Commentary on Luke
Overview
An ordained minister in the Presbyterian church, John J. Owen (1803-1869) taught as a professor of classical languages in the Free Academy, New York, until he was made vice-principal of that institution in 1853, in which capacity he served until his death. An eminent classicist, Owen's translations of Greek works were highly acclaimed and his biblical commentaries were well received.
When this commentary was published, the North American Review had very favorable things to say about it: "On the appearance of Dr. Owen’s previous volume, we expressed our high appreciation of his learning, skill, and impartiality as a critic. That estimate is fully sustained by the Commentary on Luke. We are particularly pleased with the adaptation of the work equally to the use of the Biblical scholar and the needs of the merely English reader. No important critical question is ignored or slighted; and yet there is not a sentence beyond the comprehension of an intelligent and thoughtful child. Equally admirable is the union of the critical and practical purposes, which a popular commentary should subserve at the same time..."
Top Highlights
“If the Bible fail to impress the mind with the realities of eternity, no other revelation of truth could do this, even though it were sounded in the ear by the trump of an archangel.” (Page 269)
“Our Lord’s agony was of such a nature, that it was his alone. Its mystery has never been fathomed by the human mind. It has never been experienced by any of the race of Adam.” (Page 345)
“The lesson of the parable is one of general application, and is at war with every assumption of superior holiness from a comparison of ourselves with our fellow-men.” (Page 284)
“But what is the exact point of comparison or resemblance between the action of the unjust steward and the course of conduct recommended to the children of light?” (Page 249)
“This external knowledge and communion with him, was not enough, however, to entitle them to the blessings of salvation.” (Page 203)
"...The same general plan and style of annotation, which characterizes my commentary on Matthew and Mark, has been observed in the preparation of the present volume; and I hope that no evidence will be furnished to the reader, that I have passed over or evaded any difficulties either of an exegetical or practical nature, which need and with our limited powers are susceptible of explanation. I have sought also, as in the preceding volume, to avoid all technicalities, and abstruse terms, and to render the commentary easy of comprehension to the most plain and unlettered mind. At the same time, I would fain hope, that this element of plainness and perspicuity has not been secured at the sacrifice of thoroughness of exposition, and a full and free use of the canons of exegesis and laws of interpretation accepted by all scholars in every country."
Reviews
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Rich James
1/16/2017
Bill Shewmaker
10/15/2013
