If you’re going to study Luke’s Gospel or the book of Acts, you would be hard pressed to do it without dealing with Darrell Bock. For the last several decades Bock has written numerous commentaries and works focused on the doctor’s two-volume work. To this day his two-volume commentary on Luke and one-volume commentary on Acts are vital works for any preacher or scholar. Now, he has brought his expertise to bear on the subject of biblical theology. Rather than zeroing in on the grammar and syntax of each phrase, Bock provides an overview and thematic treatment.
To provide a summary of every chapter would require more space than is available for this review. Nevertheless, a birds-eye view can be provided. Bock opens the study with introductory matters which orient us to his operating conclusions about the relationship between Luke and Acts as well as the outline of both books. The vast majority of this book is focused on the key themes and theological contributions of Luke-Acts to the canon. Here he covers nearly everything from promise and fulfillment; Jesus as Messiah; salvation, Israel, Gentiles and the church; women; discipleship; the Law; and eschatology. Bock masterfully presents each of these important themes in all their richness. He concludes the book with a chapter exploring the place of Luke-Acts in the canon and a summary of his argument and his six theses which guide his study.
Darrell Bock has been a household name is Gospel studies for some time. His various commentaries have been used by many for some time. Bock provides a scholars precision with pastoral sensitivity which ought to serve as an example for Evangelicals everywhere. His interest is not a cold, academic curiosity. It is clear that this work is a labor of love for the Word of God and the God revealed in it. I commend this volume to anyone seeking a better understanding of God’s Word and a deeper love for our savior.
