Ephesians: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (EEC)

“Usually full-length commentaries devote much of their space to surveying and evaluating the secondary literature -- a useful but rarely a fresh or exciting venture. Baugh's commentary is different. Every page reflects years of exacting study of primary sources -- classical literature, inscriptions, the first-century historical context (especially the history of Ephesus, gleaned from both archaeological and documentary evidence), coupled with a profound commitment to biblical theology. This does not mean he spends so much time on the historical and literary contexts that he fails to study the letter itself: far from it. Rather, Baugh's impressive learning is in service of understanding Ephesians. Baugh's comments are invariably measured, judicious, the product of informed and careful scholarship, lightly worn. Mercifully, the excellent scholarship comes in readable prose, making this a thoroughly interesting and stimulating work. This is now unquestionably the best technical commentary on Ephesians. ”

“We have a number of excellent commentaries on Ephesians, and so we might wonder if there is a need for another one. S. M. Baugh, however, has written a fresh and independent commentary on the letter. His expert knowledge of the Greco-Roman world shines through his exposition, as does his facility in Greek grammar. Students, pastors, and scholars will find Baugh to be a must read as they study the text and theology of one of Paul's most important letters.”

“S. M. Baugh is the exegete’s exegete and this commentary is pure gold. Turning first to controversial passages I’ve preached or written on before, I discovered, sure enough, that I had more work to do! He doesn’t just give us his answers, but shows us his work by thorough attention to ancient sources, contexts, literary practices, and engagement with the history of Christian interpretation. For the pastor-scholar intent on mining the mystery revealed in Ephesians, this commentary is indispensable.”