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The four Gospels are the heart of the Bible’s witness to Jesus. Here at Narrow Gate JC our weekly studies walk through them carefully, and a good commentary is one of the best companions for that journey.
Commentaries range from devotional to highly technical. This guide recommends trusted works for each Gospel and for different levels of reader, with honest notes about style and depth. Think of a commentary as a seasoned guide on a mountain trail: they’ve walked this way before and can point out what you might miss.
Our Picks at a Glance
- Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 by N. T. Wright: accessible reading of Matthew
- The Gospel According to Matthew (Pillar New Testament Commentary) by Leon Morris: solid evangelical study of Matthew
- The Gospel According to Mark (Pillar) by James R. Edwards: in-depth study of Mark
- The Gospel of Luke (NICNT) by Joel B. Green: scholarly study of Luke
- The Gospel According to John (Pillar) by D. A. Carson: the classic evangelical commentary on John
- Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (7-Volume Set) by J. C. Ryle: devotional commentary across all four Gospels
1. Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 by N. T. Wright
Best for: accessible reading of Matthew
Wright’s ‘For Everyone’ series offers his own translation with short, story-rich reflections on each passage. Matthew comes in two volumes (Part 1 covers chapters 1–15; Part 2 covers 16–28), ideal for daily reading or small groups. Wright’s scholarship stands behind it, but the writing is warm and simple.
Pros
- Very readable
- Great illustrations from life
- Short sections for daily use
Cons
- Wright’s views on some doctrines are debated
- Not detailed on Greek text
Who it’s for: Lay readers and small groups wanting an approachable companion.
View Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 by N. T. Wright on Amazon
2. The Gospel According to Matthew (Pillar New Testament Commentary) by Leon Morris
Best for: solid evangelical study of Matthew
Leon Morris’s Pillar volume is careful, clear, and pastorally useful. It explains the text verse by verse without getting lost in technical debates.
Pros
- Balanced and clear
- Evangelical scholarship
- Helpful for teaching
Cons
- Older than some recent works
- Less on application
Who it’s for: Bible teachers and serious students of Matthew.
View The Gospel According to Matthew (Pillar New Testament Commentary) by Leon Morris on Amazon
3. The Gospel According to Mark (Pillar) by James R. Edwards
Best for: in-depth study of Mark
Edwards highlights Mark’s vivid storytelling and ‘sandwich’ structure, helping readers see how Mark shapes his narrative to reveal Jesus as the suffering Son of God.
Pros
- Insightful literary observations
- Readable prose
- Strong theological reflection
Cons
- Requires focused reading
- Long for daily devotions
Who it’s for: Teachers and students who want depth in Mark.
View The Gospel According to Mark (Pillar) by James R. Edwards on Amazon
4. The Gospel of Luke (NICNT) by Joel B. Green
Best for: scholarly study of Luke
Part of the respected New International Commentary on the New Testament, Green’s Luke focuses on narrative and social context, showing how Luke presents Jesus as Savior for outsiders and the poor.
Pros
- Rich narrative and cultural insight
- Respected series
- Thorough
Cons
- Academic in tone
- Large volume
Who it’s for: Pastors and advanced lay readers.
View The Gospel of Luke (NICNT) by Joel B. Green on Amazon
5. The Gospel According to John (Pillar) by D. A. Carson
Best for: the classic evangelical commentary on John
Carson’s John is often listed among the best commentaries on any book of the Bible. It is rigorous yet readable, theologically rich, and deeply helpful for preaching and personal study alike.
Pros
- Widely considered a standard
- Theologically rich
- Clear argumentation
Cons
- Detailed; not quick reading
- Some technical discussion
Who it’s for: Anyone serious about understanding John’s Gospel.
View The Gospel According to John (Pillar) by D. A. Carson on Amazon
6. Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (7-Volume Set) by J. C. Ryle
Best for: devotional commentary across all four Gospels
Bishop J. C. Ryle’s 19th-century Expository Thoughts offers short, practical, devotional reflections passage by passage. Banner of Truth publishes it as a clothbound seven-volume set (Matthew, Mark, two volumes on Luke, and three on John), and individual volumes are also sold separately. It’s beloved for its pastoral warmth and clarity.
Pros
- Covers all four Gospels
- Devotional and practical
- Excellent for family worship
Cons
- Older language
- Not technical
Who it’s for: Families, devotional readers, and those who want warmth over technical depth.
View Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (7-Volume Set) by J. C. Ryle on Amazon
Buying Guide
Know the levels
Devotional (Ryle, For Everyone), mid-level (Pillar), and technical (NICNT, BECNT). Most lay readers benefit most from devotional and mid-level works.
Start with the Gospel you’re studying
Buy one strong volume for the book you’re reading now rather than a full set at once.
Consider the author’s tradition
Commentators reflect their theological convictions. Reading two from different perspectives can sharpen your understanding.
Read the text first
Always read and pray through the passage yourself before opening the commentary, so the commentary serves Scripture rather than replacing your own reading.
How to read a commentary well
Begin with the commentary’s introduction to the Gospel. It explains authorship, audience, date, and major themes, which frames everything that follows. Then read the section on your passage after you have made your own observations. Note where the commentator confirms what you saw, and where they point out something new. When commentators disagree, look at the reasons each gives and return to the text. Keep a notebook of insights and questions. Over time, you’ll grow less dependent on the commentary and more confident handling the Word yourself, which is the goal of every good teacher.
Use with a study group
Commentaries are great preparation for leading discussion; summarize insights in your own words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best commentary on the Gospel of John?
D. A. Carson’s Pillar commentary is widely recommended as a standard evangelical work.
Are commentaries necessary for Bible study?
Not necessary, but helpful. Scripture is clear on its central message; commentaries help with background and difficult passages.
What’s a good commentary for beginners?
N. T. Wright’s ‘For Everyone’ series or J. C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts.
Should I buy a whole commentary set?
Usually no. Buy the best individual volume for each book as you study it.
A Closing Word
John wrote his Gospel “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). May every commentary you read lead you there: to deeper faith and fuller life in Christ.