Charles Hodge Commentary Collection (4 vols.)

Charles Hodge introduces the book of Romans by discussing the authorship, dating, and setting of the epistle. He also devotes attention to the nature of the original audience, with particular emphasis on the historical and theological context of the church in Rome and the role of Jews in the Roman Empire—fundamental issues which comprise the backdrop of Pauline theology.

The entire volume contains verse-by-verse commentary on each chapter of Romans. Hodge examines both the Greek text and his own English translation, which means that this commentary—like all the commentaries in this collection—are as useful to New Testament scholars as they are accessible to laypersons. He concludes his commentary on each chapter with a summary of the key doctrinal points and their relevance for exegesis and interpretation.

Hodge begins his commentary on 1 Corinthians with an introduction to the geographic and political significance of the city of Corinth. In particular, he shows how the history of Corinth, its relationship to the city to Athens, and the political climate of the Roman Empire contribute to the pastoral and theological controversies which Paul aims to address.

Hodge also attends to the theological implications of Paul’s pastoral concerns for the church in Corinth—issues such as church divisions, sexual immorality, marriage and divorce, idolatry, worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection. More importantly, Hodge argues that 1 Corinthians has made its way into the New Testament canon because Paul’s words on these theological and pastoral issues are fit not only for his original readers, but also for the entire history of the church. This commentary on 1 Corinthians serves as an important first step toward hearing those words.

Hodge continues his commentary on Paul’s correspondence with the church in Corinth. In this volume, he addresses Paul’s journeys, the new covenant, the resurrection, reconciliation, idolatry, repentance, generosity, and suffering.

Hodge’s commentary on Ephesians begins with a discussion of the geographic and political significance of the city of Ephesus, and the unique position in which the church there found itself. In particular, says Hodge, the church struggled with how best to resist idolatry and how to relate to their broader culture—not unlike issues faced by the contemporary church.

Hodge also outlines Paul’s history with the church in Ephesus and the timeline of his work, including individuals with whom he met, disputes he resolved, and the other apostles who influenced the church in Ephesus. Hodge also notes the significance of Paul’s infamous confrontation with the supporters of Artemis, along with the relationship between the ensuing riot and the content of the Epistle.

In addition to verse-by-verse commentary and linguistic and textual analysis of every chapter in Ephesians, Hodge also comments more broadly on trends in Ephesians scholarship. He examines German critics and higher criticism in general, and he evaluates nineteenth century commentaries on Ephesians.