Best Commentaries on Philippians

A short, edifying exposition of the book for general readers. Readers will find it enriching and useful.

Preachers and teachers will find the NIVAC commentary by Thielman to be particularly useful for preparing Bible studies and Sunday school lessons. Thielman gives equal attention to the original context and contemporary application.

Fee’s mid-range commentary is a great resource for readers searching for a commentary that highlights the main points of the letter and provides clear application. It’s more accessible than his longer commentary (see below) and better suited for Christians who seek to glean from Fee’s extensive research without the technical details.

A balanced commentary written by a scholar who has also served as a local church pastor. Hansen’s commentary is a sure guide for interpreters. He tends toward traditional conclusions with respect to the highly disputed passages (e.g., Phil. 2:5–11; 3:9–10), but he always shows courtesy to theological opponents.

Harmon’s exegetical study of Philippians showcases Paul’s attentiveness to the Old Testament. He carefully traces Paul’s argument and concludes each section with helpful suggestions for application.

Bockmuehl’s commentary is good and accessible to students and Bible teachers who haven’t kept up their Greek. His expertise with the scholarly literature and Greco-Roman and Jewish background proves a major strength as he explores Paul’s theological concerns within the appropriate historical context. Carson notes “his treatment of the ‘form’ of God in the so-called Christ hymn is especially suggestive.”

A masterful commentatary. It’s consistently accurate, accessible, and suitable for academics, pastors, and thoughtful Christian readers. Fee’s judicious exegetical decision-making and pastoral heart flow through the commentary. Carson says, “Fee could not be boring if he tried. The zest of his prose makes him exciting to read, and his scholarship is always rigorous.”

Keown’s two-volume commentary is the best Philippians commentary for Greek readers. It’s full of critical analysis of the background of the letter’s Greek text and incorporates deep insight into Paul’s intent. The book includes biblical, theological, and devotional commentary. It’s academic and critical yet it draws out the pastoral and missional dynamics in the letter that are relevant for today’s church.

For those who want a volume that’s less imposing than Keown yet still thorough, we recommend the second edition of Silva’s commentary. Silva provides an excellent treatment of the Greek in Philippians. The author writes concisely and charitably about positions to which he’s opposed, yet remains reliable both theologically and linguistically. Silva traces the flow of Paul’s argument, and supports his reading by giving technical attention to the letter’s syntax.