNTC series is designed to explain the text clearly, highlight its main themes, and provide dependable guidance for Bible study and teaching.
#10: Matthew by Michael J. Wilkins (NIVAC)
Michael J. Wilkins is a respected New Testament scholar known especially for his work on the Gospels, discipleship, and the Gospel of Matthew.
A substantial application-focused commentary on Matthew
Wilkins’s Matthew volume in the NIV Application Commentary series combines detailed interpretation with strong emphasis on contemporary application, especially discipleship.
Best for: pastors, teachers, and serious readers who want substantial exegesis together with practical application.
Wilkins is an evangelical New Testament scholar whose work focuses especially on the Gospels, Christology, and discipleship.
The NIVAC series is designed to bridge the original meaning of the biblical text with its significance for contemporary Christian life and ministry.
More Commentaries on the Gospel of Matthew
Why are the Matthew commentaries below not in the “Top 10”? It’s not because they have received poor reviews or people haven’t found them helpful. The reasons vary.
Some are relatively new and haven’t been widely reviewed, read, or used. Others haven’t been broadly distributed, so getting enough information to aggregate is difficult. And others may be outdated in relation to biblical scholarship or out of print and difficult to acquire.
Matthew by Jeannine K. Brown (TtT)
Jeannine K. Brown is a prominent biblical scholar and professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary in San Diego, California. She specializes in hermeneutics, biblical interpretation, and the Gospel of Luke.
A highly visual textbook on Matthew’s Gospel
Volume and author: Craig Blomberg lists Brown’s Matthew commentary as a “priority” volume on the first Gospel. She serves on the NIV Bible translation committee.
Series: The Teach the Text Commentary series is designed specifically for pastors, teachers, and Bible study leaders seeking resources to effectively teach and communicate the message of the biblical text to their congregations or study groups. See more about the Teach the Text series.
Since the series is discontinued, volumes on the secondary market may cost more than other commentaries because demand exists, yet supply is limited.
Matthew by Craig A. Evans (NCBC)
Craig Evans is a prominent biblical scholar and New Testament specialist. Craig A. Evans is known for his extensive research and publications in biblical archaeology, textual criticism, and the historical Jesus.
A mid-level commentary from a Baptist professor
Volume: Craig Blomberg calls Evans’ volume a “priority” commentary on Matthew. The publisher notes that the New Cambridge Bible Commentary series does not “assume the reader has a great deal of specialized theological knowledge or an impressive command of the Hebrew, Aramaic, or biblical Greek.”
Series: The NCBC series is highly regarded for its scholarly approach to biblical interpretation and its commitment to providing accessible and insightful commentary on the biblical text. Readers consider it an excellent resource for scholars and general readers interested in studying the Bible.
Matthew (3 vol.) by Ulrich Luz (Herm)
Ulrich Luz is a renowned biblical scholar known for his expertise in New Testament studies, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew. He is recognized for his meticulous and detailed analysis of the text and his contributions to understanding its literary, historical, and theological aspects.
A technical Matthew commentary translated from German
Volume: Bible scholar Tom Schreiner lists this volume as a recommended commentary, calling it “a careful and massive commentary.” This volume in the Hermeneia commentary series is best for readers who can understand a technical commentary. It was translated from four volumes in German to three volumes in English. Luz published these volumes over 20 years.
Series: The Hermeneia Bible Commentary series is a highly respected and influential academic commentary series that provides an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of biblical texts. It’s known for its rigorous scholarship, attention to detail, and engagement with critical and historical methodologies.
Matthew (2 vols.) by Daniel M. Doriani (REC)
Daniel M. Doriani is a respected biblical scholar and theologian known for his expertise in New Testament studies, hermeneutics, and pastoral theology. Doriani has served as a professor at various institutions, including Covenant Theological Seminary, where he taught New Testament and pastoral theology.
A Reformed professor writes an expository commentary
Volume: Doriani’s writings and teachings emphasize the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of the biblical text, as well as its theological significance and practical implications for Christian living.
Author: He is known for his clear and engaging writing style, making complex concepts accessible to many readers. Read Best Bible Commentaries’ seven-question interview with Daniel M. Doriani on this volume to learn more about him. Doriani also wrote the 1 Peter commentary in this series.
Series: The Reformed Expository Commentary (REC) is a series of biblical commentaries that seek to provide a clear and faithful exposition of the biblical text from a Reformed perspective.
It aims to communicate the timeless truths of Scripture in a way that is accessible, practical, and relevant to contemporary readers. See more about the Reformed Expository Commentary series.
Matthew by David L. Turner (BECNT)
David L. Turner is a respected biblical scholar known for his expertise in New Testament studies. He has made significant contributions to the study of the Gospels, particularly the Gospel of Matthew, as well as other topics in biblical theology and hermeneutics.
Matthew in the BECNT series
Author: In addition to his work on Matthew, Turner has written on other New Testament topics, including studies on the historical Jesus, biblical hermeneutics, and the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.
His writings reflect a commitment to rigorous scholarship, sound theological reflection, and practical application. He is a progressive dispensationalist. [1] Turner teaches at Cornerstone University.
Series: The publisher notes that the BECNT series aims “to provide, within the framework of informed evangelical thought, commentaries that blend scholarly depth with readability, exegetical detail with sensitivity to the whole, and attention to critical problems with theological awareness.”
Matthew (3 vol.) by Jefferey Gibbs (CC)
Gibbs has taught at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, where he served as a professor of Exegetical Theology. He has influenced the next generation of pastors and scholars through his teaching and mentoring.
An evangelical Lutheran commentary
Author: As a biblical scholar, Jeffrey A. Gibbs is respected for his careful and rigorous approach to biblical texts, his commitment to the theological significance of the Gospel message, and his ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner.
His contributions to the study of the New Testament, particularly the Gospel of Matthew, have been valuable resources for scholars, pastors, and students of the Bible.
Series: The Concordia Commentary is a series of biblical commentaries published by Concordia Publishing House, the publishing arm of the conservative Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. This series aims to provide in-depth, scholarly, and faith-filled commentary on various books of the Bible.
According to the publisher, each author in the Concordia series “fully affirms the divine inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of Scripture as it emphasizes ‘that which promotes Christ’ in each pericope.”
Matthew (2 vol.) by Frederick Dale Bruner (Christbook)
Frederick Dale Bruner (1928-2020) was a highly respected biblical scholar and theologian known for his contributions to New Testament studies, particularly his work on the Gospel of Matthew. He served as a professor of New Testament at Whitworth University and Fuller Theological Seminary.
A Matthew commentary focused on theology
Volume: This commentary is highly regarded for its comprehensive analysis, careful attention to the original Greek text, and theological insights. Bruner’s commentary seeks to engage the academic community and the church, providing a valuable resource for pastors, students, and lay readers.
Bruner’s scholarship was marked by a desire to bring together academic rigor and practical application, emphasizing the Gospel’s transformative power. His writings demonstrate a deep love for the Bible and a commitment to understanding its message in its original context and applying it to contemporary life.
This commentary isn’t part of a series. The publisher notes that in this commentary, “Bruner asks both what Matthew’s Gospel said to its first hearers and what it says to readers today.”
Matthew by Craig S. Keener (IVPNTC)
See more about Craig S. Keener above (#4). The IVP New Testament Commentary series aims to provide accessible and reliable commentary on individual New Testament books, making it a valuable resource for pastors, students, and lay readers.
The IVPNTC series provides a lot of application help
Series: One of the strengths of the IVP New Testament Commentary series is its commitment to practical application. The commentaries seek to bridge the gap between the ancient world and contemporary life, exploring how the biblical text speaks to the challenges and concerns of believers today.
IVPNTC volumes provide insights for personal spiritual growth, sermon preparation, and group study. The publisher notes that the series is for “preachers, teachers, students, and other individuals who want to dig deep into the heart of the New Testament.” See more about the IVP New Testament Commentary series.
Matthew by Robert H. Mounce (UBCS)
Robert H. Mounce (1921-2019) was a highly respected biblical scholar known for his contributions to New Testament studies and Greek language research. He served as a professor of New Testament and Greek at Bethel College, Western Kentucky University, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
A Bible translator writes a commentary on Matthew
Author: Mounce is best known for his work on biblical translations and commentaries. He served on the translation committee for the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible and contributed significantly to the translation of several New Testament books.
His expertise in Greek language and grammar enriched his translation work and influenced the readability and accuracy of the NIV.
Series: The publisher notes that volumes in the Understanding the Bible Series “breaks down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers.” See more about the Understanding the Bible Commentary series.
The Gospel of Matthew by John Nolland (NIGTC)
John Nolland is a highly regarded biblical scholar known for his contributions to the field of New Testament studies. He specializes in studying the Gospels, particularly the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke.
A commentary focused on Matthew’s Greek text
Author: Nolland is an Anglican priest. His scholarship is characterized by meticulous research, thorough exegesis, and a commitment to understanding the Gospels within their original historical and literary contexts.
His work combines rigorous academic analysis with a deep appreciation for the theological significance of the Gospel narratives. Nolland wrote the Luke commentary in the WBC series, which is considered one of the best Luke commentaries.
The publisher explains the importance of the New International Greek Testament Commentary series: “At a time when the study of Greek is curtailed in many schools of theology, we hope that the NIGTC will demonstrate the continuing value of studying the Greek New Testament.” See more about the New International Greek Testament Commentary series.
| Also see |
|---|
| See the Top 50 Bible Commentary Series |
| See the Top 25 Whole-Bible Commentaries |
| See the Study Bibles Comparison Chart (over 50) |
References:
[1] All dispensationalists view biblical dispensations as chronologically successive. Progressive dispensationalists, in addition to viewing the dispensations as chronologically successive, also view them as progressive stages in salvation history.
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