Book Review : Expository Reflections on the Gospels, Volume 3: Mark

By Mark Powell

I’m currently preaching through the Gospel of Mark, and so I have several commentaries on my desk, but Expository Reflections on the Gospels – Markby Sean Douglas O’Donnell is by far the best. That’s a big call, especially when there are already so many good commentaries which have been published on this particular Gospel. But O’Donnell’s contribution warrants such a strong recommendation.

The first thing is notice is the quality of the publication. Crossway is, in my humble opinion, the leading Christian publisher in the world at present. They are producing excellent resources across a wide variety of disciplines. Not only is the content faithful to Scripture though, but they are producing truly beautiful books. It reminds me of what many people find attractive about Apple products: they are not only functional, but also pleasurable to use. This latest volume by O’Donnell is no exception. From the quality of the paper, to the style of the layout. Crossway is demonstrating what books should read, look and feel like.

Second, O’Donnell provides a wonderful model of Biblical exegesis. Often times when one comes to a commentary it can be dry and somewhat difficult to get through. For preachers, it can be like wading through mud in an effort to dig out the gold. With O’Donnell’s writings the treasures are all on the surface. It’s as though he has done all the hard work and then arranged the gems in a neat little row for you to benefit from and appreciate.

Third, I constantly appreciated the breadth of reading and research which O’Donnell has done in producing such a work. Each chapter has approximately fifteen footnotes, and they demonstrate that O’Donnell has read widely and deeply each time. That said, it is the author’s close attention to the text of Scripture which is appreciated most of all. O’Donnell’s commentary is not a survey of other people’s opinions, but the fruit of someone who has wrestled with the text themselves.

Fourth, O’Donnell provides an excellent example as to how the passage should be preached. Both illustration and application are intentional throughout. What’s more, there is a clear theme or ‘big idea’ to each section. This is incredibly helpful for not only does it bring all of the material together but it gives the reader a good idea as to how to proceed.

Fifth, O’Donnell writes in a clear and engaging style. While he is very aware of many of the theological implications, his approach never gets bogged down in technicalities or minutia.

Finally, I should add that a volume like this isn’t cheap. You’re going to look at paying something like $50-60 (AUS), but it is well worth the investment. If you break up the cost per chapter, the expense is eminently reasonable.

This is a must have commentary on the Gospel of Mark and will greatly bless anyone who takes the time to read it.

Originally published on the AP website: https://ap.org.au/2024/05/25/book-review-odonnell-on-the-gospel-of-mark/