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..."
