Philippians, 2nd Edition
About
Each passage is presented in three parts: Silva's own translation of the Greek text; exegesis and exposition of each unit of thought; and additional notes on textual matters. Throughout the commentary, Silva asks what is distinctive about this letter and shows how each passage contributes to Paul's overall argument.
The second edition has been updated to interact with important recent scholarship on Philippians and to incorporate the well-regarded BECNT layout.
Endorsements
Praise for the series:
"This series has set a new standard in reader-friendliness with its attractive presentation that combines detailed exegetical comment on the Greek text with accessibility for those who have little or no knowledge of the original language of the New Testament."--I. Howard Marshall, University of Aberdeen
The Author
Reviews
"A well-researched and helpful guide for understanding Paul's letter . . . . One of the best commentaries available on Philippians."--David E. Garland, Review and Expositor
"One cannot but be impressed with Silva's skill as an exegete. His extreme care in analysing the text, his thorough understanding of the original language, his grasp of linguistic subtleties, his mastery of secondary sources--all combine to provide the reader with an excellent commentary."--Gerald F. Hawthorne, Themelios
"The exegetical discussion is fresh and vigorous, with good use being made of some of the ancient commentators and a judicious selection of the modern ones . . . . All who want a sound exegetical basis for their preaching and are prepared to wrestle with the Greek text will find that this is an ideal piece of work."--I. Howard Marshall, Evangelical Quarterly
"An attractive exegesis of the letter with the minimum of distractions, yet in dialogue with other scholars."--Expository Times
"Silva has produced an informed and readable work on Philippians. Avoiding unnecessary exegetical rabbit trails in favor of Paul's main themes, Silva's analysis is consistently level-headed. . . . This second edition in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament provides a new generation of Bible students access to Silva's previous work, combined with his assessment of the past 15 years of scholarship."--Modern Reformation
"Pastors and teachers will appreciate this excellent conservative commentary on the Epistle to the Philippians."--Roy B. Zuck, Bibliotheca Sacra
"Silva has expanded his already thorough and clearly exegeted treatment of Philippians. The second edition, now a part of the scholarly and user-friendly Baker Exegetical Commentary series has much to be commended. Silva has here interacted with more recent works since his first edition. Furthermore, this commentary has a very clear and concise outline; its concision makes it very useful for exegetes and expositors alike. . . . Silva's commentary on Philippians is a jewel. It has the 'additional comments' section unique to the Baker Exegetical Series which deals with word studies, text-critical issues, and further exegetical insights. This section can contain lengthy commentary but even then it can be helpful. Silva gives good outlines; they are not very flowery or 'preachy,' but they are biblical. His insight into the theology of most passages in Philippians is astute, well presented, and very useful. This is the type of commentary into which more preachers need to dig."--Melton Winstead, Faith & Mission
"This second edition . . . updates the volume to reflect the last thirteen years of scholarship on Philippians as well as conforms it to the style of other BECNT volumes. Moisés Silva is a noted scholar with an expertise in Pauling writings as well as hermeneutics. . . . A real strength of this commentary is that Silva's interpretation of each passage is carefully connected to the context of the letter--which, importantly, Silva views as a cohesive whole. This interpretive method is especially helpful in dealing with highly-debated passages. . . . While this commentary delves deeply into textual matters, it is geared both to the pastor/teacher as well as the scholar. . . . The Works Cited and four indices are very helpful. . . . The exegesis and exposition is excellent, the interaction with other important commentaries on Philippians is admirable, and the handling of difficult passages is careful and commendable. Silva does not hesitate to differ with other scholars, but he does so respectfully, and he stays within an evangelical framework. . . . This book remains an excellent commentary on Philippians and is worthy of the BECNT series."--James R. Wicker, Southwestern Journal of Theology
"Silva provides an interesting translation that attempts to explicitly express some of Paul's implied or suggested ideas. This interpretive translation provides the reader with an insight into future discussions and is an important feature in understanding Silva's viewpoint of the text. . . . One of the strengths of this commentary is Silva's ability to converse with a variety of different interpretive opinions. . . . Silva's commentary on Philippians provides an excellent overview of the different theological themes imbedded within the text. This commentary is an excellent tool for a pastor or exegete who wishes to be exposed to a variety of different viewpoints regarding a passage and their relevance to today."--Sean A. Adams, Journal of Greco-Roman Christianity and Judaism
Praise for the series:
"In this age of unprecedented proliferation of biblical commentary series, it is an outstanding accomplishment for the Baker Exegetical series consistently to have produced what with only rare exceptions have become the best available commentaries on the Greek text of the New Testament book or books treated."--Craig Blomberg, Denver Journal
"Rigorous exegesis by seasoned scholars with explicit evangelical commitments. This is also one of the best-designed, easy-to-read series as it includes intro matters, then each commentator's translation, commentary, and textual notes for every passage. Very reliable."--Bruce Riley Ashford and Grant Taylor, Between the Times blog